another method to mount antenna

[chauffeur]

For the last seven years, I have used this Tech Board to an amazing degree.   The wealth of knowledge that so many of you have so kindly made available has assisted me greatly with troubleshooting, modifying, and maintaining my first interstate.  I cannot thank y'all enough.          

I certainly have taken more than I have contributed.  It is simply not my nature to post a lot; like many, I usually search and find what I'm looking for.  Until today, I have not had anything that might be considered "new" information to contribute.   I'll let y'all be the judge.  

Here's the situation.  Recently bought another interstate to make a solo ride.  With the trunk permanently removed now (and no saddle bag guard rails installed or intended), I needed a new place to mount the antenna.  Searches of the board revealed a method that was not compatible with the truck stacks currently installed (insufficient clearance).  I also could not find any after market products that would work.  

Here's what I came up with:

There's not much to it.  Drilled three holes in a 1" square tube (aluminum) that was cut to length and polished.  Added a couple end caps and attached it to the band for the right saddle bag stay (replaced the original flange bolts with longer ones).

We'll have to see if the heat from the exhaust causes any damage to the cable.  

I'm thinking about making a second one for the left side (flag holder maybe?)
 
    

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Well done     Nice clean bike ....I like clean bikes 

[eddy6]

The mod looks great. I too like things clean and like to putter in the shop. just wondering if you have a set of saddlebag rails or maby just reading too much into it. I would love to find some for my 1999 Tourer. thanks and have a great day.

Duane

[Gary]

Looks good! 

I wonder if running the cable inside your fabricated square tube would better insulate the cable from any exhaust heat if it becomes an issue?

[chauffeur]

...    Nice clean bike ....I like clean bikes 

... I too like things clean ...

We share the same passion on cleanliness.  I've got over 50 hours invested in detailing this one.   I have reason to believe it slept outside in a carport most of it's life and has not been ridden for the past three years.   It's been a lot of work, but I've been pleasantly surprised at how well it's cleaned up.   Still not done, I'm probably 80% complete.  Here's a before and after (note the rusted exhaust and dulled chrome):

... just wondering if you have a set of saddlebag rails or maby just reading too much into it.  I would love to find some for my 1999 Tourer...

I've got the OEM rails on my other interstate.  They look great, but I want to maintain a simpler look on this one.

 

...I wonder if running the cable inside your fabricated square tube would better insulate the cable from any exhaust heat if it becomes an issue?

If needed, that'll be a great solution.  Thanks.
 

[BonS]

Looks good! 

I wonder if running the cable inside your fabricated square tube would better insulate the cable from any exhaust heat if it becomes an issue?

I would be wary about running the cable entirely within the tubing. The OEM antenna and CB mounts avoid doing this as the bend radius would be too small. Sharp bends in an antenna wire can seriously affect its performance. Honda runs several inches of wire outside the mounting tube until it can be slowly coaxed (coax-ed, get it? Nevermind.) back into their tube.

[Valkpilot]

Nice innovation.  Much nicer than a license plate bracket.