I want a louder horn: Difference between revisions

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Get the low-tone; The 125 dB [http://www.fiammamerica.com/Product.asp?ProductID=154 AM80] is popular, as is the 132 dB [http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Fiamm-Freeway-Blaster-Horn-p-17137.html Freeway Blaster]. They're way louder, and are a bolt-in replacement for the stock horn. Point the bell of the trumpet down so it doesn't collect water, and cover your ears before you test it in an enclosed space. Even with it pointing down, it is loud and can be heard by cars and other motorcycles easily.

Avoid the FIAMM piezoelectric horn (looks like the stock one, or a small speaker). They're smaller, and look like they'd fit better, but they're not as loud. Get one of the trumpet-shaped ones instead.

If you look at the catalog you might be overwhelmed by the amount of choices FIAMM offers. So don't look at the catalog. It's generally the same product in different packaging to meet the needs of the retailer. Here are your criteria:

*Is it a 12 volt horn? The vast majority that you can just go and pick out will be, since most cars were switched over from 6v around 1955. "12v" may or may not be indicated on the package, but the AM80S horn (#72012) has this stamped by the terminals. Look.

*Size/ability to mount on your bike. This is determined by your ability to make it fit where you want it to. The stock location will work most of the time. Hold it up to the spot that you are planning to mount it and see what happens.

*Does it actually function? Is it loud enough to hear, and do you like the sound?

*Avoid the FIAMM piezoelectric horn (looks like the stock one, or a small speaker). They're smaller, and look like they'd fit better, but they're not as loud. Get one of the trumpet (snail shell)-shaped ones instead.

The low-tone horn is still relatively high-toned. It cuts through noise quite well. The difference is that when people hear a deep horn, they get more of that instinctive "Oh crap, what's going to smoosh me?" feeling. You want them to have the feeling that they're impinging on your space. It seems to produce a more pronounced effect than the high-tone horn. When you hear that low-tone horn, you look around for the big Cadillac that's about to turn your car into junkyard art.

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 Get the low-tone; The 125 dB [http://www.fiammamerica.com/Product.asp?ProductID=154 AM80] is popular, as is the 132 dB [http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Fiamm-Freeway-Blaster-Horn-p-17137.html Freeway Blaster]. They're way louder, and are a bolt-in replacement for the stock horn. Point the bell of the trumpet down so it doesn't collect water, and cover your ears before you test it in an enclosed space. Even with it pointing down, it is loud and can be heard by cars and other motorcycles easily.
-Avoid the FIAMM piezoelectric horn (looks like the stock one, or a small speaker). They're smaller, and look like they'd fit better, but they're not as loud. Get one of the trumpet-shaped ones instead.
+If you look at the catalog you might be overwhelmed by the amount of choices FIAMM offers. So don't look at the catalog. It's generally the same product in different packaging to meet the needs of the retailer. Here are your criteria:
+*Is it a 12 volt horn? The vast majority that you can just go and pick out will be, since most cars were switched over from 6v around 1955. "12v" may or may not be indicated on the package, but the AM80S horn (#72012) has this stamped by the terminals. Look.
+*Size/ability to mount on your bike. This is determined by your ability to make it fit where you want it to. The stock location will work most of the time. Hold it up to the spot that you are planning to mount it and see what happens.
+*Does it actually function? Is it loud enough to hear, and do you like the sound?
+*Avoid the FIAMM piezoelectric horn (looks like the stock one, or a small speaker). They're smaller, and look like they'd fit better, but they're not as loud. Get one of the trumpet (snail shell)-shaped ones instead.
 The low-tone horn is still relatively high-toned. It cuts through noise quite well. The difference is that when people hear a deep horn, they get more of that instinctive "Oh crap, what's going to smoosh me?" feeling. You want them to have the feeling that they're impinging on your space. It seems to produce a more pronounced effect than the high-tone horn. When you hear that low-tone horn, you look around for the big Cadillac that's about to turn your car into junkyard art.