I have a 2010 Wing with Nav/Audio/Comfort and I am wondering if anyone has had issues with the XM Radio reception. I would like to know if anyone one has solved the reception problem for the factory XM ?

I have the same problem with my 2010 wing with XM. The radio cuts out every few seconds. It is totally unusable. I am still on my trial subscription and will not renew unless there is a fix for this.

You are not the first to post problems with XM radio. From what I've seen with other posts from other forums the location of the antenna seems to be a big issue and the fact that when you lose "line of site" with the satellite you lose reception. I don't have XM and from what I'm hearing I'm glad I don't. Hope you can get it resolved.

Oh, yea, dburge, welcome to the forum from the Keystone state. Where do you call home? Ride safe and enjoy the site...

Two Wheel Wing Cartersville, Ga is home. I was hoping maybe someone had found a fix. I saw last night on the XM site they actually have a motorcycle antenna they say is better. my opinion Honda should buy and install seeing as their factory system is sooooo terrible. I love my bike other than that and the fact you cannot do anything with the GPS while riding but safety first right?

Two Wheel Wing Cartersville, Ga is home. I was hoping maybe someone had found a fix. I saw last night on the XM site they actually have a motorcycle antenna they say is better. my opinion Honda should buy and install seeing as their factory system is sooooo terrible. I love my bike other than that and the fact you cannot do anything with the GPS while riding but safety first right?

I've had ((( XM ))) in my work van for three years. It is subject to " known " dead spots for reception. Don't have it on my moto, but wish I did as you can never go back to FM. If ((( XM ))) has an antenna correction for this that would be great. I have an '08 so my radio is not ((( XM ))) ready, but I would consider the alternative hook-ups if I knew the price of the signal is worth it.

Found this online I am going to contact Honda Dealer to see if they will install under warranty for their antenna not working very well.
http://www.myradiostore.com/p/motorcycle-antenna.html?_sNavAssistFrom=crsl-p2a1

Found this online I am going to contact Honda Dealer to see if they will install under warranty for their antenna not working very well.
http://www.myradiostore.com/p/motorcycle-antenna.html?_sNavAssistFrom=crsl-p2a1

Sweet! If the performance meets the mounting options, I can add another radio for $6.99/month. P.S. deburge. Click this link and read the thread :http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2876308&posted=1#post2876308

Also guys, check the lifetime option. I bought the Sirius radio several years ago and I paid $400.00 for lifetime. As long as the receiver keeps working, it should pay off. XM should be offering a similar package deal. Even if it's $500.00 - I think it is still worth it, rather than paying those monthly charges.

Took ours in for the XM reception issues after Honda Ca. said I had to report it thru a dealer first, did it and as Honda Ca. said first we heard of it, so don't waste your time on dealer aid as they get no support for it from Honda and likely have no ideas either, too bad a company as huge as honda can't come to the forums to see the short falls of their Goldwing, as Honda said to me, we don't give advice in forums and we don't take it from there either, well ain't Honda special, build but don't improve until you are ready for a new model, wow what a concept. And yes I am a bit ripped, 35k and you can't play their radios. Oh P.S. they start off blaming XM so I checked with them and its back to Honda's fault they just don't want to accept it.

Lc

I have the same problem with my XM radio on a 2009 I purchased in brand new in February. I took it to a couple of dealers and they went through all the wiring and everything, but everything comes back to there specs. I believe that its where the antenna is located that causes the problem. What I have noticed (I live in northern Kentucky) is that when I travel east is when I have the most cut outs. I can do a u-turn and travel the same exact road going the opposite direction and have no dropouts which leads me to believe its the antenna placement thats the culprit.
I actually looked at the receiver, which is in the lid of the trunk, and found the antenna connection hoping that I could plug in an aftermarket antenna and be happy but of course they have some weird kind of recessed connector that I have been unable to find. Any help with this matter would be great because I really do love having XM built into the bike.

XM works well on the flat lands,but s no good where there is anything to block the sats.I wouldn't make a monthly payment on something is that undependable.The other thing I didn't like was that when I tuned into 70's rock I got Barry Manilow doing Stairway to Heaven(not original artists)We just use an MP3.No monthly payment and you listen to what you like.JMHO

I had sirius for a couple years and finally let the subscription run out. It worked as advertized. I had my helmet wired up and fitted with speakers by J and M. Even so, I had to turn up the volume to about 15-16 to hear the radio over the road, wind , engine noise. If I rode for an hour or two, I would be nearly deaf because of the blow out noise in the helmet. It wasn't worth it to me even though I enjoyed the programing etc. Also, with my 1/2 helemt (no speakers) it is the same story, to hear the radio I need the volume on 17-18 or more to hear the radio at 65mph or more. So I ride quiet, if I need the WB I will stop and listen.

Going tomorrow and Honda is going to install the XM Motorcycle antenna so cross your fingers. I spoke with XM Radio last week and they put one on a 2010 Goldwing the signal went from 1 out of 10 bars and the new antenna had a 9 out of 10 for signal. Will know tomorrow afternoon.

I am interested to hear how this goes... Please keep us posted!

Please post the outcome of your antenna replace Dburge. I want to do this to mine as soon as possible. Thanks.

I had the Motorcycle XM Antenna installed today at Cycle Nation in Canton Georgia. My reception is 200% better than stock was. On the way to get it on the XM blanked out at least 30 times on the way home it blanked out 4 and that was in areas of the road where the trees were very thick.
This is not covered under the warranty so it cost me $85 for one hour of service. But in my opinion well worth the cost. I suggest that everyone who has issues with the XM Radio call Honda and complain to get them to make this a recall. If you need more information let me know.

What aftermarket antenna did you install? Was it the one specifically for the motorcycle? Where did you mount it at? Thanks for responding.

The antenna is the SMRT45 Antenna http://www.xm-radio-satellite.com/xmsatelliteradiomotorcycleantenna.aspx

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190422335781&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=%3F*F%3F&GUID=f6090ede1250a0265384c6d4fd6fb8d4&itemid=190422335781&ff4=263602_263622

It is mounted on the front windshield on the right hand side about 6" above the fairing trim. The trick is the antenna has to be spliced into the system and if it is not done correctly you could mess up the system. If that happens everything has to come apart fairing and all. I contacted a lady at XM Radio named Joy Brown she was very helpful, and the first bike was done in Florida by a dealer.

Sounds great! You dont by chance have the phone number you used to contact Joy Brown handy do you? I want to get this done asap im very tired of the dropouts!

Sat on the phone with XM today for over an hour and they have no idea about Honda Goldwings! Dburge if I can get the number you used to contact Joy Brown that would be great. Thanks in advance.

This is add on bologna. Where is the " stock " receiver antenna located on the Wing ?

The stock antenna is in the fairing next to the GPS antenna. The xm radio receiver is mounted on the trunk lid integrated with the GPS system. Bologna it may be, but im tired of the dropouts and at this point I will do anything to have the xm work as it should. After multiple calls to Honda from myself as well as the dealer they still claim that they have heard nothing of this problem and mine must be an isolated incident even though theres at least 4 on this thread alone complaining.

The stock antenna is in the fairing next to the GPS antenna. The xm radio receiver is mounted on the trunk lid integrated with the GPS system. Bologna it may be, but im tired of the dropouts and at this point I will do anything to have the xm work as it should. After multiple calls to Honda from myself as well as the dealer they still claim that they have heard nothing of this problem and mine must be an isolated incident even though theres at least 4 on this thread alone complaining.

The complaints are very common, both here and other places. The little black pod that you find on vehicles mounted on the trunk surface are not there on the Goldwing ? I have the ((( XM ))) antenna pod mounted on my dashboard as close as possible to the windshield of my Ford E- 350 service van. The reception is fine except in areas where you would expect them to suffer. If I mounted it on the roof of the van I would suspect that I would not suffer from " directional " drop-out as I do, but mainly from environmental obstructions. My good riding buddy " Rapier " asked me to search my service manual to see if showed where the ((( XM )) antenna was located, and I could not find any info on it. I have an '08 so it wasn't an option.

Sorry it took so long to get back on here I have been swamped.
Her is Joy's contact information.
Joy Brown
Customer Service Specialist
Satellite Radio Superstore
An IBSM, Inc. Company
7213 Sandscove CT Suite 10
Winter Park, FL 32792
Area: 407-657-8777 x103
Toll Free: 1-800-513-8554 x103
Facsimile: 407-657-8177
jbrown@satelliteradiosuperstore.com
www.xm-radio-satellite.com
www.sirius-radio-satellite.com

Hope This Helps helps

Hey Deburge thanks for taking the time to research this and find a fix. I spoke to Joy Brown and have the antenna ordered and just waiting for it to arrive. So is it still working 200% better then the stock one? Are you still happy with the performance? Just want to double check to make sure its worth installing because my dealer stated that they were gonna charge 2hrs labor so thats like $160. Kinda sucks that I have to pay $200 for antenna plus labor that Honda should have researched and done right the first time. I guess what amazes me the most is that with everyone saying that they are calling Honda or taking it to the dealer with this problem they still state "This is the first we heard of it".

I am very happy with it now after the install. My dealer did it in 1 hour it cost me 85.00 If your dealer says 2 hours I might find a different dealer Let them know Cycle Nation in Canton Georgia did theirs in 1 hour. All they have to do is splice the wires. My dealer also told me if they have a recall I will get my money back so I highly suggest writing to Honda and complaining about their product.
$200.00 is steep I would even have to rethink that one as I was floored by $85.00. I live in Georgia in the mountains with lots of trees and covered roadways. It has been working well since the install but I do not want to tell you to do it and you not have the same results as I have i wouldn't feel right.

Many thanks to you dburge for finding the fix! I had the antenna installed by my dealer, 1 hr labor charge thankfully, and it works great. No more dropouts unless its under super heavy tree cover and then you kinda expect it. Extremely happy with it now, if only Honda would come out with some kind of fix so we can be reimbursed.

I just got a new 2010 GL1800. Love the bike but am also very disappointed with the XM reception. Thanks for posting all the information on the antenna. I will be discussing with my dealer. It would be great if one of you could post a picture of the new antenna installation.

I guess I am one of the lucky ones. Now that I finally got the XM radio activated (dealer had to install new XM/Nav Unit) I've had great reception. I was really worried about it after reading all the stories but so far so good.

Glad to see some of these posts that provide a "fix" for the problem, but as a Long time XM user (10 yrs) with a Car Based, Portable, and my 09 Wing there are several things to remember.
#1. It is satellite radio and your antenna in any type of unit is strictly "line of sight". As a professional driver I've found that the Northern States (above 40 degrees latitude) have a tendency to have lousy reception if your surrounding terrain higher than your level line of sight. This problem is more prevelent in the early and late part of the day. There is also consideration to the changing seasons related to the placement of the companies satellite orbits. They are Geo-Synchronus - they stay in the same place in space while the earth tilts with your radio! Granted for most of the folks around the world this is not a big issue but with the terrain problem added in it can be frustrating.
#2. Yes, the Wing Antenna is in the WRONG Place. I was told originally that it is a dual antenna mounted in the front fairing and cabled back to the control box in the trunk. I've experienced that even your own body is enough to screw up the signal. Try it some time while you are riding south to north, or west to east in the northwestern states in the hours between 4 and 8 pm. You'll find that you'll get a bunch of "lost signals" as you go along your way.
I agree that Honda should set up a "MAST" possibly mounted on the "CB Mount. Should solve a great deal of issues.

I am very happy with it now after the install. My dealer did it in 1 hour it cost me 85.00 If your dealer says 2 hours I might find a different dealer Let them know Cycle Nation in Canton Georgia did theirs in 1 hour. All they have to do is splice the wires.

When you say they spliced the wires, did they cut the wire to the factory antenna or did they splice it in a manner that both antennas are feeding the radio?

So, I have to take my bike in for warranty work on the turn signal button. I told the service manager about the issue with the XM radio and he contacted his area rep. The rep tells him that I am the FIRST person to report a problem with the XM radio.

I find that hard to believe.

I did the life time for XM, cost just over 500 and lasts for up to 3 radio's, don't believe I know anyone who has gone through 3 radio's. my delphi XM I've had for 7 years and still works great. Just athought. I have mine mounted externally on my GW Trike, would not know what to do without it.

del23t

kydriver223 you are correct. They placed the antenna in the fairing behind the lights, among all the wiring and metal connectors and all....it is Honda that planned poorly and will not accept the responsibility because it will cost much $$$ to place a new antenna somewhere else on the bike that is not obstructed by all the metal. If everyone would contact their dealer and then the factory with this problem and then they might, and I say might, do something to correct their mistake. BUT like I say, they want to ignore all the owners with XM to save money.

This is a great thread - it talks about a common problem, and offers some great and helpful solutions. I also am experiencing similiar issues on my 2010/xm/navi/comfort. I figured the easiest and best way was to relocate the antennae to the top of the dash in back of the windscreen or the top of the truck lid.

My new 2010 also had terrible ((XM)) radio reception. Didn't bother to renew because I can listen to the I-Pod when out of FM range. Didn't know the weather and traffic alerts were part of the ((XM)) package, and I really liked those features.

I can renew just those features but they cost more if not bundled with the radio service. Wouldn't mind the ((XM)) if it worked properly. I hope Honda fixes this problem with their ((XM)). You would think ((XM)) would say something to Honda so as not to lose a potentially large market.

I was a Cable TV engineer before I retired in 96. So I know a little about Satellite communication. One, it is line of Sight, get into valleys or have Mountains or tall buildings between you and the equator the worse your reception will be. Most Communication Satellites are parked in a Synchronous orbit over the equator. The further south you go the better your reception will like be. Look at the angle of the Home satellite antennas. Here in the Northwest they are set between 33 and 36 degrees depending on the position of the satellite over the equator. As you move south the up angle increases, the foot print of the satellite signal on the earth increases and you get a better look at the satellites as they become more over head and less likely to be hidden by mountains, or tall building. And putting the antenna down in the dash, well not a good idea. Not sure this is the complete problem but betting it is a part of it.
From the Northwest Corner
Ron

Careful! You can only bash American Manufacturers like GM. It might be seen as un-American to complain about a foreign auto or motorcycle company....

Took ours in for the XM reception issues after Honda Ca. said I had to report it thru a dealer first, did it and as Honda Ca. said first we heard of it, so don't waste your time on dealer aid as they get no support for it from Honda and likely have no ideas either, too bad a company as huge as honda can't come to the forums to see the short falls of their Goldwing, as Honda said to me, we don't give advice in forums and we don't take it from there either, well ain't Honda special, build but don't improve until you are ready for a new model, wow what a concept. And yes I am a bit ripped, 35k and you can't play their radios. Oh P.S. they start off blaming XM so I checked with them and its back to Honda's fault they just don't want to accept it.

Lc

Sounds like a new project for Honda/aftermarket windshield manufactures. Manufacture a Goldwing windscreen (with optional heights of course) with a XM/Sirius antenna molded in at the top of the windshield with the cable moulded into the edge of the windscreen with sufficient cable and/or cable length options to extend to the appropriate area for Honda installed XM radio on 2009 and newer or XM/Sirius plug n play installations on older bikes.

Like everyone, I'm really disappointed with the reception of XM on my 2010 GW. dburge seems to have been the most ambitious but I'd really like to see where you placed that antenna. It looks big in advertisement. I like the idea of it being hidden somewhere but don't want to give up reception either. A photo of where you have it mounted would be helpful.

Thanks!

I'm glad all I listen to is the purr of the engine!!

I have more signal interruption up here where I live due to the lower reception angle. My XM is a portable (XM isn't avialable on Cdn GW models) and I placed the antenna on the top of the left hand mirror. I haven't decided that's where it's staying permanently but I'm leaning that way. I thought about the top of the trunk lid, but then the antenna line of site would be blocked riding two up for sure and maybe even with just me when heading in a southerly direction. I di have it on the dash and the dropouts were terrible, on the stock screen the vent interfered, and with the Windbender, the interferance got even worse, hence the mirror location. Now if I could just get all the velcro glue residue off the dash-top...:(

Unfortunately, budkoa, I doubt that raising the antenna a few inches will make much difference considering the distance to the Satellite the change in angle just won't be that much, but it could be worth a try.
Best of luck
From the Northwest Corner
Ron

i have installed the antena that comes with the mobile setup, on my 1500 mounted the antena on top of the backrest and have no!!reception problems. i do live near mamoth cave so southern rec. is real good. i also use delphi skyfi2 and fm on 88.7

I meant to post this yesterday but got side-tracked. Since mounting the antenna on the lh mirror, my reception dropouts have decreased to about half of what they were, about the same as the Delphi get in the missus' car, but still not as good as the sharkfin type antenna on my Sierra pickup. About as good as it will get I think.

Budoka, I know what you mean about dropouts up in Alberta. Having experienced them while coming up to get my big load of propane in my large car. Speshally at Crowsnest Pass and down south of Cranbrook in the trees. (sigh...):p
I've put the standard pod antenna on the top center of the dash on the Wing and it has been working pretty good.:)

The built in XM on my 2010 is not worth a hoot for reception. even on the interstates trees at the side of the road will stop reception.

I agree. I gave up and wen t to my mp3

Now if I could just get all the velcro glue residue off the dash-top...:(


WD-40 will cut the residue and should not harm the plastic. Try it on a small spot first to make sure.

I have a 2010 1800 without XM but added the Garmin Nuvi550 with XM30 antenna which has the XM and the sound & reception are marvelous