Horns & Horn Covers
About Horns & Horn Covers
A horn is the one warning signal that still works when a driver cannot see you, and on many motorcycles the factory unit is small and easy to miss. Riders look here to replace a horn that has gone weak or silent, to get a louder or deeper tone, or to move or restyle the horn on a bike where it sits in the way.
The main choice is electric or air. An electric horn is a compact unit wired to the bike's electrical system and is the usual replacement. An air horn setup is louder and usually needs more room for the horns and a way to supply air, so read the kit contents before you buy. Next, decide between a model-specific horn and a universal one. A model-specific horn or relocation kit bolts to the original mounting points, while a universal horn needs a place to mount and its own wiring. Many listings give a decibel rating, which is the maker's figure, so treat it as a comparison and not a promise. A louder horn can draw more current than the stock one, so check the instructions for a wiring kit or a relay.
Brands in this category include Covingtons, HardDrive, Drag Specialties, SLYFOX and Custom Dynamics. For the wiring side, see Relays and Fuses & Fuse Boxes, both inside Electrical & Ignition Components. For a horn made for your exact bike, pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page.
FAQs on motorcycle horns
Why has my motorcycle horn stopped working?
Start with the simple causes: a blown fuse, a loose or corroded connector, or a poor ground. If power reaches the horn and it stays silent, the horn itself has failed. A weak or buzzing sound often means the horn is worn or the voltage reaching it is low.
Do I need a relay when I install a louder horn?
Sometimes. A louder horn can draw more current than the stock one, and that current can overload the original horn switch and wiring. If the horn's instructions include or call for a relay, use one, and keep the circuit on a correctly rated fuse.
What is the difference between an electric horn and an air horn on a motorcycle?
An electric horn makes its sound with an electromagnet and a vibrating diaphragm, and it is compact and simple to wire. An air horn uses moving air through a trumpet, which can sound louder but takes more space and more parts to install.
Can I use a universal horn on any motorcycle?
A universal horn can work on many bikes if it matches the system voltage, but you have to find a mounting spot and wire it yourself. A horn listed for your model usually bolts to the original bracket and uses the original plug.
How do I match a horn to my bike's electrical system?
Check the voltage. Most modern motorcycles run on 12 volts, but some older bikes use 6, and a horn made for one should not be run on the other. Your owner's manual or the product listing will state the voltage.
