Ultra CB's
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,945
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Ultra CB's
Although ah don't have a definitive answer yet (gonna do some range testin' in a coupla weeks to evaluate after-market antenna's fer another group), ah kin say that ah HAVE used it ta communicate over a 5-mile known range. As ya said - lots of potential variances...
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 6
From: Omaha Nebraska
RE: Ultra CB's
Due to the fact that a bike's antenna does not have a good "ground plane" like a car, its range is more limited. Yes there are many variables but on ours it's two way communication iswithin a mile most of the time.For maximumrange have the antenna's "SWR" adjusted by a CB shopand stay away from shorter, aftermarket antennas.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Ultra CB's
Depending on the channel and activity on that channel, the range could be over a mile. Unfortunately, CB seems to be the standard for our Harleys when the FRS band is superior in all respects, but, hasn't been incorporated into our radios yet. CB is susceptable to outside interference from illegal operators running high power from all over our hemisphere - hopefully, FRS will become the standard in the near future.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,945
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Ultra CB's
Ah dunno, Ted.....personally, we tour solo most of the time, an' use the CB ta talk w/truckers about road conditions, etc. Those only gettin' a mile outta their CB's need ta check the SWR's on the unit, because there's no reason they shouldn't be able ta reach further than that!!
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Ultra CB's
You have peaked my interest on this subject. I am going try out my CB tomorrow and see how far it will go.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 25
From: St George, UT
RE: Ultra CB's
Mine does about 5 miles with stock antenna, about 2 with the shorty. Good enough for my needs.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 503
Likes: 1
From: AZ
RE: Ultra CB's
SWR and adjusting squelch is the biggest thing. Most people that haven't been around CB's don't have a clue. I can get out 9-10 miles going down the freeway, perhaps even more. Some of the folks I ride with have their squelch set so high to drowned out truckers and illegal operators with amp's that they often can't hear me more than 200 yards away. So it's more about how you adjust your settings. Using a smaller antenna or cutting the factory whip shorter reduces your output and receive "Drastically".
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 862
Likes: 1
From: Western PA
RE: Ultra CB's
I'll check mine with a bird watt meter to see if the output is near the legal limit. ( 5 watts ) The range will vary daily with conditions. Try asking for a radio check at night. Do it near an interstate highway and ask what mile marker the person you are talking to is at. If you do not have a range of 10 miles it would be worth getting the swr's checked. Channel 19 would be your best bet and avoid doing it from a valley.