| Best Choice |
|
Rockford Fosgate Full Range Fairing Speakers | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
|
Kicker Harley-Davidson Speaker Bundle | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
|
Hoppe Quadzilla Fiberglass Fairing | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Every road trip deserves a great soundtrack, especially when you are cruising on your motorcycle. If you happen to have a bike with a fairing, then it’s even better because you have space to add some serious sound. There is a wide range of speakers available that can be mounted discreetly and entertain you whether on the highway or standing next to the barbecue.
Of course, not all speakers are created equally and each set has its pros and cons. In this guide, we look at the six best motorcycle fairing speaker systems to see which ones are best.
The Best Motorcycle Fairing Speaker System
Rockford Fosgate is a renowned audio equipment manufacturer and these speakers are from a series that are dedicated to Harley-Davidson motorcycles. These 6.5-inch speakers fit most 2006-2013 street glide bikes and make 75 watts RMS and 150 watts maximum power. They also include a 25mm dome tweeter.
The best thing about these speakers is that they are weather- and water-resistant. They are also resistant to dust, temperature, and vibrations. To make things easier, there are no modifications required and they can replace the standard speakers using the same connectors and factory mounting hardware.
- Neodymium motor structure with polypropylene cone
- 75 watts RMS and 150 watts max power
- Dome speakers included
- Resistant to water, dust, UV, temperature, and corrosion
- Brand Rockford Fosgate
- Model TMS6SG
- Weight 3 pounds
Very durable
Easy to install
Two-year warranty
Quite expensive
Screws are a bit long
Tweeter sound isn’t the best
Kicker is another renowned audio company and this speaker kit is ideal for someone who wants to upgrade their speaker system the easy way. The package includes most of the equipment you’ll need, including two 6.6 inch coaxial speakers, two mounting adapters, and 50 feet of 16-gauge speaker wire. The package also includes the grilles.
These motorcycle speakers have an RMS output of 120 watts per pair and a peak output of 480 watts. They are designed to work on most Harley-Davidson touring bikes made between 1998 and 2013. Each set comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.
- 120 watts RMS and 480 watts peak power
- Speaker adapters included
- Wiring cable included
- Grilles included
- Brand Kicker
- Model 43-DSC6504 82-9601
- Weight 6.5 pounds
One-year warranty
Plug-and-play design
Very powerful
Not resistant to the elements
Adapter rings not compatible with all bikes
Can be difficult to install
The Hoppe Quadzilla Fiberglass audio system is an all-in-one kit that comes completely assembled with a concealed internal antenna and four marine-grade weather resistant speakers. Included in the package is an Eclipse head unit with AM/FM radio, CD player, USB ports, AUX port, and removable faceplate.
The fairing is classically styled with hand-laid fiberglass and comes in a gel-coated, gloss black finish that’s ready to paint. It also includes a 12-inch clear windshield. The set is compatible with most 1994-2017 Harley-Davidson Road King Models.
- Four Jenson 40 watt RMS speakers
- Eclipse head unit
- Hand-laid fiberglass fairing
- 12-inch clear windshield
- Brand Hoppe
- Model B000N5WIYi
- Weight 33.8 pounds
All-in-one design
Great sound quality
Easy to paint
Very expensive
A bit bulky
So-so customer service
The Polka speakers are a great way to upgrade your motorcycle audio system because they are easy to install and come with a pair of adapter plates. These high-quality speakers are marine-certified with an IP65 rating. They are water- and dirt-resistant and tested for humidity, salt, fog, and UV. They have built-in tweeters for more range and an output of 100 watts RMS and 300 watts of peak power.
While these fairing speakers are easy to install and affordably priced, they aren’t the loudest and the sound quality isn’t the best either. Also, the adapter plates might not fit certain models.
- 100 watts RMS and 300 watts peak power
- Adapter plates included
- Built-in 20mm tweeter
- Marine-certified
- Brand Polk Audio
- Model DB652+82-9601
- Weight 5.5 pounds
Easy to install
Durable
Affordable price
Adapter plates may not be compatible with some bikes
Sound quality isn’t the best
Hogtunes specializes in motorcycle audio systems and these speakers are designed specifically for Harley-Davidson 2006 to 2013 FLH Touring models. They are quite small at 5.25-inches so that they can easily replace the factory speakers. Each speaker has vented magnets for increased power handling while the 2-ohm styles have a one-inch titanium dome tweeter. Each speaker comes with a 100-watt RMS rating and boasts newer technologies to produce more bass than previous models.
Since these speakers aren’t that big, you can’t expect the loudest sound from them. They are also known to distort at higher volumes. They are more viable as a replacement for factory speakers rather than an upgrade. The tech support can also be a letdown at times.
- Each speaker is 5.25 inches in size
- Vented magnets
- One-inch titanium dome tweeter
- 100 watts RMS power
- Brand Hogtunes
- Model 352F-AA
- Weight 4 pounds
Easy to install
Durable
Affordably priced
Not marine-certified
Not very loud
Average tech support
This is another Rockford Fosgate audio system designed specifically for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The complete speaker kit includes a four-channel Class-D amplifier, four speakers, cable ties, mounting hardware, wire harness, rubber pads, and touch fastener pads.
The 2-ohm speakers have an output of 40 watts per channel RMS and peak power of 80 watts. The four-channel amp puts out 160 watts and is fan-cooled with built-in crossover and gain. This aftermarket sound system is compatible with 1998 to 2013 Harley-Davidson four-speaker systems and fits on the front fairing.
- Four-channel amplifier
- Four speakers
- 40 watts RMS and 80 watts peak power
- Wiring harness included
- Brand Rockford Fosgate
- Model R1-HD4-9813
- Weight 11.5 pounds
All-in-one package
Very loud
Ready to add a woofer if desired
Speakers can blow if pushed too hard
Wiring harness isn’t good quality
Difficult to install
Best Motorcycle Fairing Speaker Systems Buying Guide
We’ve taken a look at some of the best motorcycle speaker systems on the market to see what they offer as well as their pros and cons. With each biker having different requirements, different bikes, and different budgets, there’s a speaker set out there for everyone.
Finding the right speaker set sometimes requires more than just choosing the best item from Amazon. There are many other factors to consider such as the compatibility with the head unit, effects on the motorcycle battery, and more. We’ll now take a closer look at what’s needed so you can make the right choice when selecting your aftermarket fairing speakers.
Benefits of a Motorcycle Fairing Speaker System
The most obvious benefit of having fantastic motorcycle speakers is being able to enjoy your music on the road. Music can make a trip more pleasant and can keep you more alert on some of the longer rides. Modern audio systems have a lot of flexibility and can play music from many sources including CDs, Bluetooth, radio stations, and even USB sticks. Some motorcycle stereos can connect to your device via Bluetooth to give you GPS voice navigation, with the sound playing over the bike speakers.
Another benefit of having the best motorcycle fairing speaker system is that it increases the resale value of the bike. A great sound system is an excellent way of enticing buyers and can be the difference between making a sale or not.
A motorcycle speaker system effectively becomes a mobile entertainment system. You’ll be able to enjoy your music anywhere, whether mowing the lawn, at a campsite, or anywhere else.
- It allows you to enjoy your music on the move.
- It increases the resale value of the bike
- It lets you play your music anywhere.
Types of Motorcycle Fairing Speaker Systems
- Fairing
These days it’s possible to buy the complete fairing with integrated speakers and a head unit. While they can be very expensive, they look fantastic and can make awesome sound. They are normally made from fiberglass with cutouts for the speakers and the head unit. All the equipment in the fairing is normally pre-wired to make things more convenient.
Depending on the type, they can either be easy or difficult to install. In many cases, they will also need a respray to match the color of the bike. One of the disadvantages of this type of set is that you get everything together and can’t mix and match the speakers and head unit.
- Speakers Only
Many bikers opt for an easy and practical solution when upgrading their sound systems. Instead of replacing the fairing, or having to change their head unit, they just replace the speakers only. Many of the aftermarket speakers are direct replacements for the factory speakers and offer more clarity, louder volume, and booming bass.
Some sets come with adapter plates to make the installation even easier. Unlike speakers that fit on the handlebars, fairing speakers can only be installed into areas that have the right amount of space. In some cases, modifications may be needed and you have to be careful not to damage the bike.
- Speaker Kits
Certain manufacturers bundle an extensive sound system into one complete package that can include the amplifier, speakers, wiring harness, and all the other required hardware. While obviously more expensive than getting speakers alone, the amp can make a world of difference to the quality and volume of the sound. By getting everything together in a single package, you are assured that all the components are compatible with each other and will work well together.
One of the drawbacks of adding the amplifier is that you need the space to mount it on the bike. Depending on the bike and type of system, it can also be difficult to install.
What to Look for When Buying Motorcycle Fairing Speaker Systems
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to make a decision. Every aftermarket sound system has different specifications and features that cater to different requirements such as the type of bike, and the budget and taste of the rider. Regardless of the sound system and the rider’s requirements, there are some important features that should be taken into consideration when choosing any motorcycle fairing speakers.
- Sound Quality
Aftermarket speakers come in many shapes and sizes with different power outputs. The best speakers will deliver crystal clear sound and deep bass at any volume and will be able to withstand both high and low frequencies.
When selecting your speaker, it’s wise to see what the output is, especially the RMS rating. Some large speakers might have a low rating and some smaller speakers might have a higher rating. The sound quality can also be affected by the type of head unit you have and it’s best to check if it’s compatible with the speakers and if it has decent output.
- Durability
Unlike home or car audio systems, most motorcycle audio systems spend more time exposed to the sun, wind, and rain. They are also more susceptible to impact from bumpy roads. Some of the best fairing speaker systems are marine-grade and are resistant to water. Others have an IP65 rating which protects against some water and dust. The best speakers are also UV-, temperature-, and corrosion-, and vibration-resistant.
After spending time and money to install your speaker system, it makes sense to get something that’s durable and can withstand the elements and any bad roads you may take. It’s worth checking the ratings on the speakers you choose to see what they can handle.
- Included Hardware
It’s best to get a speaker system that’s easy to install without modifications and without damaging the bike. Some additions may even void the warranty on the existing system. To minimize the risk of damaging your bike, it’s worth getting an aftermarket speaker set that comes with all the required hardware needed for installation. This includes any screws, mounting hardware, adapter plate, and wiring harnesses you may need. While it’s possible to get all the equipment separately, it’s more convenient if it’s all together and it will also save on time and money.
One way to minimize the need for hardware is by getting speakers that can use the existing connectors and spaces that are already on the bike.
Tips for Buying and Using Motorcycle Fairing Speaker Systems
When buying motorcycle audio systems, it’s worth checking out the battery requirements and power consumption. If you are playing your music while the bike is on the move, then the battery will get recharged. If you are planning on using your sound system when the bike is stationary, the battery might get flat. Sometimes it’s worth getting a second battery as a spare because the last thing you need is to get stuck with a dead battery.
Before choosing an aftermarket sound system for your bike, it’s also recommended to check if it’s compatible with your head unit and other devices. Sometimes a head unit might not have enough power output for certain speakers. If you are planning on using Bluetooth devices like your phone, it’s wise to see if the head unit supports it.
When it comes to fairing speakers, size does matter. The depth and diameter of the speakers, as well as the space they’re in, can have a drastic effect on sound quality and clarity. Getting the right-sized speakers also minimizes the chances of having to modify your bike.
- Check the battery requirements.
- See if it’s compatible with your head unit and other devices.
- Choose the best size for the available space.
Best Motorcycle Fairing Speaker Systems FAQs
We’ve covered most of the information regarding the best motorcycle fairing speaker systems and the types available. We’ve also discussed what to look for and what to avoid when making your decision. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions by people who are looking at getting aftermarket motorcycle speakers.
It depends on the bike and the speaker system. For louder bikes, a louder speaker system is needed. It also depends on the type of helmet you wear.
There are many reputable brands that make good speakers. BOSS Audio and GoldenHawk are a couple examples. You can research a company and see what kind of reputation they have.
Some are difficult, while others are easy to install. It depends on many factors like the type of bike and type of speakers.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick is the Rockford Fosgate Full Range Fairing Speakers. They come from a reputable manufacturer and have a decent power output. They are also resistant to many of the elements, such as water, dust, temperature, and vibration. They are also very easy to install and can use the existing hardware and connectors.
