Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: ljcorby on February 15, 2013, 08:07:19 AM

Title: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: ljcorby on February 15, 2013, 08:07:19 AM
All, I received my Banshee horn from the group buy, but with all the crazy weather here in the Northeast, I have yet to install it.  For those of you that have installed it, let us all know what the experience was like, how and where you installed it and how you like it.  If you have pictures of the install, please share them as well.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: PlaynInPeoria on February 15, 2013, 09:29:52 AM
I need a real by God horn also, the stock horn is not good. If it's easy, reasonably priced and louder, I am all about it.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: Son of Pappy on February 15, 2013, 05:45:19 PM
Use the time to avoid an accident instead of making noise just before the accident.  Loud horns save lives about as effectively as loud pipes.

Sorry, no insult intended.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: maxtog on February 16, 2013, 06:08:11 AM
Use the time to avoid an accident instead of making noise just before the accident.  Loud horns save lives about as effectively as loud pipes.

Sorry, no insult intended.

Generally that is true.  But there are many cases where a horn can be very effective at preventing an accident.  Especially with lane drift.  One should *NEVER* count on the horn as a primary avoidance tactic.... always be ready to move/brake/accelerate/whatever.

And if nothing else, it really is a wonderful feeling to BLAST THE S**T OUT OF THEM after they do something incredibly stupid.

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=286.msg25285 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=286.msg25285)  Stebel Nautilus horn
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: shreveportSS on February 17, 2013, 07:02:13 AM
Use the time to avoid an accident instead of making noise just before the accident.  Loud horns save lives about as effectively as loud pipes.

Sorry, no insult intended.
I use the horn to get their attention so they can see me flipping them off.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: maxtog on February 17, 2013, 07:38:14 AM
I use the horn to get their attention so they can see me flipping them off.

Exactly.  Gotta do something to get the drivers to hear over their cell phone or rap music...
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: Son of Pappy on February 17, 2013, 09:51:19 AM
So loud pipes do save lives? ;D

FWIW, 2 items of interest from me, I dont give em the finger, I wave and give them a weeks worth, second, I have retro reflective on the back of my helmet, it's shaped like a 3 fingered pitch fork with the middle fork longer than the other 2. 8) 8)
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 17, 2013, 09:54:57 AM
I don't believe you.  I need pictures of the helmet.  ;)
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: Son of Pappy on February 17, 2013, 10:40:27 AM
Dirt helmet isn't done, but the others are ;D
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 17, 2013, 10:47:04 AM
Excellent, I like it!
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: DGOLD on February 17, 2013, 11:40:17 AM
I bought the banshee set up when they first came out about a year ago. After getting the relay so that it would work properly it gave me less than a year of service. Now not only does the horn not work but the high beam flashing also stopped. Oh well. At least the OEM horn works flawlessly.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: maxtog on February 17, 2013, 01:35:15 PM
So loud pipes do save lives? ;D

No, they just annoy the crap out of everyone.  A horn is only used when necessary, and projects the sound in a direction NOT out the back of the bike.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: Son of Pappy on February 17, 2013, 01:59:46 PM
Max, all I wanted to point out is a horn will not save your life, riding skills and attention to surroundings will.  A horn is an afterthought meant to tell the bleeping idiot they almost hit you.  Of the few times I ever used the horn is was to get their attention AFTER avoiding them, I just wanted to say thanks in an international way.  I often just tap the back of my helmet.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: maxtog on February 17, 2013, 04:10:07 PM
Max, all I wanted to point out is a horn will not save your life, riding skills and attention to surroundings will.  A horn is an afterthought meant to tell the bleeping idiot they almost hit you.

I generally agree with you, but I have used the (real/nautilus) bike horn several times right at the initial phase of potential problem and it stopped it from happening.  Of course, there have been times it did nothing, too.  I don't depend on it being effective (since it often will not be) and plan such that it will not cause me to lose any reaction time needed for evasive maneuvering.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: Daytona_Mike on February 17, 2013, 04:32:14 PM
Use the time to avoid an accident instead of making noise just before the accident.  Loud horns save lives about as effectively as loud pipes.

Sorry, no insult intended.
WRONG!!!  VERY WRONG!!
I have air horns and they have saved my life more than once. Twice  at least with deer.  I do use and have the skills and in my case  my horns  skills and my riding skills work  together. Not using them together  would have been disaster.
Many times I have been in traffic and my thumb is always ready and  resting on the horn button  and has prevented many a person changing lanes into me.
Many many times I use my horn as a simple short tap to let others know I am passing or just to let them know I am there.
I also use my horns as a communication device to other riders to get their attention. I can think of  many more instances where loud horns can be used for safety purposes AND save lives.

I have loud pipes too but they just sound good is all.

Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: gPink on February 17, 2013, 05:46:51 PM
Has anyone considered using the flash to pass switch as a trigger for the new horn? The location and use of this switch seems more intuitive to me than the horn button.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: maxtog on February 17, 2013, 05:53:08 PM
I have loud pipes too but they just sound good is all.

Loud motorcycles (and cars) just sound annoying to me, not "good".  Quiet= refined, smooth, ergonomic, comfortable, modern, and considerate.  Loud= annoying, conceited, hostile, invasive, vain, unconfident, unsophisticated.

Of course, everyone has their own opinion.  But those who choose quiet don't inflict their choice on others.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: maxtog on February 17, 2013, 05:59:10 PM
Has anyone considered using the flash to pass switch as a trigger for the new horn? The location and use of this switch seems more intuitive to me than the horn button.

I suppose that is possible, but the horn position on a motorcycle is pretty standardized.  When I feel threatened, I usually have my right hand ready on the brake and my left thumb resting on the airhorn button.  The current location seems quite "normal" and adequate to me.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: Daytona_Mike on February 17, 2013, 07:16:48 PM
Loud motorcycles (and cars) just sound annoying to me, not "good".  Quiet= refined, smooth, ergonomic, comfortable, modern, and considerate.  Loud= annoying, conceited, hostile, invasive, vain, unconfident, unsophisticated.

Of course, everyone has their own opinion.  But those who choose quiet don't inflict their choice on others.
QUIET: yes, that Is what I meant
Quiet= refined, smooth, ergonomic, comfortable, modern, and considerate.
All my pipes  on my 3 Kawasaki's are just like you described 'refined, smooth, ergonomic, comfortable, modern, and considerate'
but when I crack that  throttle I want to hear it sound refined, smooth, ergonomic, comfortable, modern, and considerate AND loud all  the same time.
Full AreaP does just that perfectly.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: Daytona_Mike on February 17, 2013, 07:22:41 PM
I suppose that is possible, but the horn position on a motorcycle is pretty standardized.  When I feel threatened, I usually have my right hand ready on the brake and my left thumb resting on the airhorn button.  The current location seems quite "normal" and adequate to me.
Me too.  I agree. -brake and horn button for sure.
That passing  , headlight flicker button to me  is useless. I  have never used it. I forgot it was even there.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: maxtog on February 17, 2013, 08:50:47 PM
Me too.  I agree. -brake and horn button for sure.  That passing headlight flicker button to me is useless.  I  have never used it. I forgot it was even there.

I actually do use it when I intend to pass.  I usually flash three times before starting to pass.  Not sure anyone ever notices or if it does any good.  But what the hell.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: ljcorby on February 18, 2013, 06:20:12 AM
I think we need to stay on topic regarding how people installed. Thoughts?
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: Daytona_Mike on February 18, 2013, 10:46:11 AM
I dont think I am familiar with the Banshee. Is it similar to the Stebel Nautilus. I need some insight as to where to install mine please.
Title: Re: Banshee Plug and Play Horn install on C14
Post by: maxtog on February 18, 2013, 03:15:10 PM
I dont think I am familiar with the Banshee. Is it similar to the Stebel Nautilus. I need some insight as to where to install mine please.

Install your what?  Benshee or Stebel Nautilus?

Nautilus: http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=286.msg25285#msg25285 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=286.msg25285#msg25285)

Sorry, I have no info and don't think I have seen any either, on the Banshee