sirius radio install?

[dodgeman88]

Hi there everyone,
Been a while, But Iam back again for the groups wisdom.

I will be installing a srius radio onto the bike in the next week or so.
two questions please.
#1 - what locations have been used for location of the antenna, top box makes most sense but the opening will break the antenna eventually, has anyone mounted on top of dash or left side of radio and with what results.

#2 - what locations have been used for docking station and radio. do NOT want to install a SHELF on top of the dash, so limits things a little bit. It appears it will fit in the tank compartment (just) may not be able to read it well. Having it outside not being water proof does not seem that good either.

Thanks in advance
Darcy

[katnapinn]

As far as the antenna goes the top box works great. Mine has been there 3 years. The only draw back is if you have the top rack, then it might block it somewhat. I just run the cable between the top box and passenger back rest. Then put a little velcro on to hold it in place and if you need to remove top box just pull the antenna loose. Now for the head unit I like the Shelf over the dash but the oddments box will work too. Just drill a hole in the left side to run your wires with a grommet to help seal it up. I would also use an antenna adaptor inline on the radio antenna cable. There is a junction in the cable on the left side of the radio to plug it into then run the lead to the oddments box with the other wires.

[brettb10]

I have the cyclegadgets setup for mounting everything on left handlebar...been very happy with it

[Jriverside]

I put mine on the handle bar{XM should be about the same}
I bought a cable cuff at home depot, velcroed a piece of angle and mounted the radio cradle to it with another piece oh angle on top to keep the radio from coming out and mounted the antenna on the top. I painted it black the cable cuff is orange. A little foam insulation on the cuff and looks like it was made to fit the bike. The wires run inside the covers of the handle bars. It looks good.It is cheap and easy to see and get to. Mine has been in use about 3 years. Jim

[bmwbagby]

Mine is also mounted on the left side of the handlebars. I think I bought the bracket from CycleGadgets.com. Here are some pix...

[aylorr]

Just found this new product:

http://www.antennaworld.com/satradio/

[woodey]

I also have mine mounted on the Handle Bars..i like being able to change the channels without any issues there...One bad thing to remember is that you cant see the Mirror that well i have to adjust to see it....and i have run the antenna back to the top box ...I have a rack on it and it will not pick up a signal if there is anything on the rack so beware...I got my mount from my local BMW dealer whom also installed it...
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii25/woodey11/DSC_0010-1.jpg

[pickerbiker]

I ran power into the oddiments box and the Sirius radio rests there. It's nice to have it secure and out of the weather, but changing channels is a bit of a pain. I use my top box rack for camping equipment, so I had to mount the antennae out of the way. I fabricated a mounting bracket from 1/8" steel rod and mounted it on the FM antennae. Works great.

[RVB1019]

Just found this new product:

http://www.antennaworld.com/satradio/

I saw this antenna a few months back on the Advriders board. The owner of the above website sent it to me for FREE!!!!

Of course, I've repaid him by leaving it still in the box and uninstalled. I just haven't had a chance to install it. I'm thinking right next to windshield by the mirror or on the same metal bracket that holds the radio antenna.

[sheldan2]

If you had a bracket like this you could have your antenna behind the radio

[RVB1019]

I have that bracket- I bought it from Cyclegadgets 2-3 years ago.

The problem is the surface plane of the mount is just not big enough. I get a bar or two on the radio. The units in my two truck all show 4-5 bar strength so I know it's not something weird in my area (other than me of course!).

The strength of this new and improved antenna is that it's total surface area lends itself to better reception.

We'll see.

[pickerbiker]

I have that bracket- I bought it from Cyclegadgets 2-3 years ago.

The problem is the surface plane of the mount is just not big enough. I get a bar or two on the radio. The units in my two truck all show 4-5 bar strength so I know it's not something weird in my area (other than me of course!).

The strength of this new and improved antenna is that it's total surface area lends itself to better reception.

We'll see.

Could you update us after you've installed it? It might be something I would have some interest in. Thanks.

[dodgeman88]

No problem, I will fill you in once I have finished, I think inside the sting ray works for me, out of the weather seems best. mounting the antenna on the handle bar sounds reasonable will have to check wire routing to make sure the wire will not be stressed. but I will repost with picks

thanks agfain for all the input

Darcy

[rdwalker]

My antenna is underneath the nose cone on the LT.

Works well for me. However, I'd be interested in (even subjective....) reports on performance of this 'stick' antenna mentioned above.

For what's worth: my radio is attached to the equipment shelf, with a home-made right-angle bracket (bent piece of aluminum stock).

[dodgeman88]

Hi Robert,you mounted the antenna inside the nose cone and you have good reception? No metal I guess, have you been on long trips tried it in different areas and still no effect?
thanks in advance
Darcy

[VADIVER]

I put my radio in the oddments box because I ride in all weather and didn't want to have to worry about it. The antenna is attached to front edge of the left handlebar by industrial hook and loop. I want to keep the rack available for packing on the back of the bike and couldn't find any place better for it. I do wish Sirius would come out with a waterproof radio. I know that XM has a marine model, but have not heard of anyone using it on motorcycles.

I'm surprised that Sirius radio works with the antenna under the nose cone. Mine cuts out with very little covering the antenna. I would be interested in hearing from others with this setup on how reception works.

[rdwalker]

... you mounted the antenna inside the nose cone and you have good reception?... Darcy
The radio is cutting out occasionally, but no different than when the antenna was mounted on my RCU shelf.

Currently, I use the same radio on the GS and on the LT; both bikes have permanently mounted cradles and antennas, I just move the receiver.

The reception is about comparable: on the GS, the antenna is velcro-ed to the GS equipment shelf, while on the LT is is attached to some frame parts just below the windshield hinges under the nose cone.

The tupperware is non-metallic and will not impair singal strength; I guess the only problem would be if riding in direction away from the satellite, while it is low on the horizon - the antenna is not laying flat, but points slightly forward.

No complaints, though. I've had such setup for at least 3 years on 2 different LT's. Went as far north as Chicoutimi, QC with that. I may have some pix I took with the nose off; I'll post here if I find them.

By the way, I did a run with the GS along the Trans-Lab last June and had no Sirius satellite reception from northern Newfoundland on, until about 1/2 day away from Saint Lawrence River on Quebec side. Listened to the MP3 player instead.