Hello to all. As a new Speedmaster owner and a new form member I'm looking for the group gurus to show me the right path. Very few things I would change on my 2023 Speedmaster but the horn is definitely one. Don't want to install any type of high amp relay so wondering what has been a forum favorite plug and play or maybe just info on what the bike horn amperage rating might be. Anything would be better than the beep beep I hear now. Reminds me of the roadrunner in the cartoons. Searched the forum and tried to google the info on the bikes horn amperage rating with no luck. Thanks in advance for any replies SargeKS Wichita, KS
interested in this topic for my '10 Thruxton. i have looked at the high amp relay based horns and may go that route. i installed one on my '85 CB650 and it really wasn't hard at all.
I have gone the high amp relay path before and as you said it's not that hard. Just wanting to keep a new bike original as much as I can. Not looking for big air horns...just a plug and play low tone horn. Or even better the amperage rating of the horn circuit.
@SargeKS I just installed a denali mini sound bomb on my Tiger 900. There is no compressor, it was a straight replacement for the OEM using same wires and mounting point. The sound is a bit louder but deeper not like a kids toy. Here is a link, iys a UK shop but gives you an idea of what it is
Thanks for the suggestion Crispey. That horn seems to be widely available here in the states as well. The 5 amp draw gives me some concern without knowing the bikes horn circuits amperage rating. I short honk probably be fine but a long burst of honking might do some damage I'd hate to encounter. I would guess the stock horn is in the 2.5 to 3 amp range but I'm just guessing.
I fitted a relay circuit to both my 08 and subsequent 04 Thruxton and fitted 2 x small Halfords horns, low and high tone, one each side using the top engine mount bolt. Tidied up the front and gives a much better sound. Think I paid less than £50 all in for horns, relay, wires and connectors.
Depends how much louder than the asthmatic OEM offering you want to go. Some of the diaphragm types are better but for the full monty you want a compressed air type, such as a Denali Soundbomb (the split version offers more instal options). It's the difference between "excuse me, I'm here" and "GET THE FECK OUT OF THE WAY!!" Just sayin'.
Great comments, good ideas. In my mind what I would like more than anything is the actual amperage limit of the horn circuit including the horn button. I've read on line of other Triumph riders melting their horn button trying various horns. Where might a guy look for this info?? Any ideas who could be contacted or where to look??
The horn is there for one purpose, to make others aware of your presence, wether it's someone who pulls out /is about to pull out on you, a blind idiot about to reverse into you at a petrol station/carpark or alert the pedestrian with the headphones on who's about to step into the road oblivious. The OEM horn is so pathetic it should be a MOT failure IMO. There's no way said pedestrian or anyone in a car with the windows up will hear it.
For a horn upgrade on your 2023 Speedmaster without needing a high-amp relay, look for plug-and-play options that are designed to work with your bike's existing electrical system. Typically, motorcycle horns operate at around 5-10 amps, so choose an aftermarket horn that matches this rating to avoid electrical issues. A popular choice among riders is the Denali SoundBomb Mini, which provides a much louder sound without requiring additional modifications. Ensure any replacement horn is compatible with your bike's wiring to simplify installation.
The compressor driven Denali Soundbomb (and the split) version) draws around 20-25A so a relay is essential but then it is MUCH louder than the other options. Using a relay actually reduces the load on the OEM horn circuit. If you're handy with even basic electrics, fitting one is simple. I also fitted a relay for the extra LED spot lights as the OEM wiring is not as heavy as older bikes with 55/60W halogen filament bulbs. You can get <30A relays about the size of your thumbnail and no bigger than the OEM relays so finding space for them is less of a challenge.
I appreciate all he comments and suggestions. I contacted the Triumph company directly and asked for the amp rating on the horn button as I thought that would be the weakest link in the horn circuit. They refused to give me the info due to my attempt to put on a aftermarket horn. I have ordered a Denali SoundBomb Mini and will give that a shot. I'll let the group know if bad things happen. Coming from the Harley world where detailed info is all over the web, my first Triumph is so far a challenging project. Next on the list is a windscreen. Looking at Madstad. Any comments on Madstad would also be appreciated
Just to wrap this thread up I installed the sound bomb mini and no issues. Lot of typing for nothing I guess. Maybe someone will save some time reading this mess. Thanks again for the comments and suggestions
The horns on my old K1100 and 2003 Goldwing were really loud like a dual car horn. I wonder if those could be purchased and refitted?
