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XM Radio and mounts
Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 7:16 pm
by Aslan
I was wondering what XM Radio you use on your R1150R and what mounts have you found the most successful.
Thanks!
Tom
Re: XM Radio and mounts
Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:48 am
by rdsmith3
I used to have a Roady2. I replaced it with a Garmin Zumo 550 GPS, with the optional (costly) XM receiver/antenna unit. With both, I use a RAM mount.
The Zumo has the best XM interface I have experienced. It also has the best reception. I have used several Roady2 units, and also a factory unit in a GMC SUV, and the XM is much better with the Zumo.
Re: XM Radio and mounts
Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 8:21 am
by sjbmw
I use the Roady2 with RAM Mounts. Ram mounts also for a GPS.
cyclegadgets.com has a selection of XM accessories.
Re: XM Radio and mounts
Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:31 am
by Dr. Strangelove
check out "tech-mounts" at techmounts.com I believe. A little bit more expensive, but much more attractive imho
John
Re: XM Radio and mounts
Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:37 am
by sweatmark
So far we've used Roady2s, the ExpressEZ, and Garmin 2730 for moto-XM.
Roady2
bought his & hers for our R1150Rs prior to 1st big mototrip;
small & easy to install using RAM mount system or any other means of attaching the Roady to bike;
Roady2 has pretty good controls for on-bike operation, and moving through channels & settings while wearing gloves is do-able;
need a cover for rainy weather, which means losing some access to controls;
mount with a "Roady Holder" to simplify antenna installation;
these are practically free on eBay.
ExpressEZ
currently on Mrs. Sweatmark's Roadster, as she prefers its simplicity over the Roady2;
good for simple tuning with a short list of favorite channels;
same mounting provisions as Roady2;
same weather-proofing issues;
almost free $10- via XM and other outlets.
Garmin XM integration
currently in my work vehicle and transferred to Rockster for trips;
it's nice to have GPS and XM integrated into a single weather-resistant package;
more difficult to use touch screen that Roady2 buttons, but not an issue for those with the Zumo;
Garmin XM smart antenna is about 3" in diameter, so mounting involves both the GPS head unit and the XM module as non-trivial components (unlike the other XM radio antenna);
significant investment but possibly worth the expense.
For road trips, we wouldn't leave home without XM.
Re: XM Radio and mounts
Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 12:23 pm
by rdsmith3
FYI, I put the hockey-puck-sized XM unit for the Zumo on top of the headlight bucket.
You can sort of see it in this picture
