Thinking of putting the XM radio module (P/N 76404-06) onto my 2009 Ultra. Any feedback from those of you that have it would be appreciated. Don't want to spend $600 if I don't have to (Module, bracket and wiring harness.). I have XM in my cager and do like it better than AM/FM stuff.
Thanks in advance....and Ride Safe!

 

I have the "in fairing" module. Yes, it is pricey. Way too much for an XM Module. So you have to ask yourself how much value you place on not having to hang a unit on your bars. How much is the seamless integration with your audio system worth to you? You retain full functionality of all your handlebar switches which makes for easier (less distracting) channel surfing while riding. No worries about theft. You need to evaluate those aspects of the module and decide for yourself if they are worth the extra price for you, your riding habits and your XM usage. For me the answer was yes.
On my previous bike I had the bar mounted Road Tech XM system. It worked well and was easy to use, waterproof, etc. I just don't like having stuff on the bars. Either way, XM is a great addition to the bike.

 

I am with jlelliot. I just installed this on my Street Glide. Last year had the portable Sirius unit attached to the fairing. It worked ok but didn't like the looks of it hanging around. I sucked it up and bought the XM module. It was a little pricey but it is not seen, works great, and like he said allows you to use your controls to run it. To me it was worth it and I'm glad I did it. Easy install too, I did it myself in less than an hour.

 

My solution was to put the XM module on my Garmin Zumo 550. Cheaper and works great.

 

I transferred my unit from my 08 Ultra Classic to my 2010 Ultra Limited. It works off the standard radio handlebar controls and is a clean installation. The system itself works fine, no problems. I would do it again if I had to.

 

I agree, adding XM to your Garmin is a great solution if you don't mind needing to have the GPS on the bike in order to have your XM. The Garmin interface to control XM is easy to use while moving and works well. Personally, I want XM every time I am on the bike but only want the GPS on the bike when I travel. Otherwise I have to worry about taking it off the bike and securing it each time I park.
Your solution has an added benifit. You have the option of moving your GPS/XM back and forth from your bike to your car. I had to buy another subscription to XM and another receiver for the car.
To paraphrase an old saying, "Convenience costs money. How much do you want to spend?"

 

Well yes and no. If you put the lock on it no worries about quick walk always but I always ride with the GPS on the bike so it's a non-issue for me. It also allows me to have my cell phone on at all times.

 

Have it and love it for over 2 years now. Bought the handle bar mount and didnt like the clutter, especially after adding GPS and laser detector and Ipod too. What really made me change my mind was if you read the instructions that comes with the handlebar mounted receiver, it says if the screen is exposed to too much sun the colors will fade over time.
So if the possibility of that happening were true, then at some point you will be buying another one. That justified the expense of the HD module. Do it right the first time, plus you still get to use the oem controls. Ive never looked back.

 

I just installed my XM module, Overlay Harness with antenna and bracket on my '09 Ultra Classic. I also like it a lot better than I do having to search for FM stations while traveling. While the out fairing was off, I did go ahead and install a hidden in-fairing FM antenna that receives a lot better than the stock antenna. I did that mainly because I am in the process of doing a detachable tour-pak setup and doing away with the stock antennas.

 

I don't think it's technically possible for the colors to fade on an LCD screen. The Sun may damage the screen over time, but fade, I'm highly skeptical. Pixels drop out, back lighting fails but technically I don't think fading is an option. Colors may appear washed out or hard to see in the Sun on some models, sure.