do horns go bad?

[SAIDFRH1]

The horn on a 2008 FZ1 can barely be heard. Do horns go bad?

 

[BrokeMofo]

They do actually go bad. Kinda sounds pathetic and raspy?

May also be low voltage to it.

 

[SAIDFRH1]

Sound barely can be heard--eeks out. The battery, starter were replaced within a year.

 

[BrokeMofo]

I would venture the horn has gone bad. Old fashioned testing methods would suggest disconnect it and wire direct to a good 12v source to test function.
But ultimately, yes a horn can go bad.

 

[jwarden]

The above is a good test to confirm that it is the horn and not bad switch contacts or other wiring problems. Most likely it is the horn but it's an easy test to put 12V straight to the horn.

 

[cannedSardina]

Sound barely can be heard--eeks out. The battery, starter were replaced within a year.

The OE horn on my 09’ went bad last yr. Do yourself a favor and get a louder/cheaper aftermarket.

 

[CobaltFZ1]

Beep! Beep!

A louder aftermarket horn would probably be a good idea.

 

[Blue Flash]

The horns on both of my FZ1s were terrible on day one. You could hear them in the garage, but that was about it. I replaced both of them with a car horn. If it is a dead horn, a car horn will be better. If it's not and you find/correct the issue, then a car horn will still be better.

I think I used one of the Fiamm Freeway Blaster horns. They are cheap, and a lot better than the OEM. I think $20 can get one on Amazon. They aren't the loudest in the world, but a huge difference over stock. Installation might mean bending the mounting bracket a round a bit to ensure clearance, but i found the sweet spot on the Gen 1 and Gen 2 bikes.

 

[cannedSardina]

Beep! Beep!

A louder aftermarket horn would probably be a good idea.

At freeway speeds with ear plugs in I couldn’t even hear my horn at all. Lol.