FM antenna info

[johnkarlfl]

does ay one have some good info on FM radio antennas for motorcycles?
best type? where to buy?

[dezzy7]

does ay one have some good info on FM radio antennas for motorcycles?
best type? where to buy?

What kind of radio are you running? Do you want a whip ant or a hidden one? Give us a little more detail and we'll give you some suggestions. 8)

[KD3NE]

For FM reception in the 88-108 mhz range, an optimum antenna length would be about 24 - 31 inches in length.

88 mhz 24"
108 mhz 31"

These are tuned optimum lengths. Since you are not going to be transmitting you do not have to closely follow these numbers.

Most bike manufacturers that have large touring bikes offer a radio as an option. They have antenna available, and you can buy them as a replacement part. Mounting them becomes the issue.

I know HD has bike antenna that mount to their Tour Pack and also one that mounts on bikes without a trunk.


Best type would be a vertical whip antenna.

I would stay away from hidden antenna as they tend to be poor performers unless coupled with a signal amplifier.

Where to buy? Look to the bike dealers and see what they offer first, at least you'll see mounting methods used.

Some motorcycle antenna have a 'fold over' capability so you can put a cover over the bike without the antenna interfering. HD has a spring in the base and a nice flexible whip so covering it, is not a problem.

I've seen some bikes have the antenna mounted on an "L" bracket mounted to the license plate mount.

For reference here is the info from HDL on the Gold Wing antenna system ...

15---ANTENNA ASSY., RADIO 39150-MCA-A62---001---$135.01
16---NUT, ANTENNA 39153-MN5-003-------------001---$2.50
17---ELEMENT, ANTENNA 39157-MCA-A62 -------001---$17.36


You could also check with Auto Parts stores to see what aftermarket antenna they offer.

Hope this helps more than confuses!

[VTX1SCOTT]

I have a kenwood 45 watt in a leather 3x12 bag on my winshind half inch hole in the bottom-:thumbup: on my bike 8 in scanner rubber antanna with adapter ---pickes up great am/fmnojoke

[VTX1SCOTT]

radio shack :thumbup:the hole in the bottom of my bag is where the ant--- comes out and behind the headlight--pointing down

[KD3NE]

I have a kenwood 45 watt in a leather 3x12 bag on my winshind half inch hole in the bottom-:thumbup: on my bike 8 in scanner rubber antanna with adapter ---pickes up great am/fmnojoke

You're lucky .... I am on the fringes of three FM radio markets.

At one intersection as you roll through you can pick up three different stations on the same frequency. If you travel a lot you will experience this between cities. The shorter antenna may cut out the weaker of the two stations, the longer the antenna the better the reception in the outer areas of a stations coverage.

Of course I also have an iPod for when we are waaaaay out in the boonies!

I'm a radio guy, so when it comes to things like antenna I tend to get all technical and stuff! :lol:

[johnkarlfl]

Started to look around. Seems the vertical whip ant .would have the best results.
Has anyone tried the preamp signal ant. systems with any luck?

[VTX1SCOTT]

WHIP ---I had one one a 4 wheeler a bammm it hit me:yikes:----im off friday call 640-4927 an i see if i can do a drive by---or meet some where--i will show it---KENWOOD AN RUBBER ANT--

[johnkarlfl]

Thanks VTXscott.
I didn't get back to read this and bought one from Auto Zone. seems to work good.
I see your close and we will have to meet up at one of the bike nights in the area.