On either of these, do you see reduced reception? If so which is better, and is the shorty close enough to the stock that it doesn't matter? I do listen to the radio often, probably will get a set of W/S bags and if I use an IPod put it in the bag,,, and I guess CD's are an option too, I forgot about that!
Just wanted to loose the tall antenna, I kick it sometimes, and it looks kinda out of place on that clean back end!

 

I just did XM and wanted to do an inside fairing antenna. Dealer recommended one that was supposed to be "really good"
I was about a half mile down the road and was just seeing how it was working. No AM reception at all and the FM wasn't too good either. The dealer called the manufacturer to see if there was something that could be done and was told "Well it's not an outside antenna"
Whatever. I ended up going with the HD shorty antenna. It seems to be just about as good as the longer stock antenna and doesn't look like a fishing pole.
BTW, the crappy antenna was made by JM.

 

I use the shorty by HD. No problem with reception. Like the look better than the whip antenna

 

I used a shorty that extended. Terrible reception. I used the antenna relocation kit that placed it near the lower rear fender support, and put the stocker back on. Looks alot better, great reception, out of the way.

 

I run a powered antenna inside the fairing I bought at Pepboys (or was it Autozone?) for less than $20. Around town it receives FM and AM just fine. Haven't made a run 100+ miles out of town, so can't comment on reception in rural areas vs. the whip.

 

I've got the shorty antennas on mine. Reception seems pretty good. Atlanta radio stations sux, so I'm usually listening to my MP3 player that I have tucked in one of my windshield pouches

 

Hey, what do you mean a shorty that extended? You had to pull it up? Also do you have any pictures of the bike with the relocated whip?
That or the HD shorty will likely be what I do...

 

Don't waste the money on a shorty. I just pulled the end cap off my stock antenna, and cut it to the length I wanted. The shaft is tapered, so just be careful not to cut too much off or the cap will not go back on.

 

Yes, it worked like the old style car antennas, you just pulled it up. Reception was not as good as the stocker, noticeably so.
Here is a pic of the stock one relocated.

 

I like that idea. How much did you cut off and how did it effect your reception?

Thanks,

VR