MHI’s high-output, high-fidelity Rumble Road™ stereo speaker system produces crisp, powerful sound even at highway speeds. The current-generation Premium amplified and Limited non-amplified systems deliver powerful, clear audio response. The Premium produces 46 watts peak power per channel into highly efficient 4-inch coaxial speakers. For both models, our quality speakers are large enough to create great bass response. In particular, the Premium model's custom amplifier and overall packaging generate an impressive range of sound.
The PCxi402 speakers used in MHI’s Premium amplified system feature an Extended Pole Design and Graphite Injected Plastic cone material offering lighter mass compared with older paper cones but without the flexing properties common to paper. The coaxial speakers used in MHI’s Limited, non-amplified system provide near-component performance. The Aluminum Injected Plastic cone material used in these ODxa402 speakers also offers lighter mass compared with conventional polypropylene cones but additional rigidity, thus preventing flexing properties common to poly and paper cones.
For both Premium and Limited systems, these properties give a much "tighter" bass response and smoother high-frequency response without distortions often found at high listening levels.
Do Rumble Road™ speakers perform well at highway speeds?
A number of MHI customers have given us highly enthusiastic feedback as to how good Rumble Road™ speakers sound, even at highway and autobahn speeds. Customers consistently give us positive feedback in this regard. In fact, many riders claim that Rumble Roads have made them "leader of the pack"; other riders fall back so they can enjoy the Rumble Road™™ speakers! To them, we say, "Wouldn’t you rather have your own?" It’s worth noting that this is not home theater, and proper perspective is a good thing. Please keep in mind that these are 4" speakers subject to the whims of wind — the higher the volume, the greater the distortion level. But, for the size, Rumble Road™ speakers pack a great punch.
What types of audio devices can I hook up to Rumble Road™ speakers?
Easily installed on handlebars, spotlight mounting bars, forks or crashbars, the current-generation Rumble Road™ Premium speaker system with integrated amplifiers works with virtually any portable stereo radio, or MP3, CD or cassette player featuring a standard 3.5mm mini-plug headphone jack. For the relatively few devices manufactured with the newer 2.5mm stereo jacks, adapters are available from electronics stores. If your motorcycle or ATV is already equipped with a conventional car stereo setup, we recommend MHI’s custom non-amplified Rumble Road™ Limited speaker system.
Can I use any personal stereo with the Rumble Road™ speaker system?
With the amplified version of Rumble Roads — the Premium model — you can use virtually any personal radio, or CD, cassette or MP3 player equipped with a standard 3.5mm mini-plug headphone jack. As noted above, for the relatively few devices manufactured with the newer 2.5mm stereo jacks, adapters are available from electronics stores. Products with "floating ground" amplifiers, such as very low-end FM radios, may not work optimally with Rumble Road™ speakers.
MHI’s fourth generation of Rumble Road™ Premium stereo speakers features new higher-gain, integrated amplifiers, which translates to more volume pumped through the system’s high-end speakers and better performance when paired with low-output MP3 players and other audio devices. We increased our proprietary amplifier’s voltage gain by more than 60 percent — from 20 to 33. A low-output MP3 player produces about half a volt, so volume from these devices is lower compared with other, higher-output personal stereos that easily produce twice as much. MHI’s upgraded design now provides ubiquity, ensuring full-power output from virtually any device and making MP3s sound better, even at highway speeds.
Can Rumble Road™ speakers be used with a conventional AM/FM car stereo?
MHI’s non-amplified Limited model works with any conventional AM/FM car stereo system (either common ground or bridged) to provide high-quality sound on the go or while parked. Based on the successful Rumble Road™ Premium amplified speaker system, the non-amplified Limited speakers are easily installed on handlebars, spotlight mounting bars, luggage bars, forks or crashbars.
The domed, spotlight enclosures that house Rumble Road™ Premium and Limited speakers are approximately 4.75" in diameter and about 3" deep. The raw speaker is 4" in diameter.
How does the integrated amplifier work? Where is it located?
MHI’s custom-built amplifier mounts behind each speaker assembly within the spotlight enclosure and provides all the power needed to drive the speaker. Dual-bridged amplifiers built into each speaker produce high-fidelity sound reproduction at impressive volumes and low distortion.
Can I install Rumble Road™ speakers on my bike’s handlebars without drilling holes?
Yes, handlebar mounting without drilling holes in the bar is possible with clamps available from MHI. Mounting hardware is available on our accessories page.
If my bike has a windshield, can I still mount Rumble Road™ speakers on the handlebars?
Many of our customers mount Rumble Road™ speakers just inside the windshield, on the handlebars. As a guideline, allow for the 3" depth of the speaker enclosures, which are approximately 4.75" in diameter, and a standard 3/8" mounting bolt. By turning the mounting clamp opening so that it faces the seat versus the windshield, you can typically gain an additional two inches of clearance. Clamps of various sizes are available on our accessories page.
Where can I place my personal stereo, CD player, cassette player or MP3 player?
You can place your audio player just about anywhere within easy and safe reach, on your bike or in your pocket. Check out our universal stereo mounting kit, featuring black hardware and a clear Lucite tray to hold your favorite personal stereo. Maintain the custom looks of your bike without worrying about your stereo taking a walk. Designed for 7/8" to 1" bars, MHI’s mounting kit allows for quick removal at three points so you can be on your way with minimal delay. Alternatively, you might use Velcro®, two-way tape or similar means of affixing the device to your bike, or simply place it in a windshield bag.
Depending on its size, a conventional AM/FM car stereo may be mounted in one of the storage compartments, or saddlebags, outfitted on some bikes. One of the cleanest installations we’ve seen features Rumble Road™ Limited speakers together with a remote-controlled marine radio placed in a saddlebag. Click here to view an installation.
Are Rumble Road™ speakers connected directly to the battery?
Rumble Road™ speakers can be wired either directly to a 12-volt battery, through a user-supplied switch and fuse, or to another switched and fused 12-volt source on your bike. Most of our customers wire the speakers to an existing 12-volt accessory line, headlight power line or other switched accessory on their bike, based on the generalized instructions provided in our installation manual. Your local automotive sound shop or motorcycle dealer should be able to help you find a suitable power source and properly install the system.
Can I install two sets of Rumble Road™ speakers on my bike without overtaxing the battery?
You certainly can! Some of our customers have cleverly installed "quad" mounts — a pair on the handlebars and an opposing pair astride the passenger seat. If you still can’t quite picture it, this approach is beautifully illustrated by one of our customer testimonial montages. Each pair of Rumble Road™ Premium speakers draws 5 amps peak from the battery.
Can I use a power adapter to run my personal stereo off my bike’s power system instead of using the batteries?
Yes; however, some personal stereos used in this configuration may produce ground noise amplified by the Rumble Road™ Premiums. This noise is characterized as a high-pitched whine and occurs whether the engine is on or off. A ground loop isolator (available at most electronics stores) may be inserted between the audio device’s headphone output jack and the input to the speakers. This remedy eliminates any ground loops — and the resulting noise — between the two systems.
Do I need a noise filter to reduce interference from the engine?
If you experience sound distortion caused by engine interference when your bike is running, you can easily and affordably install a noise filter. Noise filters are available on our accessories page for your convenience. This filter greatly attenuates electrical noise or whine produced by some motorcycle electrical/ignition systems. One filter works for both Rumble Road™ speakers in the system. A noise filter is automatically included with all orders for complete speaker kits.
Return to Top I installed a noise filter along with my amplified speakers but still get a humming noise and low volume from the speakers. How can I troubleshoot?
A hum is indicative of a bad ground – typically the signal ground. Try double-checking the signal ground from your stereo player, including all black leads connecting the player to the speakers. If the problem persists, you may have installed the speakers at a weak ground point. To remedy, try jumping a wire from the bike;s negative battery terminal to the mounting bolt of each speaker. If this results in increased volume, you may need to wire in a good ground.
Are there electrical grounding issues associated with the black Rumble Road™ speakers?
The powder-coating process creates insulation properties that could restrict the flow of power to your Rumble Road™ speakers. MHI encloses ring lugs with each boxed pair of black speakers. To ground the speakers properly, insert one of the two ring lugs supplied on the uncoated mounting stem of each speaker, and ensure that the wire is attached to a solid ground.
Rumble Road™ speakers are water-resistant but not waterproof. The speakers feature injected plastic cone material and are sealed tightly within the spotlight enclosure with heavy rubber washers. The tight mesh of the stainless steel grille covers also helps keep the system dry. MHI has conducted extensive, successful tests for water resistance, and customers have not reported any weather-related malfunctions.
Are Rumble Road™ speakers prepackaged with mounting hardware, or do I have to order hardware separately?
MHI gives you the option to order either way. For both the amplified Premium and the non-amplified Limited series, you may purchase the speakers by themselves if you plan to mount them using your own hardware in your own custom installation. Alternatively, you may order the speakers as part of a complete kit (Premium+ or Limited+) that includes two mounting clamps, a noise filter, wiring and wire dressing.
What kind of hardware is packaged with the black Rumble Road™ kit?
To ensure as consistent a look as possible, MHI completes the black Rumble Road™ kit with matching black clamps and nuts. In addition, two of the four supplied washers are black. The built-in threaded mounting stem is uncoated metal and is not conducive to powder-coating; the uncoated stem is used to ground the black speakers.
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Important Disclaimer: Make sure that your driving ability is not hindered by the items added to your bike, and that you can safely operate your bike before you road test the equipment.
Digital Web Group yields all responsibility of any damage caused by or any damage that may result from the motorcycle audio system.
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As the purchaser, you are agreeing to assume all responsibility of the items once they have been shipped.
