It should come as no surprise that it takes a moderate amount of amplifier power to reproduce music on a motorcycle that’s audible when on the freeway. So aside from great speakers, you need a high-quality amplifier to ensure that you can hear your music. Here are a few considerations when choosing the ideal motorcycle amplifier upgrade.

Amplifier Efficiency is Crucial

One topic often overlooked when choosing an amplifier for a motorcycle is efficiency. In terms of electrical or electronic systems, efficiency describes the ratio of how much power something consumes to how much it delivers. Electric motors, lights and, most importantly for this conversation, amplifiers all have efficiency specifications.

Amplifier efficiency is essential in motorcycle applications because the electrical system is often quite limited compared with that found in a car or a truck. The stock charging system on many motorcycles is limited to around 32 to 38 amps of current. Harley-Davidson offers upgraded alternator solutions that produce between 45 and 60 amps of current. Remember that the ignition system, lights, radio and bike control module are already consuming current. As a gross generalization, amplifiers consume about 10 amps of current for every 100 watts of power they produce. This doesn’t leave much capacity for a high-power audio system. As such, choosing amplifiers that make the most out of the power they consume is crucial.

When looking at amplifier specifications, the numbers are usually presented in one of two ways: efficiency at maximum power or 1/3 or 1/4 power. A good amplifier should have a total efficiency that’s at least 75% to 80% at full power. The best amplifiers on the market are up to around 90% efficient at full power. Sadly, lots of amps are down around 50% to 60%. These inferior products might be rated well, but being power-hungry means they can’t deliver on their claims.

Environmental Protection

A second consideration in choosing an amplifier upgrade for your motorcycle is to look for one designed specifically to resist harsh environmental conditions. For example, vibrations from a lumpy V-twin engine can wreak havoc with electronics that aren’t explicitly designed to handle constant physical oscillations. Likewise, if you use your motorcycle for long rides, the probability of running into rain is high. Therefore, you want to choose an amplifier designed to handle the harshest elements without fear of component damage or corrosion.

Adequate Cooling Capacity

When shopping for a reliable motorcycle amplifier, you want to look for a solution with a large enough heatsink that the amplifier can properly manage whatever heat it produces. Physically larger amplifiers have more heat sink mass, making it easier to extract thermal energy from the power supply and output switching MOSFETs in the amp. As a result, an amplifier that runs cooler will last longer than one built to be as small as possible, with minimal consideration for heat management.

Upgrade Your Motorcycle with an Amplifier Today!

If you want to listen to your music at elevated volume levels, you’ll need a well-designed, reliable amplifier for your motorcycle. Keep the above considerations in mind when you visit a local specialty mobile enhancement retailer to find the best amp for your ride.

Lead-In Image: Thanks to Extreme Audio and Motorrad Audio near Richmond, Virginia, for the photograph of this ARC Audio Moto 720 amplifier that they installed on a 2020 BMW K1600B motorcycle.

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More and more companies are offering motorcycle audio system upgrade solutions. Bikes like Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Street Glide can sound so much better with proper speakers and a high-power amplifier. In this article, we’ll cover four things you need to keep in mind when shopping for new tunes for your touring bike.

1. Installation Is Crucial to Performance and Reliability

How the new speakers, amplifier and perhaps a new radio are mounted, wired and configured plays a considerable role in the performance and reliability of your motorcycle audio system. New speakers are often much more substantial than the factory-installed products they replace. The speakers need to be mounted securely with corrosion-resistant fasteners. Of course, the speakers need to fit perfectly and seal tightly against the faring face for optimum performance.

Amplifiers can draw a lot of current from the battery and charging system when the volume is cranked. High-quality, appropriately sized wiring with solid electrical connections is mandatory to get the most efficient delivery.

2. Buy from a Brick-and-Mortar Retailer

If you’re going to have work done to your motorcycle, make sure that it’s by someone who will be available to support the products and services they sell you. Many bike enthusiasts buy audio upgrades at shows and rallies. If you have problems or need adjustments weeks or months after the purchase, you’ll need to find someone else to help and you’ll have to pay them for their time. Dealing with a local shop that specializes in motorcycle audio can save you a lot of headaches. A deal at a show isn’t a deal if you have to invest more money down the road.

3. Choose Premium Products

Face it: Your motorcycle is likely worth a lot of money. Inexpensive speakers and amplifiers aren’t apt to perform well or last as long as products from reputable companies. A motorcycle presents a challenging environment for audio equipment. Vibration is a huge factor, and when poorly designed audio components are used, they often fail in a few months.

Amplifiers need to be designed so that they are efficient and reliable — the fragile components inside need to be secured so that nothing will break. Speakers need to be weather-resistant in case you get caught in the rain. You also want a solution that is designed to handle prolonged UV exposure without drying out, chalking, cracking or fading. Woofer cones that fade or change color after prolonged exposure to the sun may become more brittle and eventually crack and fail. Regular car audio speakers simply aren’t a reliable option.

If you’re upgrading the radio on your bike, be sure to choose something that is weather resistant. You want a bright screen that’s easy to see in direct sunlight. You will also want something that can integrate with the handlebar stereo controls, if your bike has them.

4. Audio System Upgrades Need Tuning for Accurate Sound

We may have beat this topic to death, but it’s worth stating at least one more time. The factory-installed radios in 2014 and newer Harley-Davidson touring bikes have a slew of signal processing built into them. If you don’t address this tuning when upgrading the bike with a new amp and speakers, the system likely won’t sound right, and you could damage the new components. A reputable mobile enhancement retailer should have the tools to check the output of the radio on a Honda, Yamaha or BMW bike before they dive into an upgrade.

Your best bet is to purchase a digital signal processor (DSP) from the shop installing your equipment. They can use their audio test equipment to smooth the EQ curve in the radio and fine-tune the system to sound the way you want. Having the radio flashed to reduce the equalization settings is another option, but this process could be undone if you take your bike in for service. Likewise, there may be concerns about your warranty when you make alterations to the software.

Upgrade the Audio System on Your Motorcycle Today!

If you can’t crank the stereo on your motorcycle to the point that it gives you goosebumps, drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today and find out about the upgrades that are available. Don’t be afraid to research the suitability and reliability of their suggestions before you make a purchase. In the end, a little planning will keep your investment sounding great and last for years.

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Most touring motorcycles and trikes come with some form of radio and entertainment system. With the majority of bikes on the road being older models, many of their audio systems lack modern technologies like Bluetooth audio streaming, support for digital audio files like MP3 and WMA, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Even if you have a rare bike that you don’t want to modify permanently, there are lots of entertainment options available to make your time on the road much more enjoyable.

Replace That Old Radio

If you have a ’98 through 2013 Harley touring bike, upgrading the radio is an easy task. Rockford Fosgate and Aquatic AV both offer upgraded source units designed specifically for these bikes. In both cases, the radios fit perfectly into the fairing opening and include electrical connectors that don’t require any modifications to the vehicle. Your local mobile enhancement retailer can have you back on the road in about an hour with all the source unit features you could ever want.

In many applications, especially with Harley-Davidson bikes, your installer can connect the radio to the audio control switches on the handlebars to make it safer to adjust the volume or change songs while you ride.

Audio Upgrade for Custom Applications

If you own a motorcycle like a Honda Gold Wing or a BMW K 1600 GTL with a radio that’s integrated into an infotainment system, installing a new radio isn’t an option. That doesn’t mean that you can’t upgrade the stereo system. Companies like ARC Audio offer signal processors designed to take the audio signals coming out of the factory stereo system and allow your installer to process them so that they will sound great with a new amplifier and upgraded speakers.

If you have a newer Harley-Davidson with the Boom! Box radio, using a signal processor is the best way to upgrade the sound system on these bikes. Some stereo shops offer radio reflashing services that can help you get better sound, but these setting changes may affect your warranty or may be undone if the bike goes in for service.

The biggest benefit of having a signal processor on a bike is that your installer can fine-tune the output of each speaker on the bike to your personal listening style. If you like smooth and natural sound, that’s an easy option. If you like an in-your-face tune that rocks-out when the throttle is cranked, they can do that too. Within reason, a processor can make any high-quality speaker sound the way you want.

Great Sound with No Radio at All

Finally, if you want great sound on your bike but don’t want a radio at all, your installer can integrate a stand-alone Bluetooth receiver directly into an aftermarket amplifier. When you want to listen to music, just pair the audio streaming function of your smartphone to the receiver. For hide-away units, you can adjust the volume using the buttons on your phone. Music options include songs stored on a smart device or any streaming service like iHeartRadio, Pandora, Spotify or Apple Music.

Upgrade the Radio on Your Motorcycle Today

Whether you want an elaborate audio system with fairing, lower and saddlebag speakers or just want to add some new technology to your motorcycle, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer can help you choose a solution that’s perfect for your application. Drop by their shop today and let them check out your bike. They’ll come up with a plan to have it sounding great!

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If you’re a fan of a little “wind therapy,” then having some great music to listen to while you you’re riding your motorcycle starts with a great audio system. Sure, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki and Honda include radios and speakers with their touring bikes, but so do Toyota and Hyundai cars and SUVs. All of them could use an upgrade or two to put a smile on your face when a great song comes on. Let’s take a look at five great upgrade options that will make your motorcycle audio system sound better.

Upgrade 1 – Upgrade Existing Speakers

If you’re a regular reader of BestCarAudio.com, then you know how important speakers are to the performance of any audio system. Imagine a high-end home audio system with an amplifier, preamp, CD transport and stand-alone digital-to-analog converter. It isn’t hard to spend $10,000 on this equipment, and you’d be surprised how easy it is to spend more than $500,000. When it comes time to choose speakers, you need something amazing to accurately convert those electrical signals into sound.

High-quality speakers transform electrical signals into sound more accurately than poorly designed solutions. Better speakers offer a smoother frequency response so your music will sound more realistic. Finally, great speakers can handle more power and play much more loudly than an inexpensive solution. All of these criteria are important for motorcycle audio upgrade.

Another important factor in choosing new speakers for your motorcycle is whether they’re designed to be specifically suitable for the application. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage some car audio speakers and cause the cones and surrounds to fail very quickly. Likewise, if there’s even the slimmest chance the speakers will get wet, choosing a solution with integrated weatherproofing and water-resistant materials is mandatory to ensure reliability.

Upgrade 2 – Add High-Power Amplifiers

When it comes to playing music loudly, your speakers will need lots of power. Upgrading your motorcycle with a high-power, high-efficiency amplifier is the only way to make your music loud enough to drown out wind and exhaust noise.

Size is a top priority when it comes to choosing an amplifier for your motorcycle. You want something that will fit inside the front fairing or not take up too much space in a saddlebag. Many companies make compact powersports amplifiers that will fit nicely above the factory radio in a Harley.

You also want an amplifier that is efficient. Efficiency refers to how much of the power that is drawn from the battery and alternator or stator is converted into energy to drive the speakers. More efficiency means the amp will run cooler and your audio system can play louder without overloading the bike’s electrical system. The best motorcycle and powersports amplifiers on the market are over 93% efficient. That’s about 10% better than the typical car audio amplifier.

Upgrade 3 – Add More Speakers

Aside from using great speakers and providing them with lots of clean power from an amplifier, another great upgrade you can make to your motorcycle audio system is to add more speakers. Sure, the task isn’t as easy as cutting a panel in a car door, but it can be done. Many companies offer handlebar speakers, motorcycle-specific speaker pods that attach to the lower front fairing, and saddlebag lids with options for 6.5-, 8- or 6×9-inch speakers.

Upgrade 4 – Source Unit Upgrades

Every great audio system starts with a great source unit. If there’s distortion in the original audio signal, no amount of processing or tuning can remove it. Companies like Rockford Fosgate and Aquatic AV have created motorcycle-specific source units for 1998 through 2013 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Another option is the cool Sony XAV-AX7000 multimedia receiver. Several motorcycle enthusiasts have integrated this double-DIN radio into the fairing of their bikes. The radio has a weather-resistant front panel and buttons. It’s not water-proof, but it can handle the occasional light sprinkle. If you want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on your bike, then this radio is a perfect choice.

Upgrade 5 – Proper System Configuration

The perfect speaker, if it were to exist, would offer flat frequency response across the entire audio spectrum. The reality is, no speaker can deliver that. Likewise, where we install speakers can have a huge effect on how they sound. To get the most out of your motorcycle audio system upgrade, it needs to be configured to optimize the output of each speaker for the environment. You aren’t going to hear a bass drum or synthesizer riff at 65 mph on the interstate, so crossovers and equalization will let your speakers focus on the frequency ranges where they work best.

Just as in a car audio system, a concert venue or a theater, using an equalizer to optimize the response of a motorcycle sound system is important. Compact digital signal processors include multiband equalizers that can be configured with a calibrated microphone to deliver smooth sound, so your music sounds realistic.

Upgrade Your Motorcycle Audio System Today

The options for making the stereo system on your motorcycle sound better are nearly endless. Drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today to find out about the audio upgrades that are available for your bike. As always, remember that proper installation and excellent craftsmanship are as important as the products you choose. Be sure to work with a retailer that has the skills to execute your upgrade reliably.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

If you own a 2014 or newer Harley-Davison touring bike, then there are a few things you need to know before you decide to upgrade your stereo system. We know that the Boom! Box radio has a reasonable set of features with navigation, an AM/FM tuner, a USB port for digital audio files, and support for phone calls with a compatible helmet headset. Where the system falls short is in the speakers they have chosen, the power of the amplifier in the radio, and the way the system is tuned. Luckily, many companies offer amazing upgrades. Let’s talk about upgrading the stereo on your Road Glide, Street Glide or Electra Glide.

Harley-Davidson Boom! Box Radio Tuning

For reasons that escape us, Harley has chosen some unique tuning parameters for the equalizer built into the radio on their cruisers. The specific tuning depends on the option level on the bike and varies depending on the number of speakers installed. While the tuning may sort of work with the factory-installed speakers and the limited power from the amplifier, once your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer starts to upgrade things, those equalization settings make your new speakers sound terrible.

If you’re going to upgrade the audio system on your Harley, your installer will need to deal with this tuning.

Add a DSP to Your Harley-Davidson

One of the best options for dealing with the tuning built into your Harley radio is to add a digital signal processor to the audio system. There are two reasons why this is the best choice if you want truly amazing sound on your bike. When used with a calibrated microphone, your installer can tune the audio system to sound great with any high-quality speaker solution. You aren’t left at the mercy of the radio and the response curve of the speakers. Second, the front and rear speakers can be tuned to deliver the same response. Ensuring that each speaker on the bike sounds the same will make your music sound more realistic.

A second and very important benefit of implementing a DSP on your bike is to enable the person tuning the system to accurately limit the bass information sent to your speakers. Face it; you aren’t going to hear the 40 Hz fundamental of a kick drum on any motorcycle audio system when you’re cruising down the freeway. Since it takes a lot of power to produce bass frequencies, a high-pass filter can go a long way toward making the rest of the system play much louder and last a lot longer.

Motorcycle Radio Reflashing

Another very common solution is to reflash the factory radio to a different, flatter equalization curve. Many shops have invested in hardware from companies like TechnoResearch to perform this task. Harley radio reflashing is a simple process that doesn’t take much time. While the output of the radio isn’t perfectly flat in terms of frequency response, it’s a lot better than leaving things untouched.

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Which Upgrade is Right for You?

If you want a simple radio upgrade that offers good performance, then having the radio on your Harley reflashed in combination with the installation of new speakers and an amplifier is a great starting point. Just as with a car audio upgrade, proper tuning is crucial to delivering smooth and natural performance. The only way to achieve this is with the use of a multi-band equalizer. Concert venues, night clubs, movie theatres and even something as simple as a smart speaker include powerful digital signal processing components that, when configured properly, ensure that your music sounds as good as it can. Your motorcycle audio system should, of course, be the same.

Drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer to find out about the options available to upgrade the performance of the audio system on your motorcycle.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.