XM Radio kit problems
I have the 3 month trial subscription which includes all channels along with what Harley calls Specialty Services (weather, traffic, radar and fuel prices).
My satellite service was working great for a couple weeks but last weekend while on a ride and again today while the bike was in the garage with the radio on, even with 3 bars showing on the signal strength meter, the audio on XM would slowly fade out to a crackling sound and silence. While on the ride, I turned the radio off for a minute and then it worked fine the rest of the ride. Today, even though I turned the radio off, it took at least 5 minutes before the XM started playing again.
Anyone else experience this? I pulled the batwing off to check the antenna connection but everything looked fine. Maybe a bad XM module? If so, this should be fun trying to explain this to the dealer when its so intermittent.
My satellite service was working great for a couple weeks but last weekend while on a ride and again today while the bike was in the garage with the radio on, even with 3 bars showing on the signal strength meter, the audio on XM would slowly fade out to a crackling sound and silence. While on the ride, I turned the radio off for a minute and then it worked fine the rest of the ride. Today, even though I turned the radio off, it took at least 5 minutes before the XM started playing again.
Anyone else experience this? I pulled the batwing off to check the antenna connection but everything looked fine. Maybe a bad XM module? If so, this should be fun trying to explain this to the dealer when its so intermittent.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 200
From: usa
I was in my suv driving in the panhandle of Texas around that time last week and it was out for several minutes at several different times. Strange as I have never lost an xm signal unless im in a tunnel so it may have been some type of astro science thing.
Italy! Enjoy!
Italy! Enjoy!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 164
From: Northern California
Remember; its Satellite radio. Their can be times that you are in the wrong spot for the satellites. On the other hand, it could be aliens messing with us?
I have had the same issue with my car, that is why I think it has to do with satellites.
I have had the same issue with my car, that is why I think it has to do with satellites.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 570
Likes: 6
From: Left Ohio for the middle of no where in Fla.
I've had XM since they started broadcasting. I only use one "radio" at home, at work, in the cage and on the Glide, so I'm not real sure about the HD "XM Module".
As far as reception of their signals FYI,
XM broadcasts from Geostationary satellites, they sit in one place over the equator, unless something has changed, Sirius using satelllites that circle the Earth, twice a day. And IIRC both (I know XM does) also use ground base repeater stations.
When at work I get the satellite signal, and on the bike and cage I get both depending on my location. Around tall buildings I get the ground based 90% of the time.
When I got a new receiver a few months ago (it was free, why not?), I set-up to have it activated and an hour later nothing, I called, asked for a refresh and had it in about 2 minutes. YMMV
Well wear your foil hat like the rest of us! 
And at least we don't have to use these antennas
And a Wille G autographed poster from the XM 60's on 6 studio.
As far as reception of their signals FYI,
XM broadcasts from Geostationary satellites, they sit in one place over the equator, unless something has changed, Sirius using satelllites that circle the Earth, twice a day. And IIRC both (I know XM does) also use ground base repeater stations.
When at work I get the satellite signal, and on the bike and cage I get both depending on my location. Around tall buildings I get the ground based 90% of the time.
When I got a new receiver a few months ago (it was free, why not?), I set-up to have it activated and an hour later nothing, I called, asked for a refresh and had it in about 2 minutes. YMMV
And at least we don't have to use these antennas
And a Wille G autographed poster from the XM 60's on 6 studio.
Last edited by 01XLH; May 15, 2014 at 03:01 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 157
Yeah. Mine started acting up last week on my way to work. The station I was listening to got staticky & totally faded out. I thought it might just be one station, but none of the other programmed stations worked. I was in the "city" (if Troy, NY can be considered one!) surrounded by 3 story buildings & thought that could also be a cause, but it hadn't happened in that spot before. I tuned to FM & no issues. About a mile later I re-tried the Sirius & it was STILL out. After work I fired it up & switched over to Sirius & all went well until last night. I was out on a country road with no really tall trees & it crackled & faded out again. Rode about 2 miles & it was back. Worked fine this AM. I will call the dealer tomorrow to schedule an appointment to have it diagnosed next week. Taking the GF to Italy for 10 days, & I'll let the techs play with it...
Stage IV
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Thanks,
Michael
Last edited by iBleedOrange; Jul 11, 2014 at 04:16 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Land, Tx
Nope, lost them just this morning. The dealer tells me Harley told them the issue will be addressed in the next update. Whenever that happens, I've been waiting months. I haven't had time to fight about it anymore recently.
Stage IV
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Thanks Tony, I've had it happen a couple times but I thought it was something I was causing...
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 6
From: Central Florida
I had XM installed by my dealer before delivery. I rode home and tried several times without success to activate the service. Made three calls to XM -ugh. I rode back to the dealer and, like magic, it completed activation just as I rolled into the parking lot. Yes, activation can be described as anything but smooth. Bigger problem for me is horrible reception - keep seeing "Signal Lost." I feel it is a poor antenna design plus it sits in a difficult location for decent reception. The money for the module plus labor is spent - no getting that back now. I probably will not pay for service beyond the three free months. I'm having better luck with Bluetooth streaming from my phone for commercial-free music...
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 570
Likes: 6
From: Left Ohio for the middle of no where in Fla.
I had XM installed by my dealer before delivery. I rode home and tried several times without success to activate the service. Made three calls to XM -ugh. I rode back to the dealer and, like magic, it completed activation just as I rolled into the parking lot. Yes, activation can be described as anything but smooth. Bigger problem for me is horrible reception - keep seeing "Signal Lost." I feel it is a poor antenna design plus it sits in a difficult location for decent reception. The money for the module plus labor is spent - no getting that back now. I probably will not pay for service beyond the three free months. I'm having better luck with Bluetooth streaming from my phone for commercial-free music...
The antenna design has been very good for a number of years already. Based on where it's supposed to be mounted under the fairing, that could be a problem depending on where and what direction you're headed.
Also, cities across the country have terrestrial repeaters and it's surprising how often you may get it from a local repeater rather than the XM Satellites. The radio decides which signal is better and switches as needed.
While you have a clear view of the South/Southwest and still lose signal, I would suggest making sure the antenna connection on the XM unit is good and the cable itself is in good shape. The cable to/from the antenna provides DC power to the antenna as well as the received signal to the XM unit.
Good Luck