XM Radio
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
I bought the HD unit because I didn't want to worry about it getting wet or cluttering up my handlebars. It is pricey, but works just as good as the factory one in my car.
For some reason the sound output (power volume) is slightly less than the radio (the CD is the loudest of the three).
But I do listen to it all the time. I took my antenna off because I will never use the FM radio while I have the XM Satellite.
For some reason the sound output (power volume) is slightly less than the radio (the CD is the loudest of the three).
But I do listen to it all the time. I took my antenna off because I will never use the FM radio while I have the XM Satellite.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
+1 and you can control the volume form the handlebars, just not change channels. Just like my Ipod.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 850
Likes: 8
From: Tennessee
Pricey but well worth the money.
No unit cluttering up your handlebars. You can control it with your normal handlebar controls. If you switch bikes later you can still go in and remove it for the next bike.
I've got it and I love it.
No unit cluttering up your handlebars. You can control it with your normal handlebar controls. If you switch bikes later you can still go in and remove it for the next bike.
I've got it and I love it.
Banned
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
People who put an add-on XM (or Sirius) radio on their bikes might have saved some money, but they usually don't mention the downside to these installations. The downsides are typically that they are not waterproof, they are easily stolen off the bike, they do not operate with the existing handlebar controls, and they clutter up the handlebar. The H-D XM has none of these problems.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX - Some call it heaven.
Hmm, I did not know that.
Like my daddy used to say: "Son, you learn something new every day, if you start out dumb enough."
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Clinton Tennessee
I'lll probably get XM soon myself, still trying to priortize my next few mods. They way I see it, there are three options:
- Get a stand alone unit and mount to the handlebars. This is the cheapest way to go, but it doesn't interface with the radio and looks ugly to me.
- Since I already have a Zumo, I can get the XM antenna for around $200, the only real drawback is that you can't use the controls on the handlebars to operate it, and the sound doesn't increase with the speed of the bike.
- Get the official HD radio. This is the cleanest install, and it works with existing controls, it just costs an arm and a leg.
Last edited by darrinfish; May 26, 2010 at 12:53 PM. Reason: More info
Banned
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
The Garmin Zumo 650, which I have, is cheaper than the 550 or the 660 because it has no XM radio. If you already have built in XM (as I do) you don't need another XM radio. Unfortunately, the 650 is no longer available.
If you have XM radio for any length of time, you'll have a hard time going back to commercial over-the-air radio. I got tired of one song, 6 minutes of commercials, one song, 8 more minutes of commercials/promos, etc. XM isn't commercial free, but there are far, far fewer commercials than on AM/FM. My fairing and stereo is all aftermarket, and XM was a must.
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Northern Ohio
I use a Zumo 550 with XM antenna. it works great. Using one of the clever mounting systems available, i can remove the whole system and lock it in the tour pack in a few seconds. When set up this way you also get your GPS directions through your speakers.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 154
From: Lake City, Florida
I did have Sirius Radio in my car, I dropped it and went back to cd's. They advertise that they don't have "commercials", but they do have dics jockies that talk endlessly about their personal lifes and sports. It seems that the music is on a tape that repeats the same songs every day or so. I found it not worth the monthly fee. Been thinking of getting an Ipod, my 2 cents.