Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Gabriel on December 22, 2018, 07:45:18 AM

Title: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: Gabriel on December 22, 2018, 07:45:18 AM
I installed these in less than 30 minutes and the kit includes the relay for only 9 bucks.
The pictures explain the installation, no modifications were done except for a small hole to mount the relay and they are completely hidden. I will replace the relay mount bolt with a shorter 5mm bolt. (Yeah, it's too long)
Wiring is straight forward with a 10 amp fuse and inline holder near the battery. That plastic looking stand off is a piece of delrin.
I have used these horns on other bikes without any failures and they are louder than the horns on a gold Wing.
https://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-12-volt-electric-horn-set-99911.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-12-volt-electric-horn-set-99911.html)

Video of the sound;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEAiE_erYdI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEAiE_erYdI)

(https://i.imgur.com/O8O47Ha.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KWV2vD5.jpg)
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: Gabriel on December 26, 2018, 05:49:23 PM
I can only assume that because there are no comments that everyone is satisfied with the oem squeaker that came on the bike? ;D
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on December 26, 2018, 06:36:21 PM
I can only assume that because there are no comments that everyone is satisfied with the oem squeaker that came on the bike? ;D

oh no, on the contrary every one hates the OEM's, and thank you for posting your find and install..

Seems like there has been a sharp decline in the normal traffic here lately, so don't take that as a barometer...

I really like what you did, and you can't go wrong for $10, even if they don't last, which I can't see any reason they wouldn't, mounted inside.

I actually bought a Wolo Bad Boy clone from H/F, for 3 x what you spent (still it was cheaper by far than anyplace else), and have it sitting on my bench to install.

good job, thank you.. I may even copy your setup, just for the economy and ease, along with the mounting space. And I'd probably use the relay it came with, just because.. well, it came with it... I might waterproof it a bit tho. (the air horn takes a bit more thought on location)
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: Gabriel on December 26, 2018, 06:56:18 PM
oh no, on the contrary every one hates the OEM's, and thank you for posting your find and install..
Thanks; I guess there many more c14 riders on the other forum and I was once a member there (and here) but all of a sudden my log-in no longer worked and it looked like it was going to be a real pain to get back in so I did not...

I have had such good luck with these horns that I continue to use them and I have about a dozen of these relays just in case but have never lost one yet.
These horns are really loud, before with ear plugs I could not even hear the stock horn at hwy speeds. I can't hear the engine at those speeds either and have to rely on the tach to shift if passing. (stock exhaust)
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: Rubber_Snake on December 26, 2018, 07:00:37 PM
Been busy with Christmas.  I did watch/listen to your video.  Sounds much better than stock.  I might pick these up.  Nice job!
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: Gabriel on December 26, 2018, 07:13:29 PM
Thanks, It's much louder than the video depicts, the camera's AGC grabs the volume level and reduces it so you can't really tell how loud it is but the tone is accurate... People don't ignore these horns I can attest to that...

(https://i.imgur.com/GaBVhfA.jpg)
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: connie_rider on December 27, 2018, 07:41:09 AM
That's a nice simple/clean installation. and frugal!!  :thumbs:
Well done

Not sure why I haven't seen your discussion before.
I routinely open mine with "Unread Posts since Last visit", and never saw it.

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: robertv on December 27, 2018, 07:59:54 AM
I like the price and might check these out. But curious was there room to install in place of the old horns? I installed a fuse block in the same location so my horn installation will have to go where the stocks are at.

Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: Gabriel on December 27, 2018, 08:08:11 AM
I like the price and might check these out. But curious was there room to install in place of the old horns? I installed a fuse block in the same location so my horn installation will have to go where the stocks are at.

No, I don't believe so, the front fender is pretty close and may hit the horns on large bumps?
Plus these types of horns should be mounted with the flimsy thin straps that comes with the kit, the straps are part of the magic...
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: maxtog on December 27, 2018, 05:37:57 PM
I can only assume that because there are no comments that everyone is satisfied with the oem squeaker that came on the bike? ;D

Are you kidding?  I installed an AIR HORN right after I got the bike.  I doubt anything can match THAT loudness :)  (except having several.... and finding a place to mount even one is a challenge).
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: maxtog on December 27, 2018, 05:40:25 PM
No, I don't believe so, the front fender is pretty close and may hit the horns on large bumps?

Probably.  I have seen people somehow mount the Nautilus air horn up front.... I can't believe it wouldn't be hit or hit something.  And the idea of putting something that large and heavy in front of a very expensive, important, and relatively fragile aluminum radiator doesn't sound (pun intended) like a great idea.

Quote
Plus these types of horns should be mounted with the flimsy thin straps that comes with the kit, the straps are part of the magic...

LOL!
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: Gabriel on December 27, 2018, 06:11:11 PM
Are you kidding?  I installed an AIR HORN right after I got the bike.  I doubt anything can match THAT loudness :)  (except having several.... and finding a place to mount even one is a challenge).
It was a rhetorical statement...
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: maxtog on December 27, 2018, 09:12:28 PM
It was a rhetorical statement...

Just call me Mr. Literal...
There ARE worse things to call me...
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: Poseidon on January 08, 2019, 06:05:55 PM
I can only assume that because there are no comments that everyone is satisfied with the oem squeaker that came on the bike? ;D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruYAmYUuysU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruYAmYUuysU)
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: Gabriel on January 08, 2019, 06:17:07 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruYAmYUuysU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruYAmYUuysU)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKmaMjesWQc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKmaMjesWQc)
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: shredran on January 29, 2019, 08:17:37 PM
Gabriel, I bought a pair of these today per your video! After purchasing though I realized I might not be able to put mine where yours are :(, because I installed LED Pathfinder headlights, which have a module that gets 3m tape'd to the BOTTOM of the piece you removed to to the install of the horns. Can you watch this quick video and see what I mean, then tell me if U think I'll still have room to put the horns there? Skip to 4:20 and see what I mean--the module for headlights get stuck to underside of towel flange: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YeEU0PyCtc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YeEU0PyCtc)  and let me know your thoughts! Seems like an amazing mod.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: Gabriel on January 29, 2019, 10:56:03 PM
Gabriel, I bought a pair of these today per your video! After purchasing though I realized I might not be able to put mine where yours are :(, because I installed LED Pathfinder headlights, which have a module that gets 3m tape'd to the BOTTOM of the piece you removed to to the install of the horns. Can you watch this quick video and see what I mean, then tell me if U think I'll still have room to put the horns there? Skip to 4:20 and see what I mean--the module for headlights get stuck to underside of towel flange: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YeEU0PyCtc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YeEU0PyCtc)  and let me know your thoughts! Seems like an amazing mod.

It hard to tell exactly how large that driver is but I would think you would have enough room to to make it all fit.
Since you are not modifying the bike in any way there is no risk in trying...
Note; There are led's that don't use a driver and allow you to use the factory boot should you ever need to change.

(https://i.imgur.com/ORvqY3h.jpg)
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: shredran on January 30, 2019, 02:39:37 PM
That's good info to have! Wish I had it at time I bought these LEDS lol! I happened to be across the street from a harbor freight yesterday when I saw your post and quickly went and bought the horns. Cpl follow ups:

1.) Do they work in conjunction with the stock horn? Or do they completely replace the stocker?

2.) "I will replace the relay mount bolt with a shorter 5mm bolt. (Yeah, it's too long)"----Any idea what length I should get?

3.) I'm not as knowledgeable as you are in this but, but I'm guessing your comment of, "Wiring is straight forward with a 10 amp fuse and inline holder near the battery. That plastic looking stand off is a piece of delrin." means I'll need one of these: https://www.alliedelec.com/product/bussmann-by-eaton/bk-hht/70150687/?&mkwid=s44jGetPk&pcrid=30980760979&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=CjwKCAiAs8XiBRAGEiwAFyQ-esCIxVyBI5v5bSoSIpXQJaQexBHew-_a5kMQrBk8wqDOKYCSTwh2GRoCVxEQAvD_BwE (https://www.alliedelec.com/product/bussmann-by-eaton/bk-hht/70150687/?&mkwid=s44jGetPk&pcrid=30980760979&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=CjwKCAiAs8XiBRAGEiwAFyQ-esCIxVyBI5v5bSoSIpXQJaQexBHew-_a5kMQrBk8wqDOKYCSTwh2GRoCVxEQAvD_BwE)     AND will obviously need the fuse which I have already. If that's correct, where exactly does the horn relay area / fuse area need to be accessed from? Is it the fusebox underneath the seat? I just haven't tapped into anything there--the only mods I've done involved using the provided accessory ports on the bike and that was easy enough to crimp and splice into for other accessories.

Thanks in advance for any additional insight you can offer me!

Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: Gabriel on January 30, 2019, 04:58:09 PM
Use this type of fuse holder;It's waterproof and you can get these in both the small spade fuse or the large. (your choice)

(http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/dam/public/bussmann/Retail/Products/Automotive/Images/bus-ele-hh2-220.jpg)

You use the wire from the oem horn, it's long enough to reach the area shown.
The wiring diagram that is included with the horns is what you go by.
The oem horn wires trigger the relay only. (get a test light and determin which is positive when you push the horn button.
You connect the fuse to your battery positive post (one side of the fuse holder connects to the positive battery terminal and the other connects to a length of of minimum 16 gauge wire) the other end connects to the "30" terminal of the relay. Just pull the battery cover off and fish the wire through, no need to remove anything else. (keep it neat and use tie wraps if needed) Just make sure the fuse is located close to the battery and not the horn end.
Supply the ground from the relay to the location shown in my picture "Right here" or any bolt on that bracket.
(https://i.imgur.com/RO4l9vo.jpg).
I don't know what length of bolt to use but it's not important as long as it's adequate.
These relays are not waterproof so mount it in the fashion which I did and you will never have an issue.
Any other questions just ask, no need to include any quotes...

Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: shredran on January 30, 2019, 11:46:33 PM
Thanks so much Gabriel, I’ll take a stab at this ASAP! I should be fine considering I’ve done the valves on this bike and didn’t F anything up....just dont have a ton of experience in the realm of electrical work! I’m REALLY dreading doing steering stem bearing maintenance one day tho. I’m on an 09’ w/ ABS and about 30k miles.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: Gabriel on February 06, 2019, 03:56:02 PM
Thanks so much Gabriel, I’ll take a stab at this ASAP! I should be fine considering I’ve done the valves on this bike and didn’t F anything up....just dont have a ton of experience in the realm of electrical work! I’m REALLY dreading doing steering stem bearing maintenance one day tho. I’m on an 09’ w/ ABS and about 30k miles.
Be sure and report back...
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: CDII on July 29, 2019, 07:39:43 PM
I did the Stebel on my last C14. Fit nicely inder the right side where you have these Harbor Freighters.
The problem was it couldn't be heard by anyone but me. I'm looking for a beter way to get them to project to the front . Any ideas?
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: maxtog on July 29, 2019, 08:01:14 PM
I did the Stebel on my last C14. Fit nicely inder the right side where you have these Harbor Freighters.
The problem was it couldn't be heard by anyone but me. I'm looking for a beter way to get them to project to the front . Any ideas?

I have the Stebel on the inner right and have used it more than a few times and people seem to hear it quite clearly.  I am glad *I* wear earplugs or earphones under the helmet.  I run it WITH the stock horn.  It is true it would be better if it projected out more, though.... there just isn't any place for it.  A few people somehow mounted it to replace the stock horn, but I think that is too dangerous for the radiator and wouldn't last as long (lots of weather down there).
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: CDII on July 30, 2019, 06:33:04 AM
Thats a good idea maxtog. I may try running both horns as well.
How does it sound?
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: maxtog on July 30, 2019, 04:24:30 PM
Thats a good idea maxtog. I may try running both horns as well.
How does it sound?

Well, the stock horn, as you know, is puny.  But it is faced forward and less obstructive.

Since the Stebel is running via a relay and its own power feed (don't EVER try to run a Stebel power through the horn switch!!!) there is no reason to NOT leave the stock horn also connected.  It is there, it works, it is "free", it adds more volume, more coverage, AND redundancy in case the airhorn fails for some reason (mine never has).

Honestly, I can't hear the stock horn at all... because the Stebel is so loud.  But I am pretty sure it is working.  Now, if I were standing 20 feet in front, perhaps both can be heard, I still expect the Stebel to be much louder, even then.  Probably should test that at some point, but it obviously requires two people :)
Title: Re: Harbor Freight Horns and install...
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on July 30, 2019, 07:26:28 PM
using the Stebal or even the Wolo version from harbor freight, simply using the horn 'beep" circuit, to power the Wolo BadBoy, or same horns.. is kinda a no brainier, you get your OEM meep meeps, combined with the Honking wakup beiotch.. blast   whats wrong wit dat?