Radio Reception Question

[F6Dave]

Hello. I started reading this forum last summer and bought an F6B last August. I also have 2 Valkyries (over 260,000 combined miles) and have seen some familiar names from the VRCC posting here. This is a great forum!

I took a 700 mile trip to western Colorado this week. It's hard to believe, but this bike impresses me more every time I ride it. The mid-range power is so strong you rarely have to shift to pass. Who needs more gears? Not me. The handling and braking are in the sport-touring class. And I've been surprised that it gets more positive attention than my Valkyries. This is the finest bike I've owned.

However, I do have a complaint about the radio reception. Even strong stations fade out faster than on my Valkyrie Interstate or 4 wheeled vehicles. I suspect the stubby antenna is the cause. Has anyone replaced the antenna? If so, what did you use, and what were the results?

[JackB]

My radio picks up stations better than my Valkyrie. But we don't have mountains in Wis like you have in Co.

[vmaxed]

Dave... a USB Flash Drive in the left bag will solve your problem

[six2go]

Not if ya want to listen to a ballgame!

[hiflyer]

That's why I added satellite radio. But even satellite radio can have reception problems in the mountains.

[edgeman55]

Stratus7 Sat radio in the left compartment and a USB flash drive and one has a lot of things to listen to on any ride no matter where you are.

[Fla_rider]

1. ipod classic in left saddlebag with 160 GB of songs (right now I'm up to 24k songs)
2. Iphone - Pandora - connected via bluetooth to BT receiver in left cubby plugged into the audio jack.
3. Honda Radio- AM/FM and WB
4. Nothing but the whine of the engine and the tires on the road. Sometimes a break from music is needed to clear the head of all the cobwebs.

With these many options, what more could you ask for?

[98valk]

Has anyone replaced the antenna? If so, what did you use, and what were the results?

All good answers, but I want to go back to this original question.

Even around town, it makes a difference. The more powerful stations sound more clear than the weaker ones.

I could put up with a larger antenna if needed. Maybe an amplifier??

[ths61]

A taller antenna should help. As for the amplifier, you need a clean signal before you can amplify it, else you are amplifying the noise as well.

Attachment 14221

[Fla_rider]

I might be interested in something that attaches to MP3 rack and gives us may 40-50% clearer signal.