Horn dilemna
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 118
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From: Bend Or
Horn dilemna
Hello all. Talking about a 13 SG here, but that point is moot. Every bike I have ever owned has had a left thumb activated horn. My muscle memory has got that down pat over the years(even though I always thought it was a shitty place for the horn). Now, there are two reasons that I use my horn. The first is by far the most common and that is a quick friendly toot to a neighbor or someone not paying attention at a light. On my last bike I had a Stebel for a hot minute and found myself lighting people up, when I just meant for a friendly hello. Accidently hit the button in a parking garage once and pissed a WHOLE BUNCH of folks off.
Here is my idea for a solution. Keep the thumb operated meepmeep where it is and then find a way to rig a left forefinger trigger(think mtn.bike shifter) for a Stebel. The left forefinger trigger is way faster than unwrapping your thumb. It also lets you keep a full grip in a "bad enough for a Stebel" situation.
Solution number #2. Dont like this one cause I hate hanging crap on my bike, but I thought about doing the loud thumb horn and then having a basic bicycle bell on the bar for the friendly stuff.
Solution #3 Screw it. Leave the stocker how it is and spend the coin on lighting.
Just thinking out loud I guess and looking for some thoughts, ideas.
Here is my idea for a solution. Keep the thumb operated meepmeep where it is and then find a way to rig a left forefinger trigger(think mtn.bike shifter) for a Stebel. The left forefinger trigger is way faster than unwrapping your thumb. It also lets you keep a full grip in a "bad enough for a Stebel" situation.
Solution number #2. Dont like this one cause I hate hanging crap on my bike, but I thought about doing the loud thumb horn and then having a basic bicycle bell on the bar for the friendly stuff.
Solution #3 Screw it. Leave the stocker how it is and spend the coin on lighting.
Just thinking out loud I guess and looking for some thoughts, ideas.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
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From: Georgia
I think you're overthinking this.
But, as long as that's the theme, I'd prefer a two stage horn button. The first second it is held you get a reduced voltage to the horn for a softer beep. Then holding the button past 1 second the voltage jumps to full for the whole enchilada BEEP.
Shouldn't be hard to rig a little timer to do it to any electric horn. Probably have to think of something else for an air horn.
But, as long as that's the theme, I'd prefer a two stage horn button. The first second it is held you get a reduced voltage to the horn for a softer beep. Then holding the button past 1 second the voltage jumps to full for the whole enchilada BEEP.
Shouldn't be hard to rig a little timer to do it to any electric horn. Probably have to think of something else for an air horn.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 118
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From: Bend Or
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 118
Likes: 10
From: Bend Or
I think you're overthinking this.
But, as long as that's the theme, I'd prefer a two stage horn button. The first second it is held you get a reduced voltage to the horn for a softer beep. Then holding the button past 1 second the voltage jumps to full for the whole enchilada BEEP.
Shouldn't be hard to rig a little timer to do it to any electric horn. Probably have to think of something else for an air horn.
But, as long as that's the theme, I'd prefer a two stage horn button. The first second it is held you get a reduced voltage to the horn for a softer beep. Then holding the button past 1 second the voltage jumps to full for the whole enchilada BEEP.
Shouldn't be hard to rig a little timer to do it to any electric horn. Probably have to think of something else for an air horn.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
OP, the Chevy Volt has this built into it. A "brrr" like purring horn for pedestrians. You hit it by pushing in on the turn signal stalk. A conventional "honk" horn in the center of the wheel.
I too have kicked around a bicycle bell. I've quiet pipes, and sometimes people don't realize I'm there. Though honestly, I think a bicycle bell might be a bit too soft. But a "meep-meep" horn from a jap car/bike would do fine. Zip tie the switch button onto the clutch lever. You can also bracket mount a button down lower under the existing horn switch housing.
But a bicycle bell on a Harley for laughter, that could be a win.
I too have kicked around a bicycle bell. I've quiet pipes, and sometimes people don't realize I'm there. Though honestly, I think a bicycle bell might be a bit too soft. But a "meep-meep" horn from a jap car/bike would do fine. Zip tie the switch button onto the clutch lever. You can also bracket mount a button down lower under the existing horn switch housing.
But a bicycle bell on a Harley for laughter, that could be a win.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: The Burgh
Hmmm ......... but you find the time to visit the Forum. Just saying .....
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Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Albuquerque, NM
I think you're overthinking this.
But, as long as that's the theme, I'd prefer a two stage horn button. The first second it is held you get a reduced voltage to the horn for a softer beep. Then holding the button past 1 second the voltage jumps to full for the whole enchilada BEEP.
Shouldn't be hard to rig a little timer to do it to any electric horn. Probably have to think of something else for an air horn.
But, as long as that's the theme, I'd prefer a two stage horn button. The first second it is held you get a reduced voltage to the horn for a softer beep. Then holding the button past 1 second the voltage jumps to full for the whole enchilada BEEP.
Shouldn't be hard to rig a little timer to do it to any electric horn. Probably have to think of something else for an air horn.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
Put in a police bike horn/siren switch. One side for the stock horn other side for whatever you want to hook in. Actually easier to use than the stock button which imho is to close to the left signal and high beam switches.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,635
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From: 501
I've had a "Bell" brand bicycle bell on the left handlebar of my Glide for the last 7 years. It just recently crapped out and I replaced it with a no name unit from the bicycle shop. The new bells tone is much louder and clearer than the Bell unit. I like it! :-)
BOB
BOB