Stebel air horn

[novijoe]

Hello everyone,

I'm thinking about upgrading with the new model Stebel air horn so I can be heard! Hoping to hear some feedback from people that have had, or are using one now. Gotta get ready for spring and this mod is way overdue. Anyone?

Joe

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2137/

[rb]

They are very loud. Not always the best looking, or the easiest to mount, but worth the effort. Use the relay supplied with the horn and it will work great.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

It is well worth the price. Although our stock horn is louder than many bikes, the Stebel really makes a difference when you want to be heard

[dandolfn]

I mounted mine on the side of the radiator.

[jandreu]

Below is a shot of mine. I used the stock mount bracket but turned it 180 degrees so the horn sits closer to the engine. Instructions say not to mount at an angle but I've had no problems. Be sure to use a relay with 14 gage wire directly to the battery and fused. I actualy used 18 gage wire but that's a little small for the 18 amps the horn pulls however it's not a steady pull and I've had no issues. 14 gage would be safer. Wire the horn button to activate the relay. I bought the cheap one that is part plastic chrome and part metal finish. The compressor will snap off the plastic part and I painted it flat black to blend in better.
Best mod you can do for safety.

[ballast]

Originally Posted by James "Bubba" Andreu

Below is a shot of mine. I used the stock mount bracket but turned it 180 degrees so the horn sits closer to the engine. Instructions say not to mount at an angle but I've had no problems. Be sure to use a relay with 14 gage wire directly to the battery and fused. I actualy used 18 gage wire but that's a little small for the 18 amps the horn pulls however it's not a steady pull and I've had no issues. 14 gage would be safer. Wire the horn button to activate the relay. I bought the cheap one that is part plastic chrome and part metal finish. The compressor will snap off the plastic part and I painted it flat black to blend in better.
Best mod you can do for safety.

How did you get it to snap off. I gave up because I thought I was going to break it.

[jandreu]

To take it apart, if I remember correctly, the plastic "wings" that wrap around the metal compressor have a small protursion that fits an indent on the compressor. Flex both sides of the wings slightly and pull straight up on the compressor. The compressor will slide up out of the wings.

[ballast]

Originally Posted by James "Bubba" Andreu

To take it apart, if I remember correctly, the plastic "wings" that wrap around the metal compressor have a small protursion that fits an indent on the compressor. Flex both sides of the wings slightly and pull straight up on the compressor. The compressor will slide up out of the wings.

I will take a look. Thanks.

[bobhamlin]

Originally Posted by dandolfn

I mounted mine on the side of the radiator.

Ditto

[desertdog]

That was one of the first mods I did to my Nomad after I bought it. Definitely helps to be heard, just don't test it in the garage with the door closed.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by James "Bubba" Andreu

Below is a shot of mine. I used the stock mount bracket but turned it 180 degrees so the horn sits closer to the engine. Instructions say not to mount at an angle but I've had no problems. Be sure to use a relay with 14 gage wire directly to the battery and fused. I actualy used 18 gage wire but that's a little small for the 18 amps the horn pulls however it's not a steady pull and I've had no issues. 14 gage would be safer. Wire the horn button to activate the relay. I bought the cheap one that is part plastic chrome and part metal finish. The compressor will snap off the plastic part and I painted it flat black to blend in better.
Best mod you can do for safety.

If you read the instructions, it says to mount it at or near vertical. Something to do with the bearings in the motor. I'm curious to see if it really makes a difference.

[audiogooroo]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

If you read the instructions, it says to mount it at or near vertical. Something to do with the bearings in the motor. I'm curious to see if it really makes a difference.

I separated the horns from the compressor and mounted the compressor completely horizontal (against the advice of the manufacturer). That was 7 years ago and it is still performing flawlessly. I suppose it would be an issue for a compressor in a different application that was intended to run for hours on end due to lubrication issues, but let's face it, a blast or two on the stebel on occasion really isn't going to place too much demand on it.

[jandreu]

I figured the vertical mounting requirement was to keep water from getting to the inside of the horns. I know one time after washing the bike, went for a ride and hit the horn in traffic. A big spray of water came out and scared the heck out of me. I thought I had blown a water hose or something.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by James "Bubba" Andreu

I figured the vertical mounting requirement was to keep water from getting to the inside of the horns. I know one time after washing the bike, went for a ride and hit the horn in traffic. A big spray of water came out and scared the heck out of me. I thought I had blown a water hose or something.

Haha

[steammarc]

This is my installation arrangement. I used a diagram taken off this site to wire up the stebel and stock in parallel. Works great, and there is enough air flow to the rad to maintain adequate cooling.