One way to solve the radio antenna problem when covered

[ArthurKnowles]

I bought a cover for my LT, but since there was no hole to put the antenna through, I either had to put the antenna under the cover and leave it stressed, or pull the cover up to the antenna and leave the rest of the motorcycle uncovered.

Yesterday, I decided to do something about it. My original thought was to buy a reinforcement ring out of cloth and have my wife sew it up, but on the way I thought of tent/tarp repair and grommets came to mind. So in to the camping section I went and bought a grommet kit for $5. Ten minutes after I got home, I had the gromment installed. Here's a picture of the final look.

Oh, before I forget, the Colmen kit was better than the kit in the sewing area, but the sewing area kit had a larger hole size (7/8") if you want bigger holes.

[rodgtc]

I did almost the same thing. My wife just put two button holes in the cover for the radio and CB antennas, works great.

Rodger

[hschisler]

Good work.

It's not clear from the picture, but that looks like a metal (brass?) grommet. You can buy plastic grommets, too. Does the same thing without a chance of scratching the bike. :)

[ArthurKnowles]

It is brass. I didn't see any plastic ones and didn't know boat shops carried them. But scratching the bike isn't a problem for me as the brass grommet gets put on before it comes close tot he paint. I have to put the front on first, and the back (where the grommet sits) is tucked away on the seat until I open up and insert the antenna. Once there, it's not moving while I pull it over the other side of the trunk.

If I find some plastic ones, I'll probably remove it and replace it. But I'm not in any hurry to do so as I'm hoping I'll be spending too much time riding it to worry about covering it. :D

Right now, I'm just waiting for clearance from my doctor to ride after my kidney transplant.

[wacolt]

My cover has a 3' slits cut in it with velcro loop/pile sewn onto either side of the slit. The grommet is a good idea; plastic may not tend to mar/scratch the paint/antenna.

[tbarstow]

I just take the antenna off when I have to cover the LT. It comes off in a couple of seconds.

[dshealey]

I used a plastic grommet from a boat shop. Metal will eventually scratch up the black surface on the antenna.

[hschisler]

Hobby shops carry plastic grommets, too.

[excellentjim]

I just had a friend sew a small "O" with one of the automatic settings on her machine. She put a backing on it first. It Works Fantastic!

[foolsparadise]

I picked some plastic "curtain" grommets from Hobby Lobby. Works fantastic.. Thanks for the great tip.
I have 5 extra for anyone that wants one. Give me your mailing address and I will put one in the mail for you... First come, first served...