There are many ways you can modify your motorcycle, not just in outward appearance but also with gadgets and devices to enhance its feature and utility. One such way you can strengthen your cherished motorcycle is with speakers. Motorcycle speakers are designed differently from traditional speakers we generally use. They are built so that they aren’t as intrusive and provide better functionality on a motorcycle since carrying a typical speaker on a bike, while applicable, isn’t ideal. They are installed on a motorcycle’s handlebars where it is easy to see, operate and perform well. The motorcycle’s battery powers them, but some also come with a rechargeable battery. While alternatives like earbuds and headphones exist, they have their own set of problems. Wearing earbuds can be strenuous on your ears over long periods, and you won’t be able to hear what’s going on in your surroundings. Whereas wearing headphones means you will be unable to wear a helmet which is another considerable safety risk. Thus, while pricier, motorcycle speakers are better overall in terms of performance, usability and safety.
For any motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys going on long rides, motorcycle speakers can be a great companion. When you are riding on the road all alone, the speakers can fill the silence with your favourite music of choice. The music itself can change the mood to something more romantic, fun, energetic or calm, which will make your riding experience all the more enjoyable. If you are used to listening to music from your smartphone or headphones, listening to them on your motorcycle’s speakers can give you a whole new perspective and enjoy your favourite music even more.
What to look for
As mentioned before, motorcycle speakers differ in many ways from your average speakers. They need to be compact and powerful so the music can be heard over the motorcycle’s sound and the wind at high speed. If you drive in areas with rough weather like rainfall, you should look for water-resistant or waterproof speakers. Warranty is also important when looking for speakers. Here are a few more factors that are discussed briefly:
Pricing
As you’d expect, the pricing determines the quality of the speakers. You might see many speakers with a great build and quality at first glance, but they won’t be durable or have good sound quality. This means you will end up buying a new one soon enough, which will make your first purchase a giant waste of money. So it’s a good idea to invest a few more bucks into your speakers rather than risk regretting it later. Additionally, if you’re buying off of online stores or buying complex speakers, then you should consider the cost of having a professional technician install it on your motorcycle as well.
Wattage
In simple terms, wattage determines the loudness of the speakers. A lower wattage range means the speaker’s output will be quieter, whereas a higher wattage range implies the speaker’s work will be louder. If you are riding on commuting routes that will naturally have speed limits, you won’t be needing high wattage as you won’t be riding at high speed and experiencing wind noise. Thus, you will still be able to hear the music easily. However, if you frequently go on long highway road trips or something similar, you will want to look at speakers with higher wattage. In the end, it’s all up to personal preference.
Input source
Some speakers will require connecting the device with your smartphone with a wired connection like a 3.5mm jack. This can get messy and a hassle to use. Instead, opt for wireless speakers that have a built-in Bluetooth connection. This eliminates the mess that comes with wires. Most modern speakers have built-in Bluetooth, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find one.
Motorcycle speakers
Now that we understand more about motorcycle speakers and what to look for when buying one. Let’s take a look at a few popular motorcycle speakers for better ideas.
BOSS MC420B
BOSS MC420B is an affordable motorcycle speaker that offers 600w of max power. It has a 3.5 mm Aux input socket and cable connection with your smartphone or MP3 player. It also features Bluetooth audio streaming to stream your music from your preferred music streaming service and a wired remote volume control to adjust volumes easily. Overall, this is a very decent and affordable option suitable for a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts.
GoHawk TN4-Q
GoHawk TN4-Q is a mid-range motorcycle speaker with 1000w of max power with its four-piece speakers and 4-channel amplifier system. It features a 3.5mm Aux input socket and cable, USB connectivity, a standard SD card slot, built-in FM radio and Bluetooth connectivity. All of these offer a variety of ways you can play music on your device. The speakers themselves are waterproof, so you can ride around without worrying about the speakers in any weather but keep in mind that the amplifiers aren’t waterproof, so they’ll need some protection. It also has a wired control remote to operate the device with ease. Its design and performance make it an excellent choice for motorcycle speakers.
Phantom800
Phantom800 is a mid-range motorcycle speaker with 600w of max power and a built-in two-channel amplifier system. It can be operated by connecting the device with a smartphone or MP3 player with a 3.5mm aux input jack or Bluetooth. The speakers are protected with weatherproofing techniques for protection against harsh weather. You can install a wired remote control to adjust the volume, and it also has a wireless remote control. It has an interesting gimmick where skeleton hands hold the speakers.
Kuryakyn 2720 MTX Road Thunder
Kuryakyn 2720 MTX Road Thunder is a high-end motorcycle speaker that offers 300w of max power, powered by its internal 4-channel amplifier system. While the wattage might seem off with its pricing, the 1-inch silk dome tweeters, N-42 magnets and two voice coils present in the device make up for it by producing powerful distortion-free sound at any volume. It has a sleek cylindrical design and buttons with which you can operate the device hassle-free. The device is not only water-resistant, but its heat sink also gives it protection against hot temperatures. It can be connected with a 3.5mm jack or with Bluetooth.
