Random thoughts on the reluctance to use the horn

[esullivan]

I almost never touch mine, except accidentally. (Honda has put the horn above the indicator on the NC700, leading to a few accidental toots lately.) The few times that I considered using my horn, it was already too late -- I was too busy with avoidance (swerving, braking, accelerating) to use it. Also, on the dual carriageway, especially in the winter with everyone's windows rolled up, no one's going to hear it except me.

This morning on the A40 some dickhead in a motorbike pulls up behind me and starts beeping away several times. Traffic was moving fine -- we were moving about 40-45mph -- but I eventually figured out that he wanted to pass me, even though I was in the middle lane and there was an open lane to our right. Whatever. I move over to the left of my lane and he passes me. But then he starts doing the same to the car in front, and the car after that, and the bike further on down the road. Basically, he (guessing it was a he) was using his horn as a passing indicator. I suppose you can't miss him, so it's probably safer, although he probably risks road rage where ever he goes...

So, somewhere between what I do ("Horn, what horn?") and what Mr. Dickhead does (horn connected to throttle) is probably the correct balance. Any tips on increasing my usage? Do people cover the horn when approaching junctions or other dodgy bits?
____________________
Current: '14 VFR800X Test passed 31/10/12.
Previous: '12 NC700S, '11 CBF 125, '04 SH 125.

[Ja7]

I would only use my horn, if I needed to make someone aware I was there, if they hadn't seen me, but in my case I've got a load exhaust, that usually does the job

[Tungtvann]

These day people seem to use their horns in anger rather than for what the intended use is supposed to be. In cars a least. But on a bike, as mentioned above, a little throttle blip can do the job just as well when you need to be seen, I.e. pedestrians stepping out onto the road without looking, people reversing off drives etc.

[Alpha-9]

I use my horn when someones changing lane into me or in general when I need to alert someone of my presence

Rarely used in anger unless someones sat at green lights day dreaming, they need a little honk to bring them back to reality
____________________
Fzr-600 1999

[Tungtvann]

[J.M.]

I've never used my horn purposefully on my bike. It's such a pansy thing that if it was to be used, everyone would simply look and laugh at me. I doubt a car driver could hear it over any sort of radio they have on.

Needs upgrading.
____________________
2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[yaigi]

I've not used my horn once, and pretty much for the same reason as you, I'm too busy avoiding the possible accident and cursing them under my helmet. I reckon my voice is probably louder than my horn anyway haha!

I think the British generally are VERY reserved with their horn usage. When I've driven in other countries, especially Italy, they seem to use it all the time. At one point in Italy we were sat in traffic, going nowhere, everyone was beeping everyone, so my mate leaned over and just started beeping the horn for the fun of it. Was quite fun!
____________________
What would you do in life, if you knew you could not fail?
Currently own - Fazer 600, 2000, Red. (But no riding as baby on board atm)

[jimmyd]

Commuting in London, I use my horn to make cars stop doing stupid shit like if I'm in a bus lane and some fool turns left across my lane and into a turning without looking, which seems to happen every. single. bloody. day.

[Eddie Hitler]

I use my horn when I'm fucked off with other drivers. If you need to use it for any other reason (avoiding a crash for example) it's probably too late anyway.

I remember I rode my fzr (both 600 and 1000), and didn't realise the horn wasn't working on either until I came to sell. Do'h.

[Alpha-9]

Yeah +1 to stock horns being shit, especially on my YBR

When I changed to a motobatt it seemed to have a lot more punch though

Can barely hear it over high revs and wind noise though, crappy
____________________
Fzr-600 1999

[stinkwheel]

[Alpha-9]

[J.M.]

[Alpha-9]

I remember going to Tunisia for a holiday, jesus the way those people drive, the tour bus about crashed going over pot holes and I was thrown into the seat in front of me smacking my head, any amount of traffic at all and they honk constantly, they find it hilarious too

They honk so much that they're immune to honking, that it makes no difference, the fact we don't do it much is a good thing, it means people pay attention when you do

Also again in ref to https://www.gov.uk/general-rules-all-drivers-riders-103-to-158/multilane-carriageways-133-to-143

[DonDino]

I've not used my horn that often in car or on bike... but I've started using it more based on my bike instructor's advice. Basically, 'warning other road users of your presence' can also mean:

a) warning pedestrians about to cross the road that you are coming and they should stay put until you've passed
b) warning potential cars/bikes coming through blind junctions that you are approaching the same junction

After a recent ABS activation in the car, where an idiot just blasted through a give-way sign, I tend to sound the horn on approach to blind junctions where the other traffic has to give way, as a warning that I am coming through.

I think I read somewhere that you can also use your horn as a short and sweet indication that you want to overtake as well. Not sure if it was Roadcraft or somewhere else. Similar thing to flashing lights. Or maybe I'm wrong.

And of course blast the horn every time some idiot even so much as barely looks like he/she is about to come dangerously my way

[stinkwheel]

[dannymassive]

I know what you mean OP, I rarely use my horn too. I've used it on a few "brown pants" moments, but have been a bit slack using it to generally warn other road users of my presence.

I think that I should up my anti too and use it more frequently - just not as frequently as the guy you have encountered!
____________________
Previous Ride's - '01 Aprilia SR125 (Sold) '08 HONDA CBF600n (Sold) '96 CB500 (Sold) '01 FZS 1000 (Sold) '06 CB1300SA (Sold) '07 CB600F Hornet (Sold) - '93 Suzuki Savage LS400 (Sold) '98 Honda VTR1000 Firestorm (Sold) '05 CB600F Hornet (Sold) '01 FZS1000 Fazer (Sold) 2016 Harley Davidson Street Bob SE (Sold) '02 Kawasaki ZX9R (Sold) '98 CB600F Hornet (Sold) '04 Suzuki Bandit 1200s (Sold) '13 Yamaha FZ1-N

[Alpha-9]

[goto10]

I usually try to double beep if I'm alerting someone to my presence (in a non-critical situation or when herding cattl...pedestrians out of the road) - it sounds less aggressive.
A few days ago I was filtering behind another biker for a bit, he was quite poor at filtering and I wanted to get on, so after half a mile of painful filtering I did a quick double beep - this was like igniting his rage fuse
I got past him (not that he particularly wanted me to) and soon left him behind, but it just goes to show that people take offence to being beeped at!
____________________
'12 NC700S & '12 CB600F Hornet [Stolen by some dickless twat] Suzuki GT500 shed

[esullivan]

[jimmyd]

I love that the eBay ad at the bottom of this thread has seen what we're talking about and recommended.... massive air horns

[Alpha-9]

[Rogerborg]

[Islander]

[esullivan]