Radio fading in and out

[DaChief]

Just purchased a 2010 GL 1800 with Navi and Comfort Package, that is in "like new" condition. The only flaw that I have found is that the radio (both FM & XM) goes off intermittently at highway speeds. At first I thought it was the antenna being moved around by the higher windspeed, as it does not happen at slow speeds or while stopped. The bike has always been stored inside, and never subjected to weather, so I am doubtful about corrosion problems. However, this is my first Wing, and I ask for your expert suggestions before I do something to make matters worse.

[winger05]

More info would be helpful. i.e. Thru the helmet headset, speakers, or both?. You say "fading" in the topic title, but then you say it "goes off" in the body of your message?

If it is fading, it may be your auto volume control adjustment.
if it is shutting off, it may just be a loose connector.

[DaChief]

Apologize for not being more specific. The sound actually goes off and on.....both headset and speakers. I also think it may be a loose connector, but have checked as much as I can get to around the antenna and trunk, along with shaking the antenna back and forth. Since it is intermittent, and only at speed, this may be a challenge to track down. Any suggestions as to the best places to look next would be appreciated. BTW, you got me to thinking about the auto volume control, so I will play with that first. Thanks for your response.

[DaChief]

Problem solved. Went for a test ride this evening and noticed that each time the radio muted, the RX appeared by the CB indicator. Apparently, if the squelch is set too low, the CB is attempting to receive a weak signal and is constantly muting the audio system. My wife thinks the best solution is just turn the CB off.

[WingAdmin]

Problem solved. Went for a test ride this evening and noticed that each time the radio muted, the RX appeared by the CB indicator. Apparently, if the squelch is set too low, the CB is attempting to receive a weak signal and is constantly muting the audio system. My wife thinks the best solution is just turn the CB off.

I have been caught out by this a number of times. I leave the CB on, then turn the volume down for one reason or another. Every time it picks up a signal, it mutes my radio, and I'm then wondering why my radio keeps cutting out.

[Pharo]

Bought a 2007 GL1800 and she runs great! After weeks of searching the forums to no avail I pulled the bike up on the center stand, got out the tools, opened the trunk and made one final "flare prayer" before I started ripping the wiring harness apart, probably making my situation worse. The heavenly response was, give the internet another try . . . actually I think that heavenly voice was my wife.

I found this post and I thought, "It can't be that easy" but I had noticed that as I rode and the radio was cutting in and out that the Rx was regularly flashing on and off. To make matters worse, I have the triple threat combination of death; I live and ride 5 miles from the Chicago to Milwaukee I-94 corridor (plenty of CB traffic), I had the CB tuned to channel 19 (figuring I'd get something) and I had the CB volume set to zero. So every faint whisper on channel 19 was causing the CB to take over the speakers which had no volume.

Thanks for posting WingAdmin and DaChief!

Now that I'm registered here and a new GoldWing owner, I'll be paying a lot of attention here.

Pharo