2011 Vaquero 1700 Air Horn

Lunatic · 11-13-2012, 07:55 AM

So, this weekend I installed one of those WOLO air horns from Discount Auto on the Vaquero.

Honestly, it was pretty easy to install. I hooked it up with the supplied relay. I wasn't sure if it was safe to use accessory power or not (Or where exactly I might find accessory power on the front of the bike), so I just ran a wire for power direct to the battery (with a fuse, of course).

I installed it using the same bracket the OEM horn used. The thing that took me the longest was bending that bracket around until it was in just the right position and I was happy with it. If anyone else does this, save yourself a trip to the store and pick up some of those star shaped lock washers. The weight of the horn on the bracket was causing a problem with the bracket slipping.

After hearing how loud the horn was, I've got to admit I laughed my way through the rest of the installation.

I'd be curious about alternate mounting positions folks have used, specifically on the Vaquero.

Old Bear · 11-13-2012, 08:37 AM

I mounted mine on the stock post with an L bracket. I really think that is a perfect location. It's out of the way, not obviously visible, but exactly where it needs to be for effect.

Lunatic · 11-13-2012, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Bear

I mounted mine on the stock post with an L bracket. I really think that is a perfect location. It's out of the way, not obviously visible, but exactly where it needs to be for effect.

Yeah, I wasn't real happy with bending the hell out of the OEM bracket like I did. Was kind of worried about metal fatigue, but it seems sturdy enough.

It survived the High Speed Highway Ride To Work Test this morning, so I guess I did something right.

matt7even · 11-15-2012, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lunatic

So, this weekend I installed one of those WOLO air horns from Discount Auto on the Vaquero.

Honestly, it was pretty easy to install. I hooked it up with the supplied relay. I wasn't sure if it was safe to use accessory power or not (Or where exactly I might find accessory power on the front of the bike), so I just ran a wire for power direct to the battery (with a fuse, of course).

I installed it using the same bracket the OEM horn used. The thing that took me the longest was bending that bracket around until it was in just the right position and I was happy with it. If anyone else does this, save yourself a trip to the store and pick up some of those star shaped lock washers. The weight of the horn on the bracket was causing a problem with the bracket slipping.

After hearing how loud the horn was, I've got to admit I laughed my way through the rest of the installation.

I'd be curious about alternate mounting positions folks have used, specifically on the Vaquero.

I installed mine in the same location and had the same troubles with the bracket slipping off the bike and finding the horn hanging off the frame by the wires! Fixed it by bending a large washer and putting a heavy duty zip tie around the bracket. The only issue I ran into later is that the rear of the front fender had some noticeable scratches on it from coming in contact with the horn when hitting large bumps or sudden stops! Since then I have padded the horn with cut pieces of mouse pad to prevent any further damage to the paint.

Lunatic · 11-15-2012, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt7even

I installed mine in the same location and had the same troubles with the bracket slipping off the bike and finding the horn hanging off the frame by the wires! Fixed it by bending a large washer and putting a heavy duty zip tie around the bracket. The only issue I ran into later is that the rear of the front fender had some noticeable scratches on it from coming in contact with the horn when hitting large bumps or sudden stops! Since then I have padded the horn with cut pieces of mouse pad to prevent any further damage to the paint.

I tightened the hell out of that bracket. So far between that and those little star-shaped lock washers it hasn't moved - but I keep checking.

Glad you mentioned the fender. Scratches like that drive me bats. I'll make sure there isn't enough bounce in things to cause damage.

Mouse Pad...LOL!

matt7even · 11-15-2012, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lunatic

I tightened the hell out of that bracket. So far between that and those little star-shaped lock washers it hasn't moved - but I keep checking.

Glad you mentioned the fender. Scratches like that drive me bats. I'll make sure there isn't enough bounce in things to cause damage.

Mouse Pad...LOL!

I may have to look into those star washers. The large bent one I am using works but barely. The large zip tie is probably actually doing most of the work to keep that darn horn in place.

Yea luckily I got the front fender replaced after an accident so it looks good as new now. =)

Lunatic · 11-16-2012, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt7even

I may have to look into those star washers. The large bent one I am using works but barely. The large zip tie is probably actually doing most of the work to keep that darn horn in place.

Yea luckily I got the front fender replaced after an accident so it looks good as new now. =)

Thought I'd upload a picture of the mess I made. There's actually quite a bit of clearance. The picture may make it look like the horn is touching the radiator, but it's not.

matt7even · 11-19-2012, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lunatic

Thought I'd upload a picture of the mess I made. There's actually quite a bit of clearance. The picture may make it look like the horn is touching the radiator, but it's not.

Thanks for uploading the pic. I see now what you did with bending the flange which is a good idea. The downward angle should give you some additional clearance. My Wolo finally broke lose this weekend when I hit a bump while in a right right turn. The fender hit the horn so hard that it busted out of it's seating but luckly I was able pull over before the wires possibly gave way. Was going to try to mount it on the left/ front engine mount beside the shifter but I may give your method a shot first.

Lunatic · 11-19-2012, 10:59 AM

Yeah, I tried to search for an alternate mounting place but really out in front there seems to be the easiest. Glad the picture helped.

Old Bear · 11-19-2012, 01:59 PM

I my puny brain can remember and I can get good lighting, I'll get some pictures of mine with the L bracket. The legs of the bracket are only about an inch long, and that allowed me to tuck both the horn and the relay up real nice and tight. I did use Locktite to prevent vibrations from loosening the bolt. The big plus was no bending!