Motorcycle Stereos: What You Need to Consider Before You Ride
Hitting the open road is a favourite pastime for many Albertans, and as experienced riders will tell you, making the most of our all-too-short motorcycle season is a must! Whether you’re suiting up to hop on a brand new rig or getting your favourite bike ready for its next adventure, there’s nothing like enjoying the road with your favourite tunes.
Upgrading your factory speakers is one of the best ways to ensure you get the best possible audio performance and overcome the challenges posed by wind noise, engine vibration, and Alberta’s infamous elements. At Certified Radio, we’re here to help you take your bike from “OEM okay” to “aftermarket awesome” with motorcycle audio you can count on.
If you’re planning to boost your bike’s audio this season, here are the key factors you need to consider to make sure your system survives the ride.
Weather Resistance and Durability
On a motorcycle, your equipment is front and center for everything the prairies can (and will!) throw at it. Standard audio gear doesn’t tend to last long in the rain or the intense Alberta sun. To combat premature wear and tear, there’s three things you need to look for:
- Marine-Grade Rating: Components should be “marine-grade” or “weather-resistant” to handle moisture and dust.
- UV Protection: The sun can quickly crack speaker cones. To avoid damage and unit failure, UV-stabilized materials are a must for longevity.
- Vibration Resistance: Motorcycles vibrate significantly more than cars. To stay in place and maintain their performance, internal components need to be reinforced to prevent them from shaking loose.
Cutting Through the Wind Noise
The biggest challenge for motorcycle audio is the environment. Unlike an enclosed car cabin, you aren’t just listening to music in a controlled space, you’re fighting against engine roar, exhaust noise, and wind shear at highway speeds. To overcome this, you’ll want to look at:
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- High-Efficiency Speakers: You need speakers that can project sound clearly without distorting at higher volumes.
- Adding an Amplifier: A small, compact amplifier is almost always necessary to provide the “headroom” needed to keep your music crisp over the road noise.
- Safety and Gear: For new riders, it’s important to remember that while audio is great, your helmet is your most vital piece of equipment. Understanding how to choose the right motorcycle gear ensures you’re protected while enjoying the ride.
Power Consumption and Your Battery
Motorcycles have much smaller charging systems than cars. If you install a massive amplifier without checking your bike’s electrical capacity, you might just find yourself stranded down the road. When considering different audio options, remember:
- Efficiency Matters: Class D amplifiers are highly efficient, delivering ample power with a low current draw—perfect for smaller bike batteries.
- Professional Wiring: Proper installation ensures your system is wired to a switched power source, preventing it from draining your battery while parked.
At Certified Radio, we offer in-house installation from our experienced team of pros, so you never have to worry about “DIY oops!” and costly errors that can destroy your bike. Professional installation also helps ensure:
- Custom Tuning: Every bike has different acoustics. We tune your system specifically for the open-air environment to maximize clarity.
- Warranty Protection: Every professional motorcycle installation we do comes with a lifetime warranty on the labour.
Ease of Use and Safety
When you’re on two wheels, your focus needs to be on the road, not fumbling with tiny buttons. Our modern audio units feature handlebar controls that help you stay on the right side of distracted driving laws and safe on the road.
- Handlebar Controls: The best systems integrate with your factory handlebar controls, allowing you to adjust volume without taking your hands off the grips.
- Local Regulations: It’s critical to stay hands-free to remain compliant with Alberta’s distracted driving laws.
Ready to Elevate Your Ride?
Contact our team today to talk about motorcycle audio, or swing by our Edmonton location at 18550 104 Ave NW to hear our demo systems in action!
