Have a the 2019 Limited and the am portion of the radio is so subpar. The reception is there in picking up our local stations but there's all kind of crap noise that comes across while listening. Ta[led to the service guy at the dealer today and of course he said they all do that. Gee, all the high tech stuff we have and our AM radios have gone to pot?? Can anyone say how their am radio sounds on their later model years. That is, if anyone still listens to AM radios. Ha

 

Yeah radio even in FM is not great, even though I went with Screaming eagle plug wires and spark plugs and seems to be better. Then I wonder that after riding 48 years with no radio why I got a bike with one for the past 3 years. Don't use it that often.

 

I listen to AM occasionally when certain sporting events aren't broadcast on FM. Doesn't matter if I'm on the bike, in the truck, or listening to a high end tuner/receiver in the garage. AM has static, it's the nature of the beast.

 

The AM reception on my 18 RGU is also crappy. Lots of static. On my 13 Limited, the AM reception was as good as my truck radio. So your service guy may be right in this case about “they all do that”.

Edit. I’m thinking the LED headlights may have something to do with all the static.

 

The audio system on any bike never equals the sound quality of a high end bluetooth comms system and a simple smartphone. As long as I have an Internet connection (and I do 90% of the time), I can listen to most stations. AM or FM.

 

Well thanks for your experience with the AM guys. At least I’m not in this boat alone. Sometimes just like listening to Dave Ramsey’s program in the afternoon when riding local. Guess I should see if there’s another way to listen like maybe from his website or figure out about podcast stuff. Thanks.

 

You can replace your LED bulbs with incandescent bulbs. Some LED bulbs are notorious for being electrically noisy. I worked radar for DOD and we found this out years ago when building lights were being upgraded & contractor was PO that he had to replace the installed LED lights with a different more expensive LED bulb.....Or you can re-route your antenna cable, might help.

 

The Harley whip and shorty at least got some AM stations. After getting a tour pack and a Craven shorty on Amazon (HD specific) I get absolutely none.

 

What is this AM radio thing of which you speak?

 

Back in pre-historic times, a man named Marconi pioneered long distance radio wave usage. His fellow cave dwellers (metric bike riders), laughed and said it's a passing fad and hollered we will keep our drums FOREVER!

Heady days followed with teens glued to tiny plastic receivers listening to distant gods like Wolfman Jack. Even other Jacks, as in Benny.

Then as the millenniums passed, and Millennials came forth, new technology allowed mankind to eliminate hypnotizing commercials and blue-tooth creatures were tamed to allow listeners to tailor their entertainment experiences.

Yes, you can use me for "Call a Friend" when you're on Who Wants to be a Millionaire.