Hidden fm antenna?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 984
From: Southern Virginia
I guess the best way to reply is they will always have weaker reception than a full length whip antenna. They are shorter in length and lower in position so they will not gather as much signal. If you live in or near a big city with lots of radio stations close by it may not be a big deal, but if you live in a rural area they are bad news.
YMMV.
YMMV.
Advanced
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
I placed my factory antenna under the seat. Theres videos on Youtube that show how its done. I tried a shory antenna in the factory location and the receprtion was awful. When I moved the antenna under the seat the reception was very close to the reception when the antenna was in the factory location.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
I was looking into one an the reviews are that good. I was even thinking of putting it on the outside of the fairing behind the windscreen an run the wires through the vent. I picked up a cheap 30" antenna from autozone for 10 bucks an took the 18" one that cam with the bike off an reception is much better, looks aren't.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 51
Likes: 6
From: Columbus, Ohio
I will share my experience.
2014 Street Glide Special.
Originally I followed the youtube video on how to move the factory antenna under the seat. Naturally this negatively impacted my reception but not within the city.
I opted to buy the hidden antenna from HD and installed it hoping it would fix my out of city reception issues. I would say the reception is almost exactly the same as the hidden antenna mod. I did not notice a significant difference.
2014 Street Glide Special.
Originally I followed the youtube video on how to move the factory antenna under the seat. Naturally this negatively impacted my reception but not within the city.
I opted to buy the hidden antenna from HD and installed it hoping it would fix my out of city reception issues. I would say the reception is almost exactly the same as the hidden antenna mod. I did not notice a significant difference.
I have tried the Biketronics in fairing powered antenna and it was mediocre at best.
Another thing to consider with the in fairing antenna along with some DC amps knocking out reception, I have also heard some LED headlights can also affect reception.
Another thing to consider with the in fairing antenna along with some DC amps knocking out reception, I have also heard some LED headlights can also affect reception.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 144
Likes: 31
From: Atlanta
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6,446
Likes: 873
From: TEXAS
Originally Posted by slimatsea
What in fairing amps seem to mess with a hidden antenna the least?
T
I believe the Stinger SPX 350 and the Stinger SPX 700 are known to be FM friendly.
I've gone to using Bluetooth from my phone for my radio signal. I gave up on trying to enhance radio reception a couple years ago.
I've gone to using Bluetooth from my phone for my radio signal. I gave up on trying to enhance radio reception a couple years ago.