XM Radio
XM Radio
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 107
Likes: 2
I've had trouble with XM reception only twice. The first problem was the antenna cable from the antenna to the XM unit (under the fairing) was routed under some equipment, rather than over the top of the XM unit to the rear plug in. I rerouted (the tiny) antenna lead, and the trouble cleared. The second time was when I had a dark windshield, and a windshield pouch set on the bike. I removed the pouch set, and the trouble cleared. High trees near the road to the SW will always knock down your reception momentarily. I hope my experiences help you out.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,181
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, TX
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Supporter
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,724
Likes: 234
From: Altoona, Pa.
Have the same problem here. I do have a windshieldbag and feel that is part of the problem. I've read where moving the antenna to the top of the radio or even locating it on the top of the inner fairing has solved the problem. Even on cars/trucks, the antenas are always on top the roof and not inside. Hate to have that this ln my inner fairing but might do that sometime. One guy posted a pic of the antenna stuck to the metal plate of the windshield bag, squeezed between two of the pouches.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 930
Likes: 4
From: Jacksonville, FL
The factory antenna is to small and the mounting bracket is terrible because it is on the side. Do yourself a favor and go get a larger diameter antenna from one of the big box stores or if you can find a home style antenna even better. Look for the largest antenna you can find. Place it up high in the fairing, right behind the tach and speedo, zip tie it up there. You will have to modify the pink plastic that HD places around the antenna connection, but all satellite radios have the same antenna connectors, they just try and make it look proprietary. Before you close everything up make sure the antenna is flat. Your reception problems will go away. I have had to do this mod to 4 bikes now as the HD set up is terrible.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
With the present location of the antenna in the fairing per the instructions that come with the XM unit I get poor reception when in dense trees. What I think part of the problem is, I have the widest chrome lighted windshield trim that's positioned over the top of the location of the antenna.