Lots of motorcyclists are unsure if motorcycles have a radio system, or they think they are not needed and don’t do the job well, but you will be surprised as there are several types of motorcycles that have a radio system and you also can install a radio system yourself.
Most motorcycles do not have a built-in radio system and it’s rare to buy one that has a radio, but there are definitely some types of motorcycles and certain companies that include a radio on their models.
If you want to hear good music through the radio on your motorcycle there are some actions you will need to take. In this article, I will show you everything you need to know about motorcycle radio systems. So, let’s get started.
In this post, we will cover the following questions…
- What types of motorcycles have a radio system?
- Is it possible to hear the motorcycle radio well?
- What are the problems that prevent you from hearing the radio?
- Can I wear headphones while riding a motorcycle?
What types of motorcycles do have a radio?
Most motorcycles will not come with a radio system however, there are some you can buy that do, especially from large companies such as Honda or Harley-Davidson.
Generally, expensive motorcycles come with a radio system but cheap motorcycles and small companies do not.
For example, the Harley-Davidson Street Glide and the 2009 Honda Goldwing have a built-in radio system that is pretty good.
Is it possible to hear the motorcycle radio well?
Motorcycle radios are undoubtedly not as good as car radios but they can provide a good sound in all kinds of different situations.
In fact, your motorcycle’s radio can provide a good sound if you are riding under 50 kph, even while wearing an interior helmet.
On the other hand, if you are riding faster than 55 kph it will be very hard to hear your radio. There are a few things you can do to hear it better.
The problem is not with your radio, the problem will be because of all the outside things that hinder you from hearing, such as…
What are the problems that prevent you from hearing the radio (and how to fix them)?
- Wind – Wind is perhaps the biggest problem therefore, you will need to make sure that your motorcycle can overcome wind well. It’s especially important to select a good windowpane that can overcome the wind.
- Noise from the engine – Another problem is noise from the engine and from the motorcycle in general. There are a few tricks and things you can do to reduce the noise from the engine. If you want to look at how to do it, I highly recommend you go and read this post – click here to view
- The power of the radio – If you want to hear the radio you will need one that puts out between 600 to 1000 volts. If it’s below 600 volts, it will be almost impossible to hear and above 1000 it will be too loud.
Always remember that motorcycle radios can be excellent for short rides and at low speeds, like city rides or even during stops. Some people like it and some people don’t, it all depends on you.
Can I wear headphones while riding a motorcycle?
Riding with headphones may be another option for listening to music but it is not legal in all countries. For example, in India and UK it is not illegal to listen to headphones however, in some countries it is and if they catch you, you can get a very large fine.
Is wearing headphones better than the radio?
Riding with headphones is much more dangerous because they isolate you from hearing what’s happening around you, thus making it harder for you to respond.
In my opinion, riding with a radio is much better and safer, but if you want to wear headphones while riding you will have to check that it is legal in your country. Also, make sure you do not have the music too loud so that you still have some kind of interaction and awareness of what is happening around you.
Related questions
Is a motorcycle radio system waterproof? Not all radio systems are water-resistant, therefore you will need to make sure the radio will be protected and also check their the level of durability in water.
Until what speed can you hear the radio on a motorcycle? You can hear your radio only if you ride at a speed of 55 kph or less. Above this speed it will be hardly possible to hear the music.
Can you hear the radio through a helmet? Yes you can hear the music through the helmet only when riding at low speeds. It also depends on the thickness of your helmet.
If you want to hear better, I highly recommend you buy a helmet that is open at the ears
Summary
In this post, I explained to you all the things you should know about motorcycle radios.
Generally, most motorcycles do not come with a radio, but there are some companies and motorcycles that have them built-in. Don’t forget, you can always install a radio system in your motorcycle yourself.
Thanks for your riding. Until next time.