Poor FM radio reception on a GL1800 model 2002

[The Easy Rider]

My FM radio does not pick up many stations in the UK and the ones it does has very poor quality reception, apart from Classic FM, but a leather clad biker needs rock .

Has anyone come across this problem and what did you do to fix it?

Regards

Chris

[Raysur52]

Hiya
How spooky is that, I have the same problem ABS 1800 2004, had it a year today and the radio does exactly the same, it may have another station that is as good as Classic FM but that's it. Now when I had it serviced last week I asked them to check the radio as I was getting a bit fed up. They came back with the answer that it is because it's an American spec Which I had no idea, I thought it picks up frequencies, like Classic FM, then why not anything else. So when I get a chance I will go to a proper radio shop and see What they have to say. So watch this space.
Regards
Ray

[The Easy Rider]

Hi Ray,

To quote Mr Spock "that is illogical Captain" an FM radio should be able to pick up any stations within its range. I can't believe that it has anything to do with being an American model. I am taking my bike to a Honda dealership in the next few days so i'll also ask them.

Converse soon.

Chris

[The Easy Rider]

Hi Ray,

To quote Mr Spock "that is illogical Captain" an FM radio should be able to pick up any stations within its range. I can't believe that it has anything to do with being an American model. I am taking my bike to a Honda dealership in the next few days so i'll also ask them.

Converse soon.

Chris

[newday777]

American spec radios tune to odd number stations, 92.1, 107.9, 95.5 and such. I've read that across the pond the stations are at different frequencies. Check your car radios to if that is the case.

[flash2002]

Not 100% sure but I think the radio tuners are different in each country. So if you got a US radio in the UK, it might have trouble tuning in a station. It seems to me there is a frequency tag on the back of the radio.

[tfdeputydawg]

MP3 and forget the radio!

[Viking]

MP3 and forget the radio!

Ditto


(Yeah, I know - not helpful, but just sayin')

[The Easy Rider]

I agree with the MP3 idea but its also nice to have what is installed working if possible.

[Raysur52]

Thanks for all comments. I do have a 3.5 jack connected via the left hand box so phone, MP3 via aux but yes the radio would be nice as it's there but it seems to me as to much bother and certainly not gonna buy a replacement. But hope is eternal. Taking it to a radio shop in the next day or so and will give you results one way or another.
Cheers all.
Ray

[The Easy Rider]

I am going to have a good look at mine this weekend will post my findings on Monday.

Chris

[Raysur52]

Ok went to radio shop and seems to confirm all been said so decided to go for their suggestion to wire up a lighter power supply to the radio power (then works on ignition) then just connect the lighter USB adaptor then power supplied to gadgets. Oh the horror of it all lol.
Ray

[The Easy Rider]

Ray

I have fixed mine, Found the ariel lead was not plugged into the audio unit under the shelter. bit of a pain to get at but a simple fix. I can now ride with Heart FM on. Brill.....

Chris

[The Easy Rider]

Ray,

Happy to talk you through how to get at ariel lead but you will need about a half a day to strip it down and put it back together.

Chris

[retchief]

I read in another forum, that if you add a 3 foot antenna extension cable, under the seat, it would enhance the reception. I intend to try this the next time I have my seat off.