DIY CB Install
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,032
From: Carlsbad, CA
DIY CB Install
For those like me that have need for a CB, but HD figured we dont need one...have you installed it yourself on a Rushmore and beyond Touring bike? I checked with my dealer, and they want about $1,100 parts and labor for the addition.
From the information if have, for my 17 Ultra Limited, Id need the following:
CB Module 76000486A $334. ( $273 at Surdyke)
Right Handlebar Cluster $171 ($139 at Surdyke)
Antenna Kit $100 ($82 at Surdyke)
Then you need the dealer to flash the radio.
Total parts cost $605 MSRP ($494 at Surdyke)
Plus cost of flash.
so, for you mechanical capable DIYers, has anyone done the install?
- where there any surprises?
- did you have to remove the tank to run the CB cable?
- did you have to have an SWR adjustment?
Was it worth DIY to save $400 in dealer labor?
From the information if have, for my 17 Ultra Limited, Id need the following:
CB Module 76000486A $334. ( $273 at Surdyke)
Right Handlebar Cluster $171 ($139 at Surdyke)
Antenna Kit $100 ($82 at Surdyke)
Then you need the dealer to flash the radio.
Total parts cost $605 MSRP ($494 at Surdyke)
Plus cost of flash.
so, for you mechanical capable DIYers, has anyone done the install?
- where there any surprises?
- did you have to remove the tank to run the CB cable?
- did you have to have an SWR adjustment?
Was it worth DIY to save $400 in dealer labor?
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 707
Likes: 470
From: IA
On my '18 FLHTK, I just plugged in the module, attached the antenna lead, screwed on the antenna mast, and it worked. I had the lighted control switch kit added by dealer at delivery, so I can't comment on the button. I did NOT have to have the radio flashed. It recognized it on its own.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 1,155
From: Oklahoma
I did mine myself, no dealer flash required. The coax is already there, probably coiled up under the seat, tucked down behind the battery. Look for it coming out of the wire trough from under the tank, to wherever they coiled it up and tucked it in some place. There will be two that look similar, the other is your FM antenna wire. The other end will be in the fairing someplace. I switched out both switch-packs to the lit ones, but not necessary.
I initially used a good brand hidden antenna in my fairing... it sucked, yelling would be more effective than the transmit/receive range was. So I added the stud to the tour-pack and bought a standard factory antenna, its range is about 1 1/2 miles, which works for me.
I also added the "relocate kit" for the antenna that puts an antenna mount at the base of the slots between the rear fender and saddlebags. That way when the tour-pack is off (95% of the time) I can screw the antenna on there instead, I just have to switch wires under the seat... which I would be doing while disconnecting the tour-packs wires as I take it off.
Now mine is a '16 RGU, but I think all you need is:
1) The "CB Module"... or as I think HD calls it, the bike to bike communication unit. One end of the coax should already be under your fairing (fittings already installed). (if you got a service manual, it may tell you where, I'll check if i get time)
2) The "mounting stud". It is for the antenna to mount to on the back of the tour-pack, because the rest of tour-pack stuff is already there. Under the little cap on the outside back of the tour-pack is where the mounting stud goes, for the antenna to screw on. The coax wire is in the tour-pack already, you just might have to unbolt the pan (ground plane) in the bottom of the tour-pack, to find the short run of coax tucked up under there. One end is already wired so all you have to add is the little mounting stud and screw on the antenna. The other end will just need to be fed out through grommet, were all the other wires run out of the tour pack. It will plug into the coax thats already tucked under you seat some place.
3) An "Antenna"... Your choice on that, I just use a factory length standard HD antenna.
4) The "Right Switch Pack"... so you have the "push to talk" button.
I initially used a good brand hidden antenna in my fairing... it sucked, yelling would be more effective than the transmit/receive range was. So I added the stud to the tour-pack and bought a standard factory antenna, its range is about 1 1/2 miles, which works for me.
I also added the "relocate kit" for the antenna that puts an antenna mount at the base of the slots between the rear fender and saddlebags. That way when the tour-pack is off (95% of the time) I can screw the antenna on there instead, I just have to switch wires under the seat... which I would be doing while disconnecting the tour-packs wires as I take it off.
Now mine is a '16 RGU, but I think all you need is:
1) The "CB Module"... or as I think HD calls it, the bike to bike communication unit. One end of the coax should already be under your fairing (fittings already installed). (if you got a service manual, it may tell you where, I'll check if i get time)
2) The "mounting stud". It is for the antenna to mount to on the back of the tour-pack, because the rest of tour-pack stuff is already there. Under the little cap on the outside back of the tour-pack is where the mounting stud goes, for the antenna to screw on. The coax wire is in the tour-pack already, you just might have to unbolt the pan (ground plane) in the bottom of the tour-pack, to find the short run of coax tucked up under there. One end is already wired so all you have to add is the little mounting stud and screw on the antenna. The other end will just need to be fed out through grommet, were all the other wires run out of the tour pack. It will plug into the coax thats already tucked under you seat some place.
3) An "Antenna"... Your choice on that, I just use a factory length standard HD antenna.
4) The "Right Switch Pack"... so you have the "push to talk" button.
Last edited by Ssitruc; Oct 10, 2018 at 01:56 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 707
Likes: 470
From: IA
I forgot about the stud. I think it was metric, too. Just something to keep in mind. Less than $2 at the hardware store.
On my Limited, I didn't have to mess with the antenna coax at all. the radio end was tied up near the radio inside the fairing, and the other end was routed and wired to the antenna base in the tour-pak.
On my Limited, I didn't have to mess with the antenna coax at all. the radio end was tied up near the radio inside the fairing, and the other end was routed and wired to the antenna base in the tour-pak.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 1,155
From: Oklahoma
Its been a while, and I've slept a few times since I did this, but I think:
The stud was just $2.00 at the local dealer.
Stock antenna was like $30.00, I think??? at the same dealer.
I'd already changed out switch packs (due to my stupidity, I broke the left one) so $225.00 for a lit set (on-line)
Then the CB module was like $299.00 I think (on-line).
So, say $335.00 plus the cost of a switch pack, roughly.
It was a simple day project, for a day when it was raining.
Mine did not require to be "flashed".
I did not do the SRW testing and adjusting (I'm probably going to hell for this, I know)
Keep your expectations in check, because its not the kinda of thing where you're gonna be talking to people over in the next county. Mine works great for at least a mile or so, depending on terrain... and thats great for my needs.
The stud was just $2.00 at the local dealer.
Stock antenna was like $30.00, I think??? at the same dealer.
I'd already changed out switch packs (due to my stupidity, I broke the left one) so $225.00 for a lit set (on-line)
Then the CB module was like $299.00 I think (on-line).
So, say $335.00 plus the cost of a switch pack, roughly.
It was a simple day project, for a day when it was raining.
Mine did not require to be "flashed".
I did not do the SRW testing and adjusting (I'm probably going to hell for this, I know)
Keep your expectations in check, because its not the kinda of thing where you're gonna be talking to people over in the next county. Mine works great for at least a mile or so, depending on terrain... and thats great for my needs.
Last edited by Ssitruc; Oct 10, 2018 at 02:08 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,721
Likes: 372
From: Tonopah Az
I have the shorty antennas and think they actually work better but that's just me, they damn sure look better.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,730
Likes: 9,236
From: Snow Hill, NC
Buddy of mine DIYd it and works perfectly and no dealer flash required...I havent noticed any difference in performance after installing short antenna and they look way better.
Last edited by Notgrownup; Oct 11, 2018 at 06:23 AM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
For those like me that have need for a CB, but HD figured we dont need one...have you installed it yourself on a Rushmore and beyond Touring bike? I checked with my dealer, and they want about $1,100 parts and labor for the addition.
From the information if have, for my 17 Ultra Limited, Id need the following:
CB Module 76000486A $334. ( $273 at Surdyke)
Right Handlebar Cluster $171 ($139 at Surdyke)
Antenna Kit $100 ($82 at Surdyke)
Then you need the dealer to flash the radio.
Total parts cost $605 MSRP ($494 at Surdyke)
Plus cost of flash.
so, for you mechanical capable DIYers, has anyone done the install?
- where there any surprises?
- did you have to remove the tank to run the CB cable?
- did you have to have an SWR adjustment?
Was it worth DIY to save $400 in dealer labor?
From the information if have, for my 17 Ultra Limited, Id need the following:
CB Module 76000486A $334. ( $273 at Surdyke)
Right Handlebar Cluster $171 ($139 at Surdyke)
Antenna Kit $100 ($82 at Surdyke)
Then you need the dealer to flash the radio.
Total parts cost $605 MSRP ($494 at Surdyke)
Plus cost of flash.
so, for you mechanical capable DIYers, has anyone done the install?
- where there any surprises?
- did you have to remove the tank to run the CB cable?
- did you have to have an SWR adjustment?
Was it worth DIY to save $400 in dealer labor?
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 56
Likes: 2
From:
I have a 2017 CVO Street Glide and I installed the CB module. I didn't have to add the cluster as the bike had the handlebar control. I use a hidden antenna in the fairing so no need to run a cable to the back. Install was pretty easy and everything works. I probably would not have installed it if my only choice was to use the dealer. They simply charge way too much. They did have to flash it though and my dealer flashes for free.