Rev Up the Sound: The Best Speakers to Put on a Motorcycle

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

The best speakers to put on a motorcycle depend on the bike and riding style: choose the Kuryakyn RoadThunder Sound Bar Plus for the strongest universal handlebar setup, the BOSS Audio MCBK520B for value, the JBL Cruise for compact simplicity, or a vehicle-specific Rockford Fosgate or Hogtunes system for Harley touring performance.

Motorcycle audio is not one product category. A small Bluetooth soundbar mounted to the handlebars solves a different problem from a fairing-mounted speaker-and-amplifier kit for a Harley-Davidson touring motorcycle. The right choice depends on available mounting space, wind exposure, electrical capacity, factory-audio integration, weather protection, and how clearly you need to hear music, podcasts, or navigation while moving.

The recommendations below separate universal systems from motorcycle-specific upgrades, explain what the published specifications do—and do not—mean, and identify the installation issues that can turn a seemingly simple speaker purchase into a steering, wiring, or battery problem.

Key takeaways

• The Kuryakyn RoadThunder Sound Bar Plus is the strongest premium universal recommendation, with an integrated four-channel amplifier, multiple drivers, Bluetooth, and clamps for 7/8- to 1.5-inch handlebars.
• The BOSS Audio MCBK520B is the value choice for riders who want an all-in-one Bluetooth, FM, USB, SD, and auxiliary-input system, but its advertised 600 W maximum figure is not a comparable RMS rating.
• The JBL Cruise is the smallest branded option, with 2 × 20 W output, an IPX5 rating, glove-friendly controls, and a universal mirror-integration mount, but its official page lists older Bluetooth 3.
• Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles usually benefit more from model-specific fairing, saddlebag, or Tour-Pak speakers with a dedicated amplifier than from exposed handlebar speakers.
• Peak or maximum wattage does not predict real riding volume by itself; RMS power, speaker efficiency, sensitivity, enclosure design, placement, distortion, and wind noise matter more.

What are the best speakers to put on a motorcycle?

For most riders without factory audio, a handlebar-mounted Bluetooth system with a built-in amplifier is the simplest installation. The Kuryakyn RoadThunder Sound Bar Plus is the best premium universal choice, while the BOSS Audio MCBK520B offers the broadest feature set at a lower price. The compact JBL Cruise suits riders who prioritize size, controls, and a published IPX5 rating.

For a Harley touring motorcycle with a fairing or factory speaker locations, a vehicle-specific Rockford Fosgate, Hogtunes, Wild Boar Audio, or Aquatic AV kit is usually the better design. Larger fairing or saddlebag speakers can project more effectively at touring speeds, but they cost more and require exact motorcycle model-year fitment.

Rider need	Best installation type	Recommended direction	Main compromise
Lowest-cost complete Bluetooth system	Universal handlebar soundbar or pods	BOSS Audio MCBK520B	Limited bass and unclear maximum-power rating
Easiest universal setup	Integrated handlebar soundbar	Kuryakyn RoadThunder Sound Bar Plus	Premium price and exposed handlebar placement
Smallest branded system	Compact motorcycle soundbar	JBL Cruise	High price relative to its 2 × 20 W output
Harley fairing upgrade	Model-specific fairing speakers and amplifier	Hogtunes, Wild Boar Audio, or Rockford Fosgate	Exact model-year fitment and more involved installation
Maximum touring output	Multi-speaker fairing and luggage system	Rockford Fosgate Stage 3 or comparable kit	High cost, weight, and installation complexity

Which type of motorcycle speaker should you choose?

The mounting location determines more about the final result than the product name. Choose a handlebar system for simplicity and universal fit, a fairing system for better highway projection, or a saddlebag and Tour-Pak system when maximum output matters more than cost and luggage modification.

Handlebar soundbars

A handlebar soundbar combines multiple drivers, an amplifier, Bluetooth, and controls in one enclosure. The format works well on naked bikes, cruisers, scooters, and motorcycles without a factory stereo. Installation usually means finding a suitable bar section, securing the clamps, routing power, and checking clearance at full steering lock.

The trade-off is acoustic and physical. Small drivers generally provide intelligible voices and treble rather than deep bass. The enclosure is exposed to direct wind and rain, and a central bar-mounted unit can obstruct gauges, windshield controls, GPS devices, or accessory bags. Sound that is enjoyable while stationary or at urban speeds may become less clear as wind and engine noise rise.

Handlebar speaker pods

Speaker pods separate the left and right speakers and may use a separate Bluetooth controller or amplifier. Separate pods let the rider adjust speaker position and can work around a central instrument cluster, but they add components, wiring, clamps, and vibration points.

Kuryakyn’s RoadThunder pod system lists 100 W peak power, a weatherproof design, and a 5 A current draw. The product information indicates that a 1.25-inch clamp may be sold separately, so confirm the package contents and bar size before ordering from the official RoadThunder pod listing.

Fairing-mounted speakers

Fairing-mounted speakers sit behind motorcycle bodywork and aim the sound toward the rider. Fairings offer more room for larger drivers, better protection, cleaner wiring, and amplifier integration. The format is especially appropriate for Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles that already have fairing speaker locations or a factory head unit.

Fairing systems are not universal merely because two speakers share the same diameter. Mounting depth, impedance, connectors, brackets, amplifier power, signal level, and model-year bodywork all affect compatibility. A vehicle-specific kit can sound and fit better than a universal system, but the installation may require removing the fairing, adding a harness, or integrating with the factory radio.

Saddlebag and Tour-Pak systems

Saddlebag and Tour-Pak systems are the premium route for riders who want maximum output from a touring motorcycle. Larger 6.5-inch or 6 × 9-inch speakers move more air than small handlebar drivers, but they need space, suitable mounting depth, additional power, and sometimes cutting or drilling of luggage lids.

These systems should not be ranked directly against a compact Bluetooth bar. A universal soundbar is an accessory for a motorcycle; a saddlebag or Tour-Pak system is closer to a complete vehicle-audio installation.

Which universal motorcycle speakers are worth considering?

Kuryakyn RoadThunder Sound Bar Plus by MTX: best premium universal soundbar

The Kuryakyn RoadThunder Sound Bar Plus is the best universal choice when the rider wants an integrated, feature-rich handlebar unit and accepts a premium price. The manufacturer’s product page lists two 2 × 3-inch full-range speakers, four 1-inch silk-dome tweeters, an internal four-channel amplifier, Bluetooth 3.0, 3.5 mm auxiliary input and output, a 1 A USB charging output, protection circuitry, and articulating clamps for 7/8- to 1.5-inch handlebars.

The published price signals are inconsistent: one Kuryakyn page showed a $599.99 MSRP and another showed $579.99. Those are price observations from August 16, 2026, not guaranteed checkout prices, so verify the current price, availability, and included hardware before buying.

• Best for: Universal-fit cruisers, naked motorcycles, and scooters where a premium soundbar is preferable to separate pods.
• Strengths: Multiple drivers, integrated amplification, broad clamp range, auxiliary connectivity, and glove-accessible physical controls.
• Weaknesses: High price, limited deep bass compared with larger fairing speakers, possible gauge or windshield interference, and exposed placement.
• Weather wording: Kuryakyn describes the enclosure as weather-resistant and displays a “1P66” notation on the product information. Because “1P66” is not standard IP-rating notation, do not silently rewrite it as IP66; confirm the manufacturer’s current documentation.

The RoadThunder Sound Bar Plus is not automatically the loudest system because its published 300 W figure is peak power rather than a standardized RMS comparison. Placement, motorcycle geometry, windshield shape, speaker efficiency, and distortion at volume will determine how useful the system is on the road.

BOSS Audio MCBK520B: best budget all-in-one system

The BOSS Audio MCBK520B is the best budget option for riders who want Bluetooth plus FM, USB, SD, and 3.5 mm auxiliary playback without buying a separate head unit or amplifier. The BOSS product page lists a pair of 3-inch full-range speakers, a built-in Class A/B amplifier, an RF keychain remote, adjustable brackets for 0.75- to 1.25-inch handlebars, a listed 80 Hz–15 kHz frequency response, and a listed weight of 4.4 pounds.

BOSS lists a “600 Watt Max” amplifier figure. The maximum figure is a marketing specification, not 600 W of continuous RMS output, and it should not be compared directly with Kuryakyn’s 300 W peak figure. CarAudioNow’s comparison also treats the 600 W claim cautiously and notes the limited bass typical of the small 3-inch pods; that is secondary editorial context rather than a standardized laboratory measurement.

BOSS’s own pages showed prices of $196.64 and $136.56 on August 16, 2026. Because the manufacturer’s listings disagree, a realistic description is roughly $140–$200 at the time checked, with the actual price and availability requiring verification.

• Best for: Budget buyers who want many playback options in one package.
• Strengths: Bluetooth, FM, USB, SD, auxiliary input, remote control, integrated amplifier, and relatively broad value.
• Weaknesses: Small-speaker bass, heavier and less refined hardware than compact alternatives, and no IP rating shown on the product page.
• Weather wording: BOSS calls the system weatherproof, but the product page does not provide a published IP rating.

JBL Cruise: best compact branded option

The JBL Cruise is the best compact option for a rider who values small size, branded construction, simple controls, and a published ingress rating more than maximum output. JBL lists two 65 mm transducers, a built-in digital amplifier, 2 × 20 W output, Bluetooth, a 5 V/1 A USB charging output, large glove-friendly buttons, and a universal mirror-integration mount on its official product page.

JBL lists the Cruise as IPX5-rated and describes it as splashproof. IPX5 indicates protection against water jets under specified test conditions; it does not mean that every connector, cable junction, USB port, or installation is immune to prolonged rain or pressure washing.

The official price signal was $329.95 each on August 16, 2026. The listing describes one Cruise unit, so do not assume the price buys a pair. JBL’s published specification also lists Bluetooth 3. “Bluetooth” alone does not establish support for modern codecs, multipoint pairing, app features, or a particular range.

• Best for: Scooters, smaller motorcycles, and riders who want a light, unobtrusive control-and-speaker unit.
• Strengths: Compact 0.77-pound listed weight, IPX5 rating, USB charging, physical controls, and motorcycle-specific mounting.
• Weaknesses: High cost for 2 × 20 W output, older listed Bluetooth generation, and less headroom for noisy highway riding.

Which Harley-Davidson touring speaker upgrade is best?

The best Harley-Davidson touring upgrade is a model-specific fairing, saddlebag, or Tour-Pak system from Rockford Fosgate, Hogtunes, Wild Boar Audio, or Aquatic AV, chosen by the motorcycle’s exact model year and existing audio hardware. A universal handlebar speaker is usually a compromise when the bike already provides protected factory speaker locations.

Rockford Fosgate: best premium Harley-specific performance direction

Rockford Fosgate should be treated as a family of Harley motorcycle-audio products, not as one universally compatible speaker. Current coverage identifies Harley-specific fairing and complete systems, including Stage 3 audio kits and larger 6.5-inch or saddlebag options. The Rockford Fosgate motorcycle-audio catalog and the exact fitment chart should be checked for the motorcycle being modified.

Rockford Fosgate is a sensible direction for touring riders who prioritize projection, larger drivers, and dedicated amplification. The disadvantages are cost, model-year restrictions, a more involved installation, and the possibility that a complete system is excessive for occasional around-town listening. Current retailer signals in the dossier include premium Harley kits above $2,000, including a listed Stage 3 kit at $2,449; treat those figures as price signals rather than fixed prices.

Hogtunes and Wild Boar Audio: best plug-and-play Harley ecosystem

Hogtunes is a strong fitment-focused choice for Harley owners who want replacement speakers, amplifier kits, or complete model-specific systems. Hogtunes describes its products as motorcycle-specific and plug-and-play, with separate model-year coverage including 2024-current touring products. Its official shop showed a listed $399.95 price for 6.5-inch front fairing speakers and $799.95 for a listed speaker-and-amplifier kit for 2024-and-newer Road Glides on August 16, 2026.

Hogtunes also lists higher-end kits around $1,999.95. A 6.5-inch fairing speaker listing should be used only after confirming the motorcycle’s fairing, year range, mounting hardware, and factory amplifier compatibility. Wild Boar Audio belongs in the same model-specific category, but the exact product and fitment must be evaluated rather than assumed from the brand name.

Aquatic AV: another vehicle-specific alternative

Aquatic AV is an alternative for riders seeking a vehicle-specific Harley audio package. Some kits combine a head unit, Bluetooth, USB charging, radio functions, speakers, and mounting hardware. That combination can be useful on a motorcycle without the desired factory features, but it may duplicate equipment already installed in a factory infotainment system. Check the exact components and model-year chart at the Aquatic AV motorcycle-audio site before purchase.

How should you choose speakers for your riding style?

Riding situation	Best match	What to prioritize	What to avoid
Urban commuting and short rides	JBL Cruise or a basic soundbar	Clear voices, simple controls, compact mounting	Paying for a multi-speaker touring system you will not use
Cruiser without factory audio	Kuryakyn or BOSS all-in-one system	Bar diameter, ignition-switched power, weather protection	Assuming universal clamps fit every handlebar
Podcasts and navigation	JBL Cruise or Kuryakyn	Midrange clarity, glove-friendly controls, reliable pairing	Choosing solely by bass or peak wattage
Long-distance touring	Fairing speakers with a dedicated amplifier	Speaker efficiency, protected placement, wiring integration	Expecting small exposed pods to overcome every windscreen and exhaust setup
Harley with factory fairing audio	Hogtunes, Wild Boar Audio, Rockford Fosgate, or Aquatic AV fitment kit	Model year, impedance, harnesses, amplifier and radio compatibility	Buying by speaker diameter alone
Frequent rain exposure	System with a published IP rating or clearly documented weather protection	Sealed connectors and protected amplifier installation	Calling the entire installation waterproof because the speaker enclosure is rated

Which motorcycle-speaker specifications actually matter?

Is peak wattage useful for comparing motorcycle speakers?

Peak wattage is a weak way to compare motorcycle speakers because peak or maximum figures describe short-duration capability and may be calculated differently by different manufacturers. BOSS lists 600 W maximum for the MCBK520B, while Kuryakyn lists 300 W peak for the RoadThunder Sound Bar Plus; neither figure proves that one system is twice as loud or that either system produces that amount continuously.

RMS or continuous power is more useful when it is published, but RMS still does not determine loudness by itself. Sensitivity, speaker efficiency, enclosure design, driver size, amplifier distortion, placement, and wind noise all affect perceived volume. MTX lists a maximum SPL of 113 dB for one universal motorcycle system, while also noting that perceived volume varies with motorcycle configuration, including windshield and exhaust arrangements, according to the MTX product information.

What does an IP rating mean?

An IP rating is more specific than a general “weatherproof” or “water-resistant” claim, but the rating applies under defined test conditions and does not automatically protect the wiring or the rest of the installation. JBL publishes IPX5 for the Cruise. Kuryakyn displays “1P66,” which should be verified rather than normalized to IP66. BOSS describes the MCBK520B as weatherproof without publishing an IP rating on its product page.

Marine-grade materials can help with corrosion resistance, but “marine-grade” is not automatically an IP rating. Treat manufacturer wording as product-specific evidence, not as a promise that the system can be submerged, pressure-washed, or left exposed indefinitely.

Do larger motorcycle speakers always sound better?

Larger speakers can move more air and usually offer greater potential for bass and output, but larger speakers are not automatically better. A 6.5-inch speaker needs suitable mounting depth, space, power, and vibration support. A compact 2- or 3-inch speaker may be the better choice when the rider values clearance, low weight, and installation simplicity.

What else should you check besides Bluetooth?

Useful features include glove-friendly controls, play and track buttons, USB charging, automatic power-off, a wired auxiliary input, and ignition-switched power. The BOSS system adds FM, USB, SD, and auxiliary inputs. The JBL Cruise provides Bluetooth, USB charging, and large buttons. The Kuryakyn soundbar provides Bluetooth, auxiliary input and output, and USB charging.

Bluetooth compatibility does not guarantee modern codecs, multipoint pairing, app control, or reliable operation with every phone. Pair the phone while stationary and check which device reconnects automatically, especially if the motorcycle also has a factory head unit or helmet intercom.

What should you check before installing motorcycle speakers?

1. Confirm fitment. Measure the handlebar diameter or verify the exact motorcycle model and year. Kuryakyn lists a 7/8- to 1.5-inch clamp range; BOSS lists 0.75- to 1.25-inch brackets. Those ranges are not interchangeable assumptions.
2. Inspect clearance. Turn the handlebars fully left and right. Confirm that the speaker, clamp, and wiring do not block gauges, warning lights, brake or clutch controls, windshield movement, GPS devices, or accessory bags.
3. Plan the power circuit. Confirm 12-volt compatibility, identify ignition-switched power, and follow the product manual. An ignition-switched circuit helps prevent accidental battery drain.
4. Fuse the supply correctly. Install an inline fuse close to the battery when the product instructions call for battery power. Do not guess a fuse size or wire gauge; amplifier current requirements differ.
5. Route for steering movement. Leave appropriate cable slack at the steering head and verify full lock in both directions. Keep wiring away from pinch points, exhaust heat, sharp edges, and moving controls.
6. Protect connections. Use sealed connectors, suitable heat-shrink, abrasion protection, and a sound ground. A weather-resistant speaker cannot compensate for an exposed amplifier terminal or unsealed butt connector.
7. Secure against vibration. Confirm that clamps cannot rotate, use the specified fasteners, apply the appropriate locking method, and recheck fasteners after the first ride.
8. Test while stationary. Pair the phone, check volume independently on the phone and amplifier, test navigation interruptions, confirm USB charging, and verify that the system shuts off with the ignition if intended.

The Kuryakyn installation instructions illustrate why power, ground, ignition wiring, clearance, and safe installation deserve attention. The exact wiring procedure remains product- and motorcycle-specific.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How can you prevent common motorcycle-speaker problems?

Weather-resistant hardware gets wet internally

Weak points often include unsealed butt connectors, exposed amplifier terminals, uncovered USB ports, water behind speaker grilles, corroded grounds, and insulation rubbing against the steering stem. Avoid pressure-washing speaker grilles and amplifier connections, cover or remove detachable controllers when parked, and let wet components dry before storage or charging.

The battery goes flat

An integrated amplifier can draw meaningful current, particularly when used with the ignition off. Wire the system to ignition-switched power where the manual permits, use the specified fuse, and avoid leaving the speakers playing while the motorcycle is parked. Riders who store a motorcycle for long periods may also need a compatible smart battery charger.

The phone connects to the wrong device

A phone may reconnect to the factory head unit, helmet intercom, or another nearby speaker instead of the motorcycle speakers. Remove obsolete pairings, rename devices when possible, test automatic reconnection before riding, and remember that phone volume and amplifier volume can be limited independently.

The system is not compatible with factory audio

A universal Bluetooth speaker is not automatically compatible with a Harley factory radio or amplifier. Factory integration may require a vehicle-specific harness, signal-level conversion, impedance matching, a compatible amplifier, factory-radio configuration, or model-year-specific mounting hardware. Confirm the signal path before purchasing replacement speakers.

The system is loud but unclear

More volume cannot fully overcome poor placement, wind turbulence, distorted amplification, or a windshield that redirects noise toward the rider. A fairing-mounted system with larger speakers may improve projection, but no speaker can guarantee clear audio at a particular road speed across every motorcycle. Standardized testing would need to specify the motorcycle, windshield, exhaust, speed, audio source, phone volume, measurement location, and mounting configuration.

Are motorcycle speakers safer than earbuds?

External motorcycle speakers do not seal the ear canal, so they can allow more environmental awareness than sealed in-ear headphones, but external speakers are not automatically safe. Excessive volume can still mask horns, sirens, traffic, mechanical sounds, and spoken warnings, and music or navigation can still distract the rider.

Helmet speakers, Bluetooth intercoms, and communication-focused hearing protection are alternatives when intelligibility matters more than broadcasting sound into the surrounding air. The appropriate choice depends on the rider, helmet, local rules, and need to detect traffic. Check the current laws in the state or jurisdiction where you ride instead of relying on a blanket claim about legality.

Which motorcycle speaker should you buy?

Buy the Kuryakyn RoadThunder Sound Bar Plus if you want the strongest premium universal handlebar solution and can accept its price and exposed placement. Buy the BOSS Audio MCBK520B if the priority is an inexpensive all-in-one system with FM, USB, SD, and Bluetooth. Choose the JBL Cruise if compact size, glove-friendly controls, and a published IPX5 rating matter more than maximum output.

For a Harley-Davidson touring motorcycle, start with a model-specific fairing or luggage kit from Hogtunes, Wild Boar Audio, Rockford Fosgate, or Aquatic AV. Choose the exact kit only after confirming model year, speaker impedance, mounting depth, harnesses, amplifier requirements, and whether the factory head unit remains in the system.

The most important purchase decision is not the largest wattage number. It is whether the speaker type, mounting location, electrical installation, weather protection, and acoustic output match the motorcycle and the way you ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are motorcycle speakers waterproof?

Some motorcycle speakers publish an IP rating, while others use terms such as weatherproof or splashproof. JBL lists the Cruise as IPX5-rated; BOSS describes the MCBK520B as weatherproof without listing an IP rating, and Kuryakyn displays a “1P66” notation that should be verified rather than rewritten as IP66. The wiring and amplifier installation still need sealed, protected connections.

Is 600 watts better than 300 watts for motorcycle speakers?

No. BOSS’s 600 W figure is a manufacturer-listed maximum, while Kuryakyn’s 300 W figure is listed as peak power; those figures are not standardized RMS ratings and cannot establish which system is louder. RMS power, sensitivity, speaker efficiency, enclosure design, placement, and distortion are more useful comparison factors.

Can universal motorcycle speakers connect to a Harley factory radio?

Not automatically. Harley factory-audio integration may require a compatible amplifier, vehicle-specific harness, impedance matching, signal-level conversion, factory-radio configuration, and exact model-year hardware. Confirm the complete signal path before buying a universal Bluetooth soundbar or replacement speaker.

Are helmet speakers better than external motorcycle speakers?

Helmet speakers or a Bluetooth intercom can provide more direct music, podcast, and navigation audio, while external speakers avoid sealing the ear canal. Neither option is automatically safer: excessive volume and audio distraction can reduce awareness, so riders should remain able to detect important environmental sounds and follow applicable local rules.

The Bottom Line

Bottom line: Choose an integrated handlebar system for straightforward universal audio, with the Kuryakyn RoadThunder Sound Bar Plus as the premium pick and the BOSS Audio MCBK520B as the value pick. Choose a model-specific fairing or saddlebag system for serious Harley touring performance. Measure first, wire through an ignition-switched fused circuit, protect every connection, and judge specifications by RMS and real fitment—not peak wattage alone.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.