Motorcycle Repair: honda shadow ace horn, honda shadow ace, honda shadow ace 750

Question
i have a 2003 honda shadow ace 750.it has a wimpy stock horn.i would like to replace it with 2 horns,probably old style chrome harley type.i understand that if i go to a two horn setup i need a relay.how do i hook up the relay and also what does a relay do?- thanx for your time-ken

Answer
Hi Kenneth, a relay allows for a device like a horn that is activated by a grounding switch(horn button).  The horn is grounded by being mounted to the frame, so without the relay your horn button would be usless and the horn would blare all the time regardless of whether you pushed the button or not. It also allows a device like a horn to recieve full power while allowing the switch for the device to run significantly smaller wiring (like the horn button wire is small to fit into the handle bar tube} and not burn up or melt off the insulation. So it protects the smaller device switch wire and provides a ground for ground activated devices like a horn. A relay kit should be available at local auto parts store with detailed instructions...remember to run only the recommended rated wire and fuse. thank you for asking

    sincerely
           Randy