While breaking in the engine, I noticed the horn quit working. I can hear the relay clicking in the dash, but no electricity is getting to the horn. I checked the ground and it's fine. I looked in the manual but it was no help. Is there a fuse or maybe a relay that needs replaced? I'm guessing a relay that's in the dash, which is a pita to get into. I need it fixed tonight though because I have an appointment to get it inspected tomorrow afternoon... Please help!

 

Purchase a bicycle horn.

 

??? Seriously? That counts? Actually how about a can-style hand held air horn zip-tied to the handlebars? I have one of those and did that on my quad... I still wanna fix the actual horn though!

 

It might be the relay. Check the voltage on the pin that goes to the horn.

 

That's going to involve opening the dash cluster on top of the forks which is a real PITA with the speedo cable.

 

I dunno about the 90, but there's no relay in my '86.

You've checked the voltage at the horn and there's nothing there with the button pressed? Well, if you have a relay, go to that point next. Basically, start on one end and work to the other end.

I recently replaced my horn after about 25 years. It just stopped working. I bought a take off on ebay. I also found 2 HD horns with the chrome cover at a pawn shop. Got both for ~$15 and put one on the Sporty. Chrome looked new.

 

If no voltage is getting to the horn it has to stop somewhere. I can sympathise that some parts are a real pain to get to.

 

Ok, double whammy. The relay was bad, then once I replaced that I discovered where the tank had pinched the wire when I put it back on. Fully functional and loud as hell. Ready for inspection.

Back to my other question; would a bicycle horn or the canned air horn attached to the handlebars within reach actually pass state inspection? I see no technical reason why it wouldn't...

 

States vary. In Texas, it has to be electric powered.

 

Yup! That's what some electrical work involves. I've had two horns pack up on me since I bought my bike in 1990. They probably rust up from lack of use.