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I use the CB all the time when traveling with my buddy Tim...
We are able to point out the sights to one another..helps a lot
when you need to stop..pick a place for lunch
The list is endless. It puts a whole different dimension on
riding with friends.
I'm with you, Rustell. I don't want it for conversation, but if somebody has to take a leak, or let's get something to eat, or stop for whatever reason, it's nice to holler at each other once in awhile if something comes up, and keep everybody together.
If you are trying to break into the truckers on channel 19 you can forget it. Your bike CB is way under powered and the truckers are pushing 100 watts minimun. Also if you do get thru, on ch 19, and you don't talk the talk the truckers are going to ignore you. If you are trying to talk to another bike close by on a remote channel, lets say ch 7, and they can't hear you then you deff. have a problem.
Last edited by Tailgunner1; Feb 14, 2012 at 08:44 AM.
If you are trying to break into the truckers on channel 19 you can forget it. Your bike CB is way under powered and the truckers are pushing 100 watts minimun. Also if you do get thru, on ch 19, and you don't talk the talk the truckers are going to ignore you. If you are trying to talk to another bike close by on a remote channel, lets say ch 7, and they can't hear you then you deff. have a problem.
Not all of truckers are running the high power equipment. In fact few are running it. The stock cb has only something like a 3or 4 watt transmit power. Most drivers have left it stock simply because a lot of guys don't use it like we used to. As far as being able to talk to a unit that is juiced up, that is totally possible. The 100 watt units will recieve anything being transmitted on the channel they monitor. The power is used when transmitting. If you are right on top of one that has his bi-linear on at the time you will recieved a distorted signal of sorts. May be a whistle or
whine, but you will know that they are on the bi-linear when transmitting.The cb is becoming less popular amongst drivers simply because of the many other means available to the travelers. Getting back to the OP's question; make certain the dash unit has had the CB function turned on. You will see the display on the screen of the radio when properly accessed. Once you're into the program you can accesss volume control, channel selection, squelch and any other commands neccessary to the use of the cb. There will also be an icon displayed on the radio display. I thought there is a way to use a hand-held microphone while listening thru your speakers. There is a hand-held mic in the 2012 accessory catolog, pg 214, part #76312-98 at $99.95. This gives you an alternative to wearing a headset inside your helmet. I found the instructions in the owners manual to very easy to follow when sitting right with the bike and following the instructions verbatim. I also have traveled with others who run cb's when traveling in a group. It's nice to be able to communicate rather than rely upon hand signals or having to race to the front of the group to get another riders attention.
i have talked to a few guys on bikes when i'm driving my big truck. most of them see my PA plates and ask where i'm from in PA. CB's on a bike are pretty cool if you are into CB's. i'd say your best bet to get the most out of it is to take it to a good CB shop and let them check the SWR and power settings. i'd say expect about a $25 bill for that check. if you would like to transmit a bit further there are linear amps available but they are not legal to use unless you have a ham operators license which are very difficult to earn, and often require a very good charging system as they needs tons of power to operate. my lights on the dash flicker when i key up .
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