Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Can Bus Electrical system Can Bus Electrical system
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Jan 2014
pjw pjw is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Hertfordshire, UK
Posts: 20
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
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 31 Jan 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Victoria, Australia
Posts: 80
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.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 31 Jan 2014
pjw pjw is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Hertfordshire, UK
Posts: 20
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
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 31 Jan 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Victoria, Australia
Posts: 80
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.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Jan 2014
pjw pjw is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Hertfordshire, UK
Posts: 20
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
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Jan 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Victoria, Australia
Posts: 80
Peter, have sent you a PM
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
T-lock system : alternative to tube or mousse? Zimi Equipment Reviews 0 1 Sep 2013 19:28
Discovery 2 electrical problems, stuck in west Africa help! TheAfricaSchoolRun Light Overland Vehicle Tech 6 10 May 2013 21:03
No Jobs, No Responsibilities, No Better Time then Now bigalsmith101 Ride Tales 269 19 Jan 2013 15:34
Using Inverter with dual battery system Vleis Light Overland Vehicle Tech 20 27 Jun 2012 17:07
Exhaust system - Devil w00d Yamaha Tech 3 3 Apr 2012 11:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:02.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top