Top 6 Best Motorcycle Horns in 2018 – Review & Buying Guide
Here you’ll find out what the best motorcycle horns available on the market really are. If time is not something you have on your hands, then it’s a good thing you are here, reading this article, as you’ll find the relevant information you are looking for. After carefully examining specialized forums, customer reviews, and market data, our team has concluded that the motorcycle horn model you should consider is Fiamm’s 72112. The aluminum coil motor included, as well as the corrosion-resistant steel housing, ensure the horn’s quality and durability for an excellent performance. Moreover, the two terminals can produce sounds that reach 130 decibels, and the product is delivered with a universal mounting bracket, a jumper wire, and nut and female connectors, which makes it suitable for almost any vehicle. If Fiamm’s 72112 model is unfortunately unavailable, the next best option you should consider is Hella’s 007424801 model which provides similar results.
Comparison Table
Our Team Recommends
When it comes to choosing the best horn for motorcycles, the many alternatives available on the market might make the task a little bit overwhelming. For this reason, we’ve decided to help you out by selecting some of the most critically acclaimed products in this line. Take a look below and choose your favorite.
Fiamm 72112
Each Fiamm horn is tested by the manufacturer to ensure maximum performance and it exceeds SAE and OEM specifications; therefore, performance is not something you should be worried about. This 72112 model is highly versatile as it can be installed on any vehicle, ATV or motorcycle.
Moreover, the package includes a universal mounting bracket, a jumper wire, as well as nut and female connectors. The two terminals can produce sounds that go as high as 130 decibels, meaning that it will be effective in a great number of potentially dangerous traffic situations by ensuring an increased safety level.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($15.06)
HELLA 007424801
This twin horn provides high tones of 500 Hz and low ones of 400 Hz, with a sound level of 110 decibels. Given these characteristics, you can be sure that the attention needed in critical situations will be ensured. The trumpet horns come with 2 mounting brackets and a flat connection of 6.3 mm.
Besides, given the manufacturer’s know-how accumulated over 100 years of activity, you can rest assured that the quality of this product renders it reliable for a long period of time. Functionality and an optimal fit are the two benefits that define this model.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($22.84)
PIAA 85114
The device works very well on all motorcycle models, especially if space is more of a luxury. According to the manufacturer, this and all the other Piaa models double the decibel output of standard horns, but don’t require any additional wiring or fuse. You can simply remove the stock horns and hook the new ones in place.
The easy installation is definitely something that comes in handy, as the factory power and ground wires can be used. The model also provides three different tones to choose from. This way, you can be sure that the sound will be exactly what you need in a potentially dangerous situation.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($52.98)
Wolo 519
Besides the diaphragms’ flat-shaped chrome cover, the manufacturer added a chrome cover to the top of the compressor as well. Moreover, both of these covers are aerodynamically shaped, which means that the Bad Boy Chrome works very well for any engine compartment or exterior mount of a motorcycle.
The device produces a powerful dual tone that is two times louder than the standard horn, while its compact size makes it ideal for any 12-volt vehicle. It also features a patented one-piece design which, besides being stylish, makes installation a breeze and provides a powerful air horn sound.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($41.99)
Wolo 306-2T
You don’t need to worry about durability, as the heavy steel construction means that you’ll get a long time of dependable service from these horns. It is also good to know that they come with a heavy-duty steel bracket and hardware, which makes them ideal for new or replacement installations.
Since we are talking about motorcycle accessories that can add a cool touch to your riding experience, you can think about installing some stylish motorcycle grips that go hand in hand with a pair of useful motorcycle gloves for summer. If you cannot resist the temptation, you can also add some new biker jackets to your collection.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($66.42)
Wolo MCHWK-2
The kit comes with everything you need in order to get you started and install everything on your own, including a wire harness with a quick-connect plug for the relay, terminals, in-line fuse, plastic wire ties and easy-to-follow instructions that guide you step by step, provided in both English and Spanish.
The kit works for any 12-volt vehicle and the only item not included is the horn relay. As we are talking about useful gadgets that also have an important safety component, you might want to think about whether you need a high-quality motorcycle helmet cam as well. Besides the added safety, you can also capture some spectacular images.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($8.99)
This Year’s Buying Guide
Whether you are looking for the loudest motorcycle horn available for sale, or just for a more effective solution for everyday use, below you’ll find a concise guide to help you find your way through what the relevant information is on this topic.
Sound Level
Manufacturers test their devices under certain controlled conditions, but you should keep in mind that the open space and the environment you are going to use the horns in have a significant impact on the perceived sound volume.
Moreover, the sound’s variance is also a subject of discussion as it is heavily influenced by the direction that the horn faces. If it’s pointed downwards, behind a grill, or under some body work, then you can be sure that the output will not be the same as in other types of installations.
Generally speaking, the sound that a set of horns generates depends on the size of each individual trumpet and on the number in the set. Shorter and thinner trumpets will produce a higher pitched sound, while longer and wider ones will produce a deeper tone.
Air Horns
When looking for the best motorcycle air horn, 3 features are important to keep in mind: the working pressure used, the tank’s capacity, and the compressor’s duty cycle. The general rule says that the higher the air pressure, the louder a horn can be.
The air capacity determines how long the horn can blast before the tank will need a refill. As a reference, a 1-gallon tank filled to 150 PSI can provide a blast of 4-5 seconds. A larger tank requires a heavier-duty compressor, since the more you use the horns, the more the compressor will be running.
Installation Space
Before choosing a specific model, you should think about where you are going to place it on your motorcycle. The most common locations are somewhere in the engine compartment or underneath the vehicle. You should make sure that the model you’ll go for can fit into the designated space.
Of course, as we’ve already seen, the horns’ location has a significant impact on their performance, so you want to choose one that is both convenient and allows the sound to be heard. As you can probably imagine, the best spot would be in front of the bike, just under the headlight.
Installation (DIY or Professional)
Once you’ve made up your mind on which model you are going to purchase, you should think about how you’ll actually get it up and running. If you have some experience with the 12-volt installations, then getting the job done by yourself will most probably not be an issue.
Usually, the challenging part is deciding where to mount all of the components, as this might require some hole drilling in the vehicle’s frame and other similar skills. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this by yourself, you can always go to a professional.
Since you are going to give your bike a new face, you can also give the frame a little care and use some good motorcycle wax to add a new protective layer for the season.
Frequently asked questions about motorcycle horns
Can you put a car horn on a motorcycle?
As is the case with other dedicated items such as motorcycle covers, it’s mostly a matter of size and of getting things to fit. The answer to this question is that it depends, as car horns usually require more electricity, which means a dedicated power line might be necessary.
You will most probably also need a relay, but getting a professional to take a look at your motorcycle and tell what the options are might be a good idea. A minor weight penalty might also appear, but most of the times this is a good trade-off for the added safety element.
Do motorcycles have horns?
The answer is a definite “Yes!”. All motorcycles should be equipped with functional horns, and most can be easily operated by pushing a button. This is a legal requirement in most parts of the world and, for safety reasons, you should always make sure that your horns work.
However, there’s an ongoing discussion on whether some of the stock horns delivered with motorcycles are not as loud as car horns. If you feel like you need a more attention-grabbing solution for your safety in traffic, installing a new pair of horns in your bike might be a good idea.
Can I run two separate air horns on a motorcycle?
Here as well, the answer depends on a number of factors. Having two separate air horns means that a double current capacity will be needed for them to properly work. If you can find a way to solve this problem, then you can surely install them and enjoy even safer rides.
There is also a question of space here. As previously stated, you should make sure that the space you need for two horns is available, and that their location enables the sound to be heard, instead of blocked. However, getting a professional’s opinion is the most advisable approach.
Are air horns on motorcycles legal?
In some states, the only types of vehicles that are allowed to have any type of air horns are emergency ones. In other states, air horns can be installed as part of an anti-theft alarm, but they are not to be used when the vehicle is in motion, as this might cause noise pollution beyond accepted levels.
In order to make sure that you comply with all the regulations applicable in your area, you should check your state’s DMV or BMV websites. There you will get all the updated information you need, to keep you safe and compliant on the road.
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