Current Draw for Stock Horns?

[Olyjohn]

Does anyone know the amp draw per horn for stock 1500 horns? I'm in the process of installing a set of PIAA Slimlines that look like they are going to mount up to the stock location with just a little bit of fiddling. I have a relay that I can install if needed but they only draw 2.7 amps each and I seem to recall that the factory horns draw 2.5 each. No sense putting in a relay for .4 amps if my information is correct.

[MikeB]

Do yourself a favor, install the relay. The more current the horns have, the better they will sound.

[Snowmoer]

I second adding the relay. Along with the added power to the horns, you will put less draw on the old bike wiring.

[Olyjohn]

I fully understand the need for a relay for horns that require significantly increased amps; that's why I'm trying to determine the difference in amp requirement between stock and my upgrade. If increased amps always results in better sound sound and wiring/switch longevity, why not just add a relay to stock horns and expect them to sound better? Has anyone fried their switch with stock horns? I'm not an electronics guy but I understand basic theory (I think!) We're talking .4 total amps here if I'm correct.

[Rambozo]

You are right, and you might very well see slightly better output from the stock horns with a relay and heavier gauge wiring. The duty cycle on horns is so low that corners are often cut on them. I have a friend that often leans on his horn for minutes at a time, and he has burned out relays, connectors, switches and horns, as they were never made to do that.

[MikeB]

I fully understand the need for a relay for horns that require significantly increased amps; that's why I'm trying to determine the difference in amp requirement between stock and my upgrade. If increased amps always results in better sound sound and wiring/switch longevity, why not just add a relay to stock horns and expect them to sound better? Has anyone fried their switch with stock horns? I'm not an electronics guy but I understand basic theory (I think!) We're talking .4 total amps here if I'm correct.

Why not just install them and let us know how it all works out. We may be wrong in our thinking.