Motorcycle Electronics

Today, no matter where we roam, we expect to have connectivity capabilities, so we can communicate, be informed, and entertained. In modern Bluetooth equipped cars and trucks, we can “pair” our smartphones, establishing a wireless link that allows us to make hands-free calls, stream music, and hear audible text messages. In cars and trucks with on-board navigation, we can get turn-by-turn guidance to our destination and real-time traffic alerts. Most 4-wheeled vehicles come with state-of-the-art standard or optional multi-speaker audio systems with incredible sound quality, and on many of them the features mentioned above can be controlled with voice-activated commands. If you want to enjoy comparable communication, information and entertainment competence on your motorcycle, you’ll find what you need to make it happen right here in our huge selection of motorcycle electronics products.

You may be tempted to just use your smartphone and its GPS app for navigation on your motorcycle, but that would be a mistake. A smartphone is not waterproof and must be protected from the elements with a case; the display is not optimized for viewing in sunlight, and when exposed to sunlight for extended periods the unit may overheat and shut down to protect itself; the touchscreen is not conducive for operation with motorcycle gloves on; information may not be accurate when cellular coverage is not available; and smartphones are not designed to handle the vibration from a typical motorcycle engine.

In contrast, dedicated motorcycle GPS units are specifically designed for motorcycle use and the motorcycle environment. They’re durable and waterproof, with easy to read, glove-friendly displays, and because they’re satellite connected you’ll always have the most accurate information no matter where you go. Many have lifetime map updates and provide information on restaurants, gas stations, and points of interest, and some have lane assist with junction view, and allow you to hear spoken directions wirelessly through a Bluetooth helmet headset. And because motorcyclists are much more likely to travel just for the fun and adventure of the road, with some motorcycle GPS units you can customize the route to your destination to experience twisty roads, changes in elevation, and/or the best scenery; automatically record your route so you can easily return the same way if you want to explore a road just for the sights; and even create a service history log for your bike with dates, mileage and type of maintenance procedure.

If you’re like many riders, getting on your bike is a respite from the stress of everyday life, a therapeutic activity that rejuvenates the spirit, and when riding the only entities you want to communicate with are nature and the road, and the only sound you want to hear is the roar of the engine. Even so, we’re betting there’s been at least a few times you wanted to call someone, maybe to share something you saw or experienced, but didn’t want to stop riding to use your phone, or thought of a song that would be the perfect accompaniment for a moment or a road. With gear from our motorcycle communications selection you can make calls and listen to music while riding, and much more. And when you’re traveling with a group of riders similarly equipped, it’s much easier to share points of interest, warn others of road hazards, or just let everyone know you need to hit the rest stop, rather than trying to communicate with hand signals.

On our digital shelves you’ll find universal headsets that include a microphone and speakers, which are designed to plug into factory audio systems, so you can listen to music and easily communicate with a passenger, and we offer Bluetooth headsets that can be wirelessly connected to smartphones, GPS units, iPods and MP3 players. These include microphone, speakers, and a control module that can be easily operated with gloves, so you can make calls, listen to music, and get spoken directions. Some Bluetooth units can be paired with a number of other headsets, enabling communication with a passenger and other riders within a certain range. We have headsets designed for easy installation on a variety of helmet styles including full face, modular, and open face, and some modern helmets are made with features specifically designed to facilitate communication system installation. Along with the above we have connection cords to attach headsets to specific bike audio systems, antennas, microphones, helmet speaker sets and earbuds.

Listening to tunes with helmet speakers may do for some, but if you’d rather rock out the traditional way through external bike-mounted speakers, we have what you need to upgrade your bike to premium sound. Our installation kits make it easy to mount aftermarket receivers in place of original equipment units. They come with harnesses to make wiring painless and the trim plates and bezels that create a factory-like appearance. Or if you’d rather get maximum highway performance that’s compatible with your factory audio system we offer powerful, full range, class D 2-channel and 4-channel amplifiers, including digital units that draw less current. These are bike specific units that include custom mounting brackets and plug-n-play wiring harnesses. Plus, we have model specific speaker upgrade kits and complete amplifier/speaker kits.

Motorcycle instrumentation is improving, with some new bikes now equipped with TFT (Thin Film Transistor) displays that can provide much more information, but many older models are gauge challenged. If your bike has nothing but a speedometer and some warning lights we can provide you with gauges that will help you stay on top of its vital signs, including tachometer, oil pressure, fuel, voltmeter, and even air/fuel ratio and cylinder head temperature. Our electric and mechanical gauges come with analog and digital displays, in universal and vehicle specific fitment. Many of our vehicle specific gauges are upgrades for factory instruments. We also have all the gauge necessities like speedometer cables and drives, sensors and senders. For a custom touch we offer dash plates, dash panels, dash covers, and gauge trim, as well as complete gauge kits and dash trim kits that will give the inside of your fairing a whole new appearance.

Getting electronic gear like smartphones, GPS units and gauges mounted on your bike doesn’t have to be a hassle. While some equipment comes with mounts, since they’re universal the mount provided may not be ideal for your motorcycle or position the instrument exactly where you want it. With our extensive selection of mounts and installation products, you can find the style that’s just right for you and your motorcycle. We have handlebar, fork, mirror, fairing and many other style mounts, and all will provide a secure, stable attachment. In addition to mounts we also have switches, harnesses, connectors, bulk wiring and many other electronics installation needs.

In this era of distracted driving, motorcyclists need many ways to make their presence known on the roadway. Bright lights and loud pipes are proven attention getters, but if they’re insufficient another tool at your disposal is a good horn. We have high decibel rating electric horns in a variety of custom and classic styles, as well as unique design horn covers. Or, go with a dual tone air horn that is several times louder than stock. Air horns come with the compressor and horn in one unit and a relay is usually included for the installation because an air horn draws more current than the factory part.