Something broken just when you need it

**p.dath** · 25th September 2010, 09:48

I was riding along yesterday on a two lane road (two lanes in each direction). One lane was moving faster than the other. I was in the faster lane. And the car next to me decided to start moving out. I was in their blind spot. I knew it and was conscious of it. I knew I wasn't going to be there long as my lane was moving faster.

I rarely use my horn. I tend to shrug things off. If I find myself placed at risk I try to take the view that I failed to anticipate that risk, and it is my fault. No point getting upset. A calm rider is likely to act more rationally.

Anway, in this case I thought a little toot to the horn just to make the driver of the car aware of my presence would help. Pushed the button, nothing. Pushed it again. Nothing. Started to wonder if it was in fact working and I couldn't hear it. Doubt it.

Oh well. Quickly moved myself and the bike up a lot closer to the vehicle in front to advert any risk to myself.

I got a warrant a couple of months ago, and I tested the horn myself before the warrant to make sure it work.

Don't you just hate it when you want to use something, and find it broken?

**schrodingers cat** · 25th September 2010, 09:52

Horn broken - watch for finger...

**Ryster** · 25th September 2010, 09:53

Indicators suck when they dont work half way through your ride, feels like every corner your gonnah get smashed into the side by a car :S

**MSTRS:Me** · 25th September 2010, 09:55

Originally Posted by p.dath

... a little toot to the horn just to make the driver of the car aware of my presence would help. Pushed the button, nothing. Pushed it again. Nothing. Started to wonder if it was in fact working and I couldn't hear it. Doubt it.

Don't you just hate that revelatory moment when you realise you've been pressing the starter?

**Berries** · 25th September 2010, 10:07

In over 20 years of riding I have only ever used my horn when leaving the house and waving to the kids. Wind noise, radio noise, whatever the reason, most bike horns are pathetic and I wouldn't expect a car driver to hear it. Like you said, you knew you were passing through the blind spot and experience has taught you to expect this kind of thing.

Get one of those clown/kiddie ones with a bulb on the end of it, I'd like to see if they fail a WOF for that.

**onearmedbandit** · 25th September 2010, 10:08

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Don't you just hate that revelatory moment when you realise you've been pressing the starter?

Hahahahahaha.

**p.dath** · 25th September 2010, 10:09

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Don't you just hate that revelatory moment when you realise you've been pressing the starter?

That would be funny! But alas, no, no in this case. About to clear some space in the garage. Fuses are good. Relay powering horn is good. So I'll have to take the side fairing off and see if power is making it to the actual horn. Hopefully just a loose connection.

**Jonno.** · 25th September 2010, 10:14

Originally Posted by Berries

In over 20 years of riding I have only ever used my horn when leaving the house and waving to the kids. Wind noise, radio noise, whatever the reason, most bike horns are pathetic and I wouldn't expect a car driver to hear it. Like you said, you knew you were passing through the blind spot and experience has taught you to expect this kind of thing.

Two words:

Stebel

**MSTRS:Me** · 25th September 2010, 10:14

Ordinary vibrating plate type? Check for something caught up in it.
TIP: loosing off the screw in the centre, just a little, can make them louder.

**onearmedbandit** · 25th September 2010, 10:14

Chuck 12v across the horn.

**MSTRS:Me** · 25th September 2010, 10:16

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

Hahahahahaha.

What? Everyone's done that. Haven't they?

**onearmedbandit** · 25th September 2010, 10:19

Originally Posted by MSTRS

What? Everyone's done that. Haven't they?

Don't worry, even if they haven't, everyone has done something equally stupid, like going around a left hander only to find your sidestand is still down, or thumbing the starter for 10mins (no, not continually) wondering why the damn bike won't start only to find the kill switch off. Ah my um, the, list goes on.

**Maha** · 25th September 2010, 10:28

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

Don't worry, even if they haven't, everyone has done something equally stupid, like going around a left hander only to find your sidestand is still down, or thumbing the starter for 10mins (no, not continually) wondering why the damn bike won't start only to find the kill switch off. Ah my um, the, list goes on.

Damn bike wont start damn bike wont start what the bloody hell why wont the damn bike start well it starts but when I put in gear the damn bike stops! why does it do that what the bloody hell?....then I hear the words '' kick the sidestand up love''....

**p.dath** · 25th September 2010, 10:36

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Ordinary vibrating plate type? Check for something caught up in it.
TIP: loosing off the screw in the centre, just a little, can make them louder.

This bike has an air horn and compressor.

**hellokitty** · 25th September 2010, 10:38

Originally Posted by Maha

Damn bike wont start damn bike wont start what the bloody hell why wont the damn bike start well it starts but when I put in gear the damn bike stops! why does it do that what the bloody hell?....then I hear the words '' kick the sidestand up love''....

been there done that..... hahaha