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We all love to listen to music, whether we are going to the market or on a road trip. But, when you are riding a motorcycle, you must deal with road and wind noise, so not just any old radio and speakers will do. The best motorcycle radio will have easy access to its controls while allowing you to keep your focus on the road ahead.
Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a tremendous amount of money to be able to both hear and enjoy listening to your favorite tunes when cruising down the highway on your bike.
From clip-on handlebar radios to in-ear Bluetooth headsets, we are going to present our favorite options and help determine which is the best option for you…
Contents
- Best Motorcycle Radio Comparison Table
- Top 8 Best Motorcycle Radio On The Market 2021 Reviews
- 1 GoHawk TJ4-R Amplifier 4” Full Range Waterproof Bluetooth
- 2 LEXIN LX-S3 Motorcycle Bluetooth Speakers
- 3 ST400 Kenwood Cruiser Motorcycle Speaker Stereo Radio System
- 4 THOKWOK Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset,BT-S3 1000m Helmet Headphones
- 5 INNOGLOW Motorcycle Stereo Speakers Waterproof
- 6 GoHawk TS3 Gen.2 Motorcycle Weatherproof Bluetooth Speakers
- 7 GoHawk RD8 Waterproof Bluetooth Motorcycle Stereo Speakers
- 8 Powersport Speakers Maso Waterproof 12V HiFi Motorcycle Bluetooth Speaker
- Best Motorcycle Radio Buying Guide
- Final Thoughts
- Before We Announce Our Favorite
Best Motorcycle Radio Comparison Table
| Products | Power | Connectivity | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Power 100 watts | Connectivity Bluetooth, SD card, FM Radio | Price $$ |  (4 / 5) | |
Power 50 watts | Connectivity Bluetooth, USB, FM Radio, 3.5mm Aux | Price $$$ |  (4.2 / 5) | |
Power 400 watts | Connectivity Bluetooth, RCA, 3.5mm Aux | Price $$$$ |  (5 / 5) | |
Power N/A | Connectivity | Price $$ | (4.2 / 5) | |
Power - | Connectivity 3.5mm Aux | Price $ | (4 / 5) | |
Power 180 watts | Connectivity microSD, USB, Bluetooth, 3.5mm Aux | Price $$ | (4 / 5) | |
Power 14 watts | Connectivity microSD, USB, Bluetooth, 3.5mm Aux | Price $$ | (4.2 / 5) | |
Power - | Connectivity Bluetooth | Price $$ | (4 / 5) |
Top 8 Best Motorcycle Radio On The Market 2021 Reviews
1 GoHawk TJ4-R Amplifier 4” Full Range Waterproof Bluetooth
The GoHawk TJ4-R starts us off on the quest to find out who makes the greatest motorcycle radio. GoHawk provides dual 4-inch chrome-colored speakers and a 100-watt peak power amplifier with this model.
You have a few options to connect to this radio system. The TJ4-R comes with Bluetooth 4.1 that can connect to devices up to 15 meters away.
If you don’t have a Bluetooth ready device on hand, you can also connect via the standard 3.5mm auxiliary cable included. You will also have access to the integrated FM radio tuner as well.
When it comes time to install this radio set, you will find it pretty straightforward. The speakers can be clipped directly on to handlebars that are one to one and half inches in diameter.
The control module is pretty small as well, measuring in at only an inch and a half wide and just under two inches tall. On the control unit, you will find your essential volume, play, pause, and skip functions.
You will want to wire the amplifier directly to the 12v bolt battery on your bike. The amp measures three and an eighth inches wide by one and three-quarter inches tall and is four inches deep.
But, you shouldn’t have too hard of a time finding a dry area to tuck away the amplifier, thanks to the mounting brackets located on the bottom of it.
When all set up, the audio quality is rather good even at high speed. We do think you will want to use an equalizer if possible, just to balance out all the frequencies a bit better.
(4 / 5)Pros
- Dual 4” waterproof speakers.
- 100-watt amplifier.
- Easy to install.
Cons
- Speakers tend to favor the high-end frequencies.
2 LEXIN LX-S3 Motorcycle Bluetooth Speakers
The LX-S3 is an excellent option if you are looking for a compact 3-inch speaker system and radio that can fit on to 0.87 to 1 and a quarter-inch handlebars.
LEXIN’s LX-S3 model speakers are three inches in diameter and feature an integrated control knob on the front of one of the speakers that allows for volume, input, and power control.
You can connect wirelessly to this speaker system thanks to Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. There is also a USB-A type adapter allowing you to connect a USB stick for media playback.
No matter if you are just going into town to do some shopping or on a long road trip, your smartphone will eventually run out of juice at some point.
Thankfully, the LX-S3 has built-in USB charging through the same USB connection you use for media. This will by no means supply quick-charging like performance, but it will keep you up and running no matter how long the drive ahead is.
All you could possibly need for installation is included with this set of speakers. All of the cables are plug and play as well.
You will want to wire this radio system directly to your battery. Something you won’t need to worry about is waterproofing this speaker set since the amplifier is integrated inside the waterproof speaker housings.
If you want to use the FM radio function of the LX-S3, you will want to attach the small external radio antenna somewhere on the bike. Lastly, you can connect directly to this speaker system via the 3.5mm auxiliary jack as well.
(4.2 / 5)Pros
- Compact 3-inch speakers.
- USB charging.
- External FM radio antennae.
Cons
- The overall volume could be louder.
3 ST400 Kenwood Cruiser Motorcycle Speaker Stereo Radio System
Kenwood is a rather well-known name when it comes to speakers and amplifiers. The ST400 is the most powerful radio and speaker set in this roundup, and because of that, you can expect to be paying quite a bit more.
This speaker system is particularly loud and yet still clear, no matter your travel speed. The waterproof Kenwood amplifier has four channels that can supply a maximum of 400 watts of power.
You can mount the two speakers on handlebars that are from one to one and a quarter inches in diameter. Connectivity to this speaker system is limited to Bluetooth, 3.5mm aux, and RCA connections.
There is no integrated FM tuner on the ST400. With the ability to connect to a CD player or an additional head unit via the RCA jacks, this isn’t really an issue.
If you like going out for a ride at night, then you will enjoy the illuminated control module the ST400 comes with. The control unit features all the standard commands needed to operate the speaker system while still being conveniently mountable on your handlebars.
Included in the packaging is an addon strap mount for the control unit so it can fit on any size handlebar. Also included are all the mounting brackets and wiring needed to connect the amplifier to the battery.
The amplifier isn’t overly large and can easily fit into a saddlebag, for example. Even if placed in a confined space, you will not have to worry about overheating.
(5 / 5)Pros
- Amplifier can power up to 4 speakers.
- Clear, loud audio quality.
- Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
Cons
- Expensive
4 THOKWOK Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset,BT-S3 1000m Helmet Headphones
You might be surprised that a headset has made it on to our best motorbike radio roundup. The THOKWOK BT-S3 comes in a convenient form factor that offers exceptional sound and communication.
The BT-S3 features a completely handsfree style set up. You can control the radio, answer calls, or access GPS directions, all through a few simple voice commands.
THOKWOK also included an easy to use control module for pairing and operating the headset. It features Bluetooth 3.0 for wirelessly connecting devices. It also features an integrated FM radio tuner.
Not only can you listen to your favorite music while cruising down the road, but you can also talk to up to two other people thanks to the included comms system. The headset intercom mode features duplex communication at a range of up to half a mile and can pair with other BT-S series headsets.
To get the max usable range from the intercom system, you will want to be on a flat road without too many vehicles in between you and those you are communicating with.
You can easily hear the people you are chatting with thanks to the DSP echo and noise suppression technology onboard. It works exceptionally well at speeds up to 70mph, but any faster, you will notice that wind noise will start to bleed through.
Since this headset runs off batteries, you will be limited to about 10 hours of use if you are listening to music. But, the battery life will only last you 6 hours if you are continuously using the intercom feature.
The charging of this headset is done by the provided USB cable. You will need to leave it charging for 3 hours for it to go from empty to full.
This THOKWOK headset also fits comfortably in most full and half face helmets. If you can’t fit the speakers in your helmet’s ear pockets, you will want to make sure they are still snug against your ear to get the most benefit out of the DSP and noise cancellation features.
(4.2 / 5)Pros
- DSP echo and noise cancellation.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Battery life up to 10 hours.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- USB charging adapter not included.
5 INNOGLOW Motorcycle Stereo Speakers Waterproof
This next handlebar style radio speaker system is from INNOGLOW and sits at a shallow price point. Connectivity with this speaker system is limited to the 3.5mm aux jack only.
It does have an integrated FM tuner, though. The radio unit features a straightforward button layout that reminds us of an old school car radio.
Audio quality is decent, given the low price point. We were surprised at how well it performs even when you are going over 50mph.
When it comes to installing this speaker set, you might be a bit confused and ask yourself how you are supposed to connect this to your battery.
Well, you could go out and buy an adapter that will fit the included wiring harness. Otherwise, you will need to take the wires out of the power connector. You will want to use something sharp and flat and pry them out one by one.
The metal connectors on the wires can be attached to the ground, power, and aux switch on your motorcycle. We found it easiest to just strip the wires and attach compatible adapters to the end of each wire.
(4 / 5)Pros
- Waterproof and shockproof.
- Decent overall sound quality.
- Easy to use controls.
Cons
- Wiring installation could be easier.
- No wireless connectivity.
6 GoHawk TS3 Gen.2 Motorcycle Weatherproof Bluetooth Speakers
This next offering from GoHawk looks like a car stereo at first glance. The 180-watt radio amplifier has a color LCD screen that features volume, skip, mute, and clock buttons that illuminate.
You will find a slot for a microSD card and a USB port. This USB port allows you to play music directly from a memory stick, or you can use it to charge compatible devices as well.
On the back of the amplifier unit, you will notice outlets for power and for connecting up to four speakers. There is even a port for the wired control module to connect to.
This amplifier is not waterproof. You will need to stow it away somewhere that will allow it exposure to some airflow so it doesn’t overheat. Fortunately, it isn’t that large and has mounting slots on the bottom. With all the great functionality this amplifier offers, it would have been nice if you could mount it somewhere in the open.
You will have a small control unit that can be mounted out on the handlebars though, which will allow you to control the volume and skip tracks without distracting you too much from your ride.
This wired control module also offers you some equalizer control if you are playing directly from the microSD card reader or the USB port.
Besides the SD card reader and the USB port, you will also have access to wireless connectivity through Bluetooth 3.0. You even get an integrated FM radio and auxiliary input connection to use as well.
Setting this radio system up is pretty simple, thanks to the plug-in adapters and wiring. The speaker clamps will fit handlebars that are from 7/8 to 1 inch in diameter.
(4 / 5)Pros
- Powered directly from your battery.
- Handles up to two additional speakers.
- microSD card reader.
- Amplifier comes with LCD screen and controls.
Cons
- Only the speakers are waterproof.
7 GoHawk RD8 Waterproof Bluetooth Motorcycle Stereo Speakers
GoHawk is making its presence reasonably well known in this ideal motorcycle radio list. They are back at it once more with their RD8 model this time.
The RD8 might remind you of a soundbar due to its elongated one-piece shape. It measures eight and a quarter-inches in length and is two and a half inches in diameter. It attaches along the length of your handlebars with its mounting clamps that support ⅞ inch to 1 and a quarter inch diameter handlebars.
Since this is an all in one type speaker system, you will have the controls directly in front of you as you are riding along. You will notice a panel below the control buttons that opens and allows you to insert a microSD card, or to plug in a 3.5mm aux cable.
This USB supports MP3 playback but cannot charge your devices as you go.
The RD8 supports Bluetooth 2.1 protocols and has an FM radio. Next to the control, there is a rather small display that you can use to see what time it is.
You will have over 59 inches of cable to work with when connecting this radio set to your battery and ignition. Also included are a four-inch Bluetooth and an eleven-inch radio antenna.
The entire setup is waterproof. We did notice that it isn’t the loudest radio that we have had a chance to listen to, though. With the minimalistic design, we find that the overall sound quality is still quite exceptional, nonetheless.
(4.2 / 5)Pros
- Compact all-in-one design.
- Long and easy-to-connect wiring harness.
- Attaches to 7/8 to 1 and ¼ inch handlebars.
Cons
- USB is limited to playing MP3 only.
8 Powersport Speakers Maso Waterproof 12V HiFi Motorcycle Bluetooth Speaker
This last radio from Powersport also features a soundbar type of arrangement. It includes Bluetooth connectivity along with microSD card support of up to 64GB.
Like other soundbar style motorcycle radios, this one has an FM radio as well that can support up to 18 preset channels.
Controlling all the different functions of the radio is done via the six-button panel and small display unit. The buttons are nice and tactile.
This Powersport radio is just a tad over 8-inches long. When you attach the 1-inch diameter brackets to your handlebars, the overall length of the radio increases to just under 12-inches.
It also installs in just a few minutes thanks to the long plug-in wiring cables. You will also notice a built-in fuse for added protection.
While the sound quality on offer is crisp, you will have a hard time hearing it going down the highway or in very windy environments. The peak power of the integrated amp only offers a total of 60 watts.
The volume controls will only turn the speaker up so loud. If you want to increase the volume even further, you will want to adjust the level directly through your Bluetooth device.
(4 / 5)Pros
- Built-in fuse protection.
- FM radio with 18 presets.
- Crisp highs.
Cons
- Hard to hear in very windy conditions.
Best Motorcycle Radio Buying Guide
There are a lot of great motorcycle radios on the market. But, you will want to keep a few things in mind before deciding which one is right for you.
Speaker Kits vs. All in One Set vs. Handsfree
Not all motorcycle radios are one-piece setups. Many of them will include amplifiers that will power the speakers and controls.
These amplifiers are not always waterproof. You will need to find a dry yet still somewhat breathable location to mount them in.
All manufactures will tell you the handlebar size that these clamps will accommodate. No matter if you use an all in one setup or have a separate amp and speakers, you can rest assured knowing the speakers themselves are waterproof.
- Sizing…
The speakers can vary in size as well. It is typical to mount these speakers on to your handlebars via clamps.
Where separate satellite speakers typically take up more room, they are also often louder then soundbar type setups or Bluetooth headsets.
A soundbar style all in one speaker does have its own advantages, though. They will clamp directly on to your handlebars as well but are usually slimmer and feature easy to reach controls.
If your radio set up has an amplifier, then you will usually find an external wired controller that allows you to control all aspects of the speaker system.
- You may consider helmet ear pocket options…
You don’t necessarily need large speakers or a soundbar to have an excellent motorcycle radio. If you ride with a helmet, you can also find great radios that can be incorporated inside the actual ear pockets of your helmet. These headsets can even provide intercom type communication along with noise cancellation and echo suppression technology.
No matter the radio-style you go with, you will still be able to listen to your favorite tunes while cruising down the road, as long as the wattage is sufficient.
Connectivity
It depends on the make and model of your motorcycle radio, but it is common to find USB, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm connectivity options.
Bluetooth is excellent if you find yourself playing music from your smartphone. Bluetooth will also give you the option for your GPS to connect and playback directions while on the move too.
- Look out for USB ports…
If your motorcycle radio has a USB port, it will typically accept music in various formats. You may even have an SD card reader built-in to the radio as well.
Depending on the choice of connectivity on hand, you may find yourself taking your eyes off the road to make adjustments as you travel along.
- That’s why some prefer going handsfree…
Handsfree headsets can be controlled directly through voice commands. They also may include intercom type systems that allow you to talk with others that are using a compatible model headset. Intercom reliability can vary, though, based on the terrain and how many cars might be between you and the person you are talking to, for example.
It is also worth noting that some radios with USB ports can even provide charging for compatible devices.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer handsfree, satellite, or soundbar type radios, you will have some installation to do for them to work correctly. Manufacturers will often include wiring harnesses, clamps, and straps to secure all your radio equipment to your motorcycle.
Since you will be powering the radio through your motorcycle battery, it is vital to wire it to the ignition if possible, to avoid battery drain.
Before We Announce Our Favorite
There are a number of useful motorbike accessories that could also improve your riding experience. Take a look at our reviews for the Best Motorcycle Seat Pads, the Best Motorcycle Tank Bags, the Best Motorcycle Boots, the Best Vintage Motorcycle Helmets, the Best Motorcycle Jackets, and the Best Motorcycle Phone Mounts.
Then, when it comes to necessary maintenance and security between rides, you may be interested in our reviews for the Best Tire Spoons for Motorcycles, the Best Motorcycle Disc Locks, the Best Motorcycle Covers, or the Best Motorcycle Cleaners on the market.
Back to motorcycle radios…
If you are riding your bike frequently, as we tend to do, then we think spending more on a powerful system is the best way to go. And the…ST400 by Steel Horse Audio
… ticks all the right boxes. The 400-watt Kenwood amplifier allows you to add additional speakers down the road if you wish.
The two included kicker style speakers provide a vibrant soundstage no matter how windy it is outside. However, you will need to mount the amp somewhere out of the weather, but thanks to its small size, it shouldn’t be too much trouble.
It also includes excellent Bluetooth connectivity along with a 3.5mm auxiliary input. If you want to connect a CD player or even an additional head unit, you can, thanks to the RCA input jacks available as well.
We think it’s a powerful little beatbox this one that we would recommend to most riders.
Enjoy your soundtracks, and enjoy your rides.
