Vaquero XM radio feedback

[jestephens]

My only hesitance is that I'd like to use the bike's built-in controls. :/ and when I've used an FM transmitter to connect anything, it seems I still end up chasing radio stations for a clear signal. Depending on the weather, and where and how far I'm driving.

[crazygene49]

Originally Posted by jestephens

My only hesitance is that I'd like to use the bike's built-in controls. :/ and when I've used an FM transmitter to connect anything, it seems I still end up chasing radio stations for a clear signal. Depending on the weather, and where and how far I'm driving.

I had the same problem with my Sirrus unit in my car until I used a direct connect cable. No more problems.

[BigDog1294]

Originally Posted by haygrrr

Does anyone have good/bad feedback on XM radio on the Vaquero? Won enough on a scratch ticket the other day to cover the $400+ cost but wondering how the quality is. Does that antenna really function? Wondering if my larger windshield will affect reception any?

Thanks

It's way beyond expensive. I found one used at a reasonable price on Ebay. Plugs right in. Reception is OK, sound quality excellent-tall shield does not affect reception. But with the antenna mounted inside the fairing, I do get some dropouts with no buffer depending on position of the sat and local terrain (country roads with heavy tree canopy, for instance.) Next time I remove the fairing I'm going to remount the antenna on top of the brake master cylinder. (I think the newer kits mount on top of the dash.) Definitely a plus having the controls at your left thumb.

[toy4bob]

Originally Posted by jestephens

My only hesitance is that I'd like to use the bike's built-in controls. :/ and when I've used an FM transmitter to connect anything, it seems I still end up chasing radio stations for a clear signal. Depending on the weather, and where and how far I'm driving.

Agreed, built in controls are my preference also. On the FM, I wouldn't use it, I would set it up with the direct cable....so that would be what, another $60 to Kawasaki? Sure beats $400

[MickeyT]

My radio is tuned to 88.1 the audio is crystal clear , I know I cant use the handle bar controls ( except Volume) but the unit has a bunch of presets and at the touch of a button im on to another station..............savings wise I think not being able to change presets thru the hand controls is worth saving a few hundred bucks for some wire , by the way there is no interference or loss of stations because the unit is mounted less than a foot away from the radio.

[MickeyT]

A sandwich baggy and a rubberband , same for the garmin and your waterproof :)

[cactusjack]

I had an FM transmitter hookup for my MP3 player. It had 6 preset FM frequencies and every one of them was on or adjacent to the same frequency as the Spanish FM stations in the area. I kept getting bleed over and ended up throwing it in the trash.

[haygrrr]

Then there is the monthly fee too... What is that now? $11-12 bucks?

I've got lifetime membership for the XM in my truck but I was told that is no longer an option...

[MickeyT]

Originally Posted by MickeyT

I hooked my radio up easily, All those sat receivers transmit on fm , Im using the sportster model the only thing I had to do was fabricate a bracket , run a power line and route the antenna wire ( antenna is mounted to the handle bars with 2 sided tape. The unit works perfectly and is mounted to the top of the dashboard pics to follow........

[MickeyT]

Originally Posted by MickeyT

My sat set up on my bike , works great!!

[haygrrr]

Originally Posted by MickeyT

My sat set up on my bike , works great!!

Nice set up MickeyT. I could try the same. Only concern is my receiver is almost twice as big. What do you do in bad weather?

[MickeyT]

I carry a few sandwich bags and some rubberbands , I,ve had to use them on my garmin while i was a ways from home and needed to use it in the rain , no problem at all keeps the units very dry .

[Corvettegbert]

I admit it....I'm addicted to Satellite Radio. Having said that, I'm also "frugal" on where I throw my cash. I have this unit from Best Buy ($59.99) and I move it from two of my cars and my house on a regular basis. It is about 2 1/2 inches high by 4 inches wide and transmits either using an AUX plug or an unused FM channel. Power can be hard wired or as I use mine, with the 12V accessory outlet.

I don't see why this wont work although it wont be as integrated as the factory system - only $400 cheaper! I haven't hooked it up yet because I want to buy an extra antennae and power cord that I can leave with my bike. I'll post feedback later this spring when I finally tackle this project.

20130403_072500[1].jpg

[Kopperhed]

Originally Posted by haygrrr

Does anyone have good/bad feedback on XM radio on the Vaquero? Won enough on a scratch ticket the other day to cover the $400+ cost but wondering how the quality is. Does that antenna really function? Wondering if my larger windshield will affect reception any?

Thanks

bought used unit with no instructions.... unfortunately kawasaki took them (instructions) off their website. had to mod the bracket and flip it around since my amp sits on top of the radio, no biggy. Sound is as good as the on-board system in my F250, love using the handlebar controls to run the show, love that the unit is tucked away under the fairing. Just wish I had the instructions for programming the presets, I get 1 or 2 set, then I manage to overwrite them......