My Antenna Comparison...
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Blountstown, FL
My Antenna Comparison...
I was trying to find a good antenna for my 08 Street Glide so I decided to compare some of the antennas that I have.I had the Tune Trapper in my fairing but it didn't work to my satisfaction.I live at least 40 miles form any radio station so reception is very important for me.I don't know how accurate or technical this test was but it's the only way that I could come up with to see what works best.I installed each antenna and then hit my Search button on my radio to see how many FM stations each antenna would lock on to.Here's what I came up with:
H-D stock antenna(32 3/4") picked up 24 stations.
21" metal antenna picked up 18 stations (I purchased this antenna from my local H-D dealership.I cant' remember who makes it but it's not H-D.)
H-D shorty AM/FM antenna(18 3/4" part #76388-08) picked up 10 stations.
14" Rubber antenna picked up 4 stations
http://s270.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=Antennas.jpg
In the photo above,the antennas are(from left to right) H-D stock(32 3/4"),21" metal,H-D Shorty(18 3/4"),14" rubber.
I like how clean my bike looks without an antenna but I'm going to stick with my stock antenna.I will have to use a shorter antenna when I have my back bag(Kuryakyn) on.I hope this helps anyone who wants decent radio reception!
H-D stock antenna(32 3/4") picked up 24 stations.
21" metal antenna picked up 18 stations (I purchased this antenna from my local H-D dealership.I cant' remember who makes it but it's not H-D.)
H-D shorty AM/FM antenna(18 3/4" part #76388-08) picked up 10 stations.
14" Rubber antenna picked up 4 stations
http://s270.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=Antennas.jpg
In the photo above,the antennas are(from left to right) H-D stock(32 3/4"),21" metal,H-D Shorty(18 3/4"),14" rubber.
I like how clean my bike looks without an antenna but I'm going to stick with my stock antenna.I will have to use a shorter antenna when I have my back bag(Kuryakyn) on.I hope this helps anyone who wants decent radio reception!
Last edited by Sodiee; Aug 24, 2008 at 05:51 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 954
Likes: 3
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Hidden Fairing Antenna
I had the dealer install the detachable docking points on my bike before it was delivered. When I went to pick it up the antenna was gone!! The rear docking hardware needed the hole that the antenna was in so they took it off an installed the fairing antenna. They charged around $80 for it. So far it seems to work great. I mostly listen to MP3s but occasionally use the radio and it picks up all the stations that I have preset plus the weather band. Looks really good too! Just something for you to consider.
Last edited by hawg08; Aug 24, 2008 at 06:42 PM. Reason: .
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,294
Likes: 33
From: Po-Dunk Looziana
Thanks for the info. I have been debating on getting the H-D shorty AM/FM antenna(18 3/4" part #76388-08) so I guess I'll pass. I like the reception of my whips and don't want to compromise this.
Thanks
Thanks
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 259
Likes: 5
From: Tomball Texas
I had the dealer install the detachable docking points on my bike before it was delivered. When I went to pick it up the antenna was gone!! The rear docking hardware need the hole that the antenna was in so they took it off an intalled the fairing antenna. They charged around $80 for it. So far it seems to work great. I mostly listen to MP3s but occasionally use the radio and it picks up all the stations that I have preset plus the weather band. Looks really good too! Just something for you to consider.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 479
Likes: 0
From: Somerset, WI
I was trying to find a good antenna for my 08 Street Glide so I decided to compare some of the antennas that I have.I had the Tune Trapper in my fairing but it didn't work to my satisfaction.I live at least 40 miles form any radio station so reception is very important for me.I don't know how accurate or technical this test was but it's the only way that I could come up with to see what works best.I installed each antenna and then hit my Search button on my radio to see how many FM stations each antenna would lock on to.Here's what I came up with:
H-D stock antenna(32 3/4") picked up 24 stations.
21" metal antenna picked up 18 stations (I purchased this antenna from my local H-D dealership.I cant' remember who makes it but it's not H-D.)
H-D shorty AM/FM antenna(18 3/4" part #76388-08) picked up 10 stations.
14" Rubber antenna picked up 4 stations
http://s270.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=Antennas.jpg
In the photo above,the antennas are(from left to right) H-D stock(32 3/4"),21" metal,H-D Shorty,14" rubber.
I like how clean my bike looks without an antenna but I'm going to stick with my stock antenna.I will have to use a shorter antenna when I have my back bag(Kuryakyn) on.I hope this helps anyone who wants decent radio reception!
H-D stock antenna(32 3/4") picked up 24 stations.
21" metal antenna picked up 18 stations (I purchased this antenna from my local H-D dealership.I cant' remember who makes it but it's not H-D.)
H-D shorty AM/FM antenna(18 3/4" part #76388-08) picked up 10 stations.
14" Rubber antenna picked up 4 stations
http://s270.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=Antennas.jpg
In the photo above,the antennas are(from left to right) H-D stock(32 3/4"),21" metal,H-D Shorty,14" rubber.
I like how clean my bike looks without an antenna but I'm going to stick with my stock antenna.I will have to use a shorter antenna when I have my back bag(Kuryakyn) on.I hope this helps anyone who wants decent radio reception!
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Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Tupelo, MS
I bought the J&M antenna's and happy with the choice. No real test done, but the reception is almost the same as the full size HD antenna, maybe a little bit off from the original, but not enough to matter.
The CB antenna works well, can tell no difference at the ranges we use it.
The CB antenna works well, can tell no difference at the ranges we use it.
Last edited by hotshot; Aug 24, 2008 at 07:59 PM.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Blountstown, FL
It didn't compare the Tune Trapper because i did not have my fairing off.I still have it installed in my fairing I just don't have it hooked up.I'll check it next time I have it off.I would guess it will pick up about as good as the H-D shorty.