More boot in the toot

[O.C.]

You're all showing your age.  It's the Special Escort Group of the Met you're referring to, as opposed to the Central Escort Group managed by West Yorkshire Police to manage cycle races assisted by the civilian riders of the National Escort Group which is part of British Cycling.

The Special Patrol Group was disbanded in 1987 :-)

well at least I knew what I meant Phil 

I remember Escort magazine 

I haven't a clue what you are referring to        

[virginiajim]

Something to do with Ford's I think.

[PRD]

That was slightly later than health and efficiency mag. I think that was something to do with British Leyland.

[STX1300man]

Now we have established they are running in parallel ... do we know what amps they are pulling, and are they really suitable to run on the standard wiring setup without a relay?

[O.C.]

Now we have established they are running in parallel ... do we know what amps they are pulling, and are they really suitable to run on the standard wiring setup without a relay?

That's the question that I did half expect and can't answer myself

So come on you experts 

I've just looked at the advert again and it says "simply bolt in place of original horn  and accepts spade plug from original wiring "

[virginiajim]

Ok, after a bit of detective work, they draw 5.7amps total.  Kit is PIAA 85114 I think.

Here's a link to a lesser bike's installation of these horns..

http://www.fjrowners.com/forums/10-fjr-farkling-ii/31089-piaa-85114-slim-line-400hz-500hz-112db-sports-horn-kit.html

I may just buy the same thing myself.

[O.C.]

Ok, after a bit of detective work, they draw 5.7amps total.  Kit is PIAA 85114 I think.

Here's a link to a lesser bike's installation of these horns..

http://www.fjrowners.com/forums/10-fjr-farkling-ii/31089-piaa-85114-slim-line-400hz-500hz-112db-sports-horn-kit.html

I may just buy the same thing myself.

Well done Jim and yes that is the Kit number,

Looks like I made a good choice,

I'm still left wondering if I should fit a relay

[virginiajim]

I was looking in the archives deep below my home and couldn't find the circuit rating but I think that 5.7 amps isn't that much of a draw.  I'm looking for the fuse that protects that circuit to see what it's rated at.  No luck yet and it's too cold to go look at the bike in the garage.

Ok, stock horn is rated at 2.5 amps.  Circuit is protected by a 10 amp fuse.  You should be fine.  I don't see anywhere in the factory or user manuals that they have the fuses and their functions documented except for the main fuse itself. 

I should look at our own C14 facts page, would have saved me from getting cold..

Fuse information

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10960.0  (let me know if you can't get to it and I'll reproduce it over here)

[O.C.]

Cheers Jim, much appreciated, I saved that fuse break out info which is really handy to have.    

I agree, it looks as if the draw from the PIAA horn set up not so high that it should cause any issues

They sound really good     

[virginiajim]

I'm going to make this more complicated....apologies in advance.

The other unknown in this project is the horn button.  One would assume that the horn button is rated at least what the circuit fuse is rated or more.  This may or may not be the case in our bikes.  I have seen discussions on adding aftermarket horns that the button/switch may not last as long due to the added current draw.  However, it's still only about half what the circuit can support.  I think you're the type of rider that leans on the horn all the time, this might be something to think about.  I might use mine a couple of times a year if that so I think having a switch issue is very low.  I'm going to go with those horns in the spring.  They're only $45 or so from Amazon.

[O.C.]

I'm going to make this more complicated....apologies in advance.

The other unknown in this project is the horn button.  One would assume that the horn button is rated at least what the circuit fuse is rated or more.  This may or may not be the case in our bikes.  I have seen discussions on adding aftermarket horns that the button/switch may not last as long due to the added current draw.  However, it's still only about half what the circuit can support.  I think you're the type of rider that leans on the horn all the time, this might be something to think about.  I might use mine a couple of times a year if that so I think having a switch issue is very low.  I'm going to go with those horns in the spring.  They're only $45 or so from Amazon.

i rarely use my horn (no inuendo intended )    at least now on the few occasions I do give it a blast I know that I'll be taken notice of   

[STX1300man]

A horn used correctly is an excellent way of trying to ensure your presence is noticed. It's main (only?) purpose should be along the lines of "Excuse me old chap, I'm here and I really would like you to know that. I think you may not have noticed me, as you are looking the other way, and I really would prefer you not to pull out". Not, "Get the **** out of my way" or "What the **** do you think you are doing".

So, yes, I use mine fairly regularly. These have been added to my shopping list. Still in two minds over the relay/no relay debate.

[virginiajim]

Installing a relay certainly won't hurt it.  Just a bit more wiring to sort out. 

[O.C.]

Installing a relay certainly won't hurt it.  Just a bit more wiring to sort out.

I have looked into installation of a relay by watching youtube............I am learning about electrics you see   

If i get really stuck I'm sure Debs will be along to tell me that I'm a useless plonker   

[PaulB]

I have looked into installation of a relay by watching youtube............I am learning about electrics you see   

If i get really stuck I'm sure Debs will be along to tell me that I'm a useless plonker   

Given the figures quoted by Jim's excellent research (original horn = 2.5A, fuse = 10A, dual horn = 5.7A) you won't need to install a relay

But it's always handy to know for future use!

Cheers

Paul B.