This post will document installing half of the Hella Supertone Horn on my 2001 SV650. I used to have them on my WRX, but one horn failed. I decided to put the working one on my SV650 to replace the stock 105db horn with the 118db Hella. The red Hella compliments the color of the bike too.
Hella vs. the stock horn:
stock horn:
Hella horn:
Tools I used:
- 13mm wrench
- side cutters
- pliers
- hearing protection (important!)
The install is easy. Remove one and install the other.
1) Disconnect the wire holding the stock horn
2) Using the 13mm wrench, unbolt the stock horn.
3) Using the 13mm wrench, bolt up the Hella Horn.
4) I found it necessary to cut the little plastic connector in half to get the OEM contacts to spread wide enough.
5) Connect the OEM horn contacts
6) With hearing protection, test.
7) Use your new horn responsibly. :)
The horn doesn’t cover as much of the radiator as it looks. I installed this on my SV650 in March of 2010. I rode all year and didn’t experience any overheating issues. I even rode all day in 105F two-up without trouble.
Here is a short video demonstrating the sound difference:
This morning a car passed me on the right. This happens from time to time on this part of my commute even though the street is only two lanes. It used to upset me, but now it is just another hazard to watch out for. I suspect the reason for an occasional driver's impatience is my leisurely acceleration. If so, it reveals a lack of familiarity with the street. You can jack rabbit out of one stop sign, only to find another, then a stop light, then another stop sign, then another, then another, etc. I've learned there is just no reason to hurry.
ReplyDeleteThis morning it turned into the usual tortoise and hare scenario. At every stop she would gun it, and at the next stoplight/stop sign, if she were paying attention, she would have seen me in her review mirror.
At the end of this stretch is a major intersection with very long light. Of course, there we were-she was first and I was second with cars lined up behind. When the light changed apparently Ms. Hare was distracted. She just sat there. Of course, I joyfully gave her my horn, but . . .
I wish I could have given her yours :)
Keith: I've had that same experience. Part of what I like about riding wildly different bikes (super9 vs ural vs sv650) is that they each have different capabilities. The scooter is slow, and it reminds me to enjoy the scenery more.
ReplyDeleteA loud horn is quite fun, and requires a bit more responsibility than a quiet one. Mine makes people go a bit nuts since it is so loud. I don't use it as much because of it.
I wish I had brighter lights now. Winter means riding a lot at night, and people are a bit funny in the dark by wearing all black and then getting upset at traffic because they aren't seen.
I'm surprised that you dont have any amperage issues. Even subarus seem to have to run a new 10A fused wire for each horn.
ReplyDeleteI had 2 Supertones installed on my 1987 Honda CBR without issues. Although I had the pair running through the Hella relay instead of merely the factory circuit.
ReplyDelete