No doubt, music plays an important role in life of every modern person. Therefore, it is hard to imagine a long journey without playing favorite songs in the background. In such situation, music definitely creates a certain mood and makes extreme driving even more enjoyable. However, it is important to make sound not only loud but also of high quality. For this purpose, it is better to choose professional motorcycle amplifiers. Such devices are designed considering the peculiarities of a two-wheel vehicle. By installing worthy amps, you are going to enjoy deep and clear sound of the top-list hits while riding your motorbike.
Editor’s Choice
Any of the presented models can become a reliable friend for your motorcycle stereo system. In this article, we want to analyze the best motorcycle amplifiers in terms of their construction, installation, and price. These basic characteristics will help you determine the perfect-match for your motorcycle.
Name | Purpose | Dimensions (in inches) | Weight (in pounds) | Power (watts) | Class | Price | |
Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 | Incredible suitability Editor’s choice | 1.53 x 4.25 x 6.75 | 2.54 | 300 | AB | *** | |
Kenwood KAC-M1804 | Perfect for the marine environment | 5.5 x 3.5 x 1.3 | 1.1 | 400 | D | *** | |
DS18 CANDY-MICRO2 | Great for different speakers | 4.8 x 1.5 x 4.2 | 1.2 | 320 | D | * | |
JL Audio HX280 | Awesome for both motorcycles and open cars | 11 x 5.5 x 3.5 | 2.95 | 280 | D | ** | |
Kicker 42PXA2001 | A must-have for ATVs | 7.5 x 5.3 x 3.5 | 1.28 | 200 | AB | *** |
The Agony of Choice, or How to Simplify the Decision-Making
What can be easier than choosing a single part for your beloved two-wheel vehicle? However, this decision turns out to be a real headache. Why? First of all, if you do not have enough specific knowledge, there are very few chances that you can cope with this challenge. Secondly, for bikes owners, it is often difficult to find the best motorcycle amplifiers because of a wide range of cheap Chinese models of poor quality. Such kind of sound equipment is unable to provide top-notch three-dimensional sound. Also, it often breaks down. In turn, you will need to spend more money and time to repair the system. If it is not possible, you are to change the amplifier at all.
Much ado about nothing, isn’t it? Deciding to purchase motorcycle amps, it is preferable to pay attention to the production of well-known brands or their analogs. The latter items are often in no way inferior to expensive sound equipment. Besides, it is important to choose the amplifiers which do not require connection to external batteries. For high-quality sound and comfortable ride, the built-in power is completely sufficient.
Anyway, it does not matter how complicated the choice may seem at first or even second-third-fourth glance, it is surely possible to be made. To simplify your own research and comparing hundreds of amplifiers models, we would like to draw your focus towards the top-5 best motorcycle stereo amplifiers. With the help of this list, you will be able to find the most suitable product for your specific case easily.
Are you ready to start this investigational journey with us? Let’s do it!
It is high time to diversify nothing but numbers and simple data with more interesting details regarding the functionality of each model. Here we go!
The First Recommendation: Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4
Along with the new punch amplifiers, Rockford has also introduced their PBR-series boosted rail model amps. The product under consideration is designed for application-specific installations.
Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 is about a pocket size. This one of the best 4 channel motorcycle amplifier measures roughly six inches by four inches wide and long and only about an inch and a half tall. Such a compact design makes Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 suitable anywhere. Besides, it is a lightweight item.
The biggest design feature of this amplifier is boosted rail circuit. The latter allows the device to use vehicle’s electrical system as its power supply, giving the opportunity to reduce the chassis size of the amplifier. This circuit combines previously mentioned feature with the use of storage capacitors. Therefore, it takes advantage of the charge pump concept. That means this device is able to store energy when it is not in use and then to deliver that stock when called upon. Such a feature provides a significant boost in power and efficiency.
In simple words, the internal capacitors charge up, and the amplifier produces its normal output. But when an output demand is seen by the amplifier, capacitors can discharge their energy. In such case, it doubles the rail voltage of the amplifier, providing significantly higher output.
This design also allows the amp to be very efficient relative to its power consumption. In addition, the user can install this best motorcycle amplifier with the help of relatively small power and ground wire with 10 gauge recommended for a 300-watt model.
Typically, this 4 channel amplifier is used on low current capacity electrical systems, making it ideal to install on motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-side UTVs. It is rated at 75 watts by 4 channels at 4 ohms. However, this product does not do 2 ohms or bridged. In turn, these features prove what a great match this motorcycle amplifier is, not just for small vehicles, but for automobiles, too.
Another advantageous feature of the product is dual signal input capability on a signal input section. That means Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 is able to accept both low-level RCA signals as well as a high-level speaker signal into the same input connection. Thus, we can name the product very versatile when connecting to a factory head unit such as a motorcycle. In turn, it can be mounted in close proximity to the vehicle’s radio.
The connections of the presented motorcycle stereo amplifier are made using four-pin pigtailed Molex connectors. They allow easy connection to the amp itself.
Just like bigger punch amplifiers, Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 detects an embedded DC offset on speaker output of the radio. So it can automatically turn the amplifier on an off.
Of course, mentioned features are just the tip of the iceberg. Believe it or not, but this best motorcycle amp can really surprise you with its functionality and adjustment capabilities. All in all, if you are looking for a professional amplifier for your vehicle, you will not regret choosing this model.
- Intuitive installation
- Incredible power system
- Reliable and beneficial design of the product
- Not very convenient to use power and ground remote connectors
The Second Recommendation: Kenwood KAC-M1804

Companies may start running into issues when doing unique projects like amplifiers for motorcycles. Definitely, this is not that case. Even though space is really a limitation, Kenwood has managed to create a beneficial device.
First of all, its size makes the product greatly suitable not only for motorcycles but also for side-by-side utility vehicles. Apart from the tiny and compact design, this another best motorcycle amplifier can boast of its water resistance feature. Kenwood KAC-M1804 has a conformal coated circuit board in it. Therefore, it resists corrosion on the internal circuitry. Besides, it has a water-resistant cover that goes over the connectors. This product also possesses a metal backed chassis to it.
What’s more, it has either RCA or speaker level inputs. It may seem this feature is common for a lot of alternative solutions, isn’t it? However, what is unique about this, if you want to use RCA level input, you simply just run RCA’s in. If you want to run high-level input, you take a set of additional RCA’s and take the ends of those off. Then you need to strip back the wiring and run it straight to a set of speaker lay. The amplifier will do the rest of work to drop that level down for you.
In addition, such a compact design does not mean you’re sacrificing power at all. Vice versa, this is a great improvement of deck power: you get 45 watts by 4 RMS. So, it is definitely enough to run a set of six and a half, set of five and a quarter’s, and even some over tower speakers as well.
All in all, Kenwood KAC-M1804 definitely deserves to be included in our list of the best motorcycle amplifiers. A wide range of customers can love this product. Moreover, it is great for using in the marine environment.
- Incredible suitability due to its compact design
- Water-resistant
- Not so powerful per channel
- Sounds at low and mid volumes could be better
The Third Recommendation: DS18 CANDY-MICRO2

Since DS18 CANDY-MICRO2 costs just $74, it is the cheapest product of the list. However, such a price does not mean it is far less powerful than our top-winners. That is very much not the case, and this device is really one of the best motorcycle mini amplifiers. Definitely, it is a significant competitor to other presented models.
Do not allow such a tiny product to fool you. This product can really boast of its functionality. Firstly, the characteristic feature of the model is low harmonic content. Secondly, you can get all the benefits from the powerful deep-bass sound tool of the device. Thirdly, neutral reproduction also contributes a lot to the general high-quality of DS18 CANDY-MICRO2.
Apart from the mentioned functions, this best 2 channel motorcycle amplifier allows customers to operate switching capabilities rapidly and smoothly. Besides, you will be definitely surprised how stable the solution is. By that, we mean its excellent temperature mode. Even long hours of work will not be a challenge for this small product.
Moreover, DS18 CANDY-MICRO2 is able to run in the range from 2 to 8 ohms. In this perspective, you can easily find it suitable for various speakers and not even face the need to cope with several issues of the amplifier and speakers’ incomparability.
If you are in trouble trying to install this great amp, do not worry. There is a detailed instructive manual available for free on the Internet.
All in all, DS18 CANDY-MICRO2 is not a casual offer on the market of amplifiers, but it is certainly worth attention.
- Simple installation
- Mini design is great for several vehicles
- Affordable price
- Noisy while operated
The Fourth Recommendation: JL Audio HX280/4

JL Audio has always been known for giving true power specs on all their amplifiers. This case is not an exception. JL Audio HX280/4 is a 4 channel by 50 watts amplifier. If you are bridged up, each of the channels (front and rear) will result in 2 by 140 watts. Besides, this best motorcycle amp is a full range switching amplifier. That means you will achieve the incredible sound in the compact realization.
The amazing thing to get pointed to is NexD technology used in the item. On the one hand, it delivers a very clear fidelity sound. On the other hand, it allows the product to work hours and hours without the need to be turned off because of the temperature issues.
Let’s have a look at one more powerful feature of this device. It is not a totally water-proof product, but surely a water-resistant one. This model is another great candidate to go for if you need an amplifier for the marine environment. However, it can be used on many other applications and not just on boats. JL Audio HX280/4 will be a perfect match for cars like open slot automobiles, beach buggies, golf carts, etc. In addition, this lightweight product feels extremely rugged and well-made.
On the bottom of this best motorcycle amp you can also find a little plate that has a nice small seal. But once you unscrew that, it gives you access to all of the product’s bass booster filters and all your switches in settings. The product can also boast of its really simple easy connections. Here you’ve got 4 channel input. So you will have two sets of RCA’s going in. They are definitely a formula for success when installing JL Audio HX280/4.
On the wiring end panel of the product, you can also find two lights. The green light indicates on-off status of the amplifier. It also means the device works correctly. In turn, the red light turned on means that the temperature protection mode is activated. With the help of these signals, you can easily track the solid functioning of this best motorcycle amplifier.
All in all, this model differentiates with its special technologies available only in JL Audio products. That is why this device is a unique option to choose from. Available in various surroundings and suitable for myriads of applications, this best motorcycle amp can find its customer literally in the twinkle of an eye.
- Compact design
- Easy and smooth installation
- Suitable for both marine and non-marine environment
- The production of the model has been stopped, so you may face some difficulties with the warranty needs
The Fifth Recommendation: Kicker 42PXA2001

Our last winner is a marine style motorcycle amplifier manufactured by Kicker. It is also designed for power sports, boats, and even lawnmowers. This suitability is achieved due to a mini size of the product: it just fits in the palm of your hand!
This best motorcycle amplifier has a good open air circuitry and a solid cover. Besides, it is equipped with a special protection LED. The latter is located on the side power panel. If it is on and red, you have clear evidence that something with your Kicker 42PXA2001 goes wrong while working. If it is blue, you have nothing to worry about.
The amp comes with the 15 amp inline fuse and 10 gauge wire in addition to this harness that has both speaker and RCA outputs, as well as power and ground wire and remote turn-on. Flowing into the amp, it can really make a nice waterproof seal.
On the opposite side of the device, there is a crossover frequency. You can select in the range from 60 to 120 Hertz. What is also great about this product, it has the ability to receive almost all the range of input signals. In this perspective, the final sound result cannot but impress.
All in all, the functionality of Kicker 42PXA2001 is pretty advanced. Therefore, this model is worth consideration definitely.
- Incredible sound
- Compact design
- Easy but not intuitive installation (the manual is required)
- As the evidence has shown, maximum power of the device is approximately 160-170 watts instead of 200 watts as rated
Buyer’s Guide
Have you got an idea to buy a motorcycle amplifier for your vehicle’s stereo system? To make a perfect choice, first of all, you should understand the peculiarities of music production equipment for two-wheeled transport. The main difference between car amplifiers and special motorcycle models is the compact size of the latter.
Besides, there are some other requirements for the chosen motorcycle amplifier. The increased level of wear resistance since this tool is used in extremely difficult conditions and is exposed to moisture, sudden changes in temperature. The presence of a robust “housing”.
Before buying a motorcycle amplifier, you should also pay attention to the built-in power and size of a speaker. In most cases, a motorcycle loudspeaker system consists of a pair of high-quality loudspeakers installed in special dense bodies.
In order to securely fix the equipment, special belts with Velcro or any other mounting structure are used (at owner’s request).
Conclusion
Of course, the choice of a reliable and long-durable motorbike amp is not the easiest task ever. However, who says it is impossible to master this challenge? On our end, we have done everything necessary to simplify your decision-making process.
Naturally, there are much more motorcycle amplifiers available on the market. Some of them are even not less qualitative than the presented models in our top-5 of the best motorcycle amplifiers. However, we believe this list is able to satisfy the needs of the most demanding consumer in the world ever found. No exaggeration.
Hurry up and do not waste a unique opportunity to find an outstanding solution just within a few minutes! Choose the delight in every detail from our list of the best motorcycle amps!
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