HD Shorty Antenna
The stock whips on my ultra kept hanging on my low shed door so i put the shorties on, lost a little AM/FM reception but got it back with a small inline preamp. The CB was another issue, SWR's went from 1:1 to 3:1, lousey reception, ended up having to tune the shorty antenna got it to 1.5:1 and added a 100 watt Linier, talk 20 miles down the road now no problem. Switch off the liner with a fairing mounted switch when with a group ride, don't want to be responsible for frying everybody elses radios.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 62
From: State of Confusion
Saw that MoCo has a new Boom model of hidden (in fairing) antenna out in March. Could be another option.
I took off the long antenna and going to ride this weekend to see the difference. I still picked up my usual FM station in the garage, so we'll see how it goes...
I took off the long antenna and going to ride this weekend to see the difference. I still picked up my usual FM station in the garage, so we'll see how it goes...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
Even with the stock antenna, the reception isn't all that great. I installed an in fairing antenna and added this adapter and got better reception with 2 antenna's when I still had the tour pak on.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
Cut down the long whip...
I shortened the long antenna by loosening the set screw, removing the antenna, cutting 15" or so off and reinstalling it. Still has good reception.
Even with the stock antenna, the reception isn't all that great. I installed an in fairing antenna and added this adapter and got better reception with 2 antenna's when I still had the tour pak on.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,521
Likes: 57,072
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
The stock whips on my ultra kept hanging on my low shed door so i put the shorties on, lost a little AM/FM reception but got it back with a small inline preamp. The CB was another issue, SWR's went from 1:1 to 3:1, lousey reception, ended up having to tune the shorty antenna got it to 1.5:1 and added a 100 watt Linier, talk 20 miles down the road now no problem. Switch off the liner with a fairing mounted switch when with a group ride, don't want to be responsible for frying everybody elses radios.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
I use the shorty and works fine for me. But then again, I listen to mostly sports, news and talk. Stock speakers are crap for music and I haven't got around to putting $$$ into that.....yet.
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Here's a better photo of the shorty antenna's:
(for some reason, they appear as thumbnails, click on the image to enlarge it)
I haven't tried the CB as yet, the FM seems slightly weaker than the whips but I don't care, they look nice and so far, work quite well. Below is what antenna_X has to say about them:
"Most people wonder about losing reception with this antenna. 99.9% of the time reception stays the same OR improves (each antenna is pre-tuned for CB, no SWR Adjustment is necessary). DON'T BE FOOLED BY OTHERS SELLING SHORT ANTENNAS HERE ON EBAY, THEY MIGHT LOOK NICE BUT THEY HAVE NO RECEPTION. WE DON'T SELL REPLACEMENT ANTENNAS WITH NO RECEPTION. Take a look at our feedback for testimonials on reception."
As I recall, they are $44.99 with free shipping.
(for some reason, they appear as thumbnails, click on the image to enlarge it)
I haven't tried the CB as yet, the FM seems slightly weaker than the whips but I don't care, they look nice and so far, work quite well. Below is what antenna_X has to say about them:
"Most people wonder about losing reception with this antenna. 99.9% of the time reception stays the same OR improves (each antenna is pre-tuned for CB, no SWR Adjustment is necessary). DON'T BE FOOLED BY OTHERS SELLING SHORT ANTENNAS HERE ON EBAY, THEY MIGHT LOOK NICE BUT THEY HAVE NO RECEPTION. WE DON'T SELL REPLACEMENT ANTENNAS WITH NO RECEPTION. Take a look at our feedback for testimonials on reception."
As I recall, they are $44.99 with free shipping.
Last edited by skyking435; Feb 20, 2011 at 12:11 AM. Reason: modify photos
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
I bought a short replacement antenna at AutoZone for about $15..... it has a load midway, like a CB antenna. It actually works slightly better than the stock wire.
It's a Raptor brand and part number is AW-RMBC. Screws right on.
It's a Raptor brand and part number is AW-RMBC. Screws right on.