2020 Stock Horn is an embarrassment on this bike!

General discussion of the BMW R1200RT/R1250RT
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Ninjawarrior
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Bike Model and Year: R1250 RT ,2020 BMW
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2020 Stock Horn is an embarrassment on this bike!

Post by Ninjawarrior »

Gents,

Looking to get a suitable very loud plug and play horn probably a single horn, to fit on my 2020 RT. My stock 2020 GT is outstanding! So I want to at least stay with a BMW part number to get the same volume this unit puts out.

Researching my other site forum member suggested part number 61 33 8 381 271 made by Clardon low tone and comes on BMW 525i car.

Found it listed on AutohasAZ.com site for $42.99.

Has anyone used this part number horn and been happy with it on their RT bike?

We need all the safety equipment we can muster for our bikes, bright lights, loud horns, top notch brake shoes and tires.....so why would BMW put a pip squeak bike horn on such a popular and expensive bike? If I was a motor officer I would never push my horn button as it is now with stock horn.

Suggestions or current horns used with satisfactory recommends greatly appreciated.

NW
"You cannot, not communicate."
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Steve398
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Re: 2020 Stock Horn is an embarrassment on this bike!

Post by Steve398 »

Generally it’s either Steibel or Denali, you’ll need to fit a relay to cope with the extra power draw, but at least you’ll be heard!

The high tone of the horn is (I’m told) to conform to German regulations that state motorcycle horns must be of a higher pitch than car horns.
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jesim1
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Re: 2020 Stock Horn is an embarrassment on this bike!

Post by jesim1 »

No idea of the part number, but my 2022 R1250RT has a great horn, more like a car, I'm sure you can simply spec one of those from the dealer or go aftermarket :cheers:
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Randyjaco
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Re: 2020 Stock Horn is an embarrassment on this bike!

Post by Randyjaco »

I put a Wolo in my 17RT. I sounded great, but the fender kept colliding with the horn and wiring. :o I found that I had to fabricate a special bracket to move the horn further to the rear. That allowed enough clearance, so it wouldn't get hit by the fender.
Last edited by Randyjaco on Wed Oct 16, 2024 10:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Capt Sisko
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Re: 2020 Stock Horn is an embarrassment on this bike!

Post by Capt Sisko »

I swapped mine to a Denali Mini Sound Bomb, and it's very loud. You do have to be careful with the fitting position if your still fitting it between the forks as the Denali horn is wider than the OEM unit, but it does clear the forks in both directions (just) if you get it right.
Last edited by Capt Sisko on Wed Oct 16, 2024 9:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Doctor T
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Re: 2020 Stock Horn is an embarrassment on this bike!

Post by Doctor T »

Mine has the standard high tone buzzer horn plus a Fiamm low tone snail type. These are fitted in the area of the standard horn fixings. No relay needed as the draw is below the 10A max. Very loud set up. If you want to stay with a German set up you can buy a BOSCH 0 986 AH0 501 Horn but this produces lest at 110 decibels and draws 8A on its own, The Fiamm at 130 decibels An draws 6A
I've used Fiamm horns since my Mini days in the 80s. Each one fitted to bikes or cars have been 100% reliable.
Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.
"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light". Groucho Marx
Pannier Down
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Re: 2020 Stock Horn is an embarrassment on this bike!

Post by Pannier Down »

I added the 5 series horn and although the tone was lower, it didn't really sound any louder to me.
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