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Whether you want to add a sound system to your bike or replace the one you have, you need a pair of speakers.
There are a lot of options out there, and it’s not always easy to find the right setup.
We’re going to tell you everything you need to know to choose the right one.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Motorcycle Speakers
- OUR TOP PICK: LEXIN LX-S3CH Bluetooth Speakers
- RUNNER-UP: GoHawk TJ4-R Waterproof Speakers
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: GoHawk TN4-R Amplifier Stereo Speakers
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Speakers
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How Does a Motorcycle Speaker Work?
Most motorcycle speakers wire directly into the motorcycle’s battery. They’re mounted to the bike, usually at the handlebars, and connect to your smartphone or other devices so you can listen to music as you ride.
How Do Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet Speakers Work?
Bluetooth motorcycle speakers are a little different. They mount into the sides of a motorcycle helmet. Instead of playing music from speakers where everyone can hear it, helmet speakers play right next to your ears. This means there’s less disruption from outside noise, so the sound quality is a little bit better.
jzaq Speakers Hands Free Headset
Safety Considerations for Motorcycle Speakers
Safety should always be your first consideration when riding, and it’s something you should keep in mind when listening to music, too. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind:
Ambient Noise
Motorcycle speakers are a safer option for listening to music than wearing earbuds. They’re also a little safer than helmet speakers. Why? Because motorcycle speakers let you listen to music without completely drowning out the sounds of the road.
Reasonable Volume
If you ride with music playing from your speakers, it’s important to keep them at a reasonable volume. There are a few reasons for this. First, you’re less likely to distract other drivers. And second, you have to make sure you can still hear what’s going on around you. If someone is honking their horn or if a police car or ambulance is trying to get past with their sirens blaring, you have to be able to hear it.
Distraction
It’s really easy to get distracted when listening to music, especially when your favorite song comes on. Make sure you’re always paying close attention to the road ahead. Don’t let your music distract you from staying safe.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Speakers
Looking for some of the best motorcycle speakers out there? You’re in luck. Here are a few of our favorite products.
Best Overall:
LEXIN LX-S3CH Bluetooth Speakers
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people are impressed with these speakers. They look great and installation is really easy. As for sound quality, users are satisfied for the most part. Some felt the bass was lacking a bit, but overall, most people were extremely satisfied. Especially for a pair of speakers at this price point.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The first thing anyone notices about these speakers is the sleek chrome styling. We love that you can use them with so many sources. Connect your smartphone or MP3 player using the USB port of Bluetooth or tune into your favorite radio station.
One of the great things about these speakers is the controls are right on the left speaker. They’re easy to access, and you don’t have to worry about finding room for another thing on your handlebars.
Installation is easy, too. The plug-and-play design uses a powerlead that connects to the battery. Then, mount them to the handlebars, turn the power on, and hook up your music source.
Bottom Line
These stylish speakers look great and provide great sound. Installation is simple, and you can use multiple sources for your music. At this price point, the sound is great, though they may not be loud enough at high speeds.
Runner-up:
GoHawk TJ4-R Waterproof Speakers
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers report mixed feelings about these speakers. Most people felt that they’re easy to install and the sound is pretty impressive for the price. Some people didn’t like that there were no presets or that it automatically defaults to Bluetooth when turning it back on.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This setup includes two full-range stereo speakers and a two-channel 100W amp. They’re FM radio ready. Or, use the 3.5mm jack or the innovative hidden Bluetooth antenna to listen to music directly from your favorite devices.
The glossy speaker housing looks great, and it’s made using high-quality ABS material. Plus, the IP56 water-resistant design means you don’t have to worry about heavy sprays and splashes. It’s resistant to dust, too. Note that this applies only to the speakers, not the amp. The amp is not water-resistant.
Installation is pretty simple. All of the hardware and wiring you need is included. The plug-an-play design requires a standard 12V power connection.
Bottom Line
These stylish speakers are easy to install and deliver a pretty good sound. We love that they’re water and dust resistant so you don’t have to worry about rain or other damage. Plus, with Bluetooth and a 3.5mm jack, you can listen to music from just about any source.
Best for the Money:
GoHawk TN4-R Amplifier Stereo Speakers
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
For the most part, recent buyers felt these speakers were a good buy for the money. The sound is great, but the bass is lacking a bit and they’re not very loud at high speeds. Users report that installation is easy, and everything you need is included.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For one, we love the styling of these speakers. The chrome-like finish looks great. They’re also water and dust resistant, which can extend the life of the product. (Note that this only applies to the speakers, not the included amp.)
Not only can you plug in most audio devices using the 3.5mm audio jack, but these speakers also work with Bluetooth devices. The Bluetooth connection works from 15 meters away and delivers a stable connection to your mobile devices.
Installation is easy and everything you need, from wires to hardware, is included. They fit on standard handlebars measuring between one and 1.5 inches, and ⅞-inch clamps are available separately.
Bottom Line
For the price, you can’t really go wrong with these speakers. They include everything you need for installation, and you can use them with any device with a 3.5mm jack or Bluetooth compatibility.
Best Motorcycle Bluetooth Speakers:
GoHawk RD8 Stereo Speakers
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people are pretty impressed by these speakers, especially for the price. The bass is lacking a bit, but the sound is pretty good at average speeds. Installation is pretty simple, though some people mentioned that they had a little bit of trouble.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like the way that this one sits on the handlebars. It’s designed to fit handlebars between ⅞ and 1.25 inches, and an option extension mounting bracket is included in case you need it.
There are a lot of ways to listen to music, too. Connect your smartphone via Bluetooth, use the 3.5mm jack, or use a USB drive or microSD card. There’s also a builtin FM radio and a clock display.
Installation is easy, too. A 59-inch battery cable harness and ring terminal connector are included. It uses a standard 12V power connection, and it’s waterproof so there’s nothing to worry about in inclement weather.
Bottom Line
This speaker comes with everything you need for a quick and easy installation. The styling and design are great, and it’s versatile. You can source music from just about anywhere, and it puts out a decent sound.
Best Motorcycle Helmet Speakers:
jzaq Speakers Hands Free Headset
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people agree that these Bluetooth speakers are effective and sound surprisingly good for the price. Installation is easy, and they sync to Bluetooth devices flawlessly. Some people found they were too thick for the speaker cutouts in their helmets, but this wasn’t too common.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These are a great pair of helmet speakers at an affordable price. The Bluetooth technology can pair with two devices at once, so you can listen to music and sync to communicate with someone riding with you.
The lithium-ion battery works well. With a full charge, you get 50 hours or continuous use or 500 hours of stand-by. Plus, it only takes two hours to charge the battery completely so you can be back on the road in no time.
These speakers have DSP noise cancelling technology so you can hear them loud and clear, even at high speeds. They’re also easy to install and covered by a 90-day no-reason replacement or refund guarantee.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a Bluetooth helmet speaker, this one is definitely worth the investment. Most users agree that the sound quality is great for the price. The Bluetooth pairs quickly and easily, and it’s covered by a decent 90-day guarantee.
Best Motorcycle Fairing Speakers:
HTTMT HL1584-052F-R/L- Speaker Pod Box
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people felt these speaker pods were easy to install, but some people did have some trouble with sizing. Depending on the bike and the brand of speakers being used, users had to make some adjustments when installing. Note that these are only speaker pods and the speakers are not included.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These speaker pods are designed for Harley Davidson touring bikes with lower vented fairings. Both the right and left pod are included, and they’re designed to fit 6.5 inch speakers.
If you already have a great pair of speakers and are looking for a way to use them on your Harley, these pods are the way to go. They’re affordable, they look great, and installation is simple. They fit OEM or aftermarket fairings and can be used as a direct replacement for OEM speakers pods. Installation is simple, too. Even users who mentioned they needed to make adjustments indicated that it was pretty simple to do.
Bottom Line
If you already own an awesome pair of 6.5-inch speakers for your touring Harley, these are the speaker pods you need. They install easily into vented fairings. Plus, they’re affordable, during, and look great.
Best Motorcycle Handlebar Speakers:
BOSS Audio Systems MC420B
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Generally, users are very happy with the performance for the price. Installation is a little tricky, but the sound quality is pretty good at low speeds. A lot of people also mentioned that the Bluetooth works very well. That said, some people reported that the speakers aren’t quite loud enough at highway speeds.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We love the amplifier’s compact size and the fact that it’s weatherproof. The speakers connect to Bluetooth, and there’s a 3.5mm auxiliary port to directly connect your music source if you prefer.
Installation can be a little tricky, but the adjustable brackets are easy to use and fit handlebars between ¾ and 1.25 inches. An inline volume control is attached to the amp but can be installed wherever you choose so you always have it close at hand.
One of the nice things about these speakers is that they’re covered by a 3-year warranty. Note that Boss strongly encourages professional installation.
Bottom Line
These speakers look great and the sound quality is pretty good, considering the price. They’re great at lower speeds, but may be a bit quiet on the highway. Installation may be a little tricky, but you can’t get much better than a three-year warranty.
Best 6.5 Motorcycle Speakers:
Rockford Fosgate P1650
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most users report that these speakers are a big step up from the factory installed sound systems they were replacing. That said, some people mentioned that the bass wasn’t what they’d hoped for. Installation can be a bit tricky as the mounts don’t always line up correctly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Rockford Fosgate is a well-known brand when it comes to stereo systems, and these speakers are a great example of why. If you’re looking for a replacement for your factory speakers (or a pair of 6.5-inch speakers for the HTTMT HL1584-052F Speaker Pod Box), these are a great choice.
These speakers have a PEI dome tweeter and injection molded, mineral filled polypropylene cone for high output and accurate sound. The slotted mounting system is meant to make it easy to adjust during installation, and it should replace OEM factory speakers easily.
Bottom Line
These speakers are from a brand known for sound and quality, and they’re an excellent choice to replace the speakers on your motorcycle. They are covered by a three-year warranty, and the brand recommends professional installation.
Types of Motorcycle Speakers
There are a few types of motorcycle speakers to consider when you shop. Each has its pros and cons.
Handlebar Speakers
Handlebar speakers are some of the most popular out there. As the name suggests, they attach to the handlebars. They’re convenient because they’re easy to see and reach when you need to make adjustments. And, for the most part, handlebar speakers are pretty easy to install. Handlebar speakers also come in a wide range of designs and add a bit of style to your bike.
Fairing Speakers
Large touring bikes and cruisers often have speakers in the fairings. They’re bigger and louder than handlebar speakers, but you need a little more power on a larger and louder bike like a touring motorcycle or cruiser.
Helmet Speakers
Helmet speakers are another option if you want to listen to music while you ride. They can also be synced to various communication devices so you can keep in constant contact with the people you’re riding with. Most helmet speakers are pretty easy to install. Some helmets have a cut-out where the speakers slip right in, but other require a little bit of ingenuity. These speakers have better sound quality than some motorcycle speakers since they’re closer to the ears, but there’s also a better chance that you’ll miss something going on around you if you can’t hear ambient noises well.
Motorcycle Speakers vs Headphones- Comparison Overview
If you normally used headphones while you ride and are trying to decide whether getting a pair of motorcycle speakers is worth it, take a look at this quick comparison.
Similarities
Motorcycle speakers and headphones both allow you to listen to music while you ride. No matter which one you choose, you have to make sure you don’t get distracted from the road. This is the biggest safety risk with listening to music while riding, and something that should always be kept in mind.
Differences
There are a number of significant differences between motorcycle speakers and headphones. The first is that motorcycle speakers play music loudly while headphones sit directly in the ear. In this respect, motorcycle speakers are much safer. You’re more likely to hear traffic noises, horns honking, and sirens with a speaker than you are with headphones.
Sound quality is much better with headphones. Since they sit directly in the ear, none of the sounds is lost to the wind. Speakers play music into the open air, so you don’t get the same level of sound. This relates to being able to hear what’s going on around you, though. When you’re on a motorcycle, you may have to sacrifice some sound quality to stay safe.
Please compare and contrast the two. What are the similarities and differences? Highlight section in subheadings as needed.
GoHawk RD8 Stereo Speakers
How to Install Speakers on a Motorcycle
Here’s a quick rundown of how to install motorcycle speakers. For a full overview of the process, take a look at the video below.
- Identify the color wire running from the ignition to the fuse box.
- Connect the negative wire from the amp.
- Splice the positive amp wire and the wire from the ignition near the fuse box.
- Find a place to put the amp. Some people buy a bag to mount to the bike and add a hole in the side for the wires to run through. If you are lucky enough to have a spot on your bike where you can directly mount the amp so it’s out of sight and protected from the elements, do so.
Where to Put Speakers on a Motorcycle?
It depends on what kind of speaker you buy, but most are mounted to the handlebars. Be sure to mount them in a spot where they are not going to get in the way of steering your bike.
How to Wire Motorcycle Speakers
The first thing you have to do is identify what circuit to use. You should be able to get a copy of your bike’s wiring diagram on the manufacturer’s website. Make sure you find the right connectors to splice the speaker wires to your bike.
Conclusion
Motorcycle speakers are the best way to listen to music while you ride. We hope to help you figure out what to look for and how to find the best pair for you.
People Also Ask
We know that choosing the right motorcycle speakers isn’t easy. That’s why we pulled together this list of the most common questions people have about motorcycle speakers to help you decide.
Where Do Motorcycle Speakers Get Power?
Most motorcycle speakers get power directly from the battery of the motorcycle. They are hardwired into the battery, which means they can drain power if you forget to turn them off after your ride.
How Many Amps Are Required for a Motorcycle Speaker?
Amps are rated in watts. You shouldn’t go any lower than 50 watts for a motorcycle amp. Some top-of-the-line models meant for loud bikes have as many as 1000 watts.
How to Waterproof Motorcycle Speakers
There’s no real way to reliably waterproof motorcycle speakers. Attempting to do so might even void any warranty. That said, having weatherproof speakers is important. The best thing to do is to buy a pair of speakers that are already waterproof.
How to Make My Motorcycle Helmet Speakers Louder
The first thing you can do is remount the speakers so that they’re closer to your ears. You can also try wearing earplugs, which sounds counterintuitive but can work to block out wind noise, making it easier to hear your music. You can also look for an app that can boost the sound from your smartphone.
Is it Legal to Have Speakers Playing Music on a Motorcycle?
Yes, it’s legal. Some large cruisers and touring bikes come standard with stereos and speakers. Make sure you’re not playing music so loud that it could be considered a noise nuisance. And always keep your eyes on the road.
How to Clean Speakers on Motorcycle
The best thing to do is use a microfiber cloth and wipe them down after every ride. If a lot of dust and debris starts to build up in the grate, use air in a can to get it out.
How to Listen to Music on a Motorcycle
As we’ve mentioned, there are many ways to listen to music on a motorcycle. Helmet speakers are great, but motorcycle speakers are a little safer.
Is Boss Audio a Good Brand?
Yes, Boss is one of the top manufacturers of car stereos and has been in business since 1988.
Is it Safe to Use Speakers While Driving a Motorcycle?
Using speakers while driving a motorcycle is safe, as long as you continue to keep your eyes on the road.
