Rivco Air Horn Question

[Motse]

I am looking at replacing the original horn on my Tourer.  Any advice as to what to put on here? Is the Rivco Air Horn really loud? Is there something better or louder?
Thanks
Mark

[Sourdough]

I have Rivco horns on my standard and just put a Wolo on my I/S... I
think the Rivco's are a tad louder.. but I guarantee you'll be heard either way.
The Wolo or a Stebel would be an easier mount for your Tourer..... no
compressor to hide like the Rivco.

[X Ring]

The Rivco sounds like a goose honking or even worse like a clown car.  My Stebel is a lot louder and a quicker response than the Rivco. 

Marty

[Bigun]

The Rivco sounds like a goose honking or even worse like a clown car.  My Stebel is a lot louder and a quicker response than the Rivco. 

Marty

That would be one big assed goose, LOL mine sounds like a ship coming in to port and has scared the living hell out of a couple of cell phone attached teen agers and caused one buisness lady who cut me off to spill her coffee on herself at 5am.

[N0tac0p]

http://www.superiorhorns.com/loud-chrome-compact-air-horn.html

this is the one i have,  makes one noticed

[bassman]

Might want to take a look at the BigBF Quad rig....I have these on my Tourer and very happy with them.....


http://bigbf.com/bigbf_shop/bigbf_horns/index.htm

[MP]

 
Bigbf

[Joe Hummer]

I had the Rivco Hidden Horns on my bike when I got it.  They sounded good...but maybe a little high pitched.  After 4-5 years...the compressor started to go bad and the horn wouldn't always work.  So, I removed the Rivco setup and went with a Fiamm Highway Blaster setup (got them from the auto parts store).  Same idea as the BigBF Quad Horns but I only put on one set of High and Low note horns on.  My horns are now as loud as most car horns.  

I put the Stebel horn on the wife's Tourer.  No problems with the setup but I imagine it is only time before we start having trouble from the compressor...or at least that is my take on it.  

Both installations have the horns under the swing arm.  

Joe

[NITRO]

Fiamm Highway Blaster setup (got them from the auto parts store).  Same idea as the BigBF Quad Horns but I only put on one set of High and Low note horns on.  My horns are now as loud as most car horns.  

Both installations have the horns under the swing arm.  

Joe

I have the same-- dual FIAMM HW Blasters, low and high tone-- on my IS. I mounted them in my fairing while installing the cruise. They're plenty loud and I have less than $25 in them including both horns, a relay, and wires, connectors, etc. I bought the horns on Amazon.com.

[hubcapsc]

If you don't have other stuff there that is in the way, the Rivco horns on the side
of your bike look pretty cool and are loud.

I have the hidden bigBF quad horns... the beauty of them as opposed to rolling your own
with Fiamm Blasters or something, is that... you don't have to roll your own  ...

They come with a bolt on clamp, wires and BigBF instructions... and they're loud!

-Mike

[Tim H]

I'm having an issue with mine.  The air is only coming from the smallest horn.  I have checked all the lines to make sure they are clear.  I put an air compressor on the intake for each horn and they work fine.  My deduction is that there isn't enough pressure produced to sound both horns at once.  Anyone run across this and fixes?  I'd like to go from game-time air horn to death-by-semi air horn.

[Cruzen]

I use the Hi-Lo versions of this horn. 

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/WLO0/3852T.oap?ck=Search_horn_N0206_1035964_2546&keyword=horn&pt=N0206&ppt=C0107

The two horns fit together on the original mounting bolt that held the factory horn and they were plug and play.  Just unplug the stock horn and hook these up.  There is one cross over wire between the two horns.  These are car horns and they are very loud but have a low tone like older American cars  instead of one of those high pitch sounds that foreign car horns produce.  I have used these on my last five bikes and they do get attention.  People tell me that it sounds like a car coming.

[CASABROKER]

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-12-volt-electric-horn-set-99911.html

got mine for 10 bucks mounted to muffler bolts underneath loader than my wolo which was a POS.

[Tim H]

I'm having an issue with mine.  The air is only coming from the smallest horn.  I have checked all the lines to make sure they are clear.  I put an air compressor on the intake for each horn and they work fine.  My deduction is that there isn't enough pressure produced to sound both horns at once.  Anyone run across this and fixes?  I'd like to go from game-time air horn to death-by-semi air horn.

JoeValkIS suggested WD40 to clean out the seals.  That seemed to do the trick, it already sounds better.  I'll have to find someone with the same horn to compare, but it sounds like it still has more to go on the top horn.

[Earl in Pensacola]

I originally had Wolo air horns and started having the same "not enough" PSI to blow both horns.  After cleaning and lubing etc. they would be OK, but barely and not for long.  I ordered (from Revco)the compressor for the three (3) horn set up.  All was good for a year or so, then the same thing started again.  I took them off and mounted two (2) OEM beeper horns--One on each side of the radiator.  Have you ever heard two of those beepers??  They ARE LOUD!! I don't really like the sound, but THEY ARE LOUD(!!) and that's why I have a horn-- to be heard.  By-the-way, there are chrome slotted covers for them, so at least the LOOK good !!

[Curmudgeon]

I have the Rivco horns on my bike and there plenty loud enough. If you choose them do it right and don't use there hoses. Replace them before you put them on your bike. All the complaints above I would bet stem from the bad hoses. I had all the same problems until I replaced them.
BigBF's are also great. Loud and easy to install.
The real difference is: the Rivco horns are chrome and can be seen. BigBF's are hidden. Your choice!

[Hedgehog]

I'll be fitting the Stebel next week and am planning to rubber mount it as I've heard that vibration seems to limit life..hope this will help exceed the 1-2 years most people seem to get out of them.

HH

[Fritz The Cat]

So, if 1 to 2 years is the average life? How many toots is that? I rarely use my horn. May 2 or 3 times a year. That would make my cost per toot prohibitively expensive. 

[Hedgehog]

Ah well Fritz, over here we have a much greater density of traffic (and car driver too) ... so I'm a great tooter - several time a trip if needs be. So the TPC (Toots per Cent) is not too bad.

Having said that I'd hope to get more than a couple of years out of something costing $80.

[Toolman Tom]

I've had one for several years.  I mounted it under the bike and the compressor is under the seat.  Just be sure to keep the vac line snug under there. Yes, it's far better that the stock horn - people can actually hear it.  Good luck...Tom

[Tim H]

My son noticed my horn mount was broken today.  Funny it didn't seem to make any noise, rattling, or otherwise enough for me to see it.  Here's a photo of the broken piece attached to the frame (horn removed).  I think I may just try to manufacture the piece myself.  Is that bolt going to anything else on the other side of the frame?  I can't see enough to tell.  It was cold enough in the garage tonight that I broke a chinese 9/16" socket.   I had to go to my Kobalt set to back it off, but then I thought it's no emergency, I'll see what the pros have to say.

[R J]

Might want to take a look at the BigBF Quad rig....I have these on my Tourer and very happy with them.....


http://bigbf.com/bigbf_shop/bigbf_horns/index.htm

+1 on the Quad's, mine will wake up the dead if ya don't watch it.

Riding MGM one day and an LEO started to cut me off,  Laid on the Quads and he damn near run the guy on the other side of him.    I think he either stopped for coffee and donut, or to clean out his shorts.

[Tim H]

My son noticed my horn mount was broken today.  Funny it didn't seem to make any noise, rattling, or otherwise enough for me to see it.  Here's a photo of the broken piece attached to the frame (horn removed).  I think I may just try to manufacture the piece myself.  Is that bolt going to anything else on the other side of the frame?  I can't see enough to tell.  It was cold enough in the garage tonight that I broke a chinese 9/16" socket.   I had to go to my Kobalt set to back it off, but then I thought it's no emergency, I'll see what the pros have to say.

Nearly 4 months and I still haven't put this thing back on.  Is there anyone that has mounted the horn elsewhere without it getting in the way of a jack stand.  I'm looking for a mount I can make on the cheap, something simple.  I suppose I could get the OEM replacement part for $13+shipping, but it's just a little hunk of metal.

[hubcapsc]

Is there anyone that has mounted the horn elsewhere without it getting in the way of a jack stand

BigBf's horns are just four "normal" (where normal = really dang loud) horns that
hang on a little bracket he makes, up in that void behind the motor near the
swingarm pivot. They don't interfere with a jack adapter, or stand.

I've started using one of those "stays on the bike" jack adapters, I had to slot it to work with my
horn bracket. Some people get the "stays on the bike" adapters and mount their
horns (whatever kind) on the adapter...



-Mike

[Jess from VA]

My stebil is mounted to a small steel plate that is (long) radiator-hose-clamped (X2), upside down, around the swingarm, well away from the lift adapter.  The first horn was aimed forward and sucked up too much water and dirt and died; the second one was aimed rearward, and still died in about a year.  I only use my horn two or three times a year (and I live in heavy, heavy traffic area).  But I have to have a horn to pass inspection, so I think I will just go back to a meep-meep Valk horn (anyone got one?).   

[wild6]

I've had wolo's on mine (went through 2) and then a set of Two Brothers air horns.  All eventually clogged and died.

Now have BigBF quads and couldn't be happier.  Now sounds like what a Buick  used to sound like.

Sure, they're not much to look at (if you could find them), but that's not what they're there for.

[Tundra]

I've had my Rivco's mounted for 6 years. I've never had a problem, original compressor and hoses. Sounds good, plenty loud, looks great.
  I use mine every time I ride.  I honestly believe they are a necessity, getting to and from my riding zones requires navigating through heavy traffic and near death experiences. They have saved me from injury or accident on more than one occasion.

[Tundra]

My stebil is mounted to a small steel plate that is (long) radiator-hose-clamped (X2), upside down, around the swingarm, well away from the lift adapter.  The first horn was aimed forward and sucked up too much water and dirt and died; the second one was aimed rearward, and still died in about a year.  I only use my horn two or three times a year (and I live in heavy, heavy traffic area).  But I have to have a horn to pass inspection, so I think I will just go back to a meep-meep Valk horn (anyone got one?).   

Jess,
I will check my parts bin today. If I find it, It's got your name on it.

[Toolman Tom]

Yes - the Rivco air horn is much louder than the stock Mickey Mouse horn.  Mount it under your bike and put the compressor under your seat.  I've had one for about six years and have travelled in 43 states.  It's certainly saved my bacon more than once. 
Ride safe, smart and often...Tom in Atlanta

[FPG52]

Fellas,
I have related question.  I am planning to change my horn from the factory equipment on my '97 tourer.  I like the looks of the Rivco horn but have a question about mounting... I have BAKER WINGS on my bike and assume/believe they will be in the way of the horn itself? Any insight you guys can offer is appreciated!
Frank G.

[Chillerman]

From Wayne's tech tips in Shoptalk. The link is at the top of this page. Or you could go here http://www.herberts.org/wayne/valk/rivcobaker.htm

[Chiefy]

Fellas,
I have related question.  I am planning to change my horn from the factory equipment on my '97 tourer.  I like the looks of the Rivco horn but have a question about mounting... I have BAKER WINGS on my bike and assume/believe they will be in the way of the horn itself? Any insight you guys can offer is appreciated!
Frank G.

If you make sure your order the Rivco air-horn specific for the Valkyie, it comes with an extension for the bracket, specifically for Baker air wings.  Just put mine on a few months ago, and it was in the hardware bag.  The horn rides out in front of the airwings.

[MarkT]

OK, I'll put this up again, since no one who did the same as me after I put up my tech page on it, has posted with pics - tho several have installed this system, I've seen their bikes at InZane and online.

This horn is meant for semi trucks and fire trucks - in fact, a friend who is an EMT Lt. told me, their fire truck horns, are THIS horn.  It requires more effort to install, but also has more benefits.  Including the ability to fill tires, and provide air for air suspension, which I have. 

Tech page here:  http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Train-Horn/train-horn.html

This horn is INCREDIBLY LOUD.  Cannot be ignored.  I have startled quite a few airheads cutting me off.  Looks pretty good too, I think.  A bit more work and money to install, but it was worth it, to me.  It has never been unreliable or had problems, other than in the beginning, when I had to replace the original belt-driven compressor.  Since they went to the direct-drive compressor, no problems.



The air system that powers it has an air tank with 135 lbs of pressure waiting to be unleashed.  LOTS more energy than can be created on the fly.  That's how it can be so loud.