I installed Harley's AM/FM shorty antenna (76388-08) on my '08 Ultra Classic. It looks good, but the radio reception is not nearly as good as the stock antenna. Radio stations I use to hear clearly now fade in and out. Anyone else notice this?

 

Yeah, I have the shorty antenna and radio reception isn't nearly as good as the stock whip. I listen to one radio station when I ride around here and if I go on a longer ride, I use my ipod.

 

I tried one of those and then tried the hidden antenna and it's not very good either. I actually get the same reception without any antenna. I too just us my ipod. The radio has too many commercials anyway

 

I have the older style whip, and was thinking of switching it out with the newer style stock one that's a bit shorter, but not the really short 18" one.

Anyone done this? Pros/cons?

 

I'd like to hear how the longer stock one works, too. I believe it was first used on '09 models. The short 18" antenna doesn't work well. It's clearly an example of form over function.

 

I think the radio on the bikes suck too, I usually use my Iphone with XM radio I get much better reception.

 

When i have my tour pac on,i use the HD shorty antenna and I haven't really noticed much differnce between it and the longer stock one.I find that both have good reception here in the boonies.

 

I also put the shorter antenna's on for looks. Don't use the radio much at all. As one reader stated, no comercials on my IPOD.

 

Geoff,

I have a spare of the large whip like on mine (76306-98) if you want to try it. You can have it for free. PM me to set it up.

 

I got the shorties from HD and do not notice any difference in reception. Like the look of the shorties better too.