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Motorcycle horns are an important safety feature, just like the horn of a car. Some might say that the horn on a motorcycle is even more important as the riders aren’t as visible as cars.
If you’re looking to upgrade your horn to something with a little more oomph, you’ve come to the right place.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Motorcycle Horns
- OUR TOP PICK: FIAMM 72112 Freeway Blaster
- RUNNER-UP: HELLA 007728883 Chrome
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: SoundOriginal Universal Horn Kit
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Horns
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Motorcycle Horn 101
Let’s take a quick look at everything you need to know about motorcycle horns to make it easier to find the right one for you.
Do Motorcycles Have Horns?
Yes. In most places, a horn is considered a safety feature and is required by law to make a motorcycle road legal. That’s why it’s important to know what your options are. If your horn breaks, as they do over time, it needs to be replaced.
What is the Standard Volume of a Motorcycle Horn?
Most motorcycle horns are around 100 dB, which is roughly as loud as the engine. That said, there are motorcycle horns available that are as loud as 150 dB or more. Most of the products in this roundup sit between 100 and 130 dB.
Where is the Horn on a Motorcycle?
The horn button is usually located next to the left hand grip, but the horn itself is usually located by the radiator, depending on what type of bike you have. If you’re replacing your factory horn, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to get it into the exact same place so you may have to look for other options.
How a Motorcycle Horn Works
This is pretty straightforward. When you press the button with the horn on it, the horn goes off, powered by the motorcycle’s battery. The horn has wiring that consists of a positive wire that goes through the horn switch and a ground wire.
If your horn stops working, you may be able to troubleshoot it. But, in most cases, a replacement is necessary. This is usually a pretty straightforward process and should take less than an hour to complete.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Horns
If you’re looking to replace a broken motorcycle horn or want to upgrade to something that makes more on an impact, you’re in the right place. Here are some of the best motorcycle horns available.
Best Overall:
FIAMM 72112 Freeway Blaster
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people agreed that this horn was easy to install. Many people mentioned that the horn is also very loud, and a great upgrade from a factory horn. That said, there were some mentions that it didn’t last very long with people reporting it only worked for a few months.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We think this horn is well made. The two terminal designs and aluminum coil motor are reliable. Plus, the corrosion-resistant steel housing and ABS plastic projector provide protection from the elements.
The package comes with everything you need to install, including a universal mounting bracket, nut, female connectors, and a jumper wire. This is a great horn for a motorcycle, but you can install it into any vehicle.
It uses 12V and produces about 133 decibels, which is plenty loud for normal purposes. The company tests each horn before shipping to ensure maximum performance.
Bottom Line
This is a good choice if you’re looking for an affordable replacement for your motorcycle horn. It’s loud enough to get the job done and everything you need for installation is included. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be installed in just about any vehicle.
Runner-up:
HELLA 007728883 Chrome
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Redent buyers have good things to say about this horn. The sound is loud and impressive, and most people are very happy with the results. Some people mentioned having a difficult time with installation, although everything you need is included which does make things a little easier.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These trumpet horns look awesome and sound even better. The loud trumpet noise gets the attention you need on a bike. Now, when you honk your horn, everyone will see you coming.
This kit includes two horns, one high toned and one low. Each horn is housed in durable ABS plastic and uses a galvanized metal bracket that won’t rust or corrode. The tones are fully harmonious so they sound great.
The sporty design will look amazing on your bike, though it’s also great for ATVs and passenger cars. These horns can be installed vertically or horizontally, too, so you can make sure the fit is just right.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that this is a loud, good-looking horn that’s easy to install. It’s also loud and draws a lot of attention, which is just what you need when riding a motorcycle.
Best for the Money:
SoundOriginal Universal Horn Kit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Some people were surprised by how small this horn is. On one hand, it has a pretty high-pitched sound. On the other hand, its size was part of the reason it was so easy to install. It’s a great horn for the price and most people agreed that it worked better than anticipated.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For this price, you really can’t do much better. This horn is small, but it’s perfect for small bikes, golf carts, and ATVs. We love that it's waterproof, and the black metal is easy to hide against the body of most bikes.
The universal fit is ideal, and though the instructions aren’t too great, installation is pretty straightforward. Compared to its size, it’s loud and will draw attention when needed. This is a great replacement horn if you’re looking for something beyond the manufacturer’s horn.
Bottom Line
If you need a new horn for your motorcycle but don’t want to spend a lot of money, take a closer look at this horn from SoundOriginal. It’s small and compact, but don’t let that fool you. The sound is more than loud enough to draw attention on the road.
Loudest Motorcycle Horn:
Wolo 310-2T
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent users mention that installation is really straightforward. They also report that this horn is significantly louder than the factory-installed horns. That said, it wasn’t quite as loud as some people expected it to be. There were also some reports that it didn’t last very long, but it’s still a great buy at such an affordable price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
First of all, we like that you can choose between a high and low tone to get the sound you want. Both are extremely affordable and have all the same features. They connect to all one or two wire systems and fit all 12V vehicles built after 1955. So, it’s pretty universal.
This horn has a steel and plastic construction that’s durable and should last a while. Each kit comes with a heavy-duty mounting bracket, wire terminals, and all the hardware you need to install it. Instructions in English and Spanish are included.
Bottom Line
This is a great replacement horn that’s extremely affordable and easy to install. It’s louder than factory-installed horns, but may not be the best choice if you’re looking for something that’s extremely loud.
Best Air Horn for Motorcycle:
Stebel Nautilus Compact Air Horn
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent buyers, this horn is exceptionally loud. They also found it easy to install and a vast improvement to their original horns. Some users mentioned that the horn doesn’t last very long, and the sound quality may deteriorate over time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the most noticeable things about this horn is that it’s extremely compact. It’s one of the smallest direct drive horns available, which contributes to its ease of installation. The harmonized twin sound is loud and sure to get anyone’s attention.
We like the simple stealth black finish. Combined with the small sizes, it’s easy to mount this horn anywhere on your bike without drawing too much attention to what it looks like. If you don’t have a lot of space to mount a horn or are looking for something that’s a little less noticeable, this is the horn for you.
Bottom Line
This is an affordable horn that’s a big improvement from factory-installed horns. The small, compact size is easy to mount just about anywhere on your bike, and the black matte finish blends in so that the only thing people notice about this horn is its sound.
Best Train Horn for Motorcycle:
Carfka Air Train Horn Kit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers love the sound of this horn and the ease of installation. It’s loud and does indeed sound like a train horn. Other users reported that some pieces were missing that were needed for installation. It also seems to lose its effectiveness over time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The fact that this horn sounds like a train is easily the best thing about it. It’s a little gimmicky, sure, but it definitely draws attention when you need it. This horn is extremely loud and comes with everything you need to install it. You get the horn itself, an upgraded air compressor, copper coil hose, relay wiring kit, and more.
Another great thing about this horn is that the company is committed to customer satisfaction. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee as well as a one-year warranty. Some people mentioned that this horn didn’t last long, but any flaws should fall under the warranty.
Bottom Line
What more is there to say other than this horn sounds like a train horn? If you’re looking for a horn that will really get you noticed, this is the one. Installation is easy, and it’s exceptionally loud. Plus, there’s the 30-day money-back guarantee and the one-year warranty to cover you in case something isn’t working right.
Smallest Loudest Motorcycle Horn:
SPOTEST Universal Motorcycle Horn
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People are very pleased with this horn. Recent buyers report that it’s compact size is easy to mount, and the plug and play installation is quick. This horn was also much louder than some anticipated. There aren’t a lot of complaints about this one, other than some people found it was a little higher pitched than expected.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This horn is a big sound in a small package. It’s compact design is easy to mount and doesn’t draw attention to itself until you want it to. The universal design works with motorcycles and other 12V vehicles, and the sound is impressively loud. Plus, it’s made of durable metal that should stand up well to normal wear and tear.
Installation is pretty simple and has been described by some users as plug-and-play. Overall, there’s nothing bad to say about this horn. It was a little high pitched for some people, but it’s effective and gets the job done.
Bottom Line
This is a great little horn that might surprise you with its sound. Installation is really simple, and the compact shape is easy to mount just about anywhere. It’s also made well and should last a long time.
What Should I Look For When Buying a Motorcycle Horn?
Here are some of the key features to look for when buying a motorcycle horn:
Volume
It’s likely you’re upgrading your horn because the one that is the same in your bike is too quiet. Look for something that’s about 100 to 125 dB. Anything louder than that could damage your ears.
Sound
Motorcycle horns have different tones. Some sound like trumpets while others sound like train horns. Decide what sound you’re looking for or at least figure out if there’s a sound you don’t want. For example, some people might love a train horn. Others may find it a bit much.
Size and Weight
You’re going to be mounting this horn to your bike, so you don’t want it to be too heavy. That said, it shouldn’t be too light, either. It has to be stable enough so that it doesn’t blow away as you increase your speed.
As for size, remember that a motorcycle is much smaller than a car or truck so you don’t need something huge. There’s only so much room to work with, so find a horn that’s as compact as possible.
Motorcycle Horn Troubleshooting
Some common problems come up with motorcycle horns. Here are some of the most common troubleshooting approaches:
How to Make an Air Horn Deeper
There’s really no quick fix to make an air horn deeper. Your best bet is to look for a horn that has the deep sound you’re looking for and buy a new one. Honestly, most horns are extremely affordable, and it isn’t hard to find what you’re looking for.
How to Make an Air Horn Louder
Again, there’s not much you can do to make an air horn louder, especially as most tend to lose some of their effectiveness over time.
What Causes a Weak Horn Sound on Motorcycles?
Sometimes, it’s just a matter of the horn getting old. Resistance in the wire may be occurring or the horn may just be nearing the end of its life. There’s not a lot you can do to fix an old horn, which is why we recommend getting a replacement.
What Does it Mean if Motorcycle Fuse Blows When Horn is Pressed?
There are a few reasons this might happen. The most common, though, is that it was not installed properly. The horn has to be on its own dedicated circuit, so it’s possible something went wrong during installation.
How to Find a Short in a Motorcycle Horn
If the horn continues to blow a fuse, you may have a short in the wire. The main fuse may be defective or you may need to replace some of the wirings.
SoundOriginal Universal Horn Kit
How to Install a Motorcycle Horn
If you’re not sure how to go about installing your own motorcycle horn, here’s a quick guide to get you started. For a thorough overview, take a look at the video below.
- Remove the old horn. How you do this varies from one bike to the next, but generally you need a ratchet. The horn is usually mounted with a 12mm bolt.
- Note the positioning of the wires, ie which color is on the right and which is on the left.
- Remove the wires from the old horn.
- Take the new horn and place the wires on the correct side, the way they came off of the old horn.
- Bolt the new bracket in place.
Note that, depending on the color of the horn you get, you may want to paint it so it doesn’t stick out so much. In this case, use tape to cover all of the connectors and paint the rest of the horn before installing. Or, get a horn that is the color you’re looking for when you order it to avoid this step.
Piaa Slimline Motorcycle Horn vs Fiamm Freeway Blasters - Comparison Overview
If you’re not sure about which horn suits you best, you’ve probably done a lot of research and come across a lot of different options. Let’s take a look at two popular horns to see how they’re alike and how they differ.
Piaa Slimline Motorcycle Horn
The Piaa Slimline Motorcycle Horn is a super lightweight horn that puts out about 115 dB. It’s plug and play design is easy to install, and it’s compact and ideal for motorcycles that don’t have a lot of space. This horn is known for its loud, clear sound, and it has a trumpet-like tone that gets noticed. It’s a great choice to replace a factory horn, but it’s not one of the loudest ones out there.
Fiamm Freeway Blasters
This horn from Fiamm has an aluminum coil motor, corrosion-resistant steel housing, and an ABS plastic protector that shields it from the elements. It’s easy to install and comes with everything you need, including a mounting bracket and jumper wire. The biggest difference between this and the Piaa Slimline is in their volume. While the Slimline puts out 115 dB, this one puts out 133 Db, which is significantly louder.
Conclusion
Now that you know a little more about motorcycle horns and how essential they are, we hope you’re able to use this information to find the one that’s right for you. We included some great products for you to check out, too.
People Also Ask
We know it’s not always easy deciding on new gear and accessories for your bike. If you still have some questions about motorcycle horns, we’re here to help. Here are some of the questions people ask the most when shopping for a motorcycle horn.
How Many dB is a Motorcycle Horn?
Typically, motorcycle horns are between around 90 and 120 dB. You will see some that reach as high as 150 dB, but 120 dB is a safe level for your ears. That said, plenty of people look for horns that are closer to 130 or 140 dB. Just be sure you’re using proper ear protection and you should be fine.
Do I Need a Horn on My Motorcycle?
Yes. A motorcycle horn is considered an essential safety device, and your motorcycle has to have one to be considered road legal. They will check for it during your safety inspection and your bike will not pass without one.
How Loud is a Stock Harley Horn?
It generally depends on the year and model, but they are usually around 90 or 100 dB. This is roughly on par with most stock motorcycle horns and a part of the reason why people want to upgrade to something louder.
What is the Loudest Motorcycle Horn in the World?
While we can’t be certain it holds any world records, one of the loudest horns we know of is the Marco Tornado. It has a dB rating of 151, which is the equivalent of a jet take-off. As you can see, this might not be too great for your ears.
What is the Loudest Legal Car Horn?
The MPC Trumpet Train Air Horn Kit is rated at around 150 dB, which is legal and still quieter than the loudest motorcycle horn. For comparison, most car horns sit at around 100 to 115 dB so you can see there’s quite a difference.
Does a Motorcycle Horn Need a Relay?
Yes. You need a relay to protect the horn switch and the wiring from the power the horn draws from the battery.
What Sound Does a Motorcycle Horn Make?
There are a lot of options when it comes to horn sounds. Some sound like trumpets, some like train horns. Others have a more recognizable “beep beep” sound that most people are used to hearing.
How to Test a Motorcycle Horn
Testing a motorcycle horn is easy. Just press the horn button. If it works, you don’t have a problem. If it doesn’t, it’s time to start troubleshooting or plan to replace the horn.
Are You Allowed to Put a Car Horn on a Motorcycle?
Yes, some of these replacement horns that we reviewed are rated for a 12V vehicle. That includes cars, trucks, golf carts, ATVs, and motorcycles. Keep in mind that a car horn will be a little louder on a motorcycle than on a car since it’s not contained in a hood.
Can a Standard Motorcycle Horn Run Off AC or DC Power?
Most can work either way, but they don’t always sound the same. For example, some horns that are made for DC power will sound garbled and not as loud if run on AC. To avoid this, look for a two-stroke horn.
Are Air Horns Legal on a Motorcycle?
Yes, they are. Be sure that they’re not so loud that they could be considered a noise nuisance, though. And be courteous of your neighbors, don’t drive up and down the street honking them unnecessarily.
Other Motorcycle Buyer Guides
Below are some other guides related to motorcycles:
