Amplifiers
About Amplifiers
A motorcycle amplifier boosts the audio signal so speakers can play loudly enough to be heard over wind, engine and road noise. Factory radios put out modest power, so riders add an amplifier when new speakers sound quiet or distorted at speed, when they upgrade the stock system on a touring bike, or when they build a system from separate parts.
The first choice is channels. The listings show mono, 2-channel and 4-channel amplifiers: a 2-channel unit drives one pair of speakers, a 4-channel unit can drive two pairs, such as front and rear, and mono is normally for a single bass speaker. Next is power; the listings run from 200 W kits up to a 1200 W unit. Match the amplifier's rated output to your speakers' rated power rather than going by the biggest number. Many entries are amplifier kits for Harley-Davidson touring models, and there are amplifier harnesses listed by year range. Pick your bike in the Ride Finder at the top of the page.
Brands here include Kicker, Cerwin Vega, Saddle Tramp, HogTunes and Wild Boar Audio. An amplifier needs speakers to drive, so look at Speakers and Complete Audio Kits, and at Wiring Harnesses, Cables & Connectors for the wiring. The wider group is Audio, Communication & Navigation.
FAQs on motorcycle amplifiers
How many channels do I need in a motorcycle amplifier?
Count the speakers or pairs you want to power. A 2-channel amplifier drives one pair, a 4-channel amplifier drives front and rear pairs, and a mono amplifier suits a single bass speaker. Many kits for touring bikes are sold as 2-channel or 4-channel, so match the number to your speaker layout.
How many watts do I need for my motorcycle speakers?
Match the amplifier's rated output to the power rating your speakers can handle, and do not pick on the biggest number alone. Too little power leaves the sound thin at speed, and too much can damage speakers. The kit's instructions should state compatible speaker ratings.
Will an amplifier work with my factory radio?
It can, if the amplifier has an input that accepts your radio's output. Kits for specific bikes usually include a harness for that purpose. Check the listing for the year range and model, since wiring and radio outputs differ between model years.
Does a motorcycle amplifier need special wiring?
It needs fused power from the battery, a ground, a signal input from the radio and usually a switched turn-on lead, and the power wire has to be heavy enough for the amplifier's draw. Kits and harnesses made for your model supply most of this. Follow the installation instructions.
Can an amplifier damage my speakers?
Yes, if the volume or gain is set too high for the speakers' power rating, or if the signal clips. Set the gain as the instructions describe, keep the volume below the point where the sound distorts, and choose speakers rated for the amplifier's output.
