Any fix for 2015 RTS poor / no AM/FM radio reception?

[ScootRP]

Radio reception is poor or non-existent for both AM and FM bands. This it is not a location issue because my Goldwing parked next to the Spyder gets great reception. I did check the antenna connection and ground and all appears fine. The sound system works fine with an Ipod. Any ideas?

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Radio reception is poor or non-existent for both AM and FM bands. This it is not a location issue because my Goldwing parked next to the Spyder gets great reception. I did check the antenna connection and ground and all appears fine. The sound system works fine with an Ipod. Any ideas?

You are not alone on this issue ………… I did two things, #1. I removed my antennae and scraped and cleaned the threads ( inside and outside ), that helped quite a bit ( also used a star washer instead of LokTite ) …….. but what really improved my reception was a Bosche ( retractable ) car antennae. It will fit into the speaker pod on the right side. I did need to drill a new hole thru the back end of the Arm rest ( on top ) because the Bosche unit is about 8 inches long so the angle must be more vertical to fit the unit into the speaker pod housing. I bought the Bosche on-line off E-bay ( about $12.00 )…. easy winter project if you have a warm place to work in ….. At this past SPYDER- FEST @ Lake George I demonstrated it's reception capabilities ( @ the Vt. country store Ride ) and those that were present where amazed at the number of stations I could receive ………. sorry but no Pics - I didn't own a camera phone when I did this Mod :dontknow:.... Mike :thumbup:

 

[woods]

Do you have a p/n for that antennae?I switched my stock out for a two footish HD one that worked well on my V but still could be much better!

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Do you have a p/n for that antennae?I switched my stock out for a two footish HD one that worked well on my V but still could be much better!

Unfortunately because the purchase ( on E-bay ) was so long ago it's not on file anymore...…. I'm sure any quality after market Manual re-tractable auto ant. will be a hugh improvement ………… Before you make a purchase - take the right side Speaker pod off and measure how much Depth you have for the antenna, most are from 7 to 9 inches. ……… good luck …. mike :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

I've tried a couple of different antenna solutions on my two 1330 TS... Nothing ever worked. :banghead:
Scraping the antenna base threads helped a little bit; certainly not enough.
But I live in an area where FM reception can be problematic in any vehicle: it's just worse with the Spyders.

Curiously: my 2010 RT had the best reception of my three bikes. I wonder what they changed in the sound system?

 

[kanepj2001]

2016 RT-S SE6, Radio reception is always a problem. Solution, a good bluetooth radio receiver and Siriusxm. Works great and know no issues. Patrick Kane

 

[stmike 1800]

I have a 2018 rtl ,and the reception is terrible .It is about the same as my freecom head set .