Multistrada 1200s -2013. Horn works intermittently - usually works ok when testing but not when required :-( It could be the switch as sometimes it takes a few pushes before it works. Question :- has anybody opened up this switch ( can be opened ? ) and is just a case of cleaning the contacts. Any other suggestions...
A quick squirt of WD40 into the switch gear should solve your problem but make sure you wipe away any excess. I do on the odd occasion use a contact cleaner but that's just me. Andy
Had exactly the same with mine. ‘Twas the switch. I just resorted to giving the finger and fist waving with extra loud expletives.
The switch comes apart easily. I had trouble with my multi-function switch in the same way. Use 'Contact Cleaner' and Q-tips to clean it all out. Surprising how much dirt was in there.
^ agree, I never thought of trying WD-40 though at 62 I will try anything, i usually find wiggling the terminals works for me, infrequent use is often the cause.
This is what I love about this forum - extra quick responses @Android853sp - I will use some contact cleaner but I would have thought that these switches are sealed to stop water getting in. Do you just spray it around the button or do you open it up? Let me know before I start annoying the neighbours.... @RickyX - use that as a last resort....
Switch gear is not sealed so aim at the gaps between the button and switch gear body. Had more issues with the girlfriends Diavel than my Multistrada though. Being ham fisted and having sausage fingers, disassembly of the switch is a last resort for me. Andy
On a serious note, don’t forget to look at the other end and wiggle the terminals on the horn if the switch exploration doesn’t help. As a last resort sometimes you need to find the tuning screw but if that is still glued up with yellow paint then don’t touch it as it means no one has had a play previously and is almost certainly already at its optimal setting.
Used contact cleaner. It sounds much healthier now but time will show - need my horn often when observing to wake up my associates . Thanks to all - and humor always welcome as well.
Fit a decent (loud) one. Something from a German vehicle should do nicely, they like a honking gruff sound, the Italians prefer a gentle and sweet peep sound. Now you know.
Our car oem one is pathetic (Kia Sportage). Sounds like a starving, dying orphan’s last gasp for help. The one on the KTM is better than that.
You speak for yourself Mr Bradders, sir. I personally have no problem at all with it, I just wish I could remember what I was supposed to do with it though
I was out yesterday and my horn horned (can I say that ? ) happily, louder and never once let me down - the associate ignored it but thats a different issue. Why are motorbike horns so puny - there is enough space for a decent horn. I must be a good reason and I am sure one of you knows...........
