Do motorcycles have radios?

 

Do motorcycles have radios?

By Gino Borlado

Does a motorcycle have a radio? The short answer is no. But that doesn't mean that you can't have one. If you're looking to listen to a radio station or pipe in some tunes while you are on the road, check this article out, I've got some options for you on how to listen to music while riding.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Before we talk about listening to the radio or just listening to your favourite riding tunes via Google Music or Spotify, let's talk about what happens when you take your eyes off the road while looking for something to listen to. 

Two types of distractions can occur on the road: visual and auditory. Visual distractions are the most common, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, choosing music, etc. Auditory distractions are less common but include the noises from cars around you, your car engine, and any loud music you might be listening to. In both cases, these distractions can lead to a potentially dangerous outcome on the road.

Visual distraction is the more obvious of the two. As stated above, when you are distracted, you aren't paying attention to the road and end up causing an accident. Whatever the case, avoid getting distracted while riding, as it could cost you your life or the lives of others. 

Why do motorcycles and scooters not have radios?

Simple - they have no space for it. Except for branded big bikes, most motorcycles and scooters have compact bodies, so most manufacturers opt not to fit radios into the bike. Also, although it looks cool to have a speaker system playing your favourite music while you ride, all that music becomes unnecessary noise when you travel down the highway at 80 miles per hour. 

What are your options if you want to listen to music while riding?

This is the beauty of technology in the age of the internet. You can easily find a device that fits your needs and budget. So long as you have a smartphone, a Bluetooth-enabled headset, helmet, or speakers mounted on your motorcycle, you'd be able to listen to music. Let's talk about it in detail. 

Bluetooth Technology

This is the most common and affordable option. A smartphone with Bluetooth capability can be paired with another device, such as a Bluetooth headset or speakers, allowing you to listen to music. 

1. Bluetooth Earphones. 

A Bluetooth headset is similar to a Bluetooth-enabled earbud, but instead of having only a microphone and receiver, you have a microphone, receiver, and battery for power. This means it has to have a rechargeable battery, but you'll still get at least one day of use.

The only inconvenience about this setup is that you must be extra careful while putting on or removing your helmet. Otherwise, you could accidentally drop and lose your earphone.

There are many brands and models of true wireless earphones, but I prefer the Samsung Buds pro because of the excellent sound and long battery life. 

2. Bluetooth Helmet.

A Bluetooth helmet connects the earpiece to your helmet, so you don't have to worry about wearing earphones. Although these are more expensive than wired ones, they provide unmatched convenience and sound quality. With this headset, you don't have to worry about wired earphones and tangled mess.

There are many options in the market nowadays. A personal favourite is the Sena Momentum INC Pro smart helmet, which has an onboard Bluetooth speaker system, voice command, FM Radio, rider-to-rider Bluetooth comms, and a top-mounted camera. 

Like wearing a Bluetooth headset, a Bluetooth-enabled helmet with an onboard speaker system can come with a risk. Avoid the distraction of choosing your music while on the road by setting it up before you take off. Finally, because the music is playing directly to your ear, you have lesser situational awareness, so it's something you need to be mindful of.

3. Bluetooth Speaker system.

If you love listening to your music while riding, get a nice pair of Bluetooth Speakers.

The handlebar-mounted JBL Cruise Bluetooth Speaker system is easy to install, affordable, water-proof, and comes with a USB charging port for your phone. The best thing about this item is that it's a JBL. You can be confident that it will sound great. 

Music Streaming Sofware

I remember the days when we had to lug around 8-track, then cassette tapes, then compact discs to be able to listen to music. These days, we are used to hearing our favourite music on the go. We need internet-connected (wifi or data), music (or video) streaming software, and a speaker to listen to. 

While there are many streaming software out there, I'd like to focus on three - Spotify, Youtube Music, and Apple Music. This streaming software is very similar, but each has its pros and cons.

Spotify ($9.99/month)

Spotify has millions of users worldwide. Their music library boasts over 70 million songs. Their streaming service has an ad-supported subscription and a premium (no ads, unlimited skips) service with the ability to create your playlist. 

Youtube Music ($9.99/month)

Youtube Music has an extensive catalogue of more than 80 million songs. You can search by artist, album, song name, or genre. Youtube Music allows you to download your favourite songs from youtube and listen to them offline. Its most significant advantage is the massive selection of songs in every genre.

Apple Music ($9.99/month)

Apple Music has a library of more than 75 million songs. It has a similar interface to Youtube Music, and you can search by song title, album, or artist. You can also create your playlist. 

Conclusion

Listening to music while riding is a great way to relax and enjoy the ride. Using a Bluetooth-enabled helmet is the way to go if you're looking for a hassle-free, easy-to-use, and fun way to listen to music while still getting protected in case of an accident. Make sure you ride safe, whatever route you take to listen to music while riding (wireless or a speaker system installed on your bike). Thanks for reading, and good luck on your next ride!