GL1800 CB antenna

gcasper · Post by **gcasper** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 3:34 am

Hi all...

New to the group. Have a question I can't find an answer to. I just purchased a gorgeous 2003 GL1800/A. About the only thing wrong with it is the CB antenna is broken off. I want to replace it, and the base is still there, so I'm pretty sure I only need the mast. The issue is, I don't know how to tell if it's an OEM base or an add-on. And it appears that makes a difference on fitment of the mast.

Can anyone tell me how to tell the difference between OEM and aftermarket, so I can buy the right part?

TIA

AZgl1800 · Post by **AZgl1800** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 5:33 am

I too, lost the top stinger, if that is what you are talking about.

Looked for a long time for one, finally just gave up and ordered the full antenna from Sierra Electronics.

The CB antenna is on the left side, the FM/AM antenna is on the right side.

You need to check those set screws once in a while, they loosen up over the miles, and then the stinger just "gets lost"

gcasper · Post by **gcasper** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 6:22 am

If, by stinger, you mean just the very top piece of the antenna, that's not what I meant. I'm missing the entire antenna, down to the piece that pulls up to fold down the antenna. That's still there. But the entire whip, including the 75 ohm resistor, is missing. I'm seeing both OEM and aftermarket replacements out there, I'm just not sure which one to buy.

Viking · Post by **Viking** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 7:13 am

gcasper wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2019 6:22 am If, by stinger, you mean just the very top piece of the antenna, that's not what I meant. I'm missing the entire antenna, down to the piece that pulls up to fold down the antenna. That's still there. But the entire whip, including the 75 ohm resistor, is missing. I'm seeing both OEM and aftermarket replacements out there, I'm just not sure which one to buy.

It does not really matter which one you buy as long as you replace the entire antenna, with cable. Either OEM or after market will work the same. As the bike is a 2003, chances are great that the existing one is OEM.

gcasper · Post by **gcasper** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 7:52 am

Of course if I replace the entire thing it doesn't matter. But if I just want to replace the mast, and leave the existing base and wiring intact, then it seems it does matter. The way the mast connects to the base is apparently different, if I understand what I've been reading correctly. Something about a screw in connection vs something else?

Viking · Post by **Viking** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 9:56 am

gcasper wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2019 7:52 am Of course if I replace the entire thing it doesn't matter. But if I just want to replace the mast, and leave the existing base and wiring intact, then it seems it does matter. The way the mast connects to the base is apparently different, if I understand what I've been reading correctly. Something about a screw in connection vs something else?

I am not real sure that you can get the mast separately. If you can, then you are correct and it would matter. Sorry for trying to help.

Steve F · Post by **Steve F** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 9:59 am

I would recommend that you replace the whole thing. If you buy the wrong part and try to match it to the existing base, all bets are off, and you risk the chance of not being able to tune it once it's all together. The length is critical on CB antennas to perform properly.

2003Cobra · Post by **2003Cobra** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 10:38 am

Look for a part number or Manufacturer marking, you may need to remove it from the upper trunk to see any markings. I replaced my aftermarket antenna with an OEM so I'll look at mine later today and see if I can find a number or something and I'll report back what I find.

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 12:19 pm

The OEM antenna can be replaced from the fold down portion up.
Look here: https://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/cb_ant ... aff/144870

There was also a short after market antenna that could be used but the mounting was a little different. If the mounting is the same on the right antenna as the left (broken) antenna, then it is an OEM antenna.

gcasper · Post by **gcasper** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 2:01 pm

Thank you all for the advice and comments.

Viking, I wasn't trying to be snarky. Sorry if it seemed that way.

This is obviously a very responsive and helpful group. Great resource, and I'm thankful this Thanksgiving Day that I found it.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

2003Cobra · Post by **2003Cobra** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 5:27 pm

I checked the difference between the OEM and aftermarket Antenna's and the only difference I found is the Aftermarket uses studs and nuts to hold it on and the OEM uses bolts. Of course the OEM has the red Antenna tip where the aftermarket one has and Aluminum tip, but that is the part you are missing. Both mast's look identical so look at how the base is attached.

newday777 · Post by **newday777** » Fri Nov 29, 2019 9:31 am

gcasper wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2019 7:52 am The way the mast connects to the base is apparently different, if I understand what I've been reading correctly. Something about a screw in connection vs something else?

They mount using the same thread. Contact Cyclemax to be sure. The link above that was posted has a phone number.

Terry D · Post by **Terry D** » Mon Dec 02, 2019 10:28 am

To answer your original question. You will know if it is OEM by comparing the mount with the other antenna on the opposite side.

GL1800 CB antenna

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