Riding with music changes everything about time on two wheels. But choosing between the many types of motorcycle audio systems available today can feel overwhelming, especially when you factor in wind, vibration, and weather. This guide breaks down each system type so you can find the right setup for your bike, budget, and riding style.
Key Takeaways
- Four main types of motorcycle audio systems exist: factory/OEM upgrades, plug and play kits, universal handlebar systems, and fully custom builds, each suited to different bikes, budgets, and skill levels.
- The best motorcycle audio system for most riders is a weatherproof, plug and play kit matched to their specific motorcycle model, especially popular on Harley Davidson touring bikes, delivering clear music at 60 to 80 mph.
- Key features to compare across system types include power handling (RMS watts), speaker placement, weather resistance (IP ratings), and whether you need diy installation or professional installation.
- This article focuses on helping you choose the right system type and components, with examples of brands and configurations we commonly test and recommend at Audiophiles.
Motorcycle Audio System Basics
A motorcycle audio system typically includes a head unit or source unit that controls music playback and settings, speakers positioned around the bike, amplifiers that boost audio signals for louder sound, and sometimes subwoofers that provide deep bass tones for music. Unlike car or home audio, motorcycle audio faces brutal real-world challenges: open-air listening where wind and engine noise compete with every note, limited mounting space, constant vibration, and direct exposure to rain, UV, and road grime.
Motorcycle audio systems range from simple Bluetooth handlebar setups to complex high-powered multi-speaker systems. Typical riders fall into a few camps: touring riders on a Harley Davidson Street Glide or Road Glide who want immersive sound at highway speeds, commuters wanting podcasts and navigation prompts, and weekend cruisers who just want great sound around town. Motorcycle audio systems should allow music, navigation prompts, and communication while matching different riding styles. Audio systems must also keep volume low enough to remain aware of surrounding traffic.
This guide covers four system categories: OEM and direct-fit kits, plug and play upgrades, universal bar-mount systems, and full custom builds.
OEM & Direct-Fit Motorcycle Audio Systems
OEM and direct-fit systems are designed to drop into factory speaker locations with minimal or no modification, built around specific model years for guaranteed fitment. Fairing-mounted systems integrate speakers into the front fairing of touring motorcycles, while bag-lid and Tour Pak speaker systems replace existing saddlebag lids with versions that have drivers pre-molded and sealed against the elements.
On popular bikes like the 2014+ Street Glide and Road Glide, Harley’s Stage III saddlebag speakers deliver waterproof 2-ohm drivers with a frequency response from 35 Hz to 43.5 kHz and sensitivity around 90 dB. These Rockford Fosgate-powered kits are built for what Harley calls “Element Ready” operation. Full-system upgrades replace all audio components for maximum quality, while individual component upgrades allow selective replacement of parts. Compatibility with your motorcycle model is crucial for installation.
Pros include a clean factory look, plug-in harnesses, and easier install. Cons are higher cost per component and less flexibility in driver choices. We typically recommend direct-fit kits to riders who want a factory-style appearance with no cutting or drilling.
Plug-and-Play Motorcycle Audio Kits
Plug and play systems are pre-matched kits that bundle speakers, an amplifier, wiring harnesses, and sometimes a Bluetooth controller into a single purchase. Plug-and-play systems simplify installation with minimal tools required, using bike-specific mounting brackets, waterproof multi-pin connectors, and pre-terminated power and ground leads. Modern systems often include Bluetooth for easy connectivity, and weather-resistant components ensure durability in harsh conditions.
For Harley Davidson touring models, the Memphis Audio MXHD14LIDKIT delivers 125 W RMS with IPX6 weather protection and 93 dB sensitivity. The Wet Sounds Saddlebag Kit pushes 150 W RMS with sealed construction rated for touring exposure. Both are strong examples of what a quality plug and play kit should offer. Look for systems with at least 50-100 watts RMS amplification to overcome road noise.
Saddlebag speakers provide deep bass and higher volume levels for highway speeds. High-quality motorcycle audio systems deliver clear sound at high speeds when properly matched to the bike. These kits work across Harley-specific and metric cruiser platforms, though adventure bike options tend to mount to fairings or crash bars instead.
From our testing perspective, plug and play systems hit the sweet spot between cost, performance, and easy installation for most riders upgrading their first motorcycle audio system. Check our guide to the best motorcycle speakers for specific driver recommendations.
Universal Handlebar & Bar-Mount Audio Systems
Universal bar-mount systems are compact speaker pods that clamp directly to handlebars or crash bars, often paired with a small 2-channel amplifier and a Bluetooth controller. These are common on naked bikes, standards, and older cruisers with no fairing. Handlebar-mounted speakers are easy to install on motorcycles without factory audio, and handlebar-mounted speaker systems have good sound quality for casual rides and city commuting.
Typical configurations include bullet-style handlebar speakers with a 100 to 300 watt micro-amp and wired or wireless volume control. Powered versions build the amplifier into the speaker housings, while separate-amp designs hide the amp under the seat. For a closer look at compact amplification, see our best Bluetooth car amplifiers roundup, as many of those amps work well for motorcycle setups too.
Bluetooth helmet headsets provide clear communication and audio directly in the rider’s helmet. Typical features of helmet Bluetooth systems include music streaming, GPS, and phone calls. These complement bar-mount audio for riders who want private listening alongside open-air sound.
Pros include fast diy installation, no need to crack open a fairing, and broad compatibility. Cons are a less immersive soundstage, more visible hardware, and limited expansion for deep bass. Check clamp size compatibility, rated RMS output, water resistance, and whether bluetooth connectivity is integrated before you purchase.
Custom-Built Motorcycle Audio Systems
Custom systems are fully tailored builds: separate source units or DSPs, multi-amp setups, custom bag lids, under-fairing subs, and hidden wiring looms. Custom audio systems offer personalized setups for unique sound experiences, and custom high-performance motorcycle audio systems are designed for the loudest and highest quality sound possible on a bike.
The riders who pursue full custom builds are typically audio enthusiasts, show-bike builders, and long-distance tourers wanting car-level sound on the open road. A typical configuration might include high power speakers driven by a 4 to 6 channel amplifier, 6.5 to 8 inch midbass drivers in front fairings, bag lid speakers, and compact subwoofers in saddlebags. Total system power often exceeds 400 to 800 watts RMS. Modern motorcycle audio relies on Class D amplifiers due to their efficiency and compactness. Digital Signal Processing is used in high-end motorcycle audio systems to tune sound for specific environments, and common upgrades for motorcycle audio include adding DSPs and high-output speakers.
Custom installations may require specialized components and wiring. The trade-offs are significant: highest sound quality and volume, but also significant cost, more battery and charging demands, and professional installation is recommended for complex custom systems to maintain reliability and weather sealing. We suggest most readers treat fully custom systems as an advanced option after gaining experience with simpler kits.
Key Features That Differentiate Motorcycle Audio System Types
Regardless of system type, several core specs determine whether your setup will actually perform well during a ride. Motorcycle audio systems need to be weatherproof and durable, and motorcycle audio systems must be weatherproof and vibration-resistant.
Power and loudness: Power handling matters. RMS wattage between 50 and 150 watts per channel is common for crisp sound at highway speeds. Amplifiers provide more power to push through wind and engine noise. Upgrading improves audio clarity at highway speeds, and high-quality systems reduce distortion and enhance sound performance. Upgraded systems provide better bass and richer sound.
Weather resistance: Choose systems with an IP rating for water resistance. Motorcycle audio components must have IP67 ratings to survive environmental challenges. Premium speakers use durable lightweight materials like poly or Kevlar cones. Marine-grade materials, UV-resistant cones, and sealed amplifiers protect against water damage and extend durability.
Connectivity and control: Basic bar-mount systems offer AUX or Bluetooth modules to stream from your phone, while larger touring setups feature advanced motorcycle radios with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB. The difference in control options directly affects your riding experience.
Installation time: Simple bar-mount systems install in 1 to 2 hours. Full plug-and-play touring kits take half a day. Custom builds can stretch across weekends. Motorcycle speakers must produce loud, clear sound regardless of which path you choose.
Choosing the Right Type for Your Bike
The best motorcycle audio system is not universal. It depends on your bike platform, riding style, budget, and tolerance for diy installation. DIY installation is possible for those with basic tool skills, but complexity varies widely.
Here is a simple decision framework:
- Harley Davidson touring owners (Street Glide, Road Glide, Road King): Direct-fit bag lid systems or premium plug and play kits from a trusted audio brand deliver the clearest music at speed.
- Cruisers without fairings: Universal bar-mount kits provide easy installation and good enough sound for around-town riding.
- Commuters focused on navigation and podcasts: Compact plug and play systems paired with a helmet headset cover both clarity and convenience.
- Adventure bikes with limited electrical headroom: Lightweight, weather-sealed handlebar speakers with a compact amp keep weight and power draw in check.
Installation & DIY Considerations
Easy installation is a major reason riders pick one system type over another. Understanding install demands upfront prevents frustrations and protects your bike.
DIY friendliness by category:
- Universal handlebar systems: simplest, basic hand tools only
- Plug-and-play touring kits: moderate, some fairing disassembly
- Direct-fit bag lid systems: moderate with more panel removal
- Fully custom builds: best left to a professional install shop
You will generally need basic hand tools, crimping or soldering capability, and comfort routing power leads from the battery. Always use appropriate gauge wiring, fuse near the battery, avoid pinching wires in fairings or moving joints, and double-check grounds to prevent noise in your setup.
While many systems are marketed as DIY-friendly, riders uncomfortable with electrical work should budget for professional installation to protect both the bike’s electronics and warranty.
FAQ: Types of Motorcycle Audio Systems
What’s the easiest type of motorcycle audio system to install at home?
Universal bar-mount handlebar speakers are the simplest, requiring only clamp mounting and a basic power connection. True plug and play kits are the next step up, using pre-terminated harnesses that connect without soldering or cutting.
Can I mix components from different audio brands in one motorcycle system?
Yes. Mixing is common in both OEM upgrades and custom builds, as long as you match power output, impedance (ohms), and physical fitment. Mismatched impedance can cause distortion or amplifier damage.
Do I really need an amplifier, or will upgraded speakers alone be enough?
At city speeds, upgraded speakers alone can deliver noticeable improvement. At highway speeds where wind is intense, an amplifier is essential for clear, loud output. Riders who frequently hit the open road should budget for an amp.
Are factory Harley Davidson audio upgrades as good as aftermarket plug-and-play kits?
Harley’s OEM-branded upgrades (powered by Rockford Fosgate) deliver excellent sound quality and seamless fitment but cost more. Third-party plug-and-play kits from brands like Memphis Audio or Wet Sounds often match or exceed factory loudness and tuning flexibility at a lower price.
Which system type is best for heavy rain riding?
Focus on marine-grade, sealed plug-and-play or direct-fit systems with IPX6 or IP67 ratings. Avoid exposed non-marine components on custom builds, and always verify that amplifiers and wiring connections are fully sealed to prevent water damage.