replacing my horn


Information and questions on GL1500 Goldwings (1988-2000)
User avatar
rlsapp
Posts: 96
Joined: Mon Feb 01, 2010 1:51 pm
Location: claxton, ga
Motorcycle: 1997 Goldwing Aspencade

replacing my horn

Post by rlsapp »



ok, my horn has finally died and now it is time to replace the stock one(s), not sure how many there are. I am wanting to keep it simple to replace it with new and better sounding horn. What is a great horn for the money, and to keep it simple replacing the stock one?


User avatar
cbx4evr
Posts: 1484
Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2010 8:35 pm
Location: Edmonton, AB Canada
Motorcycle: 2006 Kawasaki Concours - sold - :-)
2000 GL1500SE - sold :-(
2004 Kawasaki KLR 650
Solex 5000 - gave to son
1980 Honda CBX - sold :-(
1981 Honda CBX - sold :-(
Contact:

Re: replacing my horn

Post by cbx4evr »

Most folks go with some sort of air horn. There were a couple on my bike when I bought it that I removed. Didn't like the look. I would prefer something that fits in the OEM location or that is not visable.
"It´s a friggen motorcycle, it´s not supposed to be comfortable, quiet or safe. The wind noise is supposed to hurt your ears, the seat should be hard and riding it should make you s**t your pants every now and then. "
User avatar
rlsapp
Posts: 96
Joined: Mon Feb 01, 2010 1:51 pm
Location: claxton, ga
Motorcycle: 1997 Goldwing Aspencade

Re: replacing my horn

Post by rlsapp »

And I also like the idea, but I dont like the horns sticking out from the side or under the bottom. I like the OEM location to, but maybe a sound change would be great.
User avatar
TennX
Posts: 139
Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 7:00 am
Location: Memphis, Tn.
Motorcycle: 97 GL 1500 Aspencade
06 VTX 1300R

Re: replacing my horn

Post by TennX »

I dont even know where the horn is (yet) on my new to me 1500, but it sounds just like the one I replaced on my vtx 1300, with a couple of hi tone/lo tone freeway blasters , hooked thru a relay....just a suggestion , good luck
Phil.......
User avatar
cbx4evr
Posts: 1484
Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2010 8:35 pm
Location: Edmonton, AB Canada
Motorcycle: 2006 Kawasaki Concours - sold - :-)
2000 GL1500SE - sold :-(
2004 Kawasaki KLR 650
Solex 5000 - gave to son
1980 Honda CBX - sold :-(
1981 Honda CBX - sold :-(
Contact:

Re: replacing my horn

Post by cbx4evr »

The horns, there are 2, are on each corner, behind the grille cut out, in the lower front cowl. If you get down on your knees you can see them through the slots.
"It´s a friggen motorcycle, it´s not supposed to be comfortable, quiet or safe. The wind noise is supposed to hurt your ears, the seat should be hard and riding it should make you s**t your pants every now and then. "
User avatar
WingAdmin
Site Admin
Posts: 23896
Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 4:16 pm
Location: Strongsville, OH
Motorcycle: 2000 GL1500 SE
1982 GL1100A Aspencade (sold)
1989 PC800 (sold)
1998 XV250 Virago (sold)
2012 Suzuki Burgman 400 (wife's!)
2007 Aspen Sentry Trailer
Contact:

Re: replacing my horn

Post by WingAdmin »

I tried replacing my OEM horns with a set of FIAMM Freeway Blasters like I had on my 1100. It was a LOT of work making brackets that would mount them into the OEM positions, and when I finally got it done, all I got was a weak "wheep" noise, as apparently the FIAMM's depend on the flexibility of their brackets to provide resonance - and bending them all around to get them to fit killed that resonance.

So I ended up just putting the OEM horns back. The PO had mounted a set of air horns on the right side and disconnected the OEM horns. I decided to put a 30 amp relay in there to control them all, and hooked the OEM horns back up along with the air horns. It's now very loud. :)
User avatar
NKYWinger
Posts: 350
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2011 6:37 pm
Location: Covington, KY
Motorcycle: 1983 GL1100A Aspencade (sold)
2003 GL1800
2006 GL1800 Motor Trike w/2008 Lees-ure Lite

Re: replacing my horn

Post by NKYWinger »

I replaced the weak factory horns with a WOLO Bad Boy horn. It was rather simple to fabricate a bracket that mounted to the factory bolt holes that tucked the horn up out of the way of the front fender. I mounted the relay under the false tank. MUCH better now!
Don't be put off by wanting to look stock; it isn't that difficult.
--John--

FTCS(SS) USN Ret.
'06 GL1800 Motor Trike
'83 GL1100 Aspy (SOLD)
'03 GL1800
'08 Lees-ure Lite
GWRRA 339547 KY - 'G'
DS# 1547
User avatar
dingdong
Posts: 4183
Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2010 8:35 am
Location: Oklahoma City
Motorcycle: 1976 gl1000
1993 gl1500A
2004 NRX1800 Rune SOLD

Re: replacing my horn

Post by dingdong »

I believe the 1800 horns will also fit. They are much louder than the 1500 horns.
User avatar
rlsapp
Posts: 96
Joined: Mon Feb 01, 2010 1:51 pm
Location: claxton, ga
Motorcycle: 1997 Goldwing Aspencade

Re: replacing my horn

Post by rlsapp »

if the weather permits this weekend, ( they are calling for servere rain), I am going to replace them, the reply's have been helpful, so I will let you know the outcome. Keep the ideas coming, it will help me decide what to do....THKS.
User avatar
Phunnybone
Posts: 304
Joined: Mon May 28, 2012 3:48 am
Location: Lancaster, SC
Motorcycle: 2002 GL1800
1998 GL1500 SE
1985 GL1200 LTD (undergoing re-assembly)
1985 GL1200 LTD (#2) (parting out)

Re: replacing my horn

Post by Phunnybone »

Found the WOLO bad boy horns at Harbor Freight for less than $40 (vs the $50+ you'll pay online).
User avatar
NKYWinger
Posts: 350
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2011 6:37 pm
Location: Covington, KY
Motorcycle: 1983 GL1100A Aspencade (sold)
2003 GL1800
2006 GL1800 Motor Trike w/2008 Lees-ure Lite

Re: replacing my horn

Post by NKYWinger »

^^^^^^ prolly the biggest bang for the buck....imho
--John--

FTCS(SS) USN Ret.
'06 GL1800 Motor Trike
'83 GL1100 Aspy (SOLD)
'03 GL1800
'08 Lees-ure Lite
GWRRA 339547 KY - 'G'
DS# 1547
User avatar
rlsapp
Posts: 96
Joined: Mon Feb 01, 2010 1:51 pm
Location: claxton, ga
Motorcycle: 1997 Goldwing Aspencade

Re: replacing my horn

Post by rlsapp »

I will checkout Harbor Freight....we have one in Savannah, Ga about 50 mls from me, but HF is a mans Walmart shopping.
User avatar
NKYWinger
Posts: 350
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2011 6:37 pm
Location: Covington, KY
Motorcycle: 1983 GL1100A Aspencade (sold)
2003 GL1800
2006 GL1800 Motor Trike w/2008 Lees-ure Lite

Re: replacing my horn

Post by NKYWinger »

^^^ what he said..... that's where I got my horn
--John--

FTCS(SS) USN Ret.
'06 GL1800 Motor Trike
'83 GL1100 Aspy (SOLD)
'03 GL1800
'08 Lees-ure Lite
GWRRA 339547 KY - 'G'
DS# 1547
User avatar
johnvaudo
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Sep 13, 2014 11:15 am
Location: Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Motorcycle: 1992 GL1500SE
Contact:

Re: replacing my horn

Post by johnvaudo »

NKYWinger wrote:I replaced the weak factory horns with a WOLO Bad Boy horn. It was rather simple to fabricate a bracket that mounted to the factory bolt holes that tucked the horn up out of the way of the front fender. I mounted the relay under the false tank. MUCH better now!
Don't be put off by wanting to look stock; it isn't that difficult.
Where did you manage to tuck them I am having a hard time finding a location behind the under fairing to mount them.
Adjutant - American Legion Post 19
Vice Chairman - No. Carolina American Legion Riders
User avatar
Bluewaterhooker0
Posts: 1009
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 11:27 pm
Location: Tampa, Fl
Motorcycle: 1997 Goldwing GL 1500 SE
2008 GL1800 with 2018 California Side Car Trike Conversion

Re: replacing my horn

Post by Bluewaterhooker0 »

johnvaudo wrote:
NKYWinger wrote:I replaced the weak factory horns with a WOLO Bad Boy horn. It was rather simple to fabricate a bracket that mounted to the factory bolt holes that tucked the horn up out of the way of the front fender. I mounted the relay under the false tank. MUCH better now!
Don't be put off by wanting to look stock; it isn't that difficult.
Where did you manage to tuck them I am having a hard time finding a location behind the under fairing to mount them.
Pictures would be great
User avatar
NVSB4
Posts: 1219
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2012 6:39 pm
Location: DFW, Texas
Motorcycle: 2003 GL1800
1996 GL1500SE
1992 GL1500I (sold)
1986 GL1200A (sold)
2002 HD FXDL Low Rider (sold)
1993 Yamaha Virago XV1000 (sold)
Too many others to list

Re: replacing my horn

Post by NVSB4 »

A friend of mine replaced his stock horns with Balkamp 730-1058 (low note) and 730-1059 (high note) horns.
They are both rated at 130 db and are the same size as the stock horns, so no modification is required.
They are available at NAPA auto parts for $13.95 each now.

I plan on replacing mine when I get around to it.
It's never too late to have a happy childhood!

Chris
User avatar
Fiberthree
Posts: 674
Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2012 4:06 pm
Location: Behind the windshield
Motorcycle: Black 1999 GL1500SE

Re: replacing my horn

Post by Fiberthree »

Will you be taking and posting pictures?
I am on my third set looking for something louder than stock and not sounding like a VW. I had one set but had to cut the plastic on the horn in a "decorative" way to get it to fit. Unfortunately water got up in one and that was all for that side. back to the stock for now.
Ed

WARNING: All posts are subject to influence from an uncontrollable dominant sarcastic gene. Offensive remarks may or may not be intentional.
User avatar
NVSB4
Posts: 1219
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2012 6:39 pm
Location: DFW, Texas
Motorcycle: 2003 GL1800
1996 GL1500SE
1992 GL1500I (sold)
1986 GL1200A (sold)
2002 HD FXDL Low Rider (sold)
1993 Yamaha Virago XV1000 (sold)
Too many others to list

Re: replacing my horn

Post by NVSB4 »

Fiberthree wrote:Will you be taking and posting pictures?
I am on my third set looking for something louder than stock and not sounding like a VW. I had one set but had to cut the plastic on the horn in a "decorative" way to get it to fit. Unfortunately water got up in one and that was all for that side. back to the stock for now.
Terry actually posted a YouTube video of the differences.


   Never miss a video: Subscribe to the GoldwingDocs YouTube channel today!
It's never too late to have a happy childhood!

Chris
User avatar
Mh434
Posts: 1531
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:24 pm
Location: Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico
Motorcycle: 1997 gl1500 SE
Previous:
1981 GL1100I
1989 Kawasaki Concours

Re: replacing my horn

Post by Mh434 »

The NAPA horns sound pretty good - a definite upgrade over stock GL1500 horns, and they don't require major surgery for install. Nice! Cost seems reasonable, too (well, at least in the US - not so much here in Canada, I expect).
User avatar
NVSB4
Posts: 1219
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2012 6:39 pm
Location: DFW, Texas
Motorcycle: 2003 GL1800
1996 GL1500SE
1992 GL1500I (sold)
1986 GL1200A (sold)
2002 HD FXDL Low Rider (sold)
1993 Yamaha Virago XV1000 (sold)
Too many others to list

Re: replacing my horn

Post by NVSB4 »

Mh434 wrote:The NAPA horns sound pretty good - a definite upgrade over stock GL1500 horns, and they don't require major surgery for install. Nice! Cost seems reasonable, too (well, at least in the US - not so much here in Canada, I expect).
Since you have the model number and they come from an auto parts store, you may be able to find them local.
Either that, or pick up the next time you are over in Washington.
It's never too late to have a happy childhood!

Chris
User avatar
Bluewaterhooker0
Posts: 1009
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 11:27 pm
Location: Tampa, Fl
Motorcycle: 1997 Goldwing GL 1500 SE
2008 GL1800 with 2018 California Side Car Trike Conversion

Re: replacing my horn

Post by Bluewaterhooker0 »

These horns, both high and low tone, make an easy drop-in replacement for the OEM horns as well. But, they don't sound a lot better than the "VW" stock horns. I'm wanting to see how the WOLO Bad Boys were installed with all plastics in place. Maybe I should just buy one, and try the fit. keep in mind that a relay would probably be required for the Bad Boy version, as it draws 16A each according to specs, compared to about 5A each for the 'stock' version.
Attachments


User avatar
wellman
Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 9:22 pm
Location: Christiansburg, VA
Motorcycle: 1974 Yamaha Enduro 125 (sold)
1982 Kawasaki LTD 550 (sold)
1983 Kawasaki GPZ 550 (sold)
1992 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500(sold)
2000 GL1500 SE ( my favorite!)
2007 Honda CRF230F
2008 Harley Davidson Super Glide Custom FXDC

Re: replacing my horn

Post by wellman »

Bluewater,
I just finished mounting a WOLO Bad Boy 419 on my 2000 GL1500SE this afternoon. This is really a loud horn, will surely be an attention getter! Had the same question, where to mount this horn. No room I could find in the under fairing, did not have room to put above fender, did not want to use zip ties or have to fab a bracket.
Here is what I ended up doing and without modifying any of the plastics.
- Removed lower cowling to access horn and existing wiring
-Remove headlight adj. knob
-Remove left side fairing pocket
-Attach 2 wires to existing horn connections and fish up to the cavity under fairing pocket
-Use relay provided with horn unit. This is required due to the voltage and amperage needed to power the horn unit
-I powered the relay from a fused circuit previously ran for the power port installed in the fairing pocket
-The unit itself fit nicely in the forward cavity of the fairing. I used heavy duty velcro to attach so horn unit would not roll/ bounce around
-Seems to be firmly in place
-Reinstall the pocket, adj and lower cowling.

You can see in the picture the final install. I pulled the pocket back out after reading your post this afternoon for the pic. Everyone likes to see pictures. Pic does really show how far the horn unit is up in the cavity. Plenty of room to put the pocket in.
Bought the WOLO Bad Boy 419 at Harbor Freight for about 30 bucks after using the disc coupon. Not a bad deal, see how long it lasts.

Hope this helps!


User avatar
Bluewaterhooker0
Posts: 1009
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 11:27 pm
Location: Tampa, Fl
Motorcycle: 1997 Goldwing GL 1500 SE
2008 GL1800 with 2018 California Side Car Trike Conversion

Re: replacing my horn

Post by Bluewaterhooker0 »

wellman wrote:Bluewater,
I just finished mounting a WOLO Bad Boy 419 on my 2000 GL1500SE this afternoon. This is really a loud horn, will surely be an attention getter! Had the same question, where to mount this horn. No room I could find in the under fairing, did not have room to put above fender, did not want to use zip ties or have to fab a bracket.
Here is what I ended up doing and without modifying any of the plastics.
- Removed lower cowling to access horn and existing wiring
-Remove headlight adj. knob
-Remove left side fairing pocket
-Attach 2 wires to existing horn connections and fish up to the cavity under fairing pocket
-Use relay provided with horn unit. This is required due to the voltage and amperage needed to power the horn unit
-I powered the relay from a fused circuit previously ran for the power port installed in the fairing pocket
-The unit itself fit nicely in the forward cavity of the fairing. I used heavy duty velcro to attach so horn unit would not roll/ bounce around
-Seems to be firmly in place
-Reinstall the pocket, adj and lower cowling.

You can see in the picture the final install. I pulled the pocket back out after reading your post this afternoon for the pic. Everyone likes to see pictures. Pic does really show how far the horn unit is up in the cavity. Plenty of room to put the pocket in.
Bought the WOLO Bad Boy 419 at Harbor Freight for about 30 bucks after using the disc coupon. Not a bad deal, see how long it lasts.

Hope this helps!
bad boy horn1.jpg
From what you're saying, I guess the sound is making its way out of that pocket with negligible volume loss. I need to replace mine again, and would like to upgrade from the VW sound. I've got a power point in that same area, for the same purpose. Very convenient. Thanks a lot for taking the time for the photo. That helps a lot.....and convinces me it's actually do-able. :-) Thanks, again !
User avatar
wellman
Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 9:22 pm
Location: Christiansburg, VA
Motorcycle: 1974 Yamaha Enduro 125 (sold)
1982 Kawasaki LTD 550 (sold)
1983 Kawasaki GPZ 550 (sold)
1992 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500(sold)
2000 GL1500 SE ( my favorite!)
2007 Honda CRF230F
2008 Harley Davidson Super Glide Custom FXDC

Re: replacing my horn

Post by wellman »

The sound comes out from many places. I had the same concern so I played with the horn a bit before installing. Not a lot of difference in sound after final installation. Does not sound muffled. Give it a try, not very expensive and the power is already there. It took me a few times of taking apart and trying to find a place to mount the horn. Once decision was made, maybe 2 hours at the most to finish install.

Good luck!
rick.sheeley
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun Nov 11, 2012 12:53 pm
Location: Sacramento
Motorcycle: 1995 Honda GL1500 SE

Re: replacing my horn

Post by rick.sheeley »

NVSB4 wrote:A friend of mine replaced his stock horns with Balkamp 730-1058 (low note) and 730-1059 (high note) horns.
They are both rated at 130 db and are the same size as the stock horns, so no modification is required.
They are available at NAPA auto parts for $13.95 each now.
Second the Balkamp work terrifc......


Post Reply