2012 GL1800 - Question on tuning CB antenna

[danaomi]

Hello all,

New wing owner, bought a very gently used 2012 GL1800 (non airbag, but everything else on it), only 3K miles. I've added some stuff like seat back, air wings, fork brace, new tires (due to age of originals), and had the dealer install genuine Honda CB and antenna. They didn't know anything about SWR or how tune the antenna. I bought a $15 SWR meter online and jumper cables to hook up Honda CB leads, but my question is how do I actually get to the CB leads? I removed the bottom trunk cover and I'm not sure what I'm looking at, although I think the stereo is on top and the CB sits in the very bottom? Do I need to dig into the trunk compartment or do I need to remove the heated seat to get to the leads? I've searched quite a bit online trying to find information but can't seem to find the actual how-to instructions or video on to actually get to the CB antenna leads to do the tuning. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Dan

[GoldWingrGreg]

I bought a $15 SWR meter online and jumper cables to hook up Honda CB leads, but my question is how do I actually get to the CB leads? I removed the bottom trunk cover and I'm not sure what I'm looking at, although I think the stereo is on top and the CB sits in the very bottom? Do I need to dig into the trunk compartment or do I need to remove the heated seat to get to the leads?

Dan

If I recall, your antenna connection is in the trunk. To get to it, remove the large cover at the bottom of the trunk. Then remove the plastic shield under the cover ... the cb unit sits in the lowest part of the turn compartment. YouTube offers great cb tuning videos. You may even find one specific to your SW meter.

Hopefully your leads are long enough to set the sw meter on the seat. You may find that if you are to close to the trunk area that your readings will reflect that. I had to hook a string to the cb transmit switch and step away from the bike while pulling on the string to get an accurate transmit reading. You should be able to get down to a 1.1-1.2 range.

[WingAdmin]

Here you go: How to tune your CB SWR (GL1800)

[danaomi]

Thanks, GoldWingrGreg and WingAdmin, for your replies. It will be interesting to see where the CB antenna leads actually are accessible...in the bottom part of the tail trunk stereo/CB compartment or behind the seat since there isn't clear instruction that I can find for a 2012 GL1800. I'm hoping this Saturday at our GWRRA maintenance event to find out, and then enjoy a nice ride in the hill country near San Antonio with the group and in comms with everyone else on CB.