Best Motorcycle Helmet Speakers in Australia (2025)
Evan Rally
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Think of carving along the Great Ocean Road or cutting through the Outback with your favourite tracks pulsing through your helmet.
Now picture cranking the volume and still copping tin-can squeals drowned out by wind, engine noise and red dust. That was the reality for a mate before switching to the ADR 169/00–approved Cardo JBL 45 mm speakers. The difference was night and day.
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These speakers now come standard with the Packtalk Pro, along with crash detection and auto on off. The upgrade is massive, but you’d never know just looking at a product page.
After clocking thousands of kilometres and swapping stories at servos and bike meets across the country, we’ve nailed down five helmet speaker kits that actually deliver proper sound at speed.
Here’s the full list.
Best Overall 
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Largest Drivers 
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Value Pick 
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Budget Buy 
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Our top pick for Aussie riders, this JBL collaboration thumps through coastal gusts and Outback dust with booming bass and crisp highs, never a hint of tinniness. | Featuring the heftiest 47 mm drivers on the market, these speakers deliver concert-level volume and deep bass that’ll carry you across the Nullarbor or down the Great Ocean Road. | These 40 mm speakers are a solid step up from the common 30 mm buds in entry-level intercoms, delivering clear sound for next to nothing. | Built as a straight swap for Sena intercom units, this HD speaker kit brings noticeably richer bass and cleaner mids, giving your music, calls, and GPS prompts a big lift on Aussie roads without blowing the budget. |
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Our top pick for Aussie riders, this JBL collaboration thumps through coastal gusts and Outback dust with booming bass and crisp highs, never a hint of tinniness.
- Crystal-clear audio even at 140 km/h and beyond
- Balanced sound, even at full volume
- Intercom, music, and GPS can all come through together without distortion
Featuring the heftiest 47 mm drivers on the market, these speakers deliver concert-level volume and deep bass that’ll carry you across the Nullarbor or down the Great Ocean Road.
- Massive 47 mm drivers for booming bass
- Rugged die-cast aluminium housings built to last
- Long cable for easy routing in most helmets
- Simple plug-and-play wired design, no charging required
These 40 mm speakers are a solid step up from the common 30 mm buds in entry-level intercoms, delivering clear sound for next to nothing.
- Affordable option for everyday riders
- Solid volume for most city and country roads
Built as a straight swap for Sena intercom units, this HD speaker kit brings noticeably richer bass and cleaner mids, giving your music, calls, and GPS prompts a big lift on Aussie roads without blowing the budget.
- Enhanced 40 mm drivers for deeper bass and clearer vocals
- Low-profile fit for most full-face and modular helmets
- Simple plug-and-play installation with adhesive pads
- Built to withstand regular bumps, moisture, and wear
I’ve been running the Cardo + JBL 45 mm helmet speakers for over three years now, and they’re still the best value I’ve come across. They outshine sets that cost nearly twice as much and work with any intercom that accepts a 3.5 mm headphone jack. I first paired them with a Cardo Spirit, and they’ve never let me down.
Because Cardo’s control units are fully waterproof, you can even use a Cardo Spirit with the 45 mm JBL speakers for other pursuits like skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling down in the Snowy Mountains. Just keep in mind the speakers themselves aren’t sealed against moisture, so they’ll need a bit of care if things get soggy.
If you need a completely waterproof setup for the snow or other extreme conditions, the JZAQ Motorcycle Bluetooth Helmet Headset is worth a look. The speakers are fully sealed, the cables reinforced for longevity, and the system swaps between helmets without fuss. It’s a solid choice for winter sports, though not quite as purpose-built for long-distance motorcycling as the Cardo kit.
The Best Bluetooth Speakers for Your Motorcycle Helmet
Fit any of these speaker kits to your helmet and stream your favourite tunes, podcasts, or navigation prompts straight from your phone through a Bluetooth communicator like Sena or Cardo. Make sure your lid offers solid noise insulation, because on open Aussie highways or long Outback stretches, wind and engine noise can drown out even the most powerful speakers.
JBL and Cardo 45mm Motorcycle Audio Kit
This one is my personal favourite. My everyday go-to. The ultimate partnership between JBL and Cardo.
JBL is a name Aussies know well. Their portable speakers, like the Charge 6, pop up everywhere from beachside barbecues to campgrounds and festival sites, pushing out sound far bigger than their size suggests.
Cardo, the Bluetooth motorcycle intercom experts, joined forces with JBL to produce helmet speakers that deliver rich, detailed sound in nearly any riding conditions, from coastal downpours to gusty crosswinds in the Outback. Their standout product is the 45 mm Audio Set.
A mate’s Cardo JBL 45 mm speakers have handled everything, from carving through the Great Ocean Road to tackling long hauls across the Nullarbor. They may not look flashy, but the sound is next-level, like sitting in a Dolby Atmos cinema. Even in stiff winds, they pump out GPS prompts, phone calls, podcasts, or heavy riffs clearly and reliably, whether you’re in a full-face or an open-face lid.
Those speakers have been tested in:
- Crosswinds on the Stuart Highway near Alice Springs
- Traffic jams through downtown Sydney
- Torrential rain riding a touring bike along the Queensland coast
- Flat-out runs on a superbike along the Great Alpine Road
At a sensible volume, they turn your helmet into a private sound booth. Highs are crisp, bass is solid, and mids are clear, so you don’t have to keep fiddling with the controls, skipping songs, or switching the sound off in frustration.
Cardo’s 45 mm set genuinely delivers. Can you still hear what’s around you? Absolutely. Road noise and your exhaust sit in the background, giving your music or calls priority without shutting you off from the world.
If these don’t impress, nothing will. Grab a set, close your laptop, and hit the road. You’re sorted, at least until your next service.
This premium JBL collaboration delivers clear highs and deep, punchy bass, with enough volume to rise above wind and road noise, even on Australia’s long, open roads.
- Crystal-clear audio even at 140 km/h and beyond
- Balanced sound, even at full volume
- Intercom, music, and GPS can all come through together without distortion
IASUS XSound 4 Helmet Speakers
At 125 dB at maximum output, these are the loudest motorcycle helmet speakers we have tested.
Does that make them the best? Not necessarily.
Anything over 100 dB can do more harm to your hearing than good, even at 190 km/h on a closed course. For perspective, 125 dB is about as loud as having an air horn blasting beside your ear.
If you ride with earplugs, this level of volume will still allow you to hear your music, podcasts, phone calls, and intercom communications clearly in almost any riding condition. That is a big advantage for long highway stretches or windy mountain passes.
Another plus is their design. These speakers measure just 9.9 mm thick, which is incredibly slim for 45 mm drivers and even slimmer than the Cardo JBL kit. Why does that matter? It means they will not press against your ears, so there is no need to carve or alter your helmet padding to get them to sit comfortably.
Each speaker is also equipped with “acoustic flex” cushioning, which improves sound isolation and boosts comfort. The cushion rests right against your ear, reducing outside noise and directing every note and word straight to you.
On top of that, the Kevlar-reinforced extension cord prevents the fraying and wear issues that can occur with other sets, like some UClear models. Kevlar is tough enough to stop bullets, so it can handle the rigours of Australian riding conditions without issue.
You can use these to upgrade your current Bluetooth unit or connect them directly to your phone using the included extension lead.
These 45 mm drivers deliver strong, detailed sound, but what sets this set apart is its ear-cupping design. The speakers are shaped to fit snugly around your ears, improving isolation and clarity, whether you are on a long outback ride or facing gusty coastal winds.
- Ear-cupping design for improved isolation and immersive audio
- Powerful output that cuts through wind and engine noise
- Includes an extension cord for easy connection to your phone or Bluetooth unit
UClear Digital HDX 47 mm Helmet Speakers
With the biggest 47 mm drivers on the market, these speakers pump out serious bass and huge, room-filling volume that cuts through wind and engine noise whether you’re cruising the Great Ocean Road or tackling outback highways.
But size isn’t everything. The strong low end can drown out the mids, which can make vocals and GPS prompts harder to hear, particularly when you’re rolling at lower speeds.
Still, they tick plenty of boxes. The build feels rugged, with die-cast housings that stand up to knocks and scrapes, and the extended cable means you can plug them straight into your phone without wrestling with Bluetooth pairing.
They also come at a friendlier price than the Cardo JBL 45 mm kit and don’t need charging. The downside is you sacrifice wireless convenience, and with heavy use you might find yourself replacing the cable occasionally.
If you want chest-thumping bass and don’t mind sticking to a wired setup, the HDX 47 mm speakers will deliver the volume you’re chasing. Riders looking for a more balanced, wireless system might want to look elsewhere.
These 47 mm drivers bring deep, hard-hitting bass and big volume, while their standout features are the precision-engineered acoustics and sturdy die-cast housings that sit securely in your helmet for better sound and durability.
- Massive 47 mm drivers for booming bass
- Rugged die-cast aluminium housings built to last
- Long cable for easy routing in most helmets
- Simple plug-and-play wired design, no charging required
Sena SC-A0325 HD Speakers
With 40 mm drivers capable of reaching up to 122 dB (louder than a pneumatic drill), the Sena SC‑A0325 speakers easily rise above wind and engine noise, whether you’re riding through Sydney’s busy streets or cruising along the Stuart Highway.
The catch is compatibility. These speakers don’t have standalone Bluetooth, so they’re designed exclusively for use with Sena intercom units. If you’re running another brand, these won’t work with your setup.
On the upside, they deliver solid, well-balanced bass and crisp mids, and their slim 10 mm design makes them a comfortable fit inside most full-face and modular helmets without putting pressure on your ears.
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Some riders mention that the cable sheath can stiffen over time, sometimes causing brief audio dropouts. The included adhesive pads may also need replacing after several months of heavy use.
While you can skip tracks and control volume using your Sena remote, this wired kit keeps you tethered to your communicator and requires occasional upkeep to keep everything running smoothly.
If you’re already using a Sena unit and want a noticeable boost in bass depth and vocal clarity, the SC‑A0325 gets the job done. Just be ready for some maintenance along the way.
Designed specifically for Sena headsets, this speaker kit improves bass and midrange performance without adding bulk. Its tuned diaphragms and slim profile keep music, calls, and intercom audio sharp and clear, even at highway speeds.
- Enhanced 40 mm drivers for deeper bass and clearer vocals
- Low-profile fit for most full-face and modular helmets
- Simple plug-and-play installation with adhesive pads
- Built to withstand regular bumps, moisture, and wear
IASUS XSound 2.1R Helmet Speakers
The IASUS XSound 2.1 speakers deliver reliable audio at a price that won’t stretch your wallet, making them a practical choice for Australian riders who want to upgrade their helmet sound without going all in on a premium setup.
These 40 mm drivers provide solid audio performance, with strong bass and clear mids and highs. Riders we’ve heard from (plus close to a thousand reviews on Amazon) agree they don’t quite match the richness and clarity of the Cardo + JBL kit, but for most rides, they’re more than capable.
Each set includes a one‑metre extension cable, so you can get them fitted right out of the box and plug into your phone or intercom without hassle. There’s no tricky Bluetooth pairing unless you want to link up with other riders through a separate communicator.
Compared to UClear’s offerings, the XSound 2.1 gives you a more balanced range across lows, mids, and highs, though they top out at 98 dB — about as loud as a car horn from a few metres away. For city rides and most backroads, that’s enough, but riders who regularly tackle long, windy highways may find themselves craving the extra volume from the Cardo + JBL 45 mm kit or the higher-end XSound 4.
The bonus? The XS2.1 is roughly half the cost of the Cardo + JBL kit, which makes it a smart buy if your helmet has decent sealing and your rides don’t involve excessive wind or road noise.
These 40 mm speakers are a solid step up from the common 30 mm buds in entry-level intercoms, delivering clear sound for next to nothing.
- Affordable option for everyday riders
- Solid volume for most city and country roads
- Doesn’t match the depth or detail of premium alternatives
Alternatives to Drop‑in Speakers for Your Motorcycle Helmet
Even the best helmet speaker kits have their drawbacks.
So what’s the challenge with my Cardo + JBL 45 mm setup?
They’re a pain to swap between helmets.
The fix?
Earbuds.
A solid pair of earbuds lets you bring your music and podcasts everywhere — on the bike, on flights, or when you just need to tune out the world at home.
Of course, there are downsides: getting a comfortable fit, buds slipping out, and no way to hook into a Bluetooth intercom system.
Earbuds can be pretty uncomfortable under a helmet, pressing into your ear canal and leaving you with sore ears after a while. That irritation can easily lead to frustration, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to keep your attention on the road.
They also have a habit of slipping out while you’re riding, and when they do, they’re often gone for good. Replacements aren’t exactly cheap, either.
If you’re willing to deal with those risks, here are a few options worth checking out.
AirPods
Whatever your opinion of Apple, AirPods come about as close as it gets to the ideal all‑round audio option for Aussie riders.
• Clean, detailed sound without cranking the volume to dangerous levels
• No wires to snag on your jacket, zips, or helmet straps
• Pop them in and they connect instantly to your Apple devices
• Slim and compact enough to fit comfortably even in a snug lid
• All for about the same price as a mid‑range Bluetooth communicator and speaker kit, with the bonus of doubling as everyday earbuds off the bike
Not bad at all.
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The design isn’t to everyone’s taste, but the bigger challenge comes once you’re riding. With AirPods inside your helmet, you’re stuck with whatever’s on your playlist — there’s no easy way to skip tracks or adjust volume without fishing out your phone.
Battery life can also be a sticking point. Depending on how old they are, you’ll get four to six hours before needing to recharge. That’s nowhere near the almost unlimited playtime you’ll get from wired helmet speakers, or the 13‑plus hours from a Bluetooth communicator like the Cardo Packtalk Edge, which you can charge while you ride. On top of that, a proper communicator lets you talk to other riders, something AirPods can’t do.
If you’re fine with pulling over to pop them back in their charging case, they’ll last a full day’s ride.
For sound quality, they beat nearly every helmet speaker kit on the market, and since they double as your go‑to earbuds off the bike, they’re a handy option for many riders.
Premium wireless earbuds with personalised audio, active noise cancellation, and hearing‑assist features.
- Over 24 hours of battery life with the case
- Active noise cancellation for clear sound in loud environments
- USB‑C and MagSafe charging options
- Works with Apple and Android devices
- Pricey if you only plan to use them on the bike
Beats Flex
As much as I like AirPods, I wouldn’t have lost that left one last summer if I’d been using my Beats Flex.
These solve the disappearing earbud issue by connecting the two buds with a neckband cable, like the old-school wired in-ear sets.
I prefer using them on the bike because the in-line controls sit right by your neck. Want to skip a track? Easy. Phone call coming in? Pick it up without digging through your jacket for your phone.
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They don’t feature active noise cancelling, but they make up for it with that trademark bass that Beats is known for, which adds plenty of depth to your music when you’re on the move.
Battery life is reliable too, with most tests showing over 10 hours on a single charge — plenty to get through a full day of riding without needing to recharge.
For those looking to keep costs down, the Beats Flex are significantly more affordable than AirPods while still delivering comparable sound quality.
If you’re someone who tends to misplace earbuds or hates when your shuffle pulls up that one track you accidentally liked years ago, the Beats Flex are a practical, budget-friendly alternative.
The Beats Flex offer punchy bass, seamless Bluetooth pairing thanks to Apple’s W1 chip, and up to 12 hours of playback—all in a lightweight, neckband-style design.
- 12-hour battery life
- Built-in microphone for calls
- Neckband wire helps prevent losing them
- The cable can feel cumbersome for some riders
Testing Criteria
This guide is based on first impressions of each speaker kit, with full hands‑on testing underway following the method and standards below.
Each set is being assessed against several core factors:
• Overall sound quality
• Volume and clarity across the entire frequency range
• Comfort on short commutes and long-distance rides
• How straightforward they are to install in different types of helmets
To keep testing fair, every evaluation uses the same headform and helmet, a Shoei RF‑SR. Each speaker kit is paired with a Cardo Packtalk Edge communicator connected to an iPhone 15 Pro, streaming music and podcasts through Spotify.
The playlist for testing spans a mix of genres to push each set to its limits: rock and country for balanced vocals and instruments, electronic for sharp highs, classical for dynamic range, hip hop for deep bass, and pop for overall mix. Podcasts like How I Built This are also used to gauge spoken‑word clarity.
Baseline testing is done in a quiet, controlled indoor space, while on‑road evaluations take place in riding conditions across Australia: busy city traffic, open country highways, and fast divided roads at a range of speeds, with the visor both open and closed. The bikes used include a Honda ADV160 and a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT.
FAQs
What are the best helmet speakers for music?
For riders who put music first, the standout choice is the Cardo 45 mm JBL kit. These speakers pump out powerful, immersive sound, and their 45 mm drivers offer roughly 27% more surface area than the standard 40 mm speakers found in most other kits. That extra size means a wider dynamic range, with deep, resonant bass and crisp, detailed highs.
Whether you are cruising along the Great Ocean Road with blues ballads or threading through Sydney traffic with pop tracks, the Cardo 45 mm JBL kit keeps every note sharp, clear, and audible above wind and engine noise.
This premium JBL collaboration delivers clear highs and deep, punchy bass, with enough volume to rise above wind and road noise, even on Australia’s long, open roads.
- Crystal-clear audio even at 140 km/h and beyond
- Balanced sound, even at full volume
- Intercom, music, and GPS can all come through together without distortion
Are the JZAQ Motorcycle Bluetooth Helmet Headsets any good?
The JZAQ Bluetooth helmet headsets tend to split opinion among riders. Some swear by them for their budget-friendly price and waterproof build, while others feel they’re best suited for casual use rather than serious touring.
These headsets are built mainly for riders who want music and hands-free calling, rather than full intercom capabilities. While they can connect to your phone via Bluetooth for calls, navigation, and streaming, they do not integrate with premium systems like Cardo or Sena for rider-to-rider communication.
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On the plus side, the JZAQ system is fully waterproof, the speakers are ultra-slim at under 10 mm, and the kit includes a simple, glove-friendly control module for changing tracks, adjusting volume, or answering calls without having to touch your phone. For riders in wet or variable conditions, that durability is a big plus.
One rider we spoke with said the sound quality holds its own against entry-level helmet audio kits, delivering clear mids and highs that stay audible even in moderate crosswinds or at typical highway speeds. Bass response is lighter than what you get from higher-end kits like the Cardo JBL 45 mm set, but the JZAQ is more about affordability and practicality than audiophile performance. At roughly $50–60 CAD, they’re far cheaper than most premium systems, but keep in mind they’re not designed for intercom use with other headsets. For riders who mostly ride solo or just want a simple, waterproof way to stream music and take calls, the JZAQ system is a solid pick. For those seeking intercom and premium sound, Cardo or Sena kits remain the better choice.
What are the loudest motorcycle helmet speakers?
The Cardo 45 mm JBL speakers are the standouts for sheer volume, capable of hitting around 120 dB, which is about as loud as a rock concert. But it is not just about loudness. These JBL‑tuned drivers also excel in clarity, thanks to their larger 45 mm size, which offers a wider frequency range than most 40 mm kits, delivering deep, resonant lows alongside crisp mids and highs.
In testing, a year‑old pair connected to a Cardo Packtalk Custom still pumped out over 90 dB while blasting 90s country music at full tilt, easily enough to cut through wind and engine noise on Aussie highways. For most rides, half volume is more than sufficient, which still puts you at roughly 90 dB once wind and road noise are added (without earplugs).
Be mindful that prolonged exposure to sound levels over 100 dB can lead to hearing damage, so moderation is key. Even after months of daily use, these speakers keep delivering the same power and clarity as the day they came out of the box.
This premium JBL collaboration delivers clear highs and deep, punchy bass, with enough volume to rise above wind and road noise, even on Australia’s long, open roads.
- Crystal-clear audio even at 140 km/h and beyond
- Balanced sound, even at full volume
- Intercom, music, and GPS can all come through together without distortion
Are motorcycle helmet speakers legal in Australia?
In most parts of Australia, helmet speakers are generally legal and are treated similarly to speakers mounted on your motorcycle. There are no nationwide laws specifically banning them, provided they do not block out important surrounding sounds such as traffic, horns, or emergency sirens.
In‑ear headphones or earbuds, on the other hand, are far more likely to land you in trouble. Because they fully seal your ears, they can be classed as a distraction under state and territory road rules, and in some areas, their use while riding is explicitly prohibited. Helmet speaker kits don’t completely seal to the ear, which is why they typically avoid these restrictions.
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If you are unsure about the rules in your state or territory, or if helmet speakers are not permitted where you are riding, you can always fit a compact speaker system directly to your bike as an alternative.
How do you connect speakers to a motorcycle helmet?
Most helmet speakers are simple to install using the Velcro pads supplied with the kit. Every set we have tested includes both sides of the Velcro needed.
Start by sticking one side of the Velcro inside your helmet, in the recessed areas positioned over your ears. Then, attach the matching Velcro on the back of each speaker and press them firmly into place.
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Ensure the left speaker is fitted to the left side and the right to the right. Adjust their position so they line up directly over your ears when you have the helmet on. This will give you the clearest sound.
Once fitted, your helmet becomes a self-contained sound system ready for music, calls, or intercom use.
Bonus tip: many modern Bluetooth communicators and helmet-mounted cameras now allow you to record your intercom audio along with your ride footage, so you can relive the banter and the ride later.
What’s the best motorcycle helmet with built‑in Bluetooth speakers?
For 2025, one of the strongest options for Australian riders is the Sena Impulse. This premium full‑face touring helmet comes with Sena’s Bluetooth 5.0 and Mesh Intercom 2.0 built directly into the shell, so there’s no need for clip‑on units or extra wires dangling around.
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It features 40 mm Harman Kardon‑tuned speakers that deliver deep bass and clear mids, paired with an advanced noise‑control system to keep your music, intercom, and GPS prompts sharp, whether you’re cruising the Great Ocean Road or cutting through city traffic. The Impulse also includes a built‑in rear light for added visibility and runs for up to 18 hours per charge, making it ideal for long tours.
Tip: Always double‑check the sizing chart when ordering a helmet online. Retailers like Moto Heaven offer flexible return options if the helmet doesn’t fit right, as long as it’s unused and in original condition.
A premium modular helmet with integrated Sena Mesh & Bluetooth communication, high-end Harman Kardon audio, long battery life, and built-in rear taillight—all in a sleek touring package.
- Fully integrated Bluetooth 5.0 and Mesh Intercom 2.0 for seamless rider comms
- Premium Harman Kardon audio with active noise control
- Built‑in rear light and up to 18 hours of battery per charge
- Pinlock anti‑fog insert must be purchased separately
How can I improve my helmet speakers?
Most Bluetooth intercoms ship with stock speakers that are pretty underwhelming. Swapping them out for a set from iASUS or the Cardo + JBL 45 mm kit will instantly lift your audio quality, with fuller bass and sharper highs.
Installing upgraded speakers is simple. Just unplug the standard ones and connect the new set. Most use a 3.5 mm jack, so it’s basically plug‑and‑play with most intercoms.
Need more volume without changing the speakers? A compact 3.5 mm amplifier like the Neoteck HiFi Headphone Amp can boost your current setup, giving it more punch for highway speeds.
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Bose motorcycle helmet speakers, are they any good?
Bose doesn’t make helmet‑specific speakers, so there isn’t an official option for riders. If you’re after near‑Bose audio performance inside your lid, the Cardo 45 mm JBL kit is as close as it gets, delivering rich bass and crisp treble that stay clear even at freeway speeds.
The thing is, Bose products are built for quiet environments, picture flying business class to Sydney with classical music playing softly, not for taking on wind roar and engine noise at 110 km/h. For Aussie riders, brands like JBL and iASUS design speakers tough enough to handle riding conditions.
