OK Jim, I tried your test and it did seem to improve the situation. I now get at least 4 or 5 honks before it quits, and even got 6 a few times...Strange that it seems to be better, but not fixed. I can't be sure if the ecm "learned" anything, but I never got more then 4 honks yesterday...

 

Here is what I have learned about the "learn" mode:

When new & different electrical equipment replaces existing (e.g. LED running lights/signals), it is necessary to put the bike into "learn" mode for that the ECM can 'learn" about the new equipment and somehow "adapt" to it.

The learn mode is apparently activated on our Breakouts by turning the ignition switch to ignition position, and then activating the 4-way flashers. Here is where it gets interesting. Some technicians say that you must use the "ignition on" position for the ignition switch, others say it is sufficient to go to the "accessory" position. And, as far as how long the 40way flashers need to be on, some technicians say "15 seconds" and others say "sometimes up to 5 minutes".

Here's a further challenge:

When you install LEDs, it is easy to do this learn mode - you turn on the ignition, turn on the 4-way flashers, and by doing so, you are automatically "using" the LEDs, and so the ECM can see and react to the lighter current load of the LEDs versus stock lamps.

But for the horn, with the ignition "on" and the 4-way flashers on, you can hold the horn button "on" continuously for a long period of time. But, with the engine not running, you are not reproducing the conditions accurately under which you experience a problem (i.e. with ignition on, AND engine running, hoprn only blows a handful of times before becoming disabled).

But, if you turn on ignition, and engine, and 4-way flashers, and then press the horn button, the horn may, I am guessing, stop working after a short period of time, as it has been doing for you, BEFORE the ECM has sufficient time to "learn" the new horn. I might be wrong though. This MAY be why you now get 6 honks versus 2 to 4 honks - the ECM has "partially" learned? IF you repeat the learning, will the ECM "learn more" and eventually not cut out the horn at all??

Aren't these modern electronics an intriguing mystery?

Jim G

 

So Jim.... today I did the process again, a few different ways...flashers on with/ ignition on no motor and run switch off, ignition on no motor run switch on, and all on. Seems a little better, getting at least 6 honks, back to back, before it quits....one thing I did find is that if I wait 5 or more seconds between honks, I can get 10+. I think if I wait longer between honks, it may not quit at all...I'll try that on my next longer ride...

 

Wow, this is getting REALLY interesting for its weirdness. I can't explain why we are getting this symptoms. Maybe some knowledgeable HD technician might be able to?

Jim G

 

Per Le Pera's website this morning, seats aren't available until August now. I'm done waiting. I ordered in February, then was told won't be released until March, then pushed back until May, then June, and now August.


I see Corbin has a seat. I'm playing with the customization... might to Charcoal snake seating and black leather sides. Just to be different. I need a new seat though.

 

The Police heard that Jim G's Breakout was on-site at the local HD dealer this morning, and they just HAD to see it in person, and then trade their non-HD bikes in on a Breakout . . .





Seriously, They were there to provide a SUPER escort (all those police bikes plus about 8 to 10 cruisers) for a "Sunshine Kids" (kids with cancer) ride, from South of Austin all the way to The State Capital (approximately a good 15 miles). I wanted to stick around to catch the action when they all started up and left at once, but there was a delay, and I had to leave before they got underway. Nice, nice effort by the local Police, with great Police turnout.

Jim G

 

I emailed them in fall 2013 and got the answer that their design department is working on the fitment and they would inform me as soon as they know when seats would be available.....I'm still waiting for that information !

 

I have a Mustang on my Iron I'm relatively happy with, but wanted something better for the Breakout. Le Pera has a good name, but I'm done giving them chances. I hate how I can't use my luggage rack with the Corbin seat, and how high the passenger seat is, but that looks like the best option, comfort wise. Just have to figure out how to get all my work gear to work without the luggage rack.

 

It's really awesome that they support the "Sunshine Kids" ride with a proper escort!

But Jim...honestly...who would even dare think of trading one of those BMWs (the leading edge of German engineering art) for a HD

 

I bought the same horn and did all the same test with the same results. Unfortunately I would get 15+ honks and then after waiting for 15 minutes no more the 2-3. So even thou a really like this horn it is to inconsistent to have as a security device. Unless somebody can find a solution will have to return...