Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[dm930]

Was thinking of activating the Sirius Radio.  Don't use FM at all and heard the reception based on the antenna placement is horrible anyway.  Is Sirius XM reception any better? 
Not really looking to relocate the antenna honestly and I have my phones music as well as Pandora.

[fastfreddy]

Just got my '16 RGU and turned on the Sirius XM day one, have to say I don't even listen to the FM at all any more. I'm just wrapping up a 3k mile trip and the XM has been great. I did relocate the antenna thing (that was not a big deal at all) cause I read that some had issues with reseption with it in the factory location

[harleyrules]

I have Sirius activated on my '15 and it cuts in and out depending on the weather. I also have it on my other bike with antenna placed outside the fairing and same issue, in and out reception. But when I use my phone and stream Sirius via Bluetooth or via auxiliary on the 2013 I have no reception problems at all. Needless to say I am going to cancel Sirius on the bike and just stream it from my phone. 

[dm930]

I have Sirius activated on my '15 and it cuts in and out depending on the weather. I also have it on my other bike with antenna placed outside the fairing and same issue, in and out reception. But when I use my phone and stream Sirius via Bluetooth or via auxiliary on the 2013 I have no reception problems at all. Needless to say I am going to cancel Sirius on the bike and just stream it from my phone.

Interesting, do you have your phone mounted on the bike so it has a clear view of the sky or is it in your pocket or compartment on the bike?
I'd love to hear how easy or difficult it may be to relocate that antenna if I have to.  Remember, when you stream from your phone, you're eating your at your data plan unless you have unlimited data...

[mjb765]

Move the XM antenna to outside the fairing at the base of windshield and the reception will get much better.

[dm930]

Move the XM antenna to outside the fairing at the base of windshield and the reception will get much better.

How involved is that Mike?  And is it an eye sore to look at?  Don't want to compromise the look....

[mjb765]

How involved is that Mike?  And is it an eye sore to look at?  Don't want to compromise the look....

Depends if you are getting windshield bags.....the antenna is hidden under them.

[dm930]

Is this what the antenna looks like Mike?  If not, are you able to snap a pic of yours? 

[mjb765]

That could be it...or it might be a little smaller. Hard to snap a pic without taking the windshield and fairing pouches off.

[dm930]

Yeah, forgot you had the windshield bag on yours.  I would'nt be opposed to having mine on top like that exposed for better reception.  Is it a pain to get to it and relocate?  Do much of the fairing come apart?

[mjb765]

Yeah, forgot you had the windshield bag on yours.  I would'nt be opposed to having mine on top like that exposed for better reception.  Is it a pain to get to it and relocate?  Do much of the fairing come apart?

7 screws......unplug the headlight and the front is off.....3m tape, relocate antenna and put fairing back on. I put a small groove in the inner fairing at the base of the windshield so the wire does not get crushed. you can't see it at all.

[dm930]

Nice Mike.  That's encouraging me to try.

[mjb765]

Nice Mike.  That's encouraging me to try.

Leave the center screw under the windshield for last so you can grab the fairing when you remove it. And cover the front fender--just in case. I guess I can help you with that also

When does the bike arrive anyway?

[dm930]

2 weeks.   

[mjb765]

2 weeks.   

You could have rented a trailer and gone to Tx and back a few times by then.......

Gonna be a long 2 weeks for you.

[dm930]

Don't remind me!

[harleyrules]

I have my phone mounted on my handlebar. Yes it uses data but I have unlimited plan.

[Para Bellum]

I have my phone mounted on my handlebar. Yes it uses data but I have unlimited plan.

If you head out West, like to Sturgis, etc., don't count on being able to stream through your phone---lots of wide-open areas that don't have cell/data service.  Found many places where only thing that works is text.  That's where I really use XM a lot.

If you want to save money on XM service, phone them and tell 'em you want to cancel.  They will start making offers that get better and better...like $30 for 6 months.  Works great when you can't ride year-round.   

[Bobs14Limited]

For those having XM reception issues, and who doesn't, Harley has come out with a new updated XM antenna. My dealer got me the updated antenna and even with it mounted in the same location as it comes (under the batwing) from the factory, the reception is vastly improved on my bike. The antenna is about double the size of the old part #. New part # is the same as the old but adds an A on the end.

[dm930]

For those having XM reception issues, and who doesn't, Harley has come out with a new updated XM antenna. My dealer got me the updated antenna and even with it mounted in the same location as it comes (under the batwing) from the factory, the reception is vastly improved on my bike. The antenna is about double the size of the old part #. New part # is the same as the old but adds an A on the end.

I assume you had to purchase the antenna?
If so, what is the cost?
And how easy is it to replace the old one with this one?

Thanks for the great update.  I suspect many will opt for this myself included.

[mjb765]

I assume you had to purchase the antenna?
If so, what is the cost?
And how easy is it to replace the old one with this one?

Thanks for the great update.  I suspect many will opt for this myself included.

Pull the outer fairing and swap the antenna....less than 1/2 hour

[dm930]

I just read on the HD Forum, if you still have factory warranty remaining, they will replace it at no charge.  Need to obviously tell them of the terrible reception and cutting in and out etc...
Can anyone confirm this to be accurate info?

[mjb765]

The antenna is $64 at a online discount dealer.....for that price I would do it myself. It's not worth the wait and the aggravation of going to the dealer......now if it was going in for something else that was under warranty and I was there already then that's another story.

[dm930]

The antenna is $64 at a online discount dealer.....for that price I would do it myself. It's not worth the wait and the aggravation of going to the dealer......now if it was going in for something else that was under warranty and I was there already then that's another story.

I kind of agree, Mike.  I am juggling with the idea of bringing it to Suffolk Harley at the 1000 mile service to do all at the same time, unless I do the service myself.
Which discount dealer do you use online Mike?

[mjb765]

I kind of agree, Mike.  I am juggling with the idea of bringing it to Suffolk Harley at the 1000 mile service to do all at the same time, unless I do the service myself.
Which discount dealer do you use online Mike?

Either http://www.boardtrackerharleyonline.com/ or http://surdyke.com/

It goes back and forth on who is cheaper. There are a few others that I can't think of right now. I'm sure someone will chime in with more.

[Bobs14Limited]

I assume you had to purchase the antenna?
If so, what is the cost?
And how easy is it to replace the old one with this one?

Thanks for the great update.  I suspect many will opt for this myself included.

My bike was out of warranty but the general manager gave me the updated antenna under goodwill. But I suspect anyone without the warranty will have to purchase the antenna. It's an easy changeover. Just remove the batwing, unplug antenna connection and replace with new antenna.


New antenna below.

[dm930]

My dealer will order mine under warranty luckily.
Almost thinking of doing it myself, though.  It's simple enough.

Thanks for the good info.  Glad your dealer was able to good will it.

[CJB2011]

I have a 2011 Ultra CVO Road Glide. Would I have to do the same thing to get my XM to work??

[fastfreddy]

ask dealer here in omaha about fixing me up with the new antenna...no problem, call ya when it comes in 

[dm930]

So my antenna arrived at the dealer.  Went down and they were able to install it in minutes without an appointment even.  Activated the SiriusXM radio and I must say, reception seems pretty good.
Anyone know if that antenna covers both Satellite radio and FM/AM as well?

[grc]

So my antenna arrived at the dealer.  Went down and they were able to install it in minutes without an appointment even.  Activated the SiriusXM radio and I must say, reception seems pretty good.
Anyone know if that antenna covers both Satellite radio and FM/AM as well?

No, XM only.  The AM/FM antenna is also located under the fairing on the 2015 FLHXSE, as is the GPS antenna which looks just like the old XM antenna. 

Jerry

[dm930]

Thanks Jerry.

[CowboyBagger]

I recently purchased an Adventure bike and ordered a Garmin 665 cradle loo mount with wiring harness, Ram handle bar ball mount.  I can then quickly move the 665 from my FLHXSE3 to the Adventure bike.   Question:  What is the cheapest and best XM antenna I can install on the Adventure bike?  Are the cheap aftermarket antennas reliable?  I see they are smaller, which is good on this bike, if it works.   Anyone have experience in this area?

Ryan

[bigchuck]

So my antenna arrived at the dealer.  Went down and they were able to install it in minutes without an appointment even.  Activated the SiriusXM radio and I must say, reception seems pretty good.
Anyone know if that antenna covers both Satellite radio and FM/AM as well?

Has anyone else tried the "new and improved" antenna? Did it help any?

[fastfreddy]

had the new up dated tana installed, haven't noticed any difference, only issue i have are tall building areas and under bridges. other wise its ok