WARNINGSet CB channel, squelch threshold and volume before riding to minimize adjustments on the road. Distractions can lead to loss of control, resulting in death or serious injury. (00089a)
NOTICE
Operating the CB radio without an antenna or with a broken antenna cable can result in damage to the transmitter circuitry. (00176a)
NOTICE
There are no adjustments internal to the CB transceiver chassis that can be performed without risking non-compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules. Refer to the original equipment manufacturer for any service required during the warranty period. For transmitter service after the warranty period, refer to a certified repair service. Any frequency determining components, such as crystals, or power determining semi-conductors, etc., should only be replaced with the original component manufacturer's part or equivalent. Substitutes can result in violation of FCC rules. (00175a)
Some models in select regions have a CB module. The CB radio can be used to communicate with other CB-equipped motorcycles (or other CB users) on any of the 40 Citizen Band channels.
Regulations for CB operation, specific frequencies or power output may be unique for different regions. Check local laws and regulations before operating the CB radio. In the United States, read Part 95, FCC Rules and Regulations before operating your transmitter.
Turning CB On
NOTE
If the CB is disabled, the selection button will not be greyed out and not selectable.
The CB must be turned on before using. After the CB is turned on and a channel has been selected, you can leave the CB screen and use other radio features (such as listening to tuner stations, making phone calls, using navigation features, or listening to media files). The CB remains muted but continues operating in the background. The rider and passenger can transmit or receive CB audio at any time while on any screen.
| 1. | Navigate: Home > Communications > CB. | |
| 2. | See Figure 1. Press the On/Off icon. The middle of the screen shows the current channel and CB On. The CB icon is displayed in the status bar while the CB remains on. |
Turning CB Off
See Figure 1. On the CB screen, press the On/Off icon. The CB presets will be disabled, the middle of the screen will show CB Off and the CB icon in the status bar will turn off.
| 1 | Preset |
| 2 | Current channel |
| 3 | ON/OFF Indicator |
| 4 | ON/OFF Icon |
Figure 1. CB Screen
Conflicting Transmissions
CB channels are mutually shared among many users. Interruptions and conflicting transmissions from multiple users on a channel can make it difficult for your intended recipient to understand your message. To make sure that your transmission is received well, and as a courtesy to others, wait until the channel is clear before pressing the PTT switch.
If too many users are actively using a channel, try to specify another possible channel to your intended recipients so you can resume your conversation together on that channel.
For important communications, make sure that your recipient acknowledges that they have received and understand your message.
Emergency Operation: Channel 9
In the US, the FCC has reserved channel 9 for emergency or traveler assistance use only. Use of this channel should only be for issues involving personal safety, damage to property or other required assistance. Channel 9 is also reserved for emergency use in most other countries that allow Citizen Band radio.
When using this channel for emergencies or assistance, clearly identify the nature of the problem and your location. If no response is received, try other channels or find another way to get help.
Transmitting on CB
Start transmitting: While on any screen, wait until other active CB transmissions are finished and the channel is clear. Press and hold the PTT switch to begin transmitting on the current CB channel. Any sound picked up from the rider and passenger microphones will be transmitted. While the PTT switch is held, all other audio is muted, including any inbound CB messages that may be coming in. The CB Active icon will be displayed in the status bar during the transmission. See Figure 2.
Stop transmitting: Release the PTT switch to stop transmitting. The status bar will show the CB Idle icon. Audio will be resumed, and any CB audio that breaks squelch will be received.
| 1 | CB Active |
Figure 2. CB Active
Receiving CB Audio
The radio will receive inbound CB audio while on any screen. When an incoming CB signal breaks squelch, the CB audio interrupts (or mixes) with the current audio source in the radio. While CB audio is being received, the CB Active icon is displayed in the status bar.
If necessary, adjust the squelch level so noise does not break squelch, but desired CB audio is still received.
CB audio is received through the speakers or the headsets, depending on the audio routing settings. See Setup → Speaker. Both rider and passenger headsets will receive inbound CB audio.
Tuning CB Channels
The CB radio can access all 40 channels. While on the CB screen, press the Previous/Next hand control to advance through the CB channels individually. Channels can only be changed while in the CB screen.
Refer to local regulations for any further restrictions or recommendations on local channel use. For some of the popular CB channels used, Refer to Table 1.
Table 1. CB Channels: Popular or Reserved
CHANNEL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Channel 8 | Unofficial travelers channel (Australia) |
Channel 9 | Reserved for emergency and traveler assistance use only (most
countries) |
Channel 13 | Unofficial travelers channel (Greece) |
Channel 15 | Unofficial travelers channel (Russia) |
Channel 17 | North-south freeway trucker channel (US) |
Channel 19 | East-west freeway trucker channel (US) Unofficial travelers channel (most countries) |
CB Presets
The CB screen stores six preset channels. Save your most commonly used channels as presets so they can be easily accessed. Some recommended presets include channel 9 (emergency channel) and channel 19 (unofficial travelers channel).
Setting CB preset: Tune to a CB channel. Press and hold a CB preset until the system beeps and the channel is saved.
Recalling CB preset: With the CB turned on, press the desired CB preset.
NOTE
CB channels cannot be configured as global presets or favorites.
Squelch
The squelch level determines the minimum signal strength that will unmute CB reception. When a CB signal exceeds the selected threshold, the radio will "break squelch". The current audio source (such as a radio station or media file) mutes and the CB channel is unmuted.
Adjusting squelch: See Figure 3. With the CB turned on, push down the squelch switch (SQ-) until noise and static are heard. The CB Active icon will be displayed. Then push up the squelch switch (SQ+) one or two levels. This eliminates noise while allowing any stronger signals to break squelch.
Intermittent noise: If intermittent noise or undesired weak CB signals continue to break squelch, consider raising the squelch further. However, setting the squelch too high can prevent desired CB audio from being received.
Maximum squelch: At maximum squelch, the radio will not break squelch for any signal. All inbound CB signals are effectively muted.
Figure 3. CB Squelch Level
CB Volume
CB Audio Routing: CB audio can be routed to the speakers or the rider/passenger headsets. See Setup → Speaker.
Adjusting CB volume (while on CB screen): Use rider volume controls to adjust speaker or rider headset volume. Use passenger volume controls to adjust passenger headset volume.
Adjusting CB volume (while not on CB screen): See Figure 4. While CB audio is being received, use the rider or passenger volume controls. If necessary, first reduce the squelch until CB audio breaks squelch, then adjust the volume. Raise the squelch to its original level.
| 1 | CB volume |
| 2 | CB active |
Figure 4. CB Volume
Passenger CB Operation
The passenger can also transmit over the current CB channel, adjust CB volume for the passenger headset and listen to inbound CB audio in the passenger headsets. The passenger cannot adjust speaker volume, adjust squelch or change CB channels.
Initiating CB transmission (passenger): When channel is clear, press and hold the passenger PTT switch on side of Tour-Pak. Both the rider and passenger microphones become active. Release PTT switch when finished.
Adjusting CB volume (passenger): While on CB screen (or while CB is in operation), use UP/DN switch on side of Tour-Pak to adjust passenger headset volume. The volume switch does not affect the speakers or rider headset volume.
Factors Affecting CB Range
Adverse weather, buildings, hills and valleys can affect the maximum range for the CB radio. Degraded reception or transmission capability can also occur in tunnels or parking garages. The CB transmitter is the most powerful allowed under US federal law. However, since there is no large steel area to create a ground plane, the CB may not transmit as strongly as CBs mounted in a car or truck.
Adding an Optional CB Module
Bike-to-bike (CB) communication is standard on some vehicles in select locations. For vehicles not equipped with a CB, the optional CB accessories can be purchased at www.h-d.com/store or at an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer.
Installation of the CB module may only be allowed in particular regions. See www.h-d.com/store or your authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for fitment and requirements. Follow the instruction sheet procedures or have an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer install the accessory. For set up and operation, use the instructions in this manual.