What Are The Loudest Motorcycle Speakers On The Market?

While I’m not a big fan of loud motorcycles let alone loud motorcycles with even louder audio systems, I do admit that motorcycles with loud audio systems always attract attention. I can even imagine certain situations (like ad hoc outdoor parties) when having such loud speakers can be useful. 

My goal today is to explain what to pay attention to when looking for motorcycle speakers and help you find the loudest motorcycle speakers for your bike.

I will discuss different types of speakers you can use for different motorcycle types and list the most important specs and features you need to consider when looking for loud motorcycle speakers.

AudioGround’s Favorites

If you want to upgrade your existing fairing or lower-fairing speakers or add a pair of saddlebag speakers, I would strongly recommend sticking to reputable brands like Hertz Audio (SX 165 NEO is one of its best and loudest fairing speakers) and Diamond Audio (MS69CX is one of its loudest, most efficient 6×9” speakers). 

Other viable options when looking for aftermarket speaker drivers are Precision Power, Kicker (budget option), and Infinity Kappa.

Have in mind that all these aftermarket speaker drivers require appropriate amplification – you will have to buy the matching amplifier separately. They will work with your preinstalled amp, but you won’t get the best results.

If you don’t want to spend your valuable time looking for the amplifier to match your speakers, you can buy a complete plug-and-play speaker kit with a matching amp and wiring harness. One of the best online sellers that sell such kits (for Harley Davidson motorcycles) is Volunteer Audio. 

If you’re looking for a pair of simple handlebar speakers with a built-in amp, one of the best options is Kuryakyn 2720 MTX.

Motorcycle Speakers VS Helmet Speakers

If you ask me, I would always go with helmet speakers.  Some of the reasons are quite obvious, while others are not. Let’s start with the obvious. 

Installing helmet speakers is way easier than installing motorcycle speakers. Depending on the type of motorcycle speaker, you may have to dismantle half of your motorcycle and make some serious modifications. That’s time-consuming, and if you don’t feel competent enough to install the speakers on your own, it can also be quite expensive. 

You can even buy helmets with preinstalled speakers, which is the most hassle-free option I can think of. And it’s still cheaper than buying and installing motorcycle speakers. 

So, the main advantages of motorcycle helmet speakers are easy installation and lower prices. 

The not-so-obvious advantage of helmet speakers is probably the one you don’t care about that much. They don’t create nearly as much noise pollution as motorcycle speakers. Other people can’t even hear your helmet speakers, but they can definitely hear the speakers installed on your motorcycle.

Motorcycles create lots of noise, even without speakers. On average, when driving at 35mph, the noise levels vary between 85 and 95dB, which are already dangerous noise levels. When throttled up, motorcycles can easily reach 100dB. 

In terms of legality, both motorcycle speakers and helmet speakers are legal in the US. You may have doubts regarding helmet speakers since using earbuds or headphones covering both ears is illegal in most US states. However, helmet speakers don’t cover your ears, which makes them legal. 

The advantage of motorcycle speakers is that you can share your music with others. Now, you already know that I’m not a fan of motorcycle speakers, but I still can understand why someone would want to install them. And I certainly can imagine these speakers being useful in some scenarios. 

So, let’s see what makes motorcycle speakers (or any other type of speaker) loud and what to pay attention to when looking for the loudest possible motorcycle speaker. 

How to Find the Loudest Motorcycle Speakers – The Most Important Specs

Finding the loudest speaker for your motorcycle is not that difficult if you know exactly what to look for and if all the speaker manufacturers publish all the right specs. 

You will often hear that the sensitivity of the speaker tells you how loud a speaker can be. This applies to home speakers, car speakers, motorcycle speakers, or any other type of speaker.  That’s true, but there’s more to it. It’s not all about speaker sensitivity – speaker loudness also depends on its power rating. 

Speaker sensitivity gives us information about the “speaker’s nominal loudness”. It tells us how loud sound the speaker outputs when supplied with 1W of power or 2.83V of voltage. The loudness of that sound is measured with a calibrated mic at a 1m distance. I will not discuss the difference between 1W and 2.83V in this article, but you should be aware that there is a difference. 

Some manufacturers will publish the max SPL, which is the max loudness of the speaker when the speaker is supplied with the max power. 

If one speaker manufacturer publishes its speaker’s sensitivity and the other publishes its speaker’s max SPL, you can’t immediately compare these two values. You have to calculate the max SPL of the first speaker. To do that, you have to know the correlation between SPL, power output, and sensitivity.

Here’s a simple equation – when you double the power, the loudness (aka SPL) increases by 3dB. 

Let’s compare the max loudness of two motorcycle speakers of the same size – Diamond Audio DES65C and Hertz Audio SX 165 NEO.

Here are their specs:

So, the Hertz Audio speaker’s SPL is 96.5dB, while the Diamond Audio speaker’s sensitivity is 87dB (at 1W/1m). I found out that Hertz Audio refers to sensitivity as SPL, so Hertz Audio speaker sensitivity is 96.5dB (1W/1m), which makes it one of the most efficient speakers I have ever seen. 

Since the max power rating of the Diamond Audio speaker is 120W and the max power rating of the Hertz Audio speaker is 200W, we can calculate their max SPL values and compare them. 

When you apply the formula explained above, you will get 108dB for the Diamond Audio speaker and approx. 119dB for the Hertz Audio speaker.

11dB may not seem much, but that’s a huge difference. A 10dB increase in SPL is actually considered to be twice as loud. 

So, SX-165-NEO is much louder than DES65C. 

Loudness Is NOT Everything

While having loud motorcycle speakers that can overpower your engine is great, that doesn’t guarantee great sound or longevity. Finding the speaker with the highest SPL will not make you happy if the speaker breaks after the first rain or if the sound gets too distorted when you crank up the volume. 

What I’m trying to say is that you need to pay attention to other specs as well.

When it comes to build quality, it’s crucial to find durable speakers and speaker drivers. Ideally, the speakers should feature some level of water resistance and should have an IPX rating (IPX4 or higher) to confirm their resistance or waterproofness. The speakers should also be UV-resistant. 

Cheap pressed-paper speaker drivers are not good enough for motorcycles. If the cone is made of pressed paper, it should at least have some kind of water-repellent coating.

As far as sound quality is concerned, the best way to figure out whether you like some speaker or not is to hear it in person. You could get some idea based on the driver size, advertised frequency response, and frequency response curve, but you will never be 100% certain if you don’t hear the speaker. 

If you’re getting the speakers and amplifier separately (not a package), you should also think about matching the speakers with the amp (impedance and power matching). 

Loudest Motorcycle Speakers

Loudest Aftermarket Motorcycle Speaker Drivers

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Loudest Fairing Speaker – Hertz Audio SPL SX-165-NEO

What I Liked About Hertz Audio SPL SX-165-NEO

Upgrading factory speakers on your Harley Davidson to these Hertz fairing speakers could make a huge difference, even without adding a new amp or flashing the head unit. The speakers are compatible with fairing speakers on Harley Davidson Road Glide, Street Glide, and Electra Glide.

SX-165-NEO is one of the most efficient and loudest motorcycle speakers in its class (96.5dB sensitivity). The speakers can handle 100W continuously (200W peak). 

This is a 2-way speaker featuring one 6.5″ woofer and a coaxial 1″ tweeter. Both drivers have special N38 Neodymium drivers, which guarantees a thinner profile and easier fitting compared to other magnets.

The speaker is not IP/IPX-certified and the cone is made of pressed paper, but it’s treated with water and UV-resistant coatings for improved durability.

Compared to your factory speakers, SX-165-NEO makes a substantial difference. Even with the original head unit and amp, it sounds much cleaner and somewhat louder. 

Adding a matching Hertz Amp can make the speakers way louder. If you’re only upgrading the fairing speakers and don’t plan on adding lid speakers, you could get Hertz Audio HMP-4D. If you have future upgrade plans, you should buy a more powerful amp, so you don’t have to buy a new one afterward. 

For more info about these amazing speakers and installation instructions, watch the video below. 

Installing Hertz Audio Speakers on a Harley Davidson Street Glide

Where Hertz Audio SPL SX-165-NEO Should Improve

For a pair of fairing speakers, these two SX-165-NEO deliver amazing sound. However, 6.5in is simply not a big enough driver size for low-bass reproduction. To get more bass, consider adding bigger 8″ or 6×9″ speakers to your saddlebags or Tour-Pak.

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Loudest Saddlebag Speaker – Diamond Audio MS69CX

What I Liked About Diamond Audio MS69CX

MS69CX is a fantastic saddlebag speaker. It adds a significant amount of bass when paired with smaller fairing speakers. 

Ideally, you would combine these speakers with other Diamond Audio fairing speakers, preferably from the same series. It’s not impossible to couple it with the previously mentioned Hertz Audio fairing speakers or any other motorcycle speakers, but I wouldn’t recommend that. 

Speakers made by different manufacturers and even speakers made by the same manufacturers but from different series are not always made of the same materials and don’t match in tonality, which can sometimes be too noticeable, even distracting. 

MS69CX is a 2-way speaker featuring a 6x9in sub and a coaxial 1in tweeter. The speaker handles 125W continuously (500W peak). Ideally, you will couple these speakers with a hefty amplifier (125-150W per channel).

The cone is made of Kevlar, and the whole unit is IP65-certified (dustproof and water-resistant), which makes it perfect for motorcycle use. After all, these speakers are made for motorcycles. 

Like the previous Hertz Audio speakers, the MS69CX speaker is a huge upgrade in terms of sound quality, clarity, and loudness. Even the bass is there – it doesn’t deliver the kind of rumble you would get from a big home theater sub, but when you are close to your speakers (when you’re riding your motorcycle, you are sitting right in front of the speakers), it can be deafening. 

Diamond Audio MS69CX 6×9” Speaker Review

Where Diamond Audio MS69CX Should Improve

Besides the price, MS69CX does not have any major drawbacks. The installation could be tricky since you may have to cut through your saddlebags. 

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Loudest Handlebar Motorcycle Speakers

Loudest Handlebar Speaker with a Built-in Amp – Kuryakyn 2720 MTX Road Thunder

What I Liked About Kuryakyn 2720 MTX Road Thunder

If your motorcycle doesn’t have preinstalled speakers, or you don’t have saddlebags or Tour-Pak, adding aftermarket speaker drivers is not an option. In this case, you could try using handlebar speakers. I’m aware that handlebar speakers don’t sound as good or loud, but that’s your only option if you don’t want to use helmet speakers. 

Kuryakyn 2720 MTX Road Thunder is a handlebar speaker with a built-in amp, which means that you don’t have to deal with amp installation. You just have to install the speaker and run the included wire harness from the speaker to the motorcycle battery. 

Installing Kuryakyn Road Thunder

Kuryakyn 2720 MTX is a cylindrical speaker with strong aluminum housing and a metal grille. The whole unit is IP66-certified (dust-tight and water-resistant), which makes it perfectly suitable for motorcycle and general outdoor use.

The speaker features two 2x3in full-range drivers and four 1″ tweeters. The advertised RMS power output is 4x19W (4x23W peak). 

When it comes to connections, the unit is Bluetooth-enabled (BT 4.1 with NFC), and it has an AUX input and a headphone output. It also features a USB charging port. 

The onboard controls allow you to change the song, pause the playback, adjust the volume, or turn on/off the speaker while riding. 

The sound is clear with a well-balanced midrange and crisp highs. It can get pretty loud at higher volumes (above 70%). The distortion is noticeable at max volume, but it’s not too distracting, and it doesn’t affect the overall experience. 

Kuryakyn Road Thunder – Review and Sound Test

Where Kuryakyn 2720 MTX Road Thunder Should Improve

For its size, Kuryakyn 2720 MTX Road Thunder delivers an impressive performance. However, its bass response is nowhere near the previously mentioned Hertz Audio or Diamond Audio speaker. 

Depending on the thickness and shape of your handlebar, you may not be able to mount this speaker without making some modifications. 

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Easiest to Install – LEXIN LX-Q3

What I Liked About LEXIN LX-Q3

Like the previous Kuryakyn Road Thunder, LEXIN LX-Q3 is a speaker with a built-in amplifier, which simplifies the installation. This one is somewhat easier to install than the Road Thunder since it’s more compact. 

Instead of one large unit, you will get two smaller ones, and you just need to attach them to your handlebar and run the wire harness to the battery. One unit is the main, and the other is the slave speaker. Everything connects to the main speaker. The package includes all the necessary wires.

The speakers have aluminum casings and feel rugged. In addition, the speakers are IP67-certified (dustproof and waterproof). 

LEXIN LX-Q3 – Installation Instructions

Each speaker features a single full-range 3″ driver. The RMS power output per speaker is 25W. The advertised max power output is 150W, which doesn’t seem right. The max power output is probably lower. 

On the top of the main speaker, you have 3-button controls. These buttons can be used to turn the speaker on/off, and control the volume and playback. 

LEXIN LX-Q3 is Bluetooth-enabled. You also have a USB port that can be used for music playback or charging your phone. Finally, you have a built-in FM tuner, but you will have to install the included FM antenna and connect it to the main speaker if you want to listen to FM radio. 

The sound quality is satisfying, considering the size and price of the speaker. It will not blow you away, but it’s fairly loud – you can hear the music clearly when riding at 60-70mph. 

LEXIN LX-Q3 – Review and Sound Test

Where LEXIN LX-Q3 Should Improve

While it’s good enough for the price, LX-Q3 is not even close to the previous speakers when it comes to sound quality or loudness. 

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Loudest Budget Handlebar Speaker – BOSS MCBK470B

What I Liked About BOSS MCBK470B

In terms of design, sound quality, and price, BOSS MCBK470B is very similar to the previous LEXIN LX-Q3. However, this one comes with a separate amplifier (not built inside the speaker). 

The box includes two speakers with all the mounting equipment, an amplifier, a wire harness, and inline volume controls. 

BOSS MCBK470B – Installation Instructions

The speakers’ housings are made of metal and feel rugged. They are advertised as weatherproof, but they are not IP-certified.

Each speaker houses a single 3″ full-range driver. I’ve tried to find some info about power ratings, but everything I found sounded completely unreasonable (like 1000W peak power output). These little things can’t possibly handle 1000W.

The amplifier is Bluetooth-enabled, so you can stream music from your phone to the speakers. Besides that, you also have a 3.5mm AUX input for wired connections.

The sound quality and loudness are satisfying but don’t expect to be amazed. After all, these are just two tiny 3” speakers. The bass is lacking, but the mids and vocals are clear. 

BOSS MCBK470B is fairly loud for its size. It’s not deafening, but it’s still good enough for speeds up to 70 or 80mph.

BOSS Audio MCBK470B – Review and Sound Test

Where BOSS MCBK470B Should Improve

For starters, the speaker is not IP-certified. The specs say it’s weatherproof, but we don’t know to what degree. Furthermore, the speaker lacks bass, and the treble reproduction is dull.

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Types of Motorcycle Speakers – What Are Your Options?

There are all kinds of bikes on the market. Some have preinstalled speakers, while others don’t. Some have lid boxes or saddle boxes that you can use as speaker boxes for the aftermarket drivers (which requires some not-so-simple modifications). 

If your motorcycle doesn’t have preinstalled speakers or saddle boxes, you can still add motorcycle speakers to it. You can use the speakers that can be mounted on the handlebar, or you can make your own brackets and use some battery-operated Bluetooth speaker.

There are plenty of options, so let’s analyze them and see what’s best for you. 

Aftermarket Speaker Drivers (Replacing the Existing Speakers or Modifying Your Motorcycle)

This is, by far, the most elegant option and looks best when done properly. However, it can be a huge mess if you don’t know what you’re doing. 

When you have preinstalled speakers (usually fairing and lower fairing speakers), you could try finding aftermarket drivers compatible with your motorcycle model. This is a great option for some Harley Davidson models (Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide). If the speakers are not perfectly compatible, you will have to make additional modifications.

If your bike comes with saddle boxes, you can install additional speakers into these boxes. Harley Davidson even offers saddlebag speaker kits, but these kits are expensive and don’t come with all the necessary equipment – you still have to buy the amplifier and installation hardware. 

On some models, you can add two Tour-Pak speakers and make your motorcycle system even louder, but you have to find the speaker enclosures compatible with the exact model of your Tour-Pak. 

Overall, adding a great pair of aftermarket speakers is a fantastic addition to your motorcycle’s audio system. In my opinion, it’s the most aesthetically pleasing option – the speakers truly look as if they are integral parts of the bike, not just added accessories. 

However, with this method, you have to think through every single step of the process. First of all, you have to choose speakers that are fully compatible with your motorcycle model. 

You could get speakers that are the same size as yours, but if the gasket is incompatible, you will have to drill holes in your bike’s fairing, frame, or other parts. This is not something I would recommend to inexperienced people. It takes some serious skill and knowledge to make the modifications properly. 

After finding the speakers, you need to find the right kind of amp to drive those speakers. 

Finally, once you buy the speakers and amp, you need to plan the installation, maybe even buy some fitting kits and additional hardware. 

I would also recommend watching installation videos before making modifications to your motorcycle. Volunteer Audio, for example, offers comprehensive step-by-step video tutorials on how to replace speakers on Harley Davidson motorcycles. 

If you opt for this method, your go-to brands are Diamond Audio and Hertz Audio. Other reputable brands are Precision Power, Infinity Kappa, and Kicker. Kicker is the most budget-friendly option.

Handlebar Speakers with an Amplifier

If installing/replacing fairing or saddlebag speakers is not an option, you could try installing handlebar speakers. They are somewhat easier to install since you don’t have to take out the existing speakers, but you will still have to run the wires from the speakers to the amplifier and from the amp to the battery. 

Most handlebar speakers are either cylindrical or circular. Circular motorcycle speakers usually come in pairs. Sometimes, the speakers come with a matching amplifier. Sometimes, you have to find the right amplifier on your own. 

Some of these speakers, primarily circular ones, are designed for ATVs and similar vehicles, but they can also be used on bikes.

Some speakers (like JBL Cruise) come with built-in amps, so you don’t have to think about wiring the speakers to the amp or finding the right place for the amp. 

Different speaker models have different features, but most of them support Bluetooth and have onboard controls. Some may even have built-in mics. 

Installing these speakers is significantly easier compared to the previous type. They look good, although not as good as aftermarket drivers. The sound quality is decent but not on par with aftermarket drivers. The prices vary between $50 and $300, which makes these speakers a more affordable option. 

Any Bluetooth Speaker with a Custom-Made Bracket

If you already have a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, preferably a cylindrical one (like JBL or UE speakers), you can use it instead of buying motorcycle speakers. 

This option is, by far, the most budget-friendly and probably the easiest to install. You don’t have to wire anything or take apart your bike. The only thing you have to do is find the right type of bracket for the specific speaker and your motorcycle model. Or you could try making custom brackets for your motorcycle.

This option is budget-friendly, doesn’t require an extensive understanding of your bike’s electrical installations, and can be pretty loud if you use the right kind of speaker. 

JBL Bluetooth Speaker with Custom-Made Brackets on a Honda VTX

Installing Motorcycle Speakers

Depending on the type of speaker you want to install and the model of your motorcycle, the entire installation can take hours, even days if you don’t have any experience. 

Choosing the right speaker, especially if you’re on a budget, can be time-consuming. Still, it’s not that difficult if you know what to look for. Installing the speakers once you find the right kind, is much trickier. At least, it was for me. I did it once on a friend’s bike, and we spent the whole weekend watching tutorials and trying to figure out things on our own. 

If you don’t feel comfortable tearing apart your motorcycle, or if you don’t know much about your motorcycle’s electrical wiring, you should definitely pay for professional installation. These people do it all the time and have experience with all kinds of speakers and all kinds of motorcycles.

If you decide to do it on your own, I would recommend visiting two YouTube channels –Volunteer Audio and NVSAUDIO. These are the official channels of motorcycle audio equipment dealers. You will find tons of useful information, guides, and tips related to speaker installation on these two channels. 

Since the installation process differs for every motorcycle model and speaker type, I will try to give you a general procedure with some basic steps that can be applied to any model.  

STEP 1 – Preparation

When it comes to such complicated projects, you need to plan everything before you start disassembling the bike. Shure, there are always some unexpected issues, but you should at least try to prepare yourself for everything. 

Get all the right tools (drills, screwdrivers, hacksaw), speakers with a matching amplifier, fitting kits, wires, etc.

If your motorcycle has a built-in radio, and you want to keep the radio and replace the speakers, you will also want to flash your radio before disassembling the motorcycle. This will remove the factory EQ settings and flatten the frequency response curve. 

Reasons to Flash Your Motorcycle’s Radio When Installing New Amp and New Speakers

STEP 2 – Tearing Apart the Motorcycle

Depending on the type of speaker you want to install, the size of the amplifier, and the model of your motorcycle, you will have to remove more or fewer parts.

If you’re trying to replace your fairing speakers, you will have to remove the fairing first. 

Removing the Fairing on Harley Davidson Street Glide

You will also have to make a clear path from the speaker to the amp and from the amp to the battery. This usually includes removing the gas tank and seat. 

Removing the Gas Tank on a Harley Davidson Street Glide

STEP 3 – Removing the Old Speakers and Fitting the New Ones

If you just want to replace your fairing speakers, you should try finding an aftermarket speaker driver compatible with your motorcycle model. I’m not just talking about the driver’s diameter. 

You should also pay attention to the thickness of the aftermarket driver. If they are significantly thicker, you may have to make additional modifications to the existing speaker boxes.  

Replacing Fairing Speakers on a Harley Davidson Street Glide

If you want to replace Tour-Pak Speakers, the procedure is pretty much the same. 

Replacing Tour-Pak Speakers on a Harley Davidson Street Glide

If you want to add speakers inside your saddlebags (lid speakers), you could try finding saddlebag speaker kits or, if you already have saddlebags, you can cut them to fit the speaker. 

Installing Lid Speakers on a Harley Davidson Using Cut Kits

STEP 4 – Installing the Amplifier and Wiring

Depending on the size of the amplifier and your motorcycle model, this can be an easy task, or it could be quite tricky. 

Once you find the right spot for it, you need to run the wires from the amp to your battery. Then, you have to run the speaker wire from the amp to the speakers.

The wiring part can be painful. If you are doing it on your own, take your time and make sure you don’t mix the polarities. 

Installing an Amplifier on a Harley Davidson Street Glide

STEP 5 – Testing

Once you manage to run all the wires, you need to test your new amp and speakers. See if they work as they are supposed to. If you’re happy, you can start putting all the parts back together. 

STEP 6 – Assembling the Motorcycle

Congrats, you have finished installing your new speakers. The only thing left to do is to put all the parts back together. Make sure that you don’t have extra screws in the end. Be careful and methodical till the end.

Reinstalling the Fairing on a Harley Davidson Street Glide

Reinstalling the Gas Tank on a Harley Davidson Street Glide

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Louder Sound Do I Get by Upgrading the Amp

Human Perception and Reaction to Different SPL Values

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Conclusion

I hope this comprehensive guide helped you find the loudest motorcycle speaker for your needs. I did my best to present you with different options and explain what to look for when buying motorcycle speakers, especially if your primary concern is the speakers’ loudness.

If there are any unanswered questions or unclear explanations, feel free to ask. Also, I encourage you to share your experience with motorcycle speakers. What have you tried? What did you like? What would you recommend?