You may not realize it, but playing the right music when you ride your motorcycle is sure to put you in a great mood. And with the best motorcycle speakers, you will be able to enjoy a crisp, clean sound with minimal sound distortion.
One great thing about motorcycle speakers is they often have a great design that fits nicely onto your bike. There are many cylinder-shaped speakers you can attach to your steering damper or cross-member for a nice, fitted look. Some egg-shaped speakers will do the trick as well and can add a uniquely crisp sound.
Another key bonus with motorcycle speakers is the safety they provide you on the road. The best motorcycle speakers allow you to enjoy your music and take calls with helmet speakers without compromising your focus on the road.
They will even prove useful when you choose to sell the bike. Most buyers want some special features that add a certain vibe to the bike. So speakers are a great investment to help secure your future resale value.
The two main types of motorcycle speakers are handlebar-mounted and in-helmet speakers. This list of the best motorcycle speakers in 2021 will showcase both options.
1. Lexin LX-Q3 Motorcycle Bluetooth Speakers
Lexin has a sterling reputation, and these LX-Q3 Bluetooth speakers live up to that standard. These stereo speakers are a unique option on the market because of their bullet-shaped, bar-mount chrome design. And their value does not stop at the style. They have excellent sound quality, and although they are one of the pricier speakers available, it’s a worthy investment.
These speakers have 100 watts of clear sounds to create a crisp sound with little distortion when you’re on the go. They also have a built-in USB charger for your phone or iPod, which also works as a connection cord if you do not want to use Bluetooth.
Although they are only about 3-inches wide, they are quite hefty and will stay in place regardless of any bumps in the road. They are also quite easy to install, and the package comes with all the tools needed to attach it to your bike. You can also easily adjust or remove them if needed, but you won’t accidentally nudge them out of place once they’re secured.
Also, these speakers come with an FM radio, which can provide some added options if you get bored of the playlists on your phone. When it comes to overall quality, you really can’t go wrong with this Bluetooth motorcycle speaker.
2. Boss Audio MCBK420B Bluetooth
This newer model from BOSS comes in sets of two or four and is an excellent bet for anyone who loves to listen to music during their ride. They are easy to install and fit a wide range of handlebars from ¾ inch to 1 ¼ inch. However, keep in mind you need a little extra space for the amp and extra wires. Nonetheless, these motorcycle speakers have an excellent, sleek design and fantastic sound clarity.
The MCBK420B Boss speaker has the volume control on the amplifier and not the speaker, so you can place it wherever is most convenient. Additionally, you don’t need a windshield to block distortion to enjoy this speaker’s crisp sound.
Finally, it comes with Bluetooth technology, which means these speakers connect almost instantly and rarely suffer from a faulty connection.
Although its black plastic housing design may not be the best for every bike out there, it works for most. Most importantly, this is one of the more affordable motorcycle speakers out there that doesn’t skimp on quality.
3. Kuryakyn 2720 MTX
Kuryakyn’s speakers are specially designed to sit on your handlebars. They fit well on most handlebars and offer 4.1 Bluetooth connectivity. It also comes in a sleek satin black color that will add new dimensions to your bike’s overall look.
Another special feature of their design structure is the 300-watt peak sound power, even at high speeds. As a result, these speakers offer reliable resistance to adverse weather conditions and rarely suffer from any sound distortion. They also come with a four-channel amp and ⅔ inch full-range speakers with added one-inch silk-dome tweets for additional vocal amplification.
There are few drawbacks to this model, as some users may not like the bulky handlebar layout. They are also a bit more expensive than other speakers on this list, so it may not be ideal for budget consumers.
4. GoHawk TN4-Q 1000W 4
GoHawk’s newest Bluetooth speaker model is another cheap but solid option on this list. They fit well on 1-1.5 inch handlebars and offer a reliable connection to any Bluetooth device. Additionally, it comes with a plethora of color choices that you can customize.
As well as some higher-end features like USB charging and LCD display, it does have an audio jack if you do not want to connect via Bluetooth. It also has a clock display so you can keep track of the time. The bike speakers also have volume and mode switches between the two speakers, making them easy to access mid-ride.
Additionally, this comes as an all-in-one unit, meaning that it works with other handlebar vehicles like jet skis. This is a huge bonus, especially since it is waterproof. They are also very easy to mount since you do not need to run any extra wires across the body of your bike.
In general, these motorcycle speakers are very compact and do not take up ample space on or around your bike. That said, it does not have the same power as some higher-end speakers, nor does it have any bass boosted features. But it still offers a nice, clear sound even when riding at higher speeds.
5. Pyle’s PLMCA90 Bluetooth Speakers
Pyle’s PLMCA90 Bluetooth speaker system comprises four chrome aluminum 3-inch bullet speakers that give you 1200 watts of power. If you want some dependable power in your audio setup, these motorcycle speakers are a good bet.
Pyle’s bike speakers are fully waterproof and maintain clarity even in the rain, making them versatile and long-lasting. These come with chrome slaps, brakes, and many wires for simple installation, making them easy to adjust or remove. It also fits different handlebar sizes and has extra-long wires if your bike is slightly bigger.
These metal speakers also give you added weight for optimal stability in high wind in the rain. As a result, the powerful sound is loud, crisp, and clear throughout your ride. These speakers also come with a USB charger so you can make sure your phone does not run out of juice. You can even use it as a connection option if you are not a fan of Bluetooth.
Overall, Pyle offers this stylish four-speaker and four-channel amp setup that will add both style and functionality to your bike. It is a bit more expensive than some other models, but this will likely be worth it for the features it provides.
6. JBL Cruise Bluetooth Handlebar Speaker Kit
These JBL Cruise speakers are some of the easiest to install and come with high-quality sound and volume control. They have a built-in amplifier, and both speakers come with 20 watts of power which gives you more than enough volume even if you plan to ride at high speeds. They are easy to mount onto motorbikes, scooters, or four-wheel handlebars.
The JBL comes equipped with all the convenient features you would find on other flagship motorcycle speaker models. It has a Bluetooth connection for your phone and a five-volt USB port to charge your devices while you ride. The thick buttons are easy to control and you can press them even when wearing bulky biking gloves.
These speakers are also weather-resistant due to their superior waterproofing, which protects against low-pressure streams of water. However, the sound quality of the waterproof speaker may be a bit underwhelming in torrential rain.
7. Kicker 42PSC652 Speakers
The Kicker provides excellent audio with some of the most up-to-date specs in the speaker market. It comes with coaxial speakers that are far superior to the standard stock most riders are accustomed to. This model’s low 2-ohm impedance gives you reliable output when it’s set up with the proper amp. This set will work best with 60 watts of RMS and 120 watts of optimal power.
Both quality motorcycle speakers in this setup have a ¾-inch titanium dome tweeter on top of a polypropylene woofer, which boosts vibration for a better-sounding bass. This top-of-the-line setup has a sound frequency response range of 40 to 20,000HZ and about 92.5 decibels of sensitivity.
These speakers are also relatively lightweight and only weigh 15 ounces. Even though they are light, they are very durable and sturdy on your bike. These motorcycle speakers are also great for all kinds of weather conditions since they are both wind and water-resistant.
Buyer’s Guide
Remember motorcycle speakers are not like the speakers you use in your home or car. These speakers need to be compact and should have a strong volume you can hear over the loud engine without too much wiring.
It is also vital to have a connection to your phone or iPod as well. Here are a few more specific things that make up the best motorcycle speakers.
Wattage
For those new to sound systems, wattage refers to the volume the speakers can omit. Lower wattage means quieter speakers, and higher wattage comes with powerful speakers. Handlebar speakers tend to have a wide range of wattage, so find one that works depending on where you ride your bike. High wattage may be a bit overkill in the city since you will not be going at higher speeds. Higher wattage will come in handy with high speeds and loud surroundings for highway driving.
If you have a low CC bike averaging about 50mph, then a 100-watt speaker system would be enough. When driving at 50-70mph, then 150+ wattage is best. And if you plan to go on higher-intensity motorcycle rides on the highway, 200+ watts may come in handy since you may need the more powerful sounds.
Input Source
These days, most quality motorcycle speakers will have a 3.5mm jack for your iPhone or Android phone. However, modern-day speakers often have Bluetooth speakers, and some audio systems even come with a head unit. Bluetooth is a somewhat better input source because you do not have to deal with annoying wires. But it can also be a pain if there is an unreliable connection at some point on the road.
Amplifier
Amplifiers determine your sound’s power and audio quality. Knowing how many amps your speaker comes with and what type they are is essential. It is also crucial that you examine the speaker’s RMS power.
Water-Resistance
Luckily, most handlebar speakers are semi-water resistant and can deal with lighter showers. However, if you ride in rougher weather conditions regularly, then you should make sure you look at its waterproofing capabilities and read through online reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still have questions when purchasing the best motorcycle speakers and completing your motorcycle sound system? Check out our brief FAQ below for answers to some of the more commonly asked questions.
Can I make calls with motorcycle speakers?
Unless you have helmet speaker setups, probably not. This is because motorcycle speakers are mainly designed for audio and motorcycle radio.
Where do I connect my speaker system?
It depends on the speaker type, but they generally connect to your 12v bike battery.
How long will my speakers last?
This varies from model to model and can range from a few months to over a decade. It really depends on the model you purchase.
