As the temperatures are warm and the sun is shining, now is the perfect time to hop on your motorcycle! But before embarking on a trip around the country, you need to make sure your tunes are set and ready to go.
If you’re looking to install a brand-new motorcycle stereo system on your ride, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn some DIY tips for installing a motorcycle audio setup on your bike.
1. Choose the right stereo components
Before getting your hands dirty with the install, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. Whether you’re installing motorcycle speakers, a radio, subwoofer, or anything else, ensuring the proper sizing is essential. Also, consider buying weatherproof options. Even if you only ride on sunny days, you never know when water will hit your bike.
While motorcycle speakers, subs, and other equipment are standard for each bike, the radio is not. That said, make sure to do research to find a radio that fits your bike perfectly. Also, ensure the radio comes with the right installation hardware, including mounting brackets. fasteners, and cable connectors.
2. Decide on radio location
Once you bought the right equipment, you’ll need to plan where to put your radio. Most drivers choose the center console; many bikes have this area designated for radios.
3. Secure the radio on your bike
The next step in a DIY motorcycle stereo installation is to secure the radio in place. To avoid your radio shaking around and coming loose, this is a vital step. While you may think you have to drill holes in the console, that isn’t the case at all. Doing so can cause damage to your bike. Instead, you can use an adapter or handlebar brackets to easily hold the radio in place.
4. Wire the audio system
After the radio is secure, wiring the system is the next step. This essentially means hooking up your equipment to the bike’s battery. This is accomplished by running a power cable from the battery to the back of the radio. While this can be straightforward in many bikes, it can be difficult in others. The key is to make sure the wiring is as concealed as possible. Since many bikes are designed to fit a motorcycle stereo system, installing the wires shouldn’t be an issue. Many riders will feed the wires under the bike’s tank, and they’ll use electrical tape to hold it in place. You’ll then want to secure and solder the wire ends before moving to the next step of the installation process.
5. Install motorcycle speakers
Now is when you place the equipment that brings your motorcycle audio system to life—the speakers! However, it’s very important to install these correctly. If not, they could bounce around and even fall out while riding. Before mounting these, choose a location that produces the highest sound quality. Many riders choose to install them in the front of the bike near the handlebars, and others mount them in the rear.
Another option is to install them on the frame mounts or under plastic fairings. No matter the location of your speakers, keeping them secure is vital. You’ll want to make sure they’re extra tight, given the vibrations you’ll experience on the road. To that point, periodically check these speakers every few months to ensure they’re secure. As vibrating speakers can result in poor sound quality, you’ll want to make sure they’re secured in place.
Once the mounting process is complete, you’ll need to wire the motorcycle speakers to a power source. In the typical setup, this involves simply connecting them to the radio. But if you’re looking for tons of power, you could attach them to a motorcycle amplifier. Using an amp can bring more power to your entire motorcycle audio system. Many riders will attach an amp to all their speakers, leading to incredible sound quality. Whatever option you choose, make sure the speaker wires are secure and out of sight. Be sure to use electrical tape so your wiring isn’t flopping around.
6. Test the audio system
Once your system is secure and everything is connected properly, the final installation task is to give it a test. Once you power on the system, pay close attention to the sound quality. Also, make sure you give your bike a test ride. Drive how you normally do and listen closely to the music. Make sure to crank up the tunes to determine how the speakers can handle higher volumes. If the sound isn’t perfect, consider making a few adjustments on the radio’s equalizer. If the sound still isn’t ideal, ensure all the wiring and connections are secure. If everything looks good, contact a motorcycle audio professional for assistance.
If you’re struggling with the installation, try following the steps in your radio’s user guide. This should be your first point of reference in the installation process. As many motorcycle radios are different, understanding how to install your exact radio is essential.
Find high-quality audio equipment at Garage Bagger Stereo
Garage Bagger Stereo is your one-stop-shop for all your motorcycle stereo system needs. Whether you’re searching for Harley Davidson audio speakers or a brand-new radio, we have the high-quality products you can trust.
Check out some of our awesome equipment below:
Radios
Speakers
- Hertz MPK 165.3 Components (Pair)
- Diamond Audio MP694 6x9" Pro Full-range Coaxial Horn Speaker (Pair)
Amps
Subwoofers
Installation parts
While a motorcycle stereo installation sounds like a steep mountain to climb, it’s straightforward. While Garage Bagger Stereo provides some of the best equipment in the industry, we also offer installation tips and tutorials.
Choose Garage Bagger Stereo today to bring your bike's audio system to life!