Hidden antenna in fairing
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
RE: Hidden antenna in fairing
If you don't want the fullsize whip but like listening to the radio you might want to think about a compromise and get a short rubber antenna from Autozone. Mine was $5 and all you do to install it is unscrew the whip antenna and screw the new one on. I usually use the rubber antenna when riding 2 up because the whip hits my wife's helmet.
[IMG]local://upfiles/12883/65CDA9B696BD4B308170768861F520F8.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/12883/65CDA9B696BD4B308170768861F520F8.jpg[/IMG]
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 5
From: Biddeford, Maine
RE: Hidden antenna in fairing
Very easy and very cheap. I bought mine at AutoZone for $20......it's a powered unit and gives as good reception as the whip antennas or shorty antennas did, and then the install only took about 30 minutes.
Steve
Steve
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
RE: Hidden antenna in fairing
I bought a $10 one from west marine. Same one the boat makers use. Works very well and install is plug and play. I just zip tied it securly around the top of the faring. I can't imagine the more expensive ones work any better. Really cleans up the back of the bike too
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
RE: Hidden antenna in fairing
The choices seem to be unpowered (TuneTrapper or equivalents--the marine antenna was a new one for me) and powered (Dakota Digital and private labeled "lookalikes").
There is a wide range of opinions on the effectiveness of all of them. Your best bet is to ask for recommendations from guys that have them where you ride.
Powered antennas (what I have) are easy to install (double sided tape for the small antenna box and mounted on the top of the stereo headunit, plug antenna lead into back of radio, p/u power and ground--the cigarette lighter is what I used).
There is a wide range of opinions on the effectiveness of all of them. Your best bet is to ask for recommendations from guys that have them where you ride.
Powered antennas (what I have) are easy to install (double sided tape for the small antenna box and mounted on the top of the stereo headunit, plug antenna lead into back of radio, p/u power and ground--the cigarette lighter is what I used).
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Hidden antenna in fairing
I installed the Dakota Digital on my Classic. Took longer to R&R the outer fairing than it did to install the DD hidden antenna. Works good!
What to do with the treaded stud left behind after you remove the antenna? I can sell you a custom screw on aluminum stud cover for $20
What to do with the treaded stud left behind after you remove the antenna? I can sell you a custom screw on aluminum stud cover for $20
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 496
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Hidden antenna in fairing
ORIGINAL: avcaruso
This is where I got mine, simple install and works awesome, even weather band.
http://www.ecshylites.com/page/page/761353.htm
This is where I got mine, simple install and works awesome, even weather band.
http://www.ecshylites.com/page/page/761353.htm
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Hidden antenna in fairing
My wife has a Marine antenna, and I have Dakota Digital. Can't tell much difference between the two. I have also had a TuneTrapper. Couldn't tell much difference between any of them as far as reception goes. All are adaquate, but none are as good as the whip. I listen to XM most of the tiem anyway, so I will settle for a little less reception for the clean look.
Yes! All of them will recieve the weather channels, just not as good as the whip does.
Bill
Yes! All of them will recieve the weather channels, just not as good as the whip does.
Bill
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 1
From: St.Louis, MO.
RE: Hidden antenna in fairing
ORIGINAL: avcaruso
This is where I got mine, simple install and works awesome, even weather band.
http://www.ecshylites.com/page/page/761353.htm
This is where I got mine, simple install and works awesome, even weather band.
http://www.ecshylites.com/page/page/761353.htm
I use this one also.........works great and easy to install