Motorcycle radios have evolved a lot over the past few years. They’re more compact, stylish and feature-packed than ever before. No matter what type of motorcycle you own, there’s a radio model that’s compatible with your bike and has features like Bluetooth connectivity to maximize your riding experience. However, this doesn’t mean every motorcycle radio is the right choice for everyone. Here we have compiled a list of some of the best motorcycle radios on the market.
Best Radio Amplifier – Kuryakyn Road Thunder
Best ATV Speaker & Radio – GoHawk RD8 Gen.2
Best Bluetooth Headset Radio – Cardo Packtalk or LEXIN B4FM
Best Value – Pyle Marine Stereo
Best Handlebar Radio – GoHawk TN4-Q or LEXIN or GoHawk TJ4-R
Best Satellite Radio – SiriusXM SXPL1V1 or SiriusXM SXV300v1
Best Helmet Radio – EJEAS E6
Best Walkie Talkie Ham – BaoFeng BF-F8HP
Loudest Motorcycle Radio – BOSS MC470B
Best Mini Heavy Duty Radio – Jensen JHD910
Types of Motorcycle Radio
Mounted Speaker
It’s a standard type of motorcycle radio. You can mount any of these at any location on the bike, usually below the handlebars. Some bikes do contain large speaker radio on fairings. This is a good choice for riders who love to communicate with their passenger or another riding partner during long bike rides. It’s also a favorite among Harley-Davidson riders.
Helmet Radio
Another type of motorcycle radio that you can attach to the back of your helmet. It has a lot of connectivity options like Bluetooth and AUX port. One of the best features of this radio is connecting a mobile phone to it and listening to music while riding.
Benefits of Using a Motorcycle Radio
Communicate with your fellow riders: A motorcycle radio allows you to communicate with other motorists, so you don’t have to ride along in silence. Also, if you get separated from your riding group, it can be easier to locate them.
Listening to your favorite songs: A motorcycle radio is used for entertainment purposes too. If you choose one with Bluetooth capabilities, you can stream music directly from your phone or play music on a microSD card.
Make your bike more exciting: Motorcycle radios are known to give motorcycles a more aesthetically pleasing look. Unlike other communication devices, they come in different colors and designs, so you can choose one that complements the color of your ride.
Best Motorcycle Radio – Top Table
Key Features of a Quality Radio for Motorcycle
Sound Quality: The sound quality on a motorcycle radio is one of the most important things to consider. If you want high-quality sound, then choose a model that has more power and channels.
Connectivity & Coverage: A good motorcycle radio should be easy to use and feature better connectivity and coverage for those longer rides.
Durability: Choose a motorcycle radio that will last with you on your journey. Opt for one made of durable materials, with added protection to help it withstand the elements. It also shouldn’t be too heavy if you plan on mounting it yourself.
Water Repellency: A good motorcycle radio is waterproof and weatherproof, so it will always keep working. Even if you take an unexpected dip in the water, your radio should still function properly and stay dry inside.
Coverage: Motorcycle radios come with a range of different frequencies and power levels. The more frequencies there are, the greater the coverage you can expect from your device. It’s also important to look for one that has NOAA or AM/FM band coverage and FM modulation options.
Power Specifications: When it comes to power specifications, motorcycle radios operate just like car stereos do (don’t confuse it with amplifiers). You’ll need something that meets 13-16 V DC, 50 W max (4W RMS) output power, and can run on colored ignition key voltage between 10 -15V DC.
GPS Voice Guidance: Do you plan on using your motorcycle radio for GPS voice guidance? Then opt for one that has built-in speakers and microphones or Bluetooth capability to speak with other riders.
Remote Control: For added safety, choose one that’s compatible with a backlit remote control panel. This is especially useful during nighttime travel.
Battery Backup: Having an added feature like battery backup can make all the difference between safety and danger on the open road. Any good motorcycle radio should have battery backup in case of voltage spikes or dead batteries.
Ease of Installation: Motorcycle radios are often difficult to install because they’re mounted on motorcycles, which sometimes makes them hard to access. You want a unit that installs easily, without requiring much effort.
Pricing: Pricing for motorcycle radios is always going to vary. Some are budget-friendly, and others have more features like GPS voice guidance or voice recording capabilities too.
Do Motorcycles Come with Radios?
In most cases, motorcycles won’t come with a radio pre-installed from the factory. Motorcycle radios are optional equipment for most manufacturers, and riders can add one to their bike’s electrical system if they choose to do so.
Best Aftermarket Motorcycle Radio Brands
There are a few brands worth looking into when it comes to buying an aftermarket radio. These include:
Kuryakyn – Kuryakyn makes some of the best motorcycle radios on the market. They come in a variety of colors and styles.
Gohawk – Gohawk offers multiple designs for their motorcycle radios, with great sound quality and connectivity options.
Lexin – Lexin motorcycle radios are high-quality units with all of the features you could ever need.
Boss – Boss is known for its wide selection of motorcycle radios with great sound quality and easy-to-use features.
Jensen – Jensen makes some of the top-rated motorcycle radios with superior connectivity options and durable power specifications.
Steps – Installing an Aftermarket Motorcycle Radio
- Ensure you purchase a motorcycle radio that’s compatible with your bike and has all of the features you desire, like GPS voice guidance, for example.
- Prepare the installation: Know which parts you’ll need to install your motorcycle radio and purchase them before installing. This will save time and trouble in the long run if you have all of the necessary tools for installation on hand.
- Mount your antenna.
- Install your system: Connect each wire per your manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure you use the right wire for each function.
- Turn on your system and test everything out.
Connectivity Variation and Maximum Coverage
The distance a motorcycle can travel before communication becomes distorted is known as maximum coverage. A good motorcycle radio will have a powerful and optimum coverage range so you can talk to your passengers or other riders on the road.
The more frequency bands a motorcycle radio has, the stronger its broadcasting capabilities are. A motorcycle radio with multiple frequency bands will work better than one with fewer bands.
Does Motorcycle Speed Affect Radio Sound Quality?
Typically, it’s tough for any motorcycle radio to maintain strong sound quality at high speeds because of the wind noise. The more power your system has, the better its sound quality will be in most cases. When riding on the highway or traveling at higher speeds, purchase a motorcycle radio with superior sound quality.
What’s the Best Waterproof Motorcycle Radio?
Kuryakyn 2720 Weather Resistant Radio is designed to be used in a variety of weather conditions. It comes with a stainless steel finish and an aluminum faceplate for added durability. It has a variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth capabilities for hands-free calling.
What’s the Best Bluetooth Marine Radio?
PLMRB29B Pyle Marine radio is a waterproof radio with an aluminum faceplate, color display and sleek design. It has Bluetooth capabilities and multiple frequency bands for excellent sound quality.
Concluding Remarks
Owning a motorcycle radio will enhance your riding experience immensely. As new technologies and features emerge, staying up-to-date with the latest motorcycle radio news and info is essential.
There are a lot of different options to consider when it comes to purchasing a motorcycle radio. But as long as you know what features and connectivity options you need, you should have no trouble finding a motorcycle radio that works for you.
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