All posts in “Bikes”

Ducati Alaskan Junior

The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is one of the company’s most formidable off-road-ready bicycles. And it’s also beloved by the moto community thanks to its sheer beastliness. After the iconic Alaskan build, which pushed the envelope even further, Alex Earle, based in Los Angeles, has decided to come out with a worthy sequel. Meet the Ducati Alaskan Junior.

The Alaskan Junior, as the name implies, hews from the base inspiration and plays off the bike’s many merits. Suffice it to say that it’s not a better bike by any stretch of the imagination. However, it does have the same design principle, silhouette, and powertrain as its father. That means it’s every bit as powerful and off-road-ready.

The reason why the Alaskan Junior exists is that Alex and his team at Earle Motors wanted to make a bicycle that’s not as intimidating as their most recent ride. So they went back to the drawing board. They reinvented the platform and made a stripped-down version that’s just as brawl-ready when put on the desert.

The main highlight of this custom job is the set of swingarm extenders. This enables the implementation of true off-road wheels and tires. That means riders get to enjoy Pirelli Scorpion XC rubber and performance-oriented Ducati hubs.

If you have a Desert Sled and this looks scrumptious, hit the link below to know how to dress your ride with Earle’s refined parts. We imagine it’s not going to be cheap, but do inquire to get a full list of options and pricing.

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Photos courtesy of Earle Motors

Curtiss Warhawk Bike

Curtiss Motorcycles has done it again. At this point, should we even be surprised? The shop has put out a coterie of impressive custom jobs in years past. Its newest, called the Curtiss Warhawk, is no different. Like its siblings, the bike is a beastly bang-up job that says, “Screw it. We’re not about subtle.”

Indeed, it’s immediately apparent just after one glance that this is no ordinary ride. But explore its innards and you’ll find an equally impressive array of specs to match. First off, there’s a 132 cubic-inch triple cashaft V-twin engine. That amounts to 150 brake horsepower output — on a bike that weighs 570 pounds.

The chassis, an aluminum monocoque, features a double wishbone parallelogram front fork. There’s also a fabricated rear aluminum swing arm to round out the metallic profile. Top speed is rated at over 165mph. How much does it cost? Well, you can get this one for your garage just for the low, low price of $112,00.

By the way, this is the first Curtiss motorcycle in 105 years, if you can believe that. It’s also the last Curtiss to feature a Petrol V-twin engine. If this is something you think you want, act fast. The shop will make just 36 examples, so you better get that check ready stat. This is also the first and last of its kind, just so you know. Curtiss, which changes its name this year, will switch to all-electric propulsion for their builds moving forward. What a swan song, though.

CHECK IT OUT

Photos courtesy of Curtiss Motorcycles

Bird Cruiser

Electric scooter startup Bird has unveiled the two-seater Bird Cruiser minibike. As a company, Bird is no joke. The multibillion-dollar outfit helped kick-start the micro-mobility movement globally — it even regards itself a “disruptor.”

But the Bird Cruiser shows it adapting a more familiar, less innovative idea. The ride boasts padded seats, hydraulic disc brakes, and an LCD matrix display — additions meant to address the general apprehension toward purchasing electric bikes. Bird is coming out with two versions: one comes with a throttle, where you’ll place your feet on pegs to advance forward. The other is a pedal-assist variant, which works more like a traditional bike.

Essentially, the Bird Cruiser is a sophisticated mix between a bicycle and a moped. It also marks Bird’s first move outside of the kick scooter space. The ride is also part of the startup’s shared vehicles fleet. And also its Bird Platform program where it lets enterprise users run their own businesses using Bird’s vehicles.

The bike is launching this summer in select territories; Bird will distribute the peg and pedal-assist variants according to market. Both bikes boast a 52-volt battery, which is typical of e-bikes these days. It can track hills without a hiccup, just so you know.

“Bird’s introduction of shared e-scooters spurred a global phenomenon and mode shift away from cars,” said Bird founder and CEO Travis VanderZanden. “Starting this summer, people can move about their city and explore new neighborhoods together, without a car. Designed and engineered in California, Bird Cruiser is an inclusive electric-powered option that is approachable, easy-to-ride and comfortable on rough roads.”

https://cruiser.bird.co/

Deus Ex Machina Goof Bike

Australian bike builder Deus Ex Machina is one of our favorite custom moto shops around, and their wares range between fun and menacing. Their latest offering easily plays in the former camp, and it’s appropriately…

       

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Muli Cargo eBike

Muli’s Cargo eBike is a cleverly designed electric bike that focuses on storage but also mobility. With a massive carriage on the front, urban cyclists get a compact, multi-functional solution to traveling around the city with their gear in tow. Or their little toddler, even, safety permitting.

At 6.4 feet in length, the bike is a tiny but robust ride, with the front centerpiece offering a whopping 90 liters of cargo. You can use it for carrying deliveries, groceries, or anything you want to schlep on your travels with.

There’s an integrated Pendix middle motor that promises to offer powerful acceleration when needed. It can easily handle riders up to 375 pounds in weight. That doesn’t include that cargo, by the way. You can 154 pounds more and it’ll still go.

Unfortunately, this thing isn’t cheap. At $4,700, it’s one of the most expensive eBike options we’ve come across. But if you the type of cyclists who has a lot to carry daily, this might be the perfect option. And did we mention that cargo space folds when you don’t need it?

Whether that kind of ingenious design merits a nearly $5,000 price point is for you to decide. Bear in mind that you can always just hit the car on the way. But if you don’t want to waste gas, this is definitely the more eco-friendly option. If this model isn’t your particular cup of tea, hit the link below to check out other bikes from Muli.

GET IT HERE

Specialized Roubaix Makes For Ultra-Comfy Cycling

Fast doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable. In fact, you really can’t focus on speed if something is off about your bike, especially if it feels ergonomically unsound. The Specialized Roubaix is a great choice that deals with both reasonably.

The best bikers in the world didn’t reach the finish line with a scraggly ride. They reached that milestone because their gear choices were topnotch, designed to withstand even the most unforgiving terrains. Specialized took the experience of riding cobbles at 28mph and used it to make a bike you can sit comfortably on even while coursing through very poorly maintained tracks. Not only that, but one that’s also stiff and aerodynamic enough to compete with the best bikes in the world.

It’s not the lightest of racing bikes, though. But it is very, very comfortable — fitting for riders who want to take it even further. It surely won’t hold a candle to the Specialized’s Tarmac or Venge models, to be frank. Even still, it’s far more comfortable than either of those. Key to this is its Pavé seatpost, which features an aero-shaped design specifically made to boost rider comfort.

The bike features Future Shock 2.0 technology which Specialized brought in previous model years. Designed for rough-terrain riding, it ensures a smooth, efficient ride as you roam around uneven landscapes. This new version also lets users adjust the damping and stiffness of the shock. That goes a long way to making the bike be more rigid and responsive. Hit the link below to find out how you can buy.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Rikuo Type 97 Bike

We’ve searched high and low to bring you some of the most notable bikes that have ever burned asphalt on this planet. But none of them are sleeker than this Rikuo Type 97. Which, as you can see, has been restored to absolute perfection.

Iconic military vehicles are tough to spot, especially ones that have the same components they started with. Which is why this bike is a particular masterstroke of a restoration job. But first, a brief history lesson. In the 1930s, Rikuo was one of Japan’s neophyte bike manufacturers, now presiding over an who’s-who of today’s Asian motorcycle builders.

Back to the ride itself. The original Rikuo Type 97 boasted an American-made L-head Harley-Davidson motor. That was its centerpiece, and the contracted military motorcycle prospered as a result. The ride came after a licensing agreement between the companies, which then led to the import of foreign powertrains and parts. This greatly helped Harley-Davidson survive one of United States’ darkest days: The Great Depression.

This ride was truly the product of a collaboration that went beyond just fusing two names together. Underneath you’ll find a 1,200cc VL-Series engine, manufactured and implemented in Japan throughout the war. On the other hand, Harley-Davidson contributed its 3-step gearbox, parallelogram-linked front forks, and rigid suspension.

Unfortunately, all great relationships have an end. In 1962, following decreasing sales and rising product costs, Rikuo pulled the Type 97 “RQ.” Today, this ride value hovers north of $6,000, but its historical imprints are priceless.

CHECK IT OUT

Photos courtesy of Motorworld

1960 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLCH Survivor Bike

While we’re all for stripping a bike down to its component parts and rebuilding it from scratch, there’s something to be said for the less is more mentality when it comes to barn finds. This…

Jetpack Aviation Is Building the World’s First Flying Motorcycle

Love riding your motorcycle but want to skip all the potholes, traffic congestion and limited access of traditional road riding? Get a flying motorcycle! Seriously. Jetpack Aviation (JPA) is building the world’s first flying motorcycle…

2019 Ducati Diavel 1260

If you saw a Ducati Diavel blazing down the street, you’d never mistake it for anything else. Just the motormaker’s signature high-brow style is enough to clock one in the wild, including both its sports bikes and cruisers.

Ducati has exciting plans for its Diavel for this year. The 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 marks the second-generation release of this beastly platform. It now comes with upgraded specs, a better trim, and an overall presence that packs even more oomph than before.

The first Diavel 1260 model was released in 2018. It came equipped with a six-speed Testastretta DVT 1262 engine that features Desmodromic Variable Timing. For the uninitiated, that’s Ducati’s own valve operation. It enables optimal valve events from the first rev of the engine all the way through the bike’s highest RPM range.

On the 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260, you’ll find a 1,262cc engine that squeezes out roughly 159 horsepower and 95 foot-pounds of torque. There’s also an upgraded chassis with Bosch cornering ABS and a reworked riding position. That should pretty much keep you in good company when it comes to handling and control.

If for some reason that this Ducati Diavel configuration doesn’t sound all that impressive to you, do know that an “S” model, focused on performance, is arriving sometime in February. It’ll come with an upgraded Ohlins suspension, better brakes, and Quick Shift Evo as standard.

Here’s a bike that perfectly combines the performance of a maxi-naked with the ergonomics of a muscle cruiser. In other words, its classic Diavel on steroids. And if that’s not enough to get you to write a check, you’d be missing out on a supreme ride.

GET IT FOR $20,000

Photos courtesy of Ducati

KR Customs Royal Enfield Continental GT ‘Grigio’ Motorcycle

Quite a few different BMW and Royal Enfield customs that run the gamut from bobbers to scramblers and everything in between have graced these pages. But we can honestly say we’ve never seen anything quite…

2019 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro

You don’t need an introduction to Ducati even if you aren’t that well-versed on motorcycles. Everyone knows they make sleek, powerful, and above all, sexy bikes that can seriously tear up tracks. Continuing that whiz-bang rampage is the just-unveiled 2019 Multistrada 1260 Enduro.

With a horsepower of 158 thanks to the Testastretta DVT 1262 engine coupled with a six-speed transmission, the Multistrada Enduro is a sure-footed beast. But that’s just one of the things that makes this bike a worthwhile catch. You’ll be pleased to know that Ducati also threw in a renewed chassis for improved low-speed maneuvering, a Skyhook Suspension Evo system for utmost versatility for on- and off-road adventures, and plenty of new additions via the built-in electronic instrument panel.

Ducati also gave the Enduro a bigger set of wheels, not to mention a Bosch cornering ABS system. You’ll find eight-level adjustable traction control and two-way quick shifter for faster up or down shifting as well. That’s on top of vehicle hold control for uphill starts. You get all that technology and more, like smartphone integration on the handlebars, a remote starter, cruise control, and LED lighting.

The Multistrada 1260 Enduro engine also has a new alternator cover that houses a new, advanced gear sensor. This change is necessary for the Ducati Quick Shift Up & Down system which allows clutchless upshifting and downshifting. You get four modes, including Sport, Touring, Urban, and Enduro, and each feature specific settings for the suspension and electronic suites. By the way, nearly everything can be customized to your liking.

You can choose between Ducati Red or Sand colorways once this ride hits dealerships in 2019.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Photos courtesy of Ducati

Top 8 Motorcycle Handlebar Speakers

Y

ou’ve got the bike, the helmet, the scarf, the gloves, and even the leather jacket. Aren’t you forgetting something, amigo? Music, that’s what! Every great journey on the back of two-wheels should be accompanied by music. Whether it’s rock, hip-hop or anything in-between, it doesn’t matter. In order to hear it right, motorcycle handlebar speakers offer the best possible way for motorcyclists to listen.

Music and motorcycling have a long history together. Many great songs have been written about motorcycles. Bat Out of Hell by Meatloaf, Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf alone prove our point.

There’s a lot that makes a journey great, especially on the back of a two-wheeler. However, without music, is the experience really as good as it could be? We don’t think so.

You need music to soundtrack your movement. It can make those dramatic turns in the road and the reaching of maximum speed all the more exhilarating. How do you go about combining both bikes and music? Dr. Seuss once said that the questions are complicated, but the answers are simple. That tracks here just as well.

Simply buy yourself some motorcycle handlebar speakers.

However, there are thousands of different motorcycle handlebar speakers out there. Trust us, we’ve looked. You need to think carefully and research carefully before buying. That’s where we come in.

The team at Men’s Gear have worked hard to produce this guide to motorcycle handlebar speakers so that you get the best value for your money. We’re going to count down our pick of the best 8 around. Before we do that, however, there are FAQs we need to address.

What must one Consider when Buying Motorcycle Handlebar Speakers?

Buying motorcycle handlebar speakers without doing research first is simply irresponsible. We don’t want you to make a bad choice, so we’re here to help.

If you want a more freeing music listening experience, then going with handlebar speakers makes all the sense in the world to us. The offer a far better listening experience and standard earbuds ever could.

The next thing you really need to think about is how you want to connect them. Unfortunately, there are not many options in this department. You essentially have two choices. You can pair a speaker or set of speakers with a Bluetooth receiver to a Bluetooth-enabled music player.

However, you can also sync to a portable device such as your smartphone or tablet.

This option allows you to be free of wires, but you can still go down the wire route too. You’d simply use your 3.5mm Auxilary Jack normally. Sound quality isn’t usually determined by the connection but the sound and experience you prefer are what matters in this decision.

Regarding sound quality, you don’t want to spend all that money buying then setting up your new motorcycle handlebar speakers only for your engine to be louder than they are. The sound level is just as important, so be sure to check the sound of your normal to loudest engine roar first, well before buying.

A $16 Decibel Meter can test this very well.

All of this is in addition to the style of the speakers too. As you’d like to find ones that match your bike. We don’t advise yellow speakers with red bikes. You’re not Hulk Hogan at in 1988.

How Do Motorcycle Handlebar Speakers Even Work?

That is another very good question and one with a surprisingly very easy answer. The last thing you want is a complicated installation process. You want to hit the road with a soundtrack to your journeys and adventures right away.

It’s understandable that you’d be worried that there’ll be lots of wiring and complicated tinkering involved. However, regardless of whether it’s a Triumph or Harley, the set up to these speakers is very easy. Particularly if you invest in a Bluetooth set.

Clearly, before you can actually start blasting out your journey with a soundtrack of Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, you need to attach your speakers to your bike.

Manufacturers have made this very simple, and even offer mounting hardware for the speakers to set them up properly. Mounting hardware may sound like an intimidating phrasing, but it’s mostly simple clamps that slot on to your handlebars. They can be adjusted appropriately until they are secure.

The wiring set-up for those types can be more complicated because… well, it involves wiring. While Bluetooth is probably your best bet if you want an uncomplicated life. You simply need to pair your chosen music player or portable device. That could be anything from your iPhone to your Tablet. It’s as simple as that.

Are Some Motorcycles More Suitable for These Types of Speakers Than Others?

The trouble is with this question is there’s no real right or wrong answer. Often, it depends on two things really – the style of handlebars you have and if you have a specific set of speakers. Generally speaking, most manufacturers who make these speakers ensure they have the maximum level of compatibility.

This means that most speakers will fit and work with most motorcycles.

While rare, there are some speakers that need additional accessories to make them fit on specific bike brands. For instance, in our guide, you’ll find one speaker in particular that isn’t suitable right off for installation on Yamaha motorcycles.

A customer actually spoke to Yamaha about the ordeal about the bike and new speakers. Yamaha then happily sent out the additional piece needed to install the speakers. Presto, music then played perfectly on the bike.

We always recommend that you look at the specification and finer details closely. Most motorcycle handlebar speakers will include information about what bikes they are compatible with, while most have universal mounting hardware. Meaning they’ll fit most motorcycles.

Again, it is always worth looking at the size of the clamps and mounting rigs used. This is to see if they match with the thickness and size of your handlebars. There’s also the fact that some are bigger than others. Therefore, you’d need to give some careful consideration as to whether the speakers would get in the way or make riding less safe.

Being in the wrong place could lead to bad sound quality, or worse, a wreck. We do not want either to occur.

We hope with the reviews we’ve put together of our favorite motorcycle handlebar speakers that you’ll be able to find one that fits on your motorcycle with ease.

Which of these Handlebar Speakers Below are Most Suitable for a Harley Davidson?

If we had a Harley, we’d certainly have a handlebar sound system hooked up and we’d be off on the road. As we’ve established, the majority of motorcycle handlebar speakers have universal mounting hardware. You’ll generally find that most can be fitted to most bikes.

Like maple syrup and pancakes, there’s also some handlebar speakers that are better for combining with a Harley than others.

Take the Lexin S3 3-Inch Waterproof Motorcycle Audio System as an example. In the manufacturer’s spec for this speaker, Harley Davidson motorcycles are specifically mentioned as being compatible. More specifically, the Harley Davidson Street, Sportster, and Softtail motorcycle models.

We’d also recommend the Scosche BoomBars Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Bike Mount. It already looks intimidating and impressive, so why not pair it with one of the most intimidating and iconic bike brands on the planet?

Another to try on a Harley is the Golden Hawk 300-Watt Full Range Stereo Speakers. It makes perfect sense to us that this would be a good match for a Harley too.

Also, make note that the Kicker 3-inch Weatherproof Enclosed Mini Speaker System would be a good set to use with a Harley. Mainly due to its size, we feel it would look great and fit extremely well. If you’re looking for the truly best match for your Harley, the three we’ve noted would be ideal.

However, you’ll find that any of the speakers below will fit well enough. The only issue will be the sound level and quality, which is still often fine. Often times, this is a preference thing. Despite that, the ones mentioned above are likely the best for Harley Davidson models.

What Motorcycle Handlebar Speakers are the Loudest?

Loudness and sound quality are always vital aspects you need to take into consideration when buying sound systems. You probably have no intention of waking up the dead by booming Metallica or Guns ‘n’ Roses at full blast. That said though, you still want to hear the music as it was intended.

There’s no point in having a speaker if you can’t hear Tool’s prog rock and metal soundscapes. That‘s even without being on the back of a roaring beast of a bike. Why have speakers you cannot hear anything out of, right?

Another consideration you need to be concerned with is the wattage any of the motorcycle handlebar speakers have. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the wattage a speaker has, the louder the sound will be.

Applying that rule to the products in our guide, there are many that stand out. To start with, MTX Universal 6 Speaker All-Weather Handlebar Sound System has 150-watts of power in total, which is quite powerful.

The Golden Hawk 300-Watt Full Range Stereo Speakers set we mentioned before, but it’s that good. It provides 300-watts of power, obviously. There are some discrepancies with the experience customers had, however. That power rating is amazing even still.

The highest by far on our list is the BOSS Audio Systems Bluetooth Weatherproof Sound System and the Sound Storm Weatherproof Sound System. Both of which come in at 600-watts. It’s worth remembering that there’s more to think about than just the wattage. We feel we’ll certainly show you some speakers you’ll want right away.

Now that we’ve covered the big questions about these useful accessories, it’s time to look at our top picks for motorcycle handlebar speakers. Check it out!

1) BOSS Audio Systems Bluetooth Weatherproof Sound System

You want to feel like the boss on the road, don’t you? That’s why you want to make a lasting impression and entrance wherever you roll up. Even if it’s for less arrogant reasons, there’s no shame in wanting to look cool. The first on our list of motorcycle handlebar speakers is this awesome set from BOSS Audio Systems that’ll help you stand out fast.

The BOSS MCBK420B offers the kinda versatility you want from a portable sound system. You can either pair it with a Bluetooth-enabled device, such as your smartphone and tablet or connect it via the 3.5mm Aux. It consists of two 3-inch speakers with a smart black finish that can be adjusted by one inline control.

Some days you just want to say ‘to hell with it’ and head out on the highway looking for adventure. Regardless of whatever comes your way. Yes, that was a very deliberate reference, you wild man.

With this BOSS set, all you need to do is fire up the engine. Well, once you’ve set up the speakers of course. Then blast those tunes as you ride around town or along those mountain ridges and country roads. To say this is a deceptively beefy sound system would be an understatement.

After all, the built-in amplifier can produce a maximum of 600-watt. Definitely, one to consider.

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2) MTX Universal 6 Speaker All-Weather Handlebar Sound System

Why not have something a bit more substantial than just one speaker? With the MTX Universal all-in-one 6 speaker sound system, that’s what you get. This is one system that’s really made for all you rockers out there. Even if you want to blast some high-velocity EDM, we’re sure this will do the trick and we certainly won’t judge you for that.

Six speakers come in this set and are divided up into four 1-inch high-frequency tweeters and two 2-inches by 3-inches full range drivers. That might sound like a lot to fit onto even the most spacious handlebars, but don’t worry.

Remember, it’s an all-in-one unit.

The speakers are all connected up to a powered amplifier that provides the power needed for you to enjoy some Five Finger Death Punch or The Foo Fighters. In a similar fashion to the above speaker, this set includes an onboard Bluetooth receiver. This will allow you to stream your favorite music from a portable device, such as a tablet or smartphone.

Like most people in any vehicle, you’re bound to get caught in the rain at some point. When that happens, the MTX MUDHSB-B is protected from all elements. Electronic devices protected from the elements, especially rain? You had our curiosity MTX, but now you have our attention.

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3) JBL Cruise Bluetooth Handlebar Speaker Kit

Slick and compact, the JBL Cruise Bluetooth Handlebar Speaker Kit is a terrific model that any motorcycle enthusiast would love. It offers a great solution for listening to your music while roaring along the freeway or those country roads, catching the wind in your hair and helmet.

These motorcycle handlebar speakers come with a pair of 2.5-inch mount-capable speakers. JBL is a very well-known and reputable brand when it comes to loudspeakers and other sound systems. They’re a leader in the sound industry but they make multiple other electronics as well.

Their experience really shows with their attention to detail in the design and construction of these cool speakers. The mirror integration mounting is an awesome touch alone. Although there are some bikes you’ll find it’s harder to install them onto, a quick message to the company and they’ll help you out.

There’s no denying it’s a truly magical experience riding along on a hot summer’s day, but the weather won’t stop you roaring along. That said, why should it stop you soundtracking your journeys? The IPX5 model is waterproof rated, which basically means it will cope with low pressure and a sustained jet spray of water.

You can connect your portable device, whether it’s a tablet, smartphone or other devices via the onboard Bluetooth receiver. This is handy for listening to tunes with portable ease. You can also benefit from moderate, but reasonable enough sound quality 20-watt speakers.

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4) Lexin S3 3-Inch Waterproof Motorcycle Audio System

You know what your bike really needs, dude? A set of bullet-shaped speakers, that’s what. Not only are they strikingly shaped, but they’re made from chrome-plated metal. They’re available in a shiny black or chrome color and have an incredibly cool finish.

Each of the speakers in this Lexin S3 audio system is 3-inches in size and capable of producing 25-watts of sound. Installation of these speakers is as easy as warm apple pie. Simply pair the speakers with your chosen Bluetooth-enabled device or plug it into the appropriate Aux port and you’re good to go.

Ready to listen to a bit of Boney M and Rick Astley, while thundering along at 50mph? You’ll be all set to do so within minutes.

As is the case with most on our list, the Lexin S3 motorcycle audio system is waterproof and will function properly in inclement weather. Whether you’re more of a punk rocker, heavy metaller, or old school rocker, then Lexin will not let you down. Even when Mother Nature seems to have it in for you.

The high quality of sound produced by these motorcycle handlebar speakers is tremendous. Plus, it’s easy to mount, and it comes in at a price of less than $70. That makes this a model we’d be happy to get and it’s clearly a very good deal.

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5) Scosche BoomBars Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Bike Mount

The Scosche BoomBars Portable Bluetooth handlebar speaker is simply incredible. This speaker is awesome for a variety of different reasons. For one thing, it operates completely wirelessly and connects up with your portable devices. It doesn’t matter if it’s your smartphone, tablet, or music player, it all connects via Bluetooth.

This gives you completely hands-free playback. Just what you need when you’re riding along on your bike.

These motorcycle handlebar speakers can mount onto your handlebar directly using the clamp it comes with. Meaning no complicated set-up.

It doesn’t need to have the batteries replaced regularly like other systems. It’s powered by a rechargeable battery that gives you around 5 hours of music. Take a moment to just look at this thing. If you want something that’ll make your bike look more extra badass than it already does, adding this will do just that.

It’s big, looks impressive, and works very well. However, it’s more than just a beautiful thing on the outside, your favorite tunes and radio are blasted out from the 35mm 2-W up-firing speaker. The speaker itself sends your tunes in different directions. However, the mount can be rotated to enable you to position the speaker in whatever direction you want.

Don’t have a Bluetooth-enabled device or just prefer to connect to an actual wire? You can connect your portable device with the use of an AUX 3.5mm cable.

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6) Golden Hawk 300-Watt Full Range Stereo Speakers

Do you sometimes feel like an eagle or a hawk soaring through the sky as you’re racing along the freeway or taking those quick trips along inner-city roads? The perfect companion for a true hawk of the open road is the Golden Hawk 300-wall full range stereo speakers.

Gaze in wonder at just how shiny the finish is on them. They actually resemble motorcycle helmets, with their aerodynamic design. With a rating of IP56 for waterproofing, they’re made to cope with serious rainfall. Especially on those days when you won’t let a good soaking stop you hitting the road.

Come rain or shine, you’ll be able to blast Speed King, Born to Be Wild or Toto’s sublime AOR classic Africa. You can’t go wrong with a bit of Toto, can you? Whether you want to leave it to the local radio DJ to choose your ride soundtrack or you want to choose your own incidental music, with the Golden Hawk you can.

They offer a fully functioning wired connectivity via the 3.5mm AUX port. However, you can ‘get with the times, grandpa’ and use the Bluetooth wireless streaming option. Simply pair the device of your choice with the speakers and you’re good to go.

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7) Sound Storm Weatherproof Sound System

A motorcycle gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever, more or less anyway. With motorcycle handlebar speakers, like the Sound Storm Weatherproof Sound System, you also have the freedom to take your music with you. Motorcycling is very much about the experience rather than being just about getting from A to B.

You can get from A to B with style or not, so why not let Sound Storm give you the cool ride? The addition of a sound system makes it much more exciting and memorable. This is a weatherproof set of two 3-inch speakers that connect to an amplifier with a maximum output of 600-watts.

Like all good modern speakers for your handlebars, you get a choice. The choice of whether to connect your speakers wirelessly to your music playing device or to connect it old-school via the 3.5mm AUX wire. The actual mounting hardware you need is included, as you’d expect. It’s also reasonably easy to set up.

Once it is, you’re ready to benefit from some of the best sound quality of any of the items on our list. Any day, any time, any weather, take this baby out and let it boom out loud and proud. Those tunes you normally have in your ear will breath new life!

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8) Kicker 3-inch Weatherproof Enclosed Mini Speaker System

Are you ready for love and looking for a sound system to knock you off your feet? Could it be the Kicker 3-inch weatherproof mini speaker system? We certainly think so. These are real stunners in the looks department. A lot of care and attention clearly went into the crafting of them. Was that you, Zeus?

It didn’t stop at just the looks though. As underneath the durable and robust chrome plating, is speakers that can produce reasonably clear and crisp sound. This comes in loud enough for most any riding situation.

As you’d expect, they come complete with the appropriate mounting hardware that is easy enough to use. To top it off, they can even be connected via Bluetooth. That makes it easy to start playing your favorite music through them right away.

Picture the scene – you’re roaring through the streets of L.A. or Miami and blasting some RTJ, Avenged Sevenfold. Perhaps something more traditional like Led Zep’s Immigrant Song or Black Sabbath’s Paranoid.

Even if you’re more of a Know Your Enemy by Green Day kinda guy, when you combine riding your motorcycle with the music you love, it’s an unbeatable mixture.

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Rev Up Your Engine and Crank the Sound Up

There you have it, gentlemen, we’ve reached an endpoint to our motorcycle handlebar speakers review. This has been a real joy to put together. Are you ready to order one of those beauties listed above, strap them to your bike, and roll out?

Even the guys at Men’s Gear without motorcycles wished they had them so they had an excuse to invest in a set of speakers for the handlebars.

If you were on the fence about motorcycle handlebar speakers before reading this piece, we hope we’ve managed to convince you that they’re a worthy investment when chosen wisely. To that end, we also hope we’ve given you all the information you need to make the right choices when buying these speakers for your cool set of wheels.

There are so many different products to choose from, believe us, we know. That’s why we whittled away at a much larger list until we found “the perfect 8.”

Maybe you didn’t need much convincing and were all but ready to buy a set of handlebar speakers for your Indian, Triumph, Yamaha, or even Harley Davidson. Hopefully, we’ve helped you avoid any major mistakes you may have made without the tips and advice from Men’s Gear.

We want to empower our readers to make the best buying decisions possible.

There’s not much left to do, except wish you all well on your next adventures. Once to begin playing your music on your new motorcycle handlebar speakers, we’re sure you’ll create even more lasting memories. The open road is yours to enjoy, let your favorite music boom out to everyone you pass. Then, let it fuel that adventurous spirit you’ve always had.

Continuous Loop Bicycle By Steve Jenkins

Check out this futuristic bike concept by Steve Jenkins. Its frame features a single, uninterrupted loop, which breaks all sorts of conventions. The artist achieved this by using 3D printing technology, allowing for the seamless, fluid look.

It’s aptly called the Continuous Loop Bicycle, and proves that you can ride bikes in style. The bike’s incredibly innovative and futuristic aesthetic is as much an artistic centerpiece as it is a functional transport tool.  It’s not all just about looks, either. In fact, the frame actually works to provide added durability and stability to the bike. That makes it excellent for leisurely travels or just plain commuting around the city.

It’s a testament to Jenkins’ cleverness that he was able to find a way to dilute the ultra-utilitarian look of conventional bicycles and add some more flair to it. The result, as you see above, is far from decorative and frivolous — it looks skillfully crafted and actually serves a purpose rather than being mere eyecandy. Unlike most designers, Jenkins found the balance between between form and function, taking each of those elements and making them depend on each other to create one of the most beautiful bikes we’ve ever seen here at Men’s Gear.

No word on whether Jenkins plans to make more units of the Continuous Loop Bicycle, though. Given the level of commitment and effort required for manufacturing and production, especially since this one requires 3D printing, he’s probably not itching to make more. What a shame. You can marvel at its intricate beauty in the meantime, though.

STEVE JENKINS’ BEHANCE PAGE

Photos courtesy of Steve Jenkins

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