Motorola 92FT4896 Users Manual

Chapter 5 Motorcycle Radio Installation

NOTE: The motorcycle radio installation is not applicable for 100W radios and O9 control heads.

5.1 Motorcycle Radio Description

The motorcycle model includes all the same components in the standard radio, with the exceptions
listed in the model charts in the APX 7500 Basic Service Manual (6875964M01). The following
paragraphs describe the unique items provided with the motorcycle models.

NOTE: The APX 7500 Basic Service Manual (6875964M01) includes complete parts lists and parts

numbers for all parts shown in the exploded views in this chapter.



A small label is included with the motorcycle radio, which can be placed on the radio to identify
it as a motorcycle radio. The label should be placed on a flat and protected area to avoid
damage during handling. See Figure 5-1.

Figure 5-1. Identification of a Motorcycle Radio by Using a Label

5.1.1 Transceiver Enclosure

The transceiver is mounted in the weather-resistant enclosure that consists of a bottom housing and
a hinged top cover. The top cover has a locking latch that requires a key to open. The enclosure is
mounted above the rear motorcycle wheel, oriented so that the lock is forward and the hinged cover
opens toward the rear of the motorcycle. The bottom housing has a grommeted hole for cable entry
and weep holes to permit water drainage.

The enclosure is mounted on the motorcycle with a universal mounting plate and shock and vibration
isolators. A large, braided ground-strap (installed between the mounting plate bolts and the
motorcycle frame) grounds the transceiver.

5.1.2 Control/Display Unit

All radio functions, except push-to-talk (PTT), are activated from the control head, which also is
weather-resistant. The control head and the external speaker are mounted for easy access near the
center of the handlebars. The control head is positioned for unobstructed viewing, and it may be
tilted on the horizontal axis for ease of viewing. The microphone cable port on the front of the control
head is plugged and is not used.

5-2 Motorcycle Radio Installation: Motorcycle Radio Description

5.1.3 Control Head Cable

The control-head cable connects the control head to the transceiver. The cable is routed along the
motorcycle’s frame and has weather-resistant connections at both ends. Excess cable is coiled
under the transceiver inside the weather-resistant enclosure.

Each end of the cable is strain-relieved with jackscrews at the control head and the transceiver.
The cable is shielded to reduce the effects of radio frequency interference and ignition sense noise.

5.1.4 Microphone

A weather-resistant, palm microphone and coiled cord plug into a pigtail connector on the control
cable. The microphone attaches to a hang-up bracket located within easy reach of the motorcycle
rider. The coiled cord is long enough to be operated by someone standing next to the motorcycle, yet
short enough to not interfere with the motorcycle’s steering or operation.

5.1.5 Keypad Mic

The Mobile Keypad Microphone (Mic) is a full keypad handheld microphone. The keypad on this
microphone is intended to assist in navigating through the menus on its parent device, as well as
entering information such as phone numbers and menu picks.

5.1.6 External Speaker

A 3.2-ohm, 10-watt-rated-audio-power, external speaker is mounted on the front of the motorcycle.
The speaker cable is routed along the motorcycle frame to the transceiver’s rear accessory
connector. A sealed, weather-resistant, speaker-muting (toggle) switch is mounted on top of the
speaker.

The external speaker connects to the rear accessory connector of the transceiver.

5.1.7 Headset Capability

The motorcycle radio is compatible with headset accessories that would provide hands-free
operation of the radio. Motorola does not manufacture headset equipment, but provides the
interconnection for headset equipment with the motorcycle radio. Aftermarket headset equipment is
available through Motorola (see Appendix A: Replacement Parts Ordering).

To avoid possible injury to hearing, the audio setting in the mobile radio MUST be

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confirmed, if the Motorola mobile radio is used with any motorcycle helmet headset.
See CPS Help for details.

5.1.8 Antenna

The antenna(s) are mounted on top of the transceiver’s weather-resistant enclosure. 
The enclosure’s metal lining acts as the antenna’s ground plane.

5.1.9 Ignition Sense (ACC) Wire

The ignition sense wire connects to the motorcycle’s fuse box and is routed along the motorcycle
frame to the transceiver’s rear accessory connector.

The radio is wired so that transmission is inhibited if the motorcycle’s ignition sense switch is off. 
If the PTT switch is pressed with the ignition sense off, a low-frequency tone sounds. The receiver is
controlled by the control head on/off switch.

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Motorcycle Radio Installation: Installation Overview 5-3

5.2 Installation Overview

5.2.1 General

All APX 7500 radios are tested and inspected before shipment. It is, however, suggested that the
transmitter frequency, deviation, and power output be checked at the time of installation. It is the
license holder’s responsibility to ensure that the operating parameters of his station comply with
applicable laws governing radio communications equipment. For tests and alignment procedures,
refer to the appropriate service manual (refer to “Related Publications” on page vi).

Generally, the installation of the motorcycle radio takes place in the following parts:

• Mounting the universal mounting plate and related hardware at the rear of the motorcycle;

• Mounting the control head, speaker, microphone, and related hardware forward on the
motorcycle;

• Routing the power cable, control-head cable, speaker cable, and ignition sense cable to the
weather-resistant enclosure;

• Mounting the weather-resistant enclosure and radio chassis, and connecting the cables;

• Mounting the antenna(s) to the weather-resistant enclosure.

A universal mounting plate, supplied by Motorola, is first mounted to either a motorcycle carrier at the
rear of the motorcycle or to the rear frame of the motorcycle itself. The mounting procedures for the
universal mounting plate vary from motorcycle to motorcycle. Therefore, the procedures given in this
manual for installing the mounting plate may not specifically apply, but are provided for guidance.

The control head, speaker, and microphone are mounted forward on the motorcycle, on or near the
steering column. There are several possible mounting configurations which use a combination of
Motorola and customer-built brackets. These configurations are outlined in this manual. Because of
the large number of motorcycle makes and models in existence, the customer-built brackets are
necessary to tailor the mounting of the Motorola equipment to the particular motorcycle being used.
Suggestions for customer-built brackets are given in this manual.

The power cable, control-head cable, speaker cable, and ignition sense cable are routed to the
weather-resistant enclosure position. The enclosure and the radio chassis are then mounted.
Special care is required when connecting cables to the radio equipment within the enclosure.

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5-4 Motorcycle Radio Installation: Installation Overview

5.2.2 Important Installation Hints

Consider the following when mounting the radio components:

• Excess lengths of control-head, power, ignition sense, and speaker cables must be routed in
the enclosure as shown in Figure 5-15.

• All components must be mounted securely in order to withstand the constant and sometimes
severe vibration experienced on a motorcycle.

• No cantilever action, which could cause severe vibration, should be generated in the mounting
hardware.

• The control head and microphone must be placed for ease of accessibility by the motorcycle
operator.

• Forward components (control head, microphone, and speaker) should not interfere with visual
or physical access to controls and instruments.

• Forward components should not interfere with the handling of the motorcycle.

• Cabling between the control head and the radio chassis should be run to minimize interference
with operator movements.

• The weather-resistant enclosure should be placed to avoid any interference with the motorcycle
operator.

• Electrical continuity must be present through the enclosure shock mounts to the motorcycle
frame for proper electrical and RF grounding.

• The antenna(s) are designed for mounting on the top of the weather-resistant enclosure.

• Only the supplied microphone mounting clip should be used to ensure secure mounting of the
microphone. This clip has a very strong spring to ensure positive retention of the microphone
over rough terrain. Also, there must be electrical continuity from this clip to the motorcycle
frame for DC grounding.

• Direct access to the microphone should be provided from both sides of the motorcycle.

• Sufficient slack in the microphone coiled cord should be allowed so as not to impede steering.

• Mounting hardware must be stainless steel to prevent corrosion.

• If an extra length of cable is used to extend the microphone, ensure that the added capacitance
does not interfere with the operation of the radio.

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Motorcycle Radio Installation: Installation Overview 5-5

5.2.3 Parts Identification

The following installation procedures refer to Figure 5-2 through Figure 5-16. Detailed descriptions of
the mounting hardware used in each procedure are provided in parts lists located in the exploded
views located in the APX 7500 Basic Service Manual (Motorola publication part number
6881096C73). Those parts supplied by Motorola are contained in one of the following kits:

• Motorcycle Weather-Resistant Microphone

• Motorcycle Weather-Resistant Speaker with Mute Switch

• Motorcycle Weather-Resistant Speaker with Keypad Mic

• Motorcycle Hardware Kit SECURENET or Motorcycle Hardware Kit

• Motorcycle Power Cable Kit

• Motorcycle Mounting Kit

• Weather-Resistant Enclosure (Black)

• Antenna

5.2.4 Order of Installation

Before starting the installation, familiarize yourself with the mounting hardware (see Figure 5-2
through Figure 5-16). Perform the installation procedures in the order that follows.

1. Install the universal mounting plate on the motorcycle.

2. Install the control head and speaker.

3. Install the microphone hang-up clip.

4. Install antenna base and cable onto enclosure.

5. Install the cables.

6. Install the weather-resistant enclosure on the universal mounting plate.

7. Route the cables inside the weather-resistant enclosure.

8. Install the transceiver in the weather-resistant enclosure.

9. Install the antenna(s) on the enclosure.

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5-6 Motorcycle Radio Installation: Installing the Universal Mounting Plate

5.3 Installing the Universal Mounting Plate

The universal mounting plate, supplied with the motorcycle radio, must be mounted on the
motorcycle first. It provides the base on which the weather-resistant enclosure is to be mounted. 
The method used for mounting the plate depends on the make and model of the motorcycle and
whether the plate is mounted to a carrier or to the motorcycle chassis. After the plate has been
securely mounted to the motorcycle, mounting the weather-resistant enclosure onto the plate is
straightforward.

Figure 5-2 illustrates the universal mounting plate mounted to a motorcycle carrier. Since there are

so many makes and models of motorcycles and motorcycle carriers, it is impossible to give specific
step-by-step instructions for mounting the universal mounting plate. However, noting the following
considerations will aid in the installation procedure.

• A minimum of holes are predrilled into this plate as supplied. Mounting holes must be drilled as
required for the particular motorcycle on which the plate is being mounted.

• The universal mounting plate should be mounted on the motorcycle in such a manner that the
later mounting of the weather-resistant enclosure will not interfere with the motorcycle seat
back, with any other obstacles, or with the motorcycle operator. The enclosure may be
temporarily bolted to the universal mounting plate and the unit positioned on the motorcycle to
ensure the above criteria are met.

• To ensure a good grounding path from the universal mounting plate to the motorcycle carrier or
frame, stainless steel lock washers must be used with the mounting hardware in two areas to
score through the paint on the universal mounting plate and on the carrier or frame, thereby,
providing good electrical contact with the underside of the motorcycle carrier or motorcycle
frame.

Figure 5-2. Universal Mounting Plate Installation (Part of Radio Enclosure Kit)

Follow the procedures below to mount the universal mounting plate to the motorcycle 
(see Figure 5-2).

1. Determine the mounting position for the mounting plate.

2. Determine whether stainless steel spacers are required for clearance in mounting the plate.

3. Drill four 9/32-inch holes in the mounting plate and the corresponding motorcycle carrier or

chassis for mounting the plate.

4. Attach the universal mounting plate to the motorcycle using four machine screws, eight lock

washers, and four nuts. Tighten screws securely. The lock washers must cut through the
paint on the plate and motorcycle carrier or frame to ensure a good ground path.

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Motorcycle Radio Installation: Installing the Speaker and Control Head 5-7

5.4 Installing the Speaker and Control Head

The control head mounting location and configuration is determined largely by the make and model
of motorcycle. Two different mounting configurations are described below. One involves mounting
the speaker and control head together as a unit using the combination speaker/control-head bracket
(shown in Figure 5-4) supplied by Motorola. Alternately, the control head may be mounted by itself
using a smaller control-head bracket supplied by Motorola. In this case, the speaker is mounted
elsewhere. This section outlines installation procedures for each configuration mentioned above.
The customer (or installer) is in the best position to determine the most appropriate mounting
configuration for the control head and speaker based on the particular motorcycle on which the
equipment is to be mounted.

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When determining its location, position the control head so that it is clearly visible and
within easy reach of the motorcycle operator.

Figure 5-3. Motorcycle Control Head Cabling (3075217A01)

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5-8 Motorcycle Radio Installation: Installing the Speaker and Control Head

5.4.1 Handlebar Installation with Speaker and Control Head Mounted Together

Figure 5-4 illustrates the combination speaker/control head bracket. This combination bracket is

used only when the control head and speaker are to be mounted as a unit. Also illustrated in

Figure 5-4 is a handlebar-mounting bracket which may be required if the combination speaker/

control-head bracket cannot be easily mounted to the motorcycle. In this case the 
handlebar-mounting bracket is mounted to the motorcycle, and the combination bracket is then
mounted to the handlebar-mounting bracket.

Figure 5-4. Handlebar Installation with Speaker and Control Head Mounted Together

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Motorcycle Radio Installation: Installing the Speaker and Control Head 5-9

Provision has been made on the combination speaker/control-head bracket for mounting the
microphone hang-up clip. If that mounting is desired, the hang-up clip must be attached to the
bracket before installing the control head and speaker. See Section 5.6: “Installing the Microphone

Hang-Up Clip” on page 5-14 for the hang-up clip procedure. Install the speaker and control head as

described below.

1. Determine the location where the speaker/control head is to be mounted. Consider how the
speaker/control-head bracket may be mounted, and whether or not a handlebar-mounting
bracket is needed. Take care to select a location that is not only mechanically convenient, but
is located for ease of operation.

NOTE: The angle at which the handlebar-mounting bracket or the speaker/control-head bracket is

mounted to the motorcycle determines the firing angle of the speaker.

2. If the handlebar-mounting bracket is needed, install it first.

3. Mount the speaker/control-head bracket, either directly to the motorcycle, or, if used, to the
handlebar-mounting bracket, using four stainless-steel machine screws, lock washers, and
nuts.

4. Mount the 9-pin D-connector end of the motorcycle control-head cable to the speaker/control
head bracket, using two machine screws, flat washers, and nuts. (Cable routing directions
appear later in this section.)

5. Mount the speaker on the speaker/control-head bracket, using two machine screws and lock
washers. Torque these screws to 20 in-lbs.

6. Attach the control-head cable to the control head and tighten the locking screws on the
connector. This connection must be made before you mount the control head in the bracket.
(Cable routing directions appear later in this section.)

7. Mount the control head to the bracket, using two machine screws, lock washers, and flat
washers.

8. Adjust the control head viewing angle by loosening its mounting screws and rotating the
control head to the desired angle. Then, retighten screws to 20 in-lbs torque. This concludes
the speaker/control-head installation.

5.4.2 Fuel Tank Console Installation with Speaker and Control Head Mounted
Together

Some motorcycles provide a console for mounting radio equipment. This console is attached to the
top of the fuel tank. With the use of a mounting bracket, screws, nuts, and lock washers, the
combination speaker/control-head bracket can be mounted to this console. Figure 5-5 illustrates this
type of mounting.

The console attachment screws must be removed, and the console must be lifted slightly from the
fuel tank to gain access in order to attach mounting hardware, and to route cables later.

In this installation, the microphone (mic), mic hang-up bracket, and mic extension bracket will
interfere with handlebar travel.

Installation using this method is the same as in Section 5.4.1: “Handlebar Installation with Speaker

and Control Head Mounted Together” on page 5-8.

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