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Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 31 Jan 2014
pjw pjw is offline
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Can Bus Electrical system
Dear All,

Please excuse me if I have put this thread in the wrong place ! I am not to good at this yet !

I am trying to get to grips with something which I am sure has been addressed on many occasions before now.

I want to replace the horn on my R1200 GS LC. It is very feable. On one of my other bikes, namely a 2009 Goldwing, I have a magnificent horn. The Goldwing horn is original Honda equipment ( not modified in anyway), but consists of two seperate units providing, what I believe, is two seperate tones.

I would love to put the Goldwing horn system onto the BMW. Mounting the units is not a problem. My concern is about the dreaded Can Bus !!!

Some people suggest that it is impossible to replace the existing horn unless I use a compatible horn designed for Can Bus, and others make reference to replacing their horn with anything that was available during their travels, when the original failed.

Please would someone be kind enough to advise me on this. Needless to say, I have not tried a new horn and don't intend to until I know the answers.

By the way, most BMW mechanics swerve the question !

Thanks in anticipation of your help.

Peter
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  #2  
Old 31 Jan 2014
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G'day peter,

Changing the horn isn't that hard on the 1200gs, but the canbus system doesn't like the full load from the new horns. So run the wires that go from the original horn connector through a relay then take the power for the new horns from the battery and put a fuse in the line.

The new horn of choice for many (and me) is the Stebel Nautilus compact, which is a twin air horn and gives an ear splitting 139db. If you google it there are plenty of sites that will guide you through the instillation.

Good luck and if you are still stuck PM me and I'll try to put together a PDF

Chris.
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Old 31 Jan 2014
pjw pjw is offline
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Chris

Thanks for such a comprehensive reply.

It has been suggested to me before that the air horn may be an option,but that the is a small delay between hitting the button and the horn sounding.

Maybe you could clarify that if you don't mind.

And are you suggesting that my Electric Goldwing horns are not to be used?

Sorry to drive you mad

Peter
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  #4  
Old 31 Jan 2014
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Hi Peter,

In my experience any delay in the compressor winding up is minuscule. Most of us don't use the horn for it's intended (warning) purpose anyway and it's generally an after the fact form of frustration venting, which these are very good for!!

I'm sure your Goldwing horns would work just as well, but they will need the relay to keep the canbus system happy. All the canbus does is use a small current to "switch' a larger one.

Chris.
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Old 31 Jan 2014
pjw pjw is offline
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Chris

Brilliant. Thank you.

Any chance I can take you up on your kind offer of a pdf, please.

You seem to be the first person I have spoken to who has any idea what they are talking about.

Thanks again

Peter
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  #6  
Old 31 Jan 2014
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Peter, have sent you a PM
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