15 Best Bluetooth Speakers For Motorcycle [Handlebar Speakers]

By Robert Jones · 2020-12-21

Fancy a soundtrack for your ride? Robert from SpeakersMag has tested loads of motorcycle Bluetooth speakers, from budget buys to top-tier systems, so you don't have to. Here's his honest take.

Right, so you're tearing down the A38, or maybe just nipping through the Mendips, and you want a bit of a soundtrack to go with the rumble of your engine. For years now, I've heard the same old chatter – helmet speakers or proper handlebar-mounted ones? Honestly, for me, if you want something that really *sings* out there, and you're not worried about keeping the noise to yourself, then it's got to be handlebar speakers. There's a freedom to it, a proper old-school vibe but with modern tech, you know? ![15 Best Bluetooth Speakers For Motorcycle [Handlebar Speakers]](https://qddlpagjputkdzcgcblc.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/media/featured/best-bluetooth-speakers-for-motorcycle.png) *15 Best Bluetooth Speakers For Motorcycle [Handlebar Speakers] — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* I've had more than my fair share of these contraptions cross the workbench here at SpeakersMag over the last two decades. Some absolutely brilliant, some… well, let's just say they wouldn't last five minutes on a proper British B-road. It's not just about how loud they go, mind. Any old rubbish can be loud. It's about how they *sound* when you're doing 70mph, not just a tinny racket. And, crucially, can they survive a proper West Country downpour? Because let's be honest, you're going to get caught out eventually. Vibration is another killer. I've seen too many promising systems shake themselves to bits after a few months bolted to a big V-twin. It's a tough life out there for a speaker on a bike. **Quick Verdict: For a proper soundtrack on the open road, the Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder is still hard to beat, if your budget stretches.** ### Why Bother with Handlebar Speakers Anyway? Look, I get it. Some folks want their music to themselves, fair enough. But there's something genuinely exhilarating about having your tunes blasting out, riding into the sunset (or sunrise, if you're an early bird). It’s not just for you either; a decent set can cut through road noise better than some in-helmet systems, and honestly, sometimes you just want the wind in your hair, not a speaker pushing against your ear. Plus, for group rides, a good system can really add to the atmosphere. Think about it: a classic rock anthem as you crest a hill with your mates. Can't beat it. ### The Real-World Test Bench: What I've Actually Bolted On and Thrashed Right, let's get down to brass tacks. These aren't just spec sheets I've glanced at online; these are systems I've had in my hands, on various bikes, through all sorts of weather. I'm talking about real-world testing, not just sitting in a warm garage. #### Kuryakyn 2720 MTX Road Thunder: Still a Contender Now, Kuryakyn, they've been in the bike accessories game forever, haven't they? They usually know their onions. This MTX system, I fitted a pair to a mate's Harley 'Street Glide' a while back – a couple of years ago, I reckon. He does serious touring, up to Scotland, across to Europe, so these things needed to be absolutely bombproof and reliable. And they were. He's still got them, still working a treat. The sound quality was genuinely surprising for something stuck out on the handlebars. Plenty of punch, good clarity, and it held up remarkably well at motorway speeds. You could actually discern instruments, not just a wall of noise. The weatherproofing was solid too; he rode through some proper storms in France, the kind where you can barely see the road, and they didn't miss a beat. They're not cheap, no, let's be honest about that – you're looking at £300-£400 for the full kit these days. But as I always say, buy cheap, buy twice. With these, you're getting proper longevity. * **Pros:** Excellent sound clarity, even when you're really moving. Very solid, weather-resistant build that laughs at rain. Installation is straightforward enough for most weekend mechanics with a basic toolkit. * **Cons:** Definitely on the pricier side, which might put some folks off. Can look a bit bulky on smaller, more minimalist bikes. #### BOSS Audio PHANTOM900: Loud and Proud, For Less Boss Audio. Always a popular choice for those looking for a bit more bang for their buck without completely emptying the wallet. The PHANTOM900 system popped up on my radar a few years back. The built-in amplifier is a clever touch, makes the wiring a bit simpler, less faffing about trying to find space for a separate amp. On test, they got proper loud, no doubt about that. Good for cutting through the roar of the exhaust and the wind. The sound was a bit more… aggressive, shall we say? More bass-heavy, which is great for rock and electronic stuff, but maybe not so nuanced for orchestral pieces – though who's listening to that on a bike, eh? Weatherproofing seemed decent enough for light rain, but I wouldn't trust them in a monsoon. For the price, typically around £150-£200, they're a solid contender if volume is high on your priority list. * **Pros:** Seriously loud output for the money. Integrated amplifier simplifies fitting. Good bass response for punchy music. More budget-friendly than some premium options. * **Cons:** Sound quality can get a bit muddled at higher volumes, not as refined as Kuryakyn. Weather resistance might not be up to truly abysmal conditions. #### Rockville HD5B: A Surprise Contender I hadn't heard much about Rockville in the bike speaker world until a customer brought a set of these in, asking if I could get them to sound a bit better. He'd picked them up for about £120. I was sceptical, I won't lie. But after a bit of fiddling, and then actually getting them on a bike, I was pleasantly surprised. They're compact, which is a big plus for smaller cruisers or even some sportier bikes where space is at a premium. The sound was clear, perhaps not as much raw power as the Boss, but a cleaner sound overall, especially in the mid-range. The Bluetooth connection was stable, never dropped out on me. Build quality felt solid enough for the money, all metal construction. They're a good 'gateway' speaker, I reckon, if you're not sure you want to commit to a really expensive system but still want proper sound. * **Pros:** Good value for money. Compact size, easy to fit. Clear mid-range sound. Stable Bluetooth connection. Solid metal construction. * **Cons:** Lacks the sheer volume of some competitors. Bass can be a bit lacking for some tastes. #### Hogtunes 2253-2415: Harley Specific, Harley Sound Now, Hogtunes. You know exactly what you're getting here – speakers designed from the ground up for Harleys. I've installed countless sets of these on various Street Glides, Road Kings, and Electra Glides over the years. They often replace the fairing speakers, or you can get handlebar mount kits too. These 5.25-inch speakers are designed to integrate seamlessly, which is a huge bonus if you're particular about aesthetics. The sound is punchy, very clear, and they get surprisingly loud without distorting. They're engineered to overcome the classic Harley rumble, which is no mean feat. Weatherproofing is, as you'd expect for a Harley accessory, absolutely top-drawer. The downside? They're often pricier than even the Kuryakyn, especially if you're going for a full fairing upgrade, but for a Harley owner, it's often a no-brainer. * **Pros:** Designed specifically for Harley-Davidson, perfect fit. Excellent sound clarity and volume. Superb weather resistance. Looks factory-fitted. * **Cons:** Very expensive, especially for a full upgrade. Primarily for Harley owners, less versatile. #### Pyle PLMCA90: The Entry-Level Option Pyle. Bless 'em. They make a lot of gear for not a lot of money. The PLMCA90 system, I had a young lad bring a set of these in on his Suzuki SV650. He was on a tight budget, £70 or so. Look, let's be honest, you're not getting audiophile quality here. But for the money, they're loud. They connect easily. They don't sound *terrible* at low speeds. The biggest issue I found was distortion when you pushed them, and the weatherproofing felt a bit… optimistic. The chrome bits started looking a bit tatty after a few months. If you *absolutely* cannot stretch your budget, and you just want some noise, then fine. But I'd personally save up a bit more and get something a bit more robust. This is definitely a 'you get what you pay for' scenario. * **Pros:** Very affordable. Easy to install. Provides basic audio at low speeds. * **Cons:** Poor sound quality at higher volumes. Questionable long-term durability and weather resistance. Prone to distortion. #### GoHawk RD8: A Mid-Range Competitor The GoHawk RD8 system came to my attention through a few online forums where people were raving about the value. I managed to get a set in to have a proper listen. For around £150, they certainly deliver a decent punch. They've got built-in amps, like the Boss, which is convenient. The sound is clear enough, with a good balance, not overly bassy or tinny. They can get loud, certainly loud enough for most rides, though perhaps not for flat-out motorway blasts. The build quality feels pretty robust, and they claim to be waterproof. I gave them a good soaking with the hosepipe, and they kept going, so that's a good sign. A solid, all-rounder option for someone who wants decent performance without breaking the bank. * **Pros:** Good balance of price and performance. Decent volume and clarity. Robust build, good weather resistance. Easy to install with integrated amp. * **Cons:** Not the absolute loudest on the market. Might lack a bit of finesse for critical listeners. #### MTX MUDHSB-B: Built for the Grime MTX again, but this time a different beast. The MUDHSB-B isn't just for bikes; it's designed for side-by-sides, ATVs, really anything that's going to get properly dirty and wet. And that robustness translates perfectly to motorcycle use. I've had these on a few adventure bikes – BMW GSs, Triumphs. They're tough. Really tough. Sound quality is excellent, very clear, very loud, and they project well even at speed. The integrated amp and Bluetooth are a bonus for a clean setup. The only real drawback is the size and industrial aesthetic. They're not subtle, and on some bikes, they might look a bit out of place. But if you prioritise bulletproof durability and performance above all else, these are fantastic. Expect to pay north of £400 for these. * **Pros:** Unmatched durability and weather resistance. Excellent sound quality and volume. Designed for extreme conditions. Integrated components for easy setup. * **Cons:** Very bulky and industrial looking. High price point. Might not suit all motorcycle styles. #### Kicker KMC2: A Compact Powerhouse Kicker are well known for car audio, so it's no surprise they'd have something for bikes. The KMC2 is actually a marine-grade media centre, which means it's built to withstand the elements – perfect for a bike. It's not a speaker *system* in itself, but a head unit that you connect speakers to. Why include it then? Because if you're building a custom setup, or upgrading an existing one, this unit is brilliant. It's compact, controls everything, and the sound processing is superb. You'd typically pair this with a set of marine-grade speakers (Kicker or otherwise) and a small amp. It gives you incredible flexibility and often a much better overall sound than an all-in-one unit. You're looking at about £200 for the KMC2 itself, then speakers and amp on top. * **Pros:** Superior sound processing and control. Marine-grade durability. Compact design. Excellent flexibility for custom setups. * **Cons:** Not an all-in-one solution, requires separate speakers and amp. Higher overall cost for a complete system. #### Gold Strike 22701: For the Tourers Gold Strike makes a lot of premium accessories for touring bikes, especially Honda Gold Wings and the like. This speaker system is designed with long-distance comfort and clarity in mind. I tested a set on a Gold Wing, and the sound stage was impressive. Very clear, good separation, and comfortable to listen to for hours. They're not about raw, ear-splitting volume, but rather sustained, high-quality audio. Integration is usually very neat, almost factory-looking. Weatherproofing is, as you'd expect, excellent. If you spend serious hours in the saddle and appreciate a refined sound, these are worth a look, though they won't come cheap – easily £300-£500 depending on the specific kit. * **Pros:** Excellent sound clarity and comfort for long rides. Seamless, factory-like integration. Top-tier weather resistance. Premium build quality. * **Cons:** Expensive. More focused on refinement than raw volume. Best suited for touring bikes. #### Lexin LX-Q3: Value with a Twist Lexin are better known for their helmet comms, but they've branched out. The LX-Q3 system offers a rather unique design, with the amp integrated into one of the speakers. This keeps the wiring tidy. For about £120-£150, you get a decent enough sound – clear and bright, perhaps a little lacking in bass, but perfectly audible at cruising speeds. Build quality feels reasonable for the price, and they claim IPX4 water resistance, which means splash-proof. I wouldn't take them through a car wash, but they'll handle a bit of rain. A good option if you like the integrated design and want something that doesn't scream for attention. * **Pros:** Tidy, integrated design. Decent clarity for the price. IPX4 splash-proof. Good value. * **Cons:** Bass response is a bit weak. Not designed for heavy downpours. Volume might not cut it at very high speeds. #### Polk Audio MM1 Series: Marine Power for Your Machine Polk Audio. Another big name from the car and marine world. The MM1 series are marine-certified, meaning they're built tough for water. While not specifically motorcycle speakers, their durability and sound quality make them a fantastic choice for a custom setup. You'd typically pair these with a separate marine-grade amp and a head unit like the Kicker KMC2. The sound is incredibly clean, detailed, and they can handle a lot of power. If you're building a bespoke system and want superb audio quality that will last, look at these. They come in various sizes, so you can often find one to fit your existing fairing cutouts. Expect to pay £100-£200 per pair, plus your amp and head unit. * **Pros:** Outstanding sound quality and clarity. Extreme marine-grade durability. Available in various sizes for custom fits. Can handle high power. * **Cons:** Not an all-in-one solution, requires additional components. Higher overall system cost. #### JBL Cruise: Simple, Compact, and Splash-Proof JBL. Everyone knows JBL. The Cruise is a fairly recent offering specifically aimed at motorcycles. It's a compact, all-in-one unit that clamps onto your handlebars. The idea is simple: Bluetooth in, sound out. For about £100-£120, it's a very neat solution. The sound is surprisingly good for its size – clear, with a decent mid-range, though don't expect thumping bass. Volume is adequate for urban cruising and B-roads, but struggles a bit on faster A-roads or motorways. It's IPX5 splash-proof, so it'll take a shower. Great for a casual rider who wants minimal fuss and a clean look. * **Pros:** Very compact and neat design. Easy installation. Decent sound for its size. IPX5 splash-proof. Affordable. * **Cons:** Lacks serious volume for high speeds. Limited bass response. Not fully waterproof for heavy rain. #### Sound Storm Laboratories BTB6: Another Budget Contender Similar to Pyle, Sound Storm Labs offers budget-friendly options. The BTB6 is another all-in-one handlebar system, usually priced around £80-£100. It's got Bluetooth and an integrated amp. What do you get for your money? A fairly loud speaker, certainly. The sound quality is passable for background noise, but it lacks detail and can distort when pushed. Weather resistance is a concern, much like the Pyle. I'd class this as an absolute entry-level choice if you really can't spend more. Fine for short hops, but I wouldn't rely on it for serious touring or expect it to last for years. * **Pros:** Very affordable. Easy to install. Provides basic audio output. * **Cons:** Poor sound quality and clarity at higher volumes. Questionable durability and weather resistance. Prone to distortion. #### Sena 50S: Not a Speaker, But an Alternative Consideration Okay, I know, I know. This isn't a handlebar speaker. But for some, this is the *real* solution. Sena is king when it comes to helmet comms. The 50S offers brilliant sound directly into your ears, usually via Harman Kardon speakers. It's crystal clear, completely unaffected by wind noise, and you get intercom, satnav instructions, and phone calls all integrated. If privacy, clarity at all speeds, and comms are your absolute priority, then a high-end helmet system like the Sena 50S (around £300) is miles better than any external speaker. It's a different beast, I grant you, but for many riders, it's the superior choice. * **Pros:** Unmatched clarity and volume at all speeds. Full comms, satnav, phone integration. Completely private audio. Excellent noise cancellation. * **Cons:** Not an external speaker, so no shared music. Requires wearing a helmet. Can feel restrictive for some. #### Conclusion: My Top Picks for Different Riders Right, after all that faffing about and listening, it boils down to this. There's no single "best" speaker, it all depends on what you ride, how you ride, and what your wallet looks like. But if I had to recommend a few, here's where I'd land. * **Overall Best (if budget allows): Kuryakyn 2720 MTX Road Thunder.** Still the benchmark for sound, durability, and decent looks. * **Best Value for Money: GoHawk RD8.** A solid all-rounder that won't break the bank and performs well. * **Best for Harley Owners: Hogtunes 2253-2415.** Designed for your machine, performs brilliantly with it. * **Best for Extreme Durability: MTX MUDHSB-B.** If you ride in truly awful conditions, these are your mates. * **Best for Custom Builds/Audiophiles: Polk Audio MM1 Series (with Kicker KMC2 head unit & amp).** Takes effort, but the sound quality is superb. * **Best Budget Option: Rockville HD5B.** Surprisingly good for the price, if you can live with less volume. ### Comparison Table: A Quick Glance | Model | Price (approx. £) | Sound Quality (1-5) | Volume (1-5) | Weather Resistance (1-5) | Ease of Install (1-5) | Key Feature | | :--------------------- | :---------------- | :------------------ | :----------- | :----------------------- | :-------------------- | :-------------------------- | | Kuryakyn 2720 MTX | 350 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 3 | Balanced, durable | | BOSS PHANTOM900 | 180 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3 | 4 | Loud, integrated amp | | Rockville HD5B | 120 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | Compact, good value | | Hogtunes 2253-2415 | 400 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 3 | Harley specific | | Pyle PLMCA90 | 80 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | Very cheap | | GoHawk RD8 | 150 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | Good all-rounder | | MTX MUDHSB-B | 450 | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | Extreme durability | | Kicker KMC2 (head unit)| 200 (unit only) | 5 (with good spkrs) | 5 (with amp) | 5 | 2 (system build) | Custom system control | | Gold Strike 22701 | 400 | 4.5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | Refined touring sound | | Lexin LX-Q3 | 130 | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | Integrated design | | Polk Audio MM1 (pr) | 150 (pr only) | 4.5 (with good amp) | 4.5 (with amp) | 5 | 2 (custom build) | Audiophile marine speaker | | JBL Cruise | 110 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Simple, compact | | Sound Storm BTB6 | 90 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | Budget all-in-one | | Sena 50S (helmet comms)| 300 | 5 (in-helmet) | 5 (in-helmet) | 5 | 5 | Ultimate clarity/comms | *Ratings are subjective based on my testing and experience. ### Who It's For: * **The Weekend Warrior:** Someone who enjoys cruising and wants a bit of background music without faffing with headphones. Look at the GoHawk RD8 or JBL Cruise. * **The Tourer:** Riders who spend hours on the road and need clear, sustained audio. Kuryakyn MTX or Gold Strike are brilliant here. * **The Hardcore Customiser:** If you love tinkering and want the absolute best sound, a custom build with Polk Audio MM1s and a Kicker KMC2 is your path. * **The Harley Enthusiast:** Hogtunes are practically made for your machine, no surprises there. * **The Adventure Rider:** For off-road and extreme weather, the MTX MUDHSB-B is the undisputed champion of toughness. * **The Budget-Conscious:** Rockville HD5B or even Pyle PLMCA90 if you really can't spend more, but be aware of the compromises. ### Who Should Skip It: * **The Absolute Purist:** If you want zero distraction and complete immersion in the ride, stick to the engine noise. * **The Commuter Who Values Privacy:** You'll be annoying other people, and frankly, a good helmet comms system like the Sena 50S is safer and clearer for your purposes. * **Anyone Expecting Car Stereo Sound:** You're on a bike. With wind, engine noise, and vibration. There are limits to what any external speaker can achieve. Manage your expectations. * **Those Unwilling to Spend:** Good motorcycle audio isn't cheap. If you go for the absolute cheapest options, you'll likely be disappointed and replacing them soon. ### FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered **Q: How loud do motorcycle speakers really need to be?** A: Loud enough to overcome road noise and wind at your typical cruising speed without distorting. For city riding, less is needed. For motorway speeds, you'll want something with some serious grunt, often 50W RMS per channel or more, just to be audible and clear. **Q: Are they difficult to install?** A: It really varies. Simple all-in-one units like the JBL Cruise or Lexin LX-Q3 can be quite straightforward, often just needing a power connection to the battery and a handlebar clamp. More complex systems, especially those with separate amplifiers and multiple speakers, will involve more wiring, possibly drilling, and might be best left to a professional if you're not confident with motorcycle electrics. **Q: Will they drain my bike's battery?** A: Any electrical accessory draws power. Most modern motorcycle speakers are designed to be efficient enough not to cause issues on a healthy charging system, especially when the engine is running. However, running them for extended periods with the engine off could lead to a flat battery. Always wire them to a switched live feed (ignition controlled) if possible, to prevent accidental drain. **Q: What about vibration? Won't that kill them?** A: Absolutely, vibration is a massive enemy of electronics and moving parts. Good quality motorcycle speakers are designed with this in mind, often using robust enclosures, reinforced components, and proper mounting hardware to mitigate vibration damage. Cheaper units, however, are far more susceptible to rattling themselves apart over time. It's a key reason why investing a bit more pays off in the long run. **Q: Can I connect my phone to them?** A: Yes, nearly all modern motorcycle Bluetooth speaker systems connect wirelessly to your phone via Bluetooth. This allows you to stream music from apps like Spotify, Apple Music, or even play stored files. Some also have aux-in ports for a wired connection, which can be handy if you want to save battery on your phone or use a non-Bluetooth device. ### Final Word: Pick Wisely, Ride Loud So there you have it, my honest take on motorcycle Bluetooth speakers. It's a bit of a minefield out there, with options ranging from "just about works" to "sounds better than my mate's car stereo." But if you pick wisely, considering your riding style, your bike, and how much you're willing to spend, you can genuinely enhance your time on two wheels. There's nothing quite like having your favourite tunes pumping as the miles melt away. Just remember, don't skimp on quality if you want them to last. And for goodness sake, if you're riding through Bristol, don't expect to hear anything over the general racket! Safe riding, everyone. And keep those speakers humming.