Hidden antenna?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
I installed the J&M hidden powered antenna and plugged my HD Shorty into it (optional). did a side-by-side with my friend who was using the HD stock antenna. I pulled in 21 stations and he got 6. we both have 08's. He purchased the J&m shortly aftewards and had similar experience. He then purchased a '12 limited, installed the antenna and had opposite affect so he removed it.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Wentzville, MO
I installed the J&M hidden powered antenna and plugged my HD Shorty into it (optional). did a side-by-side with my friend who was using the HD stock antenna. I pulled in 21 stations and he got 6. we both have 08's. He purchased the J&m shortly aftewards and had similar experience. He then purchased a '12 limited, installed the antenna and had opposite affect so he removed it.
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 807
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, WI
Tagging along for this one. The HD hidden antenna is on my option list for my 2013 - but after all of this discussion (and the fact mine is Midnight Pearl metallic), I may be revisiting the hidden antenna. :-/
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 807
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, WI
check and make sure connections are correct first.. ensure no wires got pinched or grounded out... I had a powered hidden antenna on my SG... reception was crappy. Took it off.
There is a thread around here where a guy reversed his antenna mount and ran the full size antenna along side the left side of his bike. I tried that and it works! Antenna is hidden and no loss of signal to radio. I secured my antenna to the frame with two zip ties...can't see the antenna but it works.
There is a thread around here where a guy reversed his antenna mount and ran the full size antenna along side the left side of his bike. I tried that and it works! Antenna is hidden and no loss of signal to radio. I secured my antenna to the frame with two zip ties...can't see the antenna but it works.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
I'll subscribe and hope to hear something definitive. I guess it's a little unlikely that will happen but a guy can hope. Weaver came closest, with his side by side test on '08's. Course it would have been nice to know the difference he say in the test if he had removed the shorty from the hidden and run the hidden all by itself. It's also slightly unclear what didn't work and was removed from the '12.
I have read in many posts that internals don't work as well. I live pretty far out from the big city so I could use EXTRA signal instead of less. I like what HD Jim says about hiding a stock antenna on the bike. Can't decide if not waving in the air lowers effectiveness or not. Being so much closer and connected to bike more may actually help. Using the bike as an extended antennae while not introducing engine/electrical interference?
I have read in many posts that internals don't work as well. I live pretty far out from the big city so I could use EXTRA signal instead of less. I like what HD Jim says about hiding a stock antenna on the bike. Can't decide if not waving in the air lowers effectiveness or not. Being so much closer and connected to bike more may actually help. Using the bike as an extended antennae while not introducing engine/electrical interference?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 235
Likes: 24
From: ma.
hidden antennae
I have a 2000 flhtpi and bought an Autozone $8.00 car antennae....stretched it out inside the fairing..siliconed it where it contacted the fairing...good to go... get all kinds of stations! Had a powered hidden antennae and it was horrible.. this works for me.. good luck.
Novice
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant View, TN.
I bought a hdpdplussII for my 2010 vivid black flhx. during the installation I decided to relocate my antenna under the fairing. Havn't listened to the local radio much since, but havn't noticed much of a difference when I did. Best of all it only cost me a little time and 4 wire ties.
Also, never thought the antenna sticking out the back bothered me that much, but I sure do like the appearance now that it is gone.
Also, never thought the antenna sticking out the back bothered me that much, but I sure do like the appearance now that it is gone.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 506
Likes: 7
From: Charlotte, NC
Just installed the hidden antenna from streetglidecota on e-bay. I figured for $18.95 I would give it a try. Very impressed with the reception, installation was a snap. I can pick up all my local Charlotte channels with no problems, works better than my car radio.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 807
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, WI
Wow! Great tip and review. For $18.95 SHIPPED, I don't know how you could possibly go wrong. I ordered one! Thanks for sharing this.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 4
From: Alabama
I'm also using the antenna from streetglidecota.
Very, very, impressed with its performance.
You can see it wrapped around the fairing on the right side of the pic. I attached it to the fairing with dabs of silicone.
Very, very, impressed with its performance.
You can see it wrapped around the fairing on the right side of the pic. I attached it to the fairing with dabs of silicone.