Best $50 I have spent on my bike

[Betty]

I agree with both views to an extent.

I can't remember ever using my horn in anger either ... I have however used 'throttling-off' to alert inattentive drivers - quite effective. Thankfully it did work because there was neither time to reach for the horn or take evasive action.

[Nibor]

thinking bout a stebel truck horn, just cos i like the deeper note

http://www.stebel.it/stebel2009/products.asp?IDserie=17&uso=1&tipologia=camion

only issue is the size, it's a bit bigger than the compact nautilus, 140x100x112m vs 125x112x78mm. finding room to fit it on neatly might not be fun...

[Two dogs]

I use mine infrequently
not in anger or to say fu#k you but as a wake up call
I can get my thumb on it as fast as on the brakes and usually
cover both when coming to an intersection
or a situation that I don't like the look of.

Any tool that keeps you safe is useful .

[ungeheuer]

Any tool that keeps you safe is useful .

+1

[Spider]

have had it installed for a few months.....and find I'm so busy avoiding that only after I'm gone do I think.....the horn would have been effective too!

The one time I did use it.....he crapped himself....and then used his little 'south african 3 series' beeper on me, I frickin laughed!!!!

[suzyj]

The only times I've ever used the horn on my bike is to test that it works.  Because I use it so infrequently, I never think of it in situations where it might be useful.  Instead I'm busy with clutch/brake/throttle/gears, and avoiding the twit that's suddenly decided to cut me off or whatever.  I only remember I have a horn 50m down the road.

The thing bikes have to their massive advantage is the ability to fit in small spaces and maneuver quickly.

[melvin]

And one more thing: when you scare people which you seem to be prod off, they more often than not react unexpectedly which is another danger in itself

[ungeheuer]

And one more thing: when you scare people which you seem to be prod off, they more often than not react unexpectedly which is another danger in itself

Proud?  Scare people??  ...  My point - distilled down to its essence is this - if you're gonna sound your vehicle's horn, then it might as well be loud enough to get noticed. 

So.... as the OP said... my Stebel Nautilus is the best $50 I have spent on my bike  .  However, if you subscribe to the notion that defensive horn honking constitutes unnecessary aggression leading to further danger then obviously you'd spend your $50 elsewhere  .

[monsta]

I reckon that if you dont let a dickhead know he's a dickhead, he'll think its ok...

[Betty]

I reckon that if you dont let a dickhead know he's a dickhead, he'll think its ok...

I think this is the key. Despite their ego, general inattentiveness and, often, diminished mental capacity ... 'most' people will recognise that they are in the wrong if they almost run over a motorcyclist and it is 'pointed out' to them.

Unfortunately it is only likely to have a temporary effect on them ... but that may be all it takes to save you (or someone else).