Stebel Nautilus Compact Horn

Summary: We didn't get a chance to hear this horn, because it was inoperative out of the box when brand new.

Based on this and our experience with the other Stebel Nautilus we tried, we can only give this Nautilus a "Not Recommended".

Take what we said about the Stebel Nautilus "Max" and repeat it here. Both of the Nautilus horns we purchased came from different retailers in different countries, bought months apart.

This one never worked, and we've heard from other Stebel Nautilus owners who experienced similar problems. Apparently, the Nautilus can fail early, suddenly or unexpectedly after an indeterminate amount of time.

Reports have indicated that any water that enters the horn can also cause it to fail.

Like the Stebel Nautilus "Max", the Nautilus Compact horn is large and has a very irregular shape. This and the very awkward mounting bracket makes it very difficult to fit on a motorcycle. Owners would probably have to fashion a custom-made bracket of some sort to use this horn on a motorcycle.

It would be nearly impossible to mount anyway on the slim GT1000 and who knows how it would sound when the horn was pointed downwards, to keep out water, as the instructions indicate.

But the loudest motorcycle horn in the world is useless if it can't be trusted, and based on our experience with the Stebel Nautilus Compact horns, we'd rather take a few less dB but have something that's going to work when needed.

We recorded the sound made by the Nautilus Compact when it isn't working; see the sound file table in the horn comparison home page.

Stebel Nautilus Compact and Stebel Nautilus Compact Compact
Stebel Nautilus Compact "Max" (left); Stebel Nautilus Compact Compact (right).

The Stebel Nautilus by David G.
A relative of the big trumpet-style horns you see on freeway trucks, the Nautilus combines compressor, diaphragms and a pair of high/low molded trumpets in a single assembly.

Delivering a claimed 139 decibels, this sucker isn’t set to stun, it vaporizes. Originally designed for autos, the Nautilus’ one-piece feature is the main problem when it comes to installing one on a motorcycle.

At 4.5 inches ( cm) wide, 4.5 inches ( cm) tall and 3 inches ( cm) deep, there are not many places you can hide it. It also weighs 1-1/4 pounds. The package includes a relay and has a single, off-center pot metal bracket for installation – but this is rather like trying to hang a brick with a single screw.

Installation can be a major issue, partially because the shape is very complex and doesn’t lend itself to mounting alternatives. You can add a clamp to the bottom of the compressor to help secure it but that’s about all.

My suggestion to potential buyers is to cut a block of wood roughly matching the horn’s dimensions and shop for suitable locations. My suggestions to Stebel include; (1) make a variant with separate horn and compressor units and rubber tube fittings, (2) provide multiple, flexible mounting approaches and (3) replace the miniscule instruction sheet with a paper you won’t toss with the packaging and don’t need a microscope to read.

If you consider yourself a creative person who loves solving problems and wants the mother of all compact horns, this is the project for you. Cycles without radiators won’t have a problem finding a spot on the frame.

For liquid-cooled bikes, if it won’t mount under your fork pivot try:

Under the fork spreader but pay attention to wheel travel.
Hondas and other cruisers have big beefy passenger footrest mounting brackets. T his is actually an ‘old school’ location. Harley horns are routinely placed on the side behind the rider and most sport bikes have room on their sides aft for brackets.
I even considered installing the horn inside one saddlebag with a black grating to cover the opening (…but didn’t want to be made deaf by sitting in front of the horn’s business end)
Check out your headlight support bracket.
Engine guards are ideal but you’ll probably want to use a chrome model.

If you opt for a location where the Nautilus is pretty much dangling out in space, consider adding a tether cable so your horn stays with you if the bracket lets go.

Hint One: you can get woven stainless fishing leader by the foot from sporting goods stores. Hint Two: adding a small piece of aluminum or steel ‘L’ (a.k.a. angle iron) with a hole for the mounting bolt will prevent the horn bouncing off if the bolt loosens. Star washers and jam nuts are a good addition.

Conclusion
We can't recommend a horn that didn't work. We've read many reports from owners on problems with the Stebel Nautilus Compact, so until someone can convince us that the issues have been resolved, these get a "Not Recommended" rating.

Stebel Nautilus .MP3 Sound File: Stebel Nautilus Max After Failure (0:0:13) | More...

Product Review: Stebel Nautilus Compact Horn
Available From: Stebel S.p.a	Suggested Retail Price: £24
Colors: Black	Made in: Italy
Review Date: August 2008

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