6 Best Motorcycle Horns Reviewed & Compared was last modified: July 1st, 2020 by Lucas
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6 Best Motorcycle Horns (Reviews) in 2020
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.
1. Fiamm 72112 Freeway Blaster Horn
If you are looking for a cheap motorcycle horn that is also effective, Fiamm’s 72112 model might be the right choice, as it has a great number of benefits that you can use. The product features an aluminum coil motor, a corrosion-resistant steel housing, as well as an ABS plastic projector.
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.
Pros
Thanks to the corrosion-resistant housing made of steel that this horn features, you can rest assured that you will be able to use it for a long time.
Another aspect you may want to keep in mind is that this model exceeds the OEM and SAE specifications and that it’s specially tested to ensure superior performance.
What makes this horn a very interesting and useful option is the versatility it offers, given that it can be used on pretty much any type of motorcycle or ATV.
The package includes everything one needs to get it working right away, namely a jumper wire, a universal mounting bracket, as well as the necessary connectors.
Cons
Even though the sound level it produces goes as high as 130 decibels, some users would have wanted for the horn to be louder, but you have to make sure that everything remains within legal requirements.
In rare cases, the package was somewhat damaged upon delivery.
2. Hella 3FH 007 424-801 Horn Set
If you are looking for a good motorcycle horn, take a look at this Hella model that promises sounds like nothing else on the road. The device is designed for performance-oriented drivers who want a product that provides safety as well as a great design and a high-quality construction.
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.
Pros
Besides the high-quality construction of this unit that means you won’t need to buy another horn anytime soon, the set also features a great design.
Those who are looking for performance will be happy to know that this Hella product produces both high 500 Hz tones and low 400 Hz ones.
The two mounting brackets included in the package can fit a wide range of vehicles, so normally you shouldn’t have any trouble setting it up right away.
The fact that the manufacturer has strong 100-year-old know-how in producing such units means that there’s nothing to worry about in terms of quality.
Cons
According to some of the previous buyers, the sound it produces can seem a bit high pitched.
Some riders would want the horn to be louder, but you should always make sure that you also follow the regulations applicable in your area.
3. PIAA 85114 Slim Line 112db Sports Horn Kit
In case you are going through motorcycle horn reviews looking for a loud and attention-grabbing yet versatile product, then you are in the right place. Piaa’s 85114 model ensures the optimal level of safety given its 115 decibels sound that reaches 500 Hz.
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.
Pros
This PIAA unit has a very nice design that will surely look good on any vehicle, but it’s also effective thanks to the 115-decibel sound that it can produce.
Thanks to the somewhat compact design, this horn works well on pretty much any motorcycle model, including those that have less space available for accessories.
The great part about this product is that the user can double the sound output compared with using a standard horn, but without having to add any additional fuse or wiring.
If you are less experienced when it comes to installing a new horn on your motorcycle, this particular unit can be set up in a matter of minutes in a very easy process.
Cons
Make sure that you install it in an area without too much heat generated by the radiator, as this can melt off the housing.
Some users say the horn is a bit too loud.
4. Wolo 519 Bad Boy Chrome Air Horn
If you are looking for the loudest motorcycle air horn, you surely know that things are not always as easy as they seem. Wolo’s 519 Bad Boy Chrome Air Horn, with its stylish design, chrome finish, and effective output, might come very close to what you are looking for.
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.
Pros
One of the things that can be said about this effective Wolo horn is that it features a very stylish design, which means that it can enhance any motorcycle model.
The compressor’s top features a chrome cover for extra durability and performance, which means you won’t have to worry about needing to purchase a new unit in the near future.
Besides this chrome cover, the horn also features another one for the diaphragm, and both are aerodynamically shaped, so the unit can be installed in a wide range of places on the bike.
The dual-tone output is two times more powerful than that of a standard horn, which is something that many previous buyers appreciate.
Cons
One user pointed out that this horn could have more bass, but this can also be a matter of what one is accustomed to, depending on previous units used.
Some extra wiring might be necessary for installation.
5. Wolo 306-2T Super Horns Chrome Plated Horns
Wolo’s 306-2T Chrome Plated Horn is a model which gets its style from European countries, with its all-metal disc design. The chrome grill construction can be found in German luxury vehicles and it can surely dress-up your motorcycle or other vehicle.
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.
Pros
Given this horn’s all-metal design, it resembles models created in European countries, so if you want to add such a touch to your vehicle, then this is a great alternative.
One aspect worth pointing out is the heavy-duty steel construction that this Wolo model features, which means that you have nothing to be concerned about when it comes to its durability.
Both its construction and design make this set of horns an ideal option for pretty much any motorcycle since they are highly versatile and stylish.
The sound output is loud, but not high-pitched, which makes it highly effective in keeping you safe on the roads, but without necessarily disturbing those around you.
Cons
Even though the installation process is easy, it can still take up to 1.5 hours depending on your motorcycle and on whether you are experienced with such tasks.
Each horn is rather heavy, weighing around 3 pounds.
6. Wolo MCHWK-2 Air Horn Wiring Kit
Wolo’s MCHWK-2 Air Horn Wiring Kit helps you install any direct-drive air horn in an easy, trouble-free and professional manner, without the need for any special tools. The product is designed to hook-up a direct-drive air horn to the vehicle’s factory system without any trouble.
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.
Pros
If you want an alternative that can be installed right away without needing to use professional tools, then this Wolo kit is definitely one you should try out.
The unit is specially designed to be hooked up to the motorcycle’s factory system, which means that even if you don’t have too much experience, you should still be able to do it on your own.
This is a complete kit that comes with everything you need to start using the new horn right away, which means that all of the necessary plugs, fuses, and terminals are included.
According to those who have already given it a try, the instructions provided with the kit are clear, so you shouldn’t have any difficulty setting everything up on your own.
Cons
One of the things that previous buyers pointed is the kit’s design, especially in terms of buttons.
The relay still needs to be purchased separately for the horn’s installation.
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
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Bibliography:
1) Facts and information about horns
3) Motorcycle news and reviews
