Ever been on a long ride, the wind roaring in your ears, wishing you could actually *hear* your favorite music? That’s a common feeling for many motorcyclists. It’s tough to enjoy your tunes when the wind noise drowns everything out. You start looking at fairing speakers, and suddenly you face a wall of technical terms and different sizes. Which ones fit your bike? Which ones are loud enough? It can feel like a confusing maze just trying to get some decent sound on your ride.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to clear up the confusion. We’ll break down what you need to know about motorcycle fairing speakers. You’ll learn about power, durability, and finding the perfect fit for your motorcycle. By the end, you’ll be ready to choose speakers that bring your music to life on the open road. Let’s dive into making your rides sound better!
Top Motorcycle Fairing Speakers Recommendations
- The TMS65 is a pair of 6.5” full range coaxial speakers designed for a direct fit in 2014 and newer Harley-Davidson Street Glide/Road Glide motorcycles in both the fairing and Tour-Pak locations
- No modification needed as the speaker directly replaces the existing factory speakers using the factory mounting hardware and speaker connectors and comes with new grille assemblies for both fairing and Tour-Pak locations
- Featuring 75 Watts RMS/150 Watts MAX of power and an ultra-efficient 25mm dome tweeter with integrated phase plug for crisp clear highs even at highway cruising speeds
- These speakers are Element Ready, weather and water resistant and protects against Dust, UV, Temperature, Water, Corrosion & Vibration
- Famous Rockford Fosgate build quality with a full 2-year warranty
- The TMS6SG is a pair of 6.5” full range coaxial speakers designed to fit the fairing speaker locations of the 2006-2013 model year Harley-Davison Street Glide Motorcycles
- No modification needed as the speaker directly replaces the existing factory speakers using the factory mounting hardware and speaker connectors and comes with new grille assemblies
- Featuring 75 Watts RMS/ 150 Watts MAX power and an ultra-efficient 25mm dome tweeter with integrated phase plug for crisp clear highs even at highway cruising speeds
- These speakers are Element Ready, weather and water resistant, and protects against Dust, UV, Temperature, Water, Corrosion & Vibration
- Famous Rockford Fosgate build quality with a full 2-year warranty
Your Guide to Awesome Motorcycle Fairing Speakers
Riding your motorcycle is great. Adding music makes it even better! Fairing speakers mount right onto your bike’s front shield, or fairing. This guide helps you pick the best ones.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, check these important things. Good features mean better sound and longer life for your speakers.
Power and Volume
- **Wattage (Power):** This tells you how loud the speakers can get. Look for higher RMS (Root Mean Square) wattage for clearer sound at highway speeds. More power usually means you can hear music over wind noise.
- **Sensitivity:** This measures how loud the speaker plays with a certain amount of power. Higher sensitivity (like 90dB or more) is good. It means less power is needed for loud music.
Weather Resistance
Your speakers live outside. They face sun, rain, and dirt.
- **IP Rating (Ingress Protection):** This rating shows how well the speaker resists water and dust. Look for at least an IPX5 rating. This means they can handle strong water spray.
Speaker Size and Fit
Speakers must fit neatly inside your fairing pockets.
- **Diameter:** Most fairings use 5.25-inch or 6.5-inch speakers. Measure your existing speaker holes first!
- **Mounting Depth:** Check how deep the speaker sits. You need enough space behind the speaker so it doesn’t hit wires or the inside of the fairing.
Important Materials That Matter
The materials used decide how long the speakers last and how good they sound.
Cone Material
The cone is the main part that moves to make sound.
- **Polypropylene (Poly):** This plastic is very common. It handles moisture well and lasts a long time outdoors. It offers good, balanced sound.
- **Coaxial Design:** Many fairing speakers use a coaxial design. This means the tweeter (for high sounds) is built right into the center of the main cone (woofer). This saves space in your fairing.
Surround Material
The surround holds the cone in place.
- **Rubber:** Good quality rubber surrounds flex well and resist UV light damage better than foam. Rubber lasts much longer in the sun.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good speakers sound great and survive tough rides. Bad ones sound weak or break quickly.
What Makes Quality Better?
- **Strong Magnets:** Bigger, stronger magnets help the speaker move air better. This creates clearer, deeper bass notes.
- **UV Protection:** Speakers built with UV-resistant coatings keep their color and don’t crack when the sun beats down on them.
- **Marine Grade Components:** Even if you are not near the ocean, marine-grade speakers are built to handle extreme weather, which is perfect for motorcycles.
What Lowers Quality?
- **Cheap Plastics:** If the cones are made from thin, cheap plastic, the sound will be tinny (thin and metallic). These parts also break down fast in the heat.
- **No Sealing:** Speakers that do not have good rubber gaskets or seals around the edges let water seep into the back of the speaker, causing quick failure.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your new speakers? This affects your choice.
Cruising vs. Highway Speeds
If you cruise slowly around town, standard speakers might work fine. If you ride fast on the highway, you need speakers with high power handling (high wattage). Loud wind noise requires louder, clearer speakers to overcome it.
Installation Ease
Some speaker kits come with plug-and-play wiring harnesses. These make installation much easier. If you are not an expert, look for kits designed specifically for your motorcycle model. Proper installation ensures the sound directs toward you, not just down at the road.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fairing Speakers
Q: Do I need an amplifier for motorcycle speakers?
A: Not always. If you buy speakers with high built-in power handling (high RMS watts), you might power them directly from your bike’s stereo. However, adding an external amplifier will always make them sound much louder and clearer, especially at high speeds.
Q: Can I use car speakers on my motorcycle?
A: You can try, but it is not recommended. Car speakers are not usually built to handle the constant vibration, temperature swings, or direct rain that motorcycle speakers face. Motorcycle speakers are designed to be weatherproof.
Q: What is the difference between 2-way and 3-way speakers?
A: A 2-way speaker has one main cone (woofer) and one separate small speaker (tweeter) combined. A 3-way speaker adds a third element, usually a midrange driver, to handle the middle sounds better. Fairing space usually favors 2-way coaxial speakers.
Q: How do I protect my new speakers from water?
A: Look for speakers rated IPX5 or higher. Also, make sure the mounting area is sealed well. Many good kits include rubber gaskets that seal the speaker tightly against the fairing surface.
Q: Will loud music drain my motorcycle battery quickly?
A: Speakers running directly off the factory stereo usually draw very little power. If you add a big external amplifier, you might need to check your bike’s charging system. Most modern bikes handle a moderate sound system fine.
Q: What size speakers fit a Harley-Davidson Street Glide?
A: Most Harley-Davidson fairings, like the Street Glide or Electra Glide, are designed for 6.5-inch speakers. Always measure your specific model year before buying, as sizes sometimes change.
Q: What does “coaxial” mean for speakers?
A: Coaxial means the tweeter is mounted in the center of the woofer cone. This design lets you fit two speaker drivers into one small mounting hole, which is perfect for tight motorcycle fairings.
Q: Should I buy speakers with built-in Bluetooth?
A: Most fairing speakers connect to your existing radio unit or a dedicated motorcycle head unit. If you want to stream music from your phone without a radio, look for a separate Bluetooth adapter or a head unit that includes Bluetooth connectivity.
Q: How loud is too loud for listening while riding?
A: Wind noise at highway speeds can easily reach 90-100 decibels (dB). You need speakers that can safely play above that level without distortion. However, always protect your hearing by not playing music excessively loud for long periods.
Q: Does installation affect sound quality?
A: Yes, greatly. If speakers are installed loosely or angled incorrectly, the sound waves bounce around inside the fairing instead of going toward your ears. Secure mounting and correct aiming are crucial for clear sound.