Sattelite radio

[super996mum]

Thinking about getting an XM for my husband, to use through his chatterbox. Has anyone out there put one onto their bike? If so, how do you mount the antenna? He doesn't ride an X. He has a VFR & an RC 51, but I figured there must be a way to mount one no matter the bike. Any help is appreciated.

[VTXDPM]

I have XM and really like it but it's in my car, not on my bike... yet.

RAM Mounts may have what you're looking for.

http://www.rammount.com/products/motorcycles.htm

Best,
VTXDPM

[Blade]

Thinking about getting an XM for my husband, to use through his chatterbox. Has anyone out there put one onto their bike? If so, how do you mount the antenna? He doesn't ride an X. He has a VFR & an RC 51, but I figured there must be a way to mount one no matter the bike. Any help is appreciated.

Well, since you're only asking about how to mount the antenna, I purchased a "RoadyHolder," a pre-mount cradle specifically for a Roady2 satellite radio. The 30-feet of cable is tightly wound and Velcro'd in the recess in the back of the unit. The antenna itself sits atop a little "shelf" on the RoadyHolder, held rock solid by it's magnet on the metal (you can barely pull it off if you tried)! Hope this expands your idea database! :D

The RoadyHolder from the back -- note the tightly-wrapped antenna cable
http://static.flickr.com/37/91957557_b25631f579.jpg

From the front -- note the antenna on top; also, the setup provides a very clean look w/o any extraneous wire
I've also inserted the RoadyHolder into a RAM mount for the utmost versatility and convenience
http://static.flickr.com/28/91879842_08e23837d6.jpg

[50t]

Isn't riding a bike about being unpluged. Disconnected from the wired world. Can't we let go of the artificial wired censory deprived world we live in long enough to enjoy a ride devoid of anything else but the experience of being out there, you and the elements without being hooked in. What's next air conditioning for our bikes. God forbid we should suffer any inconvience being exposed to the elements.

[Hydrazine]

Thinking about getting an XM for my husband, to use through his chatterbox. Has anyone out there put one onto their bike? If so, how do you mount the antenna? He doesn't ride an X. He has a VFR & an RC 51, but I figured there must be a way to mount one no matter the bike. Any help is appreciated.

Well, since you're only asking about how to mount the antenna, I purchased a "RoadyHolder," a pre-mount cradle specifically for a Roady2 satellite radio. The 30-feet of cable is tightly wound and Velcro'd in the recess in the back of the unit. The antenna itself sits atop a little "shelf" on the RoadyHolder, held rock solid by it's magnet on the metal (you can barely pull it off if you tried)! Hope this expands your idea database! :D

The RoadyHolder from the back -- note the tightly-wrapped antenna cable
http://static.flickr.com/37/91957557_b25631f579.jpg

From the front -- note the antenna on top; also, the setup provides a very clean look w/o any extraneous wire
I've also inserted the RoadyHolder into a RAM mount for the utmost versatility and convenience
http://static.flickr.com/28/91879842_08e23837d6.jpg

My wife gave me a Pioneer AirWare XM2Go for Xmas, Blade`s suggestions will be very useful when I install it. And yes, nothing cooler that listening to the wind whistle by at 60 mph, and ya, the Stones too.
It was a nice gift.
:roll:

[cybrhick]

Here's the one I made for mine. I used a stock riser and milled off the post. Then I cut a plate for the radio and antenna out of an old PC case, and painted it black. Drilled and tapped the riser, and screwed the plate to the riser. Then I bolted the roady clip to the plate. I mount it between the risers so I can use it with either available hand, and I don't have to look off to the side.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/mkjohn/100_0736.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/mkjohn/100_0737.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/mkjohn/100_0738.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/mkjohn/100_0739.jpg

[Cajundude]

Blade,

Since I didn't see a link, I'm assuming you got this from RAM? I didn't see it on their webside, but did find the mount for my Garmin GPS. Does it shake half as much as the GPS does? I can't read it on the fly as is.

Super996mum - Go for it regardless of the mount. I love my XM - car, house and bike. Being undecided on the mount I bought the Personal XM adapter set (just on special for 19.99), and used my aftermarket earbuds in my helmet for speakers (yes, could still hear the road/wind/traffic noise) and used an extra auto antenna stuck to my rear fender, tucking the excess wire in the under seat tray. I kept the unit on my tank strap and was able to scroll the stations using my left hand. I rode from Ft. Lauderdale to Daytona and back this way round trip and loved every minute of it.

C'Dude

P.S> - FYI don't let him listen to the Comedy channels - laughing that hard on a bike isn't safe ( I had to pull over to dry my eyes and catch my breath).

[super996mum]

Thanks for all the input. These ideas will definitely help. We already have Ram mounts for the GPS & Radar detector, so as long as it is possible to stick the antenna somewhere, it should be good. I think he should be able to hear it fine through the Chatterbox, with his earplugs.

As for the whole, "Riding unplugged" thing, 50t...We've been riding 10 years enjoying the elements, without Chatterboxes or any other devices. But we live in Las Vegas, and you have to ride 2 hours in any direction on straight, flat, roads to get to those "elements." It's gonna be nice to pass that time by not being so bored ya want to fall off your bike. And he's got a 8 hour ride to Laguna Seca in July, so this will help pass the time.

Thanks again for all your help. I have until Father's Day to make a decision on which model to buy, so any opinions that are welcomed as well.

[50t]

If that's the case check this out... it might be just the thing.

http://www.xmradio.com/myfi/index.jsp

[Blade]

Blade,

Since I didn't see a link, I'm assuming you got this from RAM? I didn't see it on their website, but did find the mount for my Garmin GPS. Does it shake half as much as the GPS does? I can't read it on the fly as is.

The RoadyHolder is a separate entity entirely with no business connection to RAM -- they just happen to co-exist nicely. I happen to have purchased mine from HoonHardware -- http://hoonhardware.com/RoadyHolder/roadyholder.htm -- but it can be obtained in a number of places. Just do a Google search for "RoadyHolder" -- a very specific name.

I don't know if I fully understand the meaning of your second question. If you're asking if the Roady2 will be as unreadable "on the fly" as your or "a" GPS, I haven't run into any shaking problem with MY Garmin StreetPilot III on a RAM mount, or my Roady2 XM radio in a RoadyHolder on a RAM mount. For each of those peripherals there's no shaking or blurring of the screens whatsoever; certainly none that causes either of the two screens to be unreadable. RAM mounts are solid. Maybe you're viewing the screen when you're going over potholes....? :wink:

[clc136]

http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/pr ... Item=RDYRS (http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=RDYRS)



Standard RoadyHolder has two mounting slots. Most bikes with brake/clutch lids with two screws spaced 42mm-70mm apart will use this holder, including BMW K-RS/GT, R1150's, and R1200C; Gold Wing GL1500/1800, FJR1300, and more. Also compatible with RAM-COMP base for use with R-A-M mounts. $31.95 Qty:
# CS-RDYRS-C

Here is what I bought, and it works fine for me.

Carl

[rabtech]

http://www.rabtech.com/pics/radio.jpg

[netdoug]

I too have the my2fi unit installed on my ride. I mounted it using the black plastic RAM mount and handlebar adapter. I wrap heavy duty plastic film around the handlebar to protect the stainless from the anodized "U" clamp and a dense rubber pad under the ball mount for protection. I also remove the mounts for local riding making for a clean appearance.

The RAM mount is mounted near the handlebar tree out of the wind and rain. The small mobile antenna sits atop the handlebar behind the hydraulic clutch reservoir. It gets great reception and hasn't moved from that position despite long rides. I understand they make an antenna that has a shorter cable but I coiled up the cable that came with the unit and velcroed it to the back of the mount.

Even with two batteries, operational life is restricted so I ran a power cable from the battery (fused) to the radio. I used quick disconnect connections so I can remove the cigarette lighter receptacle when not in use. I'm not a fan of the bulky power converter but do like the red LED indicating power to the unit. I also ran a shielded audio cable to my seat. I can connect my in-the-ear headphones and no one knows the difference. I tried using the FM transmitter and a small portable FM receiver but was plagued with interferring stations, poor audio performance, and short battery life in the FM receiver.

The biggest problem I have is with the power connection to the mobile holder not making good consistent contact. I check the indicator on the display regularily to make sure it's being powered by the bike. I also found out that in the DC power mode, the unit will not recharge the battery.

With the Shure EC-3c buds I can ride at reduced volume and still hear traffic noises (and the V&H pipes).

The only downside to the whole setup is the display size. As I've gotten older, I find I need a somewhat larger display. I got a Roady2 for free when I bought the my2fi and am considering using that for the XM radio. It lacks certain features (replaying prerecoreded music for example) but the larger display is a nice thing to have. The portable battery unit has an FM radio in it and that also appeals to me providing I can find a way to power it from DC. As configured it'll only run from an AC adapter (5V@2.2A as opposed to 5V@1A for the unit by itself). I've seen aftermarket power supplies for both types and will probably change out the setup for a less visible souorce of power.

I used to carry an iPod but find that the selection of music and information is better with the XM.

And Cajundude's right - you shouldn't listen to the comedy channels while underway. ;)

Doug

[Scarecrow]

Sorry for the late post, but I don't get here as often as I once did.

I've had a MyFi unit on my bike since January 2005, using a cell phone mount from Leader Motorcycle and the belt clip. This has worked very well. I also use a Chatterbox and simply run an output cord from the MyFi's headphone jack into the Chatterbox. For an antenna, I use an adapter cable and a 1' length car magnet mount placed on the handlebar next to the right (clutch) resevoir. This is non-conspicuous and works great.

Here are links for the devices I spoke of:

http://www.leadermotorcycle.com/Merchan ... creen=SFNT (http://www.leadermotorcycle.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT)

http://www.myradiostore.us/antennas-cab ... apter.html (http://www.myradiostore.us/antennas-cables/for-cables-miscellaneous/myfi-antenna-adapter.html)

http://www.myradiostore.us/antennas-cab ... tenna.html (http://www.myradiostore.us/antennas-cables/for-roady/1-foot-roady-antenna.html)

Hope this helps.

Scarecrow