Best Motorcycle Amplifiers – Sound Engineers’ Selections!

Only the motorcyclists know how much fun it is to ride across the countryside. Unfortunately, this excitement dissipates just a little bit when riding for long distances. So what do you do, as a motorcyclist when that happens to you? 

Having some music on your motorcycle spices up the things a bit, and it becomes all fun. Your favorite music churning from the system makes for a fun ride, and you can travel for longer.

According to the sound engineers we engaged, Kenwood KAC-M3004 Compact 4 Channel Amplifier Is undoubtedly the best among them and the first in our list. Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 4-Channel Amplifier comes on second with almost the same qualities.

Check out the following that makes the list of the best motorcycle amplifiers

Best Motorcycle Amplifiers

Best Overall Amplifier
Kenwood KAC-M3004 Compact 600W 4-Channel Car/Marine/Powersports Digital Amplifier
Best Value Amplifier
Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 Punch 300 Watt 4 Channel Boosted Rail Amplifier
Best Bluetooth Amplifier Speaker
Boss Audio Systems MC400 Motorcycle Speaker System - Class D Compact Amplifier, 3 Inch Weatherproof Speakers, Volume Control, Great for Use with ATVs-Motorcycles-12 Volt Vehicles
Kenwood KAC-M3004 Compact 600W 4-Channel Car/Marine/Powersports Digital Amplifier
Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 Punch 300 Watt 4 Channel Boosted Rail Amplifier
Boss Audio Systems MC400 Motorcycle Speaker System - Class D Compact Amplifier, 3 Inch Weatherproof Speakers, Volume Control, Great for Use with ATVs-Motorcycles-12 Volt Vehicles
Best Overall Amplifier
Kenwood KAC-M3004 Compact 600W 4-Channel Car/Marine/Powersports Digital Amplifier
Kenwood KAC-M3004 Compact 600W 4-Channel Car/Marine/Powersports Digital Amplifier
Best Value Amplifier
Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 Punch 300 Watt 4 Channel Boosted Rail Amplifier
Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 Punch 300 Watt 4 Channel Boosted Rail Amplifier
Best Bluetooth Amplifier Speaker
Boss Audio Systems MC400 Motorcycle Speaker System - Class D Compact Amplifier, 3 Inch Weatherproof Speakers, Volume Control, Great for Use with ATVs-Motorcycles-12 Volt Vehicles
Boss Audio Systems MC400 Motorcycle Speaker System - Class D Compact Amplifier, 3 Inch Weatherproof Speakers, Volume Control, Great for Use with ATVs-Motorcycles-12 Volt Vehicles
  1. Kenwood KAC-M3004 Compact 4 Channel Amplifier


Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com

The best amplifier for motorcycle comes with particular features, some of which we highlight in this Kenwood KAC-M3004 review. KAC-M3004 Compact has significant power of 600 watts and comes with a signal turn off.

And with the RMS power, there is no reason why you shouldn’t make that motorbike ride, the most enjoyable ever. It churns out good quality music to make the ride to the office, motivating.

The compact amplifier can fit in small installation areas, and you can sample up to four channels to enhance your enjoyment.

What we like

  • 600 watts peak power
  • RMS power 
  • It is compact and can fit in small installation areas

What we don’t like

  • Some people say that the power is less than the expectation
  1. Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 4-Channel Amplifier


Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com

The best 4 channel motorcycle amplifier from top brands such as Rockford Fosgate can spice things up a little bit more than your typical amplifiers. The Rockford Fosgate amplifier packs a punch with up to 300 Watts of power.

It features the boosted rail technology to provide more reserve power for the best quality audio. 

What we like

  • A significant 300 Watts of power
  • Advanced boosted rail technology
  • Compact for small installations

What we don’t like

  • May not be appropriate for large subs
  1. Boss MCBK420B Bluetooth Amplifier Speaker


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The amplifier speaker is the best Bluetooth motorcycle amplifier because of its flawless connectivity. You can stream your favorite music using such apps as Pandora, Spotify and directly from an MP3 device.

The speaker is weatherproof and, therefore appropriate for the outdoors and motorcycle installation. And to make the motorcycle amplifier speakers easy to install, the amplifier comes with adjustable brackets. You can, therefore, install in different motorcycle models without a problem. 

What we like

  • Convenient Bluetooth connectivity
  • Weatherproof Bluetooth amplifier speaker
  • Budget-friendly 
  • Comes with adjustable brackets for easy installation

What we don’t like

  • The bass quality may not be the best
  1. Kenwood 1177524 Class D Compact Amplifier 


Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com

Whether it is ATV, marine, or motorcycle, the compact amplifier is the right equipment to improve the sound quality. It is compact to fit in small spaces such as in a bike or ATV without any issues. You also get more options because it is a 4-channel amplifier, and the sound quality is not so bad.

What we like

  • Compact and can fit in small spaces
  • Peak power of 400 watts
  • 4-channel amplifier for better options 

What we don’t like

  • The small amplifier may not be marine-grade
  1. Rockford Fosgate R500X1D 1-Channel Amplifier (Motorcycle & Car)


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The motorcycle amplifier packs a considerable amount of power with an 18dB boost for highway music enjoyment. It has a cast-aluminum heat sink to keep everything cool and functioning in the right manner.

The one-channel amplifier is energy efficient as it reduces current consumption. Most people find the wired remote system to be quite convenient and easy to use.

What we like

  • A decent amount of bass for highway motorcycle riding
  • A cast aluminum heat sink
  • Energy efficient 

What we don’t like

  • It only has one channel
  1. Alpine KTP-445U 4-Channel Amplifier

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Various features make this 4-channel Alpine amplifier a decent acquisition, and it includes the plug-and-play functionality. That means you can install the hardware and use it right away. There are no complicated configurations required and additional accessories.

And to benefit further, the amplifier has up to four channels. The device is also CEA-2006 Compliant, and therefore reliable in every manner. It is also compact to fit in the small motorcycle area. 

What we like

  • A plug-and-play amplifier
  • Comes with up to 4 channels
  • CEA-2006 Compliant for quality and reliability 

What we don’t like

  • A pop sound and a faint sound when switching off the system
  1. Kenwood KAC-M1804 Compact 4-channel Amplifier


Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com

The 4-channel digital amplifier is compact and can fit in a variety of motorcycle models. Furthermore, the  4 ohms power rating, and a maximum output of 400 watts makes the digital amplifier, a great addition to your motorcycle.

The amplifier is versatile and applicable to marine applications. It features a conformal coating circuit board for that purpose.

What we like

  • Compact and can accommodate a variety of motorcycle models
  • Maximum output of 400 Watts and 4 ohms power rating

What we don’t like

  • May have a thumping sound when turned on and off
  1. Velex Bluetooth Marine Waterproof 4 Channel Amplifier


Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com

The marine Bluetooth amplifier is robust and appropriate for a variety of applications, including the motorcycle. It has compact construction and is easy to install on the bike. 

The 4-channel amplifier comes with a convenient Bluetooth connectivity so that you can stream music from other devices without a problem. 

What we like

  • Budget-friendly amplifier
  • Compact and easy to install on the motorcycle 
  • Convenient Bluetooth connectivity

What we don’t like

  • Some people may not love the output level
  1. Soundstream ST4.1200D Stealth Class D Amplifier


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The class D 4-channel amplifier is for stealth installation on the motorcycle or ATV, among others. But it is not only compact but durable as well – the construction says pretty much in that direction. 

Heat dissipation is vital in a motorcycle amplifier to prevent malfunctions. The class D amplifier which is a hybrid alloy aluminum heat sink performs its work quite effectively. 

What we like

  • Compact and ideal for stealth installation
  • The heat sink is a hybrid alloy aluminum for effectiveness
  • Military-grade construction

What we don’t like

  • May not last for very long
  1. DS18 CANDY-MICRO2 2-Channel Amplifier


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Some of the qualities that you may find in the best two-channel motorcycle amplifier include a compact design and immense power to accommodate motorcycle installation. The amp comes in a small package, and the power rating is 80 watts. 

And with a range of between 2 and 8 ohms, it is appropriate for a wide range of applications. You will never need to complain about not having the right amplifier for the job.

What we like

  • A small package to fit your motorcycle model
  • A significant power rating of 80 watts

What we don’t like

  • The amplifier is versatile
  1. Scosche HDMA504I 4 Channel Mini Stereo Amplifier


Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com

The motorcycle mini amplifier is the perfect size to keep it out of sight, and your motorcycle looking clean and neat. The amp can connect to any non-amplified factory stereo without a problem. It has high-level inputs for that purpose.

It has variable gain controls on the front and rear for easy adjustment of the amps. 

What we like

  • Small size to keep out of sight
  • High-level inputs for versatility in terms of connection 
  • You can easily adjust the amps using the front and rear variable gain controls

What we don’t like

  • The quality of the sound is not that good for some people

Difference Between Amplifier and Speaker

For any typical individual, the difference between an amplifier and a speaker is a bit fuzzy. However, you can tell that the amplifier does not produce its external sound. It needs a connection to the speaker to have any effect.

The amplifier improves the quality of the sound coming from the speaker. As a motorcycle rider, it can prove a bit difficult to hear your favorite music when cruising at the neck-breaking speed down the highway, and that is where a good quality amplifier comes in.

Benefits of Motorcycle Amplifier

Motorcycle amplifiers make it possible to listen to your favorite jams when cruising at high speeds to make the ride enjoyable. More importantly, a motorcycle amplifier produces rich and enjoyable audio to make the experience more exciting. The music is never pleasant if the quality of the sound is not that good.

Best Motorcycle Amplifier Brands

The list of top amplifier brands would never be complete without Kenwood. The Japanese company specializes in in-car entertainment systems, OEM systems, and home audio among others. 

The other brand worth a mention is the Boss International Group. The California-based company has been in the market producing high-quality audio systems for over three decades. They specialize in amplifiers, speakers, and woofers. 

Founded in 1973, Rockford Fosgate designs products for marine, motorcycles, and motor vehicles. You can expect to get the best quality audio devices from Rockford Fosgate. 

Types of Motorcycle Amplifier

Contemporary motorcycle amplifiers feature a variety of technologies, such as Bluetooth. A Bluetooth motorcycle amplifier is convenient and versatile, and you can connect to it through a variety of means such as a smartphone. You’ll still find the traditional wired amplifiers, but with improved quality to accommodate the demands of contemporary motorcycle riding. 

Features to Consider to Choose the Best Motorcycle Amplifier

Considering that the motorcycle amplifier is open to the weather, it is always a good idea for any motorcyclist to choose a waterproof, dustproof, and fog proof device. 

And depending on the type of motorcycle that you own, the most appropriate amplifier should be fitting. You should not struggle to install the system or make modifications to do so. 

Check for the maximum output in terms of amps to know what you are getting. You will mostly come across exaggerated figures, but you can be on the safe side by looking for CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) certification. 

Where to Put/Install a Motorcycle Amplifier?

You must choose a motorcycle amplifier that is fitting for your motorcycle model. Bolt or strap the motorcycle amplifier according to the instructions, and make sure that everything is tight in place. Everything should be in the package at the time of purchase.

Run the typical audio power wiring, under the seat, and the tank to the speakers. Use electrical tape to keep it in place and try to keep the wires out of sight. Using simple angled brackets, install and securely back the speakers for the best quality audio. 

How to Determine Power Needed for Amplis

You can determine the required power by multiplying the peak voltage level at 0.707. You can then get the RMS power using this figure. 

How Many Channels are Required in an Amplifier?

We will mostly find amplifiers with two channels, but four channels are also available. Of course, the 4-channel amp will give you more options. 

How Can You Listen to Music While Riding a Motorcycle?

The wind and the traffic noise can distort the quality of music from the speakers. But, the quality of the speakers and amplifier can make all the difference. Install a good quality amplifier, like those listed above, and you can listen to music as you cruise with your favorite motorcycle.

What is the Best Sounding Motorcycle?

People have varying tastes and preferences, and the best sounding motorcycle is a topic up for debate. Some people will talk of Kawasaki Ninja, and others will mention Harley-Davidson. 

What’s the Best Marine Amplifier?

There is a basketful of features that make one marine amplifier better than the other. At a minimum, the best marine amplifier should be robust, weather-resistant, and with good bass output. Something like Wet Sounds Syndicate Series SYN-DX4 is worth a mention. 

What is the Best Car Amplifier?

Various models on the market can fit the category of the best car amplifier. An example is Rockford Fosgate R1200-1D Prime Amplifier.

Concluding Remarks

The best motorcycle amplifiers are what have been missing in your motorcycle to make the Motorcycle rides the best. Choosing the motorcycle amplifier requires an eye on the details, but worry not. We’ve got your back. Check out our selection above!

We’re listening from you. ..

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