hidden antenna - loss of reception?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,921
Likes: 199
From: Skunk Hollow, TX
I didn't either . . . . . . Then I installed it. The real problem showed up after I turned on the radio. 
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 528
Likes: 14
From: pittsburgh
So here's my install. I ran the antenna down and then around the left hand side of the fairing.
I made sure it was connected securely and that I hadn't done anything too stupid.
It runs along the edge. I loosened the speaker housing to get it tucked in cleanly.
At the top, it runs under the air vent and ends..
Anything I did wrong? Maybe I got a bum antenna.
I made sure it was connected securely and that I hadn't done anything too stupid.
It runs along the edge. I loosened the speaker housing to get it tucked in cleanly.
At the top, it runs under the air vent and ends..
Anything I did wrong? Maybe I got a bum antenna.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,414
Likes: 374
From: Southern NY, known as Florida
I installed mine the same way except in the first picture, I did not tuck it behind the other wires and under the radio as you did. I ran it out side the other wires. And in the last picture I think I ran over the vent
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
I ran mine OVER the vent. Also the J&M directions say to keep it as close as possible to the edge of the fairing. Mine isn't tucked in as deep as yours.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 528
Likes: 14
From: pittsburgh
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
Isn't that one powered? Read somewhere that passive is better. Just installed the J&M one yesterday, very easy install. Can't believe how easy the outer fairing is to remove.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
Yes the HD is powered. The J&M is passive.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 244
Likes: 8
From: N. Tonawanda, NY
I had my bike in for service yesterday and I told the sales manager that the hidden antenna they installed on my bike was useless. It gets terrible reception. He hinted that there is no problem with the later bikes being built with the newest radio software. So I asked if he could flash mine to fix it, but he said there isn't one available yet. I'm hoping he wasn't just saying that to appease me, but he hinted there will be an update eventually to fix the poor reception problems. I run mine off my phone or flash drive because the antenna is that bad.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 528
Likes: 14
From: pittsburgh
I pulled the antenna so it's as close to the outer fairing as possible. It's marginally better but still not as good as stock. Could it be the hilly terrain that makes one antenna better than another?