[GRTSHRK]

Hello All - Just upgraded from a '99 FatBoy to a '09 RG. Bought it in FL and rode it 3,200 miles home to CA in 5 days. Arrived home last night

I'm sure this question is answered here already but here I go....

Looking for advice on replacing the stock antenna with a hidden one. Looking for:

1. Best brand? (what works and what doesn't)
2. Where to buy? (best price)
3. Installation advice. (a "how to" guide)

Thanks for your help, looking forward to making this bike ROCK!

 

[twalte]

I tried the "Tune Trapper" in my fairing and my reception was not too impressive. I would not purchase again.

I upgraded to the J&M powered antenna based on a recommendation from the dealer and I have found that it provides a much better signal.

http://www.jmcorp.com/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=FPA-HCFM&PF=44

This was one mod that I did not do myself as it was part of a CB/intercom install so I can't speak to ease of installation.

 

[Neano62]

I didnt do a "Hidden" antenna, I wanted to at first but after everything that I read, I decided to go w/the Scream-n-Eagle relocation mount bracket that bolts on to your fender support, on the L/S. Its only like $20.00 and I had it w/in a week. If your dead set on going w/a hidden antenna, I was told by Paul Yaffe to get one of those flimsy antennas from auto parts store mount it using your original hdwe., and bend it down to tuck in behind your sidefill on the L/S. Everything I've read up to this point has said that ya cant replace the reception that ya get w/stock antenna. Dont mean to pop any ideas ya want to do, but I think you'll find there is no replacing that inpaticular thing. Some guys dont use there radio, but I find it to enjoyable at times.

 

[JacktheBagger]

everyone I have spoken to with them say they all pretty much suck in the reception department ..

 

[twalte]

Hello All - Just upgraded from a '99 FatBoy to a '09 RG. Bought it in FL and rode it 3,200 miles home to CA in 5 days. Arrived home last night

!

If you are planning to put the saddlebag fillers in, I don't think you have an option for the rear antennae. I purchased the relocation kit to move the antennae down low, but it simply does not work with the filler strips. Looks like the 2011 filler strips have a hole in them for the antennae to extend thru the strip.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/...4309384663&bmUID=1284839272099&bmLocale=en_US

Something to consider depending on how you customize your RG. Congrats on the new ride.

 

[GRTSHRK]

Thanks for the quick replies!

I neglected to mention that I am going to do the "filler strip" thing, actually a whole new fender w/ 4" more length to match the bag extensions I am planning. I know that relocating or "hiding" the antenna will never be as good as the big whip, just looking for opinions on what works vs. the junk.

Keep shooting your thoughts my way, it's much appreciated!

Bob

 

[EasternSP]

This is the old question of how much signal do you want to give up with a smaller ant. and how much static do you want to put up with on an amplifier.
I have the FBI rear end on my RG and I found a way to mount the antenna between the leg bag and the fender. I'll add some photos tonight as I'm on a poker run right now, catching a break in Patagonia, AZ.

 

[NakedSnowman]

Got this, and it's a snap to install and power up...No problems with reception.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARLEY-TOURING-HOGTENNA-AMPLIFIED-HIDDEN-ANTENNA-BT87-/140400904311?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20b08bc877

 

[Steel Cowboy]

I did the J&M and don't regret it a bit........did the mod myself and it isn't that hard, I'm pretty sure I got step by step instructions off of the forum somewhere. Surely someone else can point you in the right direction for that.

Mark

 

[Knife_edge]

Got this, and it's a snap to install and power up...No problems with reception.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARLEY-TOURING-HOGTENNA-AMPLIFIED-HIDDEN-ANTENNA-BT87-/140400904311?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20b08bc877

I just installed one of these last week and the reception is so much better over that short antenna I had on the rear that cut in and out on the radio's reception. After trying the relocating bracket under the L/S filler, I wanted a cleaner look for the saddlebags fillers and decided on the "HOGTENNA" and so far so good....

 

[cleanrider]

I got the Dakota Digital hidden antenna and between that and my pitiful Hogtunes amp and speakers, I don't even bother listening to the radio anymore. Reception is OK, but nothing worth writing home about. Love the antenna free look, but miss the radio when I forget to change CD's.

 

[jbrushoe]

Just went to Pep Boys and bought the amplified antenna, looks just like the hoggtenna. It works great and only set me back a twenty.

 

[cloud]

I took the stock antenna bracket off the bike....took the coax and routed it down to the left side passenger floorboard.....zip tied the coax to the bottom of the floorboard bracket with the antenna facing aft....then I took the stock antenna and figured out where to cut it so that it sticks out about an inch past the saddlebag....then I zip tied the antenna to the saddlebag support. You can't see the antenna, the FM reception has not been effected that I can tell in and around town.....the AM reception went away. So depending on what you listen to.....its an option and its free

 

[ddaarr]

Did the same thing. Just unscrewed the antenna from the mounting bracket and slid the antenna under the seat. Didn't cut any antenna. Zip tied it out of the way.