Horn Question

Hey guys im a long time lurker and first time poster.

I have an 82 maxim 750. Last year the horns started to work about 50% of the time and so far this season I think they have worked maybe once. Not only is it annoying not having a horn, but my safety inspection is coming up soon so I wanna get it fixed.

So far I have taken the control cluster apart and tested the button and all was good. So then I tested the wires at the horn and they showed good as well. Next I used an "old fashioned" technique and hit the horn with a hammer while pushing the button and it sounded. At this point I think im heading in the right direction. So I removed the horns and took them apart. They were some what corroded inside so I sprayed some contact cleaner in them. Problem is that now they don't work at all even if I bang on them. I did plug one in while it was apart and push the button. I actually saw smoke rising and the horn got really hot.

So I assuming the horns are totally dead now. Any thoughts on how I can fix these or find oem replacements for a good price? I thought about aftermarket horns, but I want it to look stock and don't feel like running a relay

 

Go to Flea-Bay (ebay) and do a search for XJ750 Horn.

I came up with 9 items.

One was $1.94 and a shipping of $8.00

Of course, Chacal may have some as well.

Dan

 

Yeah I was already there and saw that listing. Problem is that they are untested and look worse than mine. The "tested" horns on ebay are fetching over $40

 

There is an adjustment screw, off the top of my head I can't recall where on the XJ horns. If it's too loose or too tight the horn won't work.

 

Look at your local auto parts store, they should have a good selection of horns. I replaced mine with a compact air horn and I get noticed now. I had to install a relay but it fit under the tank out of the way. It was very easy to install.

 

I just finished replacing mine this afternoon.I picked up a Fiamm part #40365 that is nearly identical to the one I took off.It even has the same mounting bracket already attached.It is a hair larger,so I had to bend the bracket a bit to keep it from touching the frame.

 

[clears throat]

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HORNS:

hn1) OEM and aftermarket HORNS allow you to get the attention of the cute young thing walking down the street (or the fool that's about to pull out in front of you) in a clear, strong voice.

HCP1685 Aftermarket replacement HORN, make by the original supplier to Yamaha of XJ-era horns (Nikko). Chrome diaphram with black rim and back, single-tone, with original length bracket (bracket no longer has the locating notch on the end of it). 2.5 amp, 105-decibel sound pressure is the same as original ratings. Same as the original horn used on all XJ550 Maxim and XJ650 Maxim and Midnight Maxim models (except the center diaphram is chrome, rather than black as on the originals).
$ 24.00

HCP1686 Aftermarket replacement HORN, make by the original supplier to Yamaha of XJ-era horns (Nikko). Black diaphram with chrome rim and black back, single-tone, with original length bracket (bracket no longer has the locating notch on the end of it). 3.0 amp, extra-loud 110-decibel sound pressure is the same as original ratings. Similar to the original horn used on all XJ650 Seca models, except that this horn is single-tone, rather the low-tone and high-tone versions as on the originals. If you replace both horns, there will not be a problem with sounds quality. Each:
$ 32.95

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See your local parts purveyor, Chacal, for ordering.

 

:twisted: ITS SO TRUE! however with my motorcross helmet on, all i get is laughs. :roll:

 

I actually got a real nice 132 db horn at pep boys for $20. Sounds like a real horn now instead of the wet fart that most motorcycle horns sound like. For $20, you can't go wrong.

 

I put on a pair of Stebel Magnums...Love em, and they are loud. (136db)
I got the chrome ones.
See pics:
http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll16 ... =bike2.jpg

or
http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll16 ... =bike3.jpg

I bought them from
http://www.bikerhiway.com/stebel-magnum ... p-280.html

They come with the power relay that's easy to wire in. The drawing about 20 amp I think.

They also have the black version I believe.

 

did you need a relay?

 

Ok If you want to keep your original horns. When you took them apart did you clean the contact points. I used my daughters finger nail sanding board. ( thin popsicle stick with sand glued to it ) I lightly cleaned and tested mine for continuity with an ohm meter. Once I had a connection again (also check the rivit that the little copper wire goes to for a good connection) I adjusted the screw on the back to get max volume. Stock horns were not very loud to begin with so you are looking for sound quailty. The only thing is to get contact between ground and the spade terminal. I wanted to keep my horns so my bike looks as original as possible. I would like to know more about those horns that look like the originals. I might be able to swap my front covers onto them ( mine say YAMAHA on them )

 

Stocks horns are not very loud and not very effective in traffic if you need to be heard from a vehicle with the windows closed. I swapped mine out for a pair of Freeway Blasters. Let me tell you...they hear me now!! Those things sound like a freight train and really get noticed now.
Another option I used on my other bike, is an old car horn. I replaced one of the stock horns on my Honda with one car horn (from a Chevy Cavalier) Now with the stock high pitch horn and the car horn, the two together are very loud and effective.
I think it's one of the first mods I make on any of my bikes, is to replace the horns with something better. I've used car horns on my bikes for years. >PD<