Finding Horn Button in Emergency
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
I've found that in a REAL emergency, I'm too busy trying to take evasive action to worry about the horn. If I have time to use the horn, it's not really an "emergency", I'm just angry for having been cut off.
Around here using the horn is the equivalent of flipping the bird anyway. It just makes the other driver mad.
Around here using the horn is the equivalent of flipping the bird anyway. It just makes the other driver mad.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 371
From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 302
Likes: 8
From: Huddersfield. U.K.
I prefer the indicator (turn signal) switches on my Honda. A single switch on the clutch side and push to cancel. This leaves the right hand to concentrate on the throttle and brakes.
Another thing missing on the Harley is a 'flash' switch to temporarily switch on high beam lights to signal to other vehicles.
Another thing missing on the Harley is a 'flash' switch to temporarily switch on high beam lights to signal to other vehicles.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 5,149
From: Robbm sucks
I don't use the horn, the stock one is pathetic and sounds like Toyota tercel. I can yell louder or give the pipes a quick blast that people can actually process.
Better off maneuvering out of that oh sh&t moment or situation than trying to find the horn no body is going to hear anyway (assuming you didn't put an air horn on)
Better off maneuvering out of that oh sh&t moment or situation than trying to find the horn no body is going to hear anyway (assuming you didn't put an air horn on)
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 25,202
Likes: 30,162
I rarely use my horn. Once in a while if someone doesn't move at the green light I'll give a beep. In an emergency, I'm doing evasive maneuvers first, and if I want their attention I'll pull the clutch and rev the motor. That is usually if someone just pulled out in front of me and I'm letting them know I'm pissed; or if I see someone coming over into a rider in front of me I'll rev it really loud and that gets their attention.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,357
Likes: 91
From: Michigan
I guess many here can't handle an evasive move while at the same time sounding the horn. Yes the horn button is in an inconvenient location whereby the left signal switch is closer to the thumb, but, my point is not in regards to switch positioning but rather to the effectiveness of the horn.
While in a situation where one needs to evade an intruding vehicle, many times sounding the horn while performing the evasive move alerts the driver (idiot) behind the wheel resulting in less evasiveness being required on the part of the cyclist.
The OP stated a true fact and was looking for input other than the wise cracks that I so often see here, I always attempt to live by the rule, if you don't anything good to say then don't say anything at all.
While in heavy traffic, I often, "cover" the horn button as well as the brake lever and yes the horn is effective in alerting most intruders, many times resulting in a much less extreme move on my part. Can I rely fully on this reaction, absolutely not, does it help, it sure does. Like so many other things we do to stay upright in traffic, the horn is just one on a long list of survival techniques!
While in a situation where one needs to evade an intruding vehicle, many times sounding the horn while performing the evasive move alerts the driver (idiot) behind the wheel resulting in less evasiveness being required on the part of the cyclist.
The OP stated a true fact and was looking for input other than the wise cracks that I so often see here, I always attempt to live by the rule, if you don't anything good to say then don't say anything at all.
While in heavy traffic, I often, "cover" the horn button as well as the brake lever and yes the horn is effective in alerting most intruders, many times resulting in a much less extreme move on my part. Can I rely fully on this reaction, absolutely not, does it help, it sure does. Like so many other things we do to stay upright in traffic, the horn is just one on a long list of survival techniques!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,525
Likes: 57,081
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I rarely use my horn. Once in a while if someone doesn't move at the green light I'll give a beep. In an emergency, I'm doing evasive maneuvers first, and if I want their attention I'll pull the clutch and rev the motor. That is usually if someone just pulled out in front of me and I'm letting them know I'm pissed; or if I see someone coming over into a rider in front of me I'll rev it really loud and that gets their attention.