Air Horns and Relays
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
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From: Central Cali
Air Horns and Relays
I am looking at some different air horns (I already have a wolo bad boy). I'm not unhappy with the bad boy but wouldn't mind something more powerful. I am also looking to either seperate it (the horn from the compressor) or find another type of air horn that may fit on my bike better.
I did not install a relay when I put on the wolo bad boy...I mounted it on my swingarm. I have a swingarm bag now so I had to move the wolo... but I'm wondering if I should have used a relay? I read that it was "plug n play" and saw where some said they ran it straight to the stock horn wires but others have used the relay.
My question is, what does the relay do and is it necessary even if it works without one? I am an idiot (in general) when it comes to electrical so I have no idea what the relay does.
I did not install a relay when I put on the wolo bad boy...I mounted it on my swingarm. I have a swingarm bag now so I had to move the wolo... but I'm wondering if I should have used a relay? I read that it was "plug n play" and saw where some said they ran it straight to the stock horn wires but others have used the relay.
My question is, what does the relay do and is it necessary even if it works without one? I am an idiot (in general) when it comes to electrical so I have no idea what the relay does.
Last edited by ghoticov; Jul 15, 2013 at 08:50 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,337
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From: Sunny South Florida
the relay allows the trigger wire (from horn switch) to be less capable (smaller) that required to run the pump.
In a typical horn circuit the switch is rated for under 1amp. Most air horn pumps require closer to 5amps to produce enough air to be loud. The relay allows you to use a higher rated feed wire and still utilize your lower rated switch to trigger it.
Yes the relay is needed.
In a typical horn circuit the switch is rated for under 1amp. Most air horn pumps require closer to 5amps to produce enough air to be loud. The relay allows you to use a higher rated feed wire and still utilize your lower rated switch to trigger it.
Yes the relay is needed.
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
the relay allows the trigger wire (from horn switch) to be less capable (smaller) that required to run the pump.
In a typical horn circuit the switch is rated for under 1amp. Most air horn pumps require closer to 5amps to produce enough air to be loud. The relay allows you to use a higher rated feed wire and still utilize your lower rated switch to trigger it.
Yes the relay is needed.
In a typical horn circuit the switch is rated for under 1amp. Most air horn pumps require closer to 5amps to produce enough air to be loud. The relay allows you to use a higher rated feed wire and still utilize your lower rated switch to trigger it.
Yes the relay is needed.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
I installed my Wolo without the relay, after reading here that some other people had done it without problems. Don't know yet if it will eventually fry the switch, and also didn't check to see if it might be a little louder with the relay and heavier wiring.
If you come up with something significantly louder, please post. People seem to hear the Wolo fine, but what I'd really like is if they krapped their pants. That would be my revenge for them sleeping while driving, and trying to kill me. LOL
If you come up with something significantly louder, please post. People seem to hear the Wolo fine, but what I'd really like is if they krapped their pants. That would be my revenge for them sleeping while driving, and trying to kill me. LOL
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,107
Likes: 13,055
From: Texas, USA
I am looking at some different air horns (I already have a wolo bad boy). I'm not unhappy with the bad boy but wouldn't mind something more powerful. I am also looking to either seperate it (the horn from the compressor) or find another type of air horn that may fit on my bike better.
I did not install a relay when I put on the wolo bad boy...I mounted it on my swingarm. I have a swingarm bag now so I had to move the wolo... but I'm wondering if I should have used a relay? I read that it was "plug n play" and saw where some said they ran it straight to the stock horn wires but others have used the relay.
My question is, what does the relay do and is it necessary even if it works without one? I am an idiot (in general) when it comes to electrical so I have no idea what the relay does.
I did not install a relay when I put on the wolo bad boy...I mounted it on my swingarm. I have a swingarm bag now so I had to move the wolo... but I'm wondering if I should have used a relay? I read that it was "plug n play" and saw where some said they ran it straight to the stock horn wires but others have used the relay.
My question is, what does the relay do and is it necessary even if it works without one? I am an idiot (in general) when it comes to electrical so I have no idea what the relay does.
The same was true for mine. It was marketed as plug 'n play (which it wasn't) but I used a relay.
I'm not sure you will find an air horn more powerful than the Wolo bad boy. You may want to consider mounting your horn between the front legs of the frame where the upper bolt of the engine guard mounts.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Detroit
That's where I have mine mounted. Just be sure it's tucked in enough that the fender won't hit it when the suspension is compressed all the way.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: North Atlanta Georgia
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Montclair, CA.
Another option with no relay http://www.thepropad.com/mini-beast-horns/
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
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From: Central Cali
I may try to install the wow on the front down tubes somehow. I'm thinking if I separate the compressor and horn I should be able to get it on there. I even thought about just zip tieing the compressor to one of the down tubes and then mounting the horn under the stock cowbell and mounting it off the top frame mount up near the neck. I think there is enough clearance for it but not positive.
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Elite HDF Member
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From: Central Cali
Has anyone mounted their wolo horn compressor on the side and had any issues? I have a spot behind the rear jug where I can mount the compressor but the directions say to mount it vertical. I'm just not sure why that matters? Thanks!