The Ultimate Guide to Cicada Motorcycle Audio

Helping Harley riders choose the right speakers, amplifiers, and system for maximum clarity and volume.

Motorcycle audio isn’t like car audio — you’re fighting wind, engine rumble, helmet noise, Aussie heat, harsh sunlight, and open-road conditions that drown out anything that isn’t built for purpose. That’s why Cicada Audio exists: motorcycle-specific speakers and amplifiers designed to be loud, clean, efficient, and compact enough to fit inside Harley fairings and saddlebags.

Whether you’re chasing a simple upgrade over stock, a punchy touring system, or an all-out “hear me from two suburbs away” bagger build, this guide breaks down every Cicada speaker and amplifier series and shows you exactly what suits your riding style and your Harley.

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Table of Contents

Quick Selector Guide — Start Here

If you just want a fast way to choose the right Cicada gear for your build, use this quick selector as a starting point.

Goal Recommended Speakers Recommended Amps
Mild upgrade over stock CS, CHX CS or CX
Touring clarity and punch CX, CHX CX or CM
Serious highway volume CHX, CX, NEO CX or CX PRO
Maximum output and impact PRO, CM, HLCD CX PRO, CM, Monoblock (for subs)
Full system with subs CHX, CX, PRO, CM + Subwoofers CX PRO, CM, Monoblock

Quick rule: If you ride lots of highway, horns (CHX / PRO / HLCD) help vocals cut through. If you want smoother “hi-fi” tone, CX is usually the pick.

Riding Style × Series × Power × Bass — Quick Comparison

This table is the fastest way to match Cicada gear to how you actually ride. It keeps expectations realistic, especially around bass and DSP.

Riding Style Best Series Power Needs Bass Expectation
Daily commuting / casual riding CS Low–Moderate Limited (closest to factory feel)
Long-distance touring (balanced, fatigue-free) CX Moderate Warm midbass, clean tone
Highway group riding (vocals must cut through) CHX Moderate–High Minimal without a woofer/sub
Performance touring (loud + musical) CX + CM High Strong midbass (subs optional)
High-output bagger build PRO / NEO High Subwoofer recommended
Show / competition-level systems HLCD + CM + Subwoofers Very High (multi-amp) Full-range only with proper tuning

Key takeaway: Horn-based systems prioritise projection and clarity. If you want real warmth and low-end body, plan midbass drivers and/or subwoofers from the start.

Cicada Speaker Series — Which One Should You Choose?

Cicada divides its speakers into clear ranges. Each one is designed for a specific purpose and build stage — from smooth upgrades to extreme output systems that are built to cut through wind at speed.

Coaxial Speaker Comparison

This table helps you quickly compare Cicada’s main coaxial speaker ranges.

Series Tweeter Type Output Level Sound Profile Ideal Rider
CS Dome Low–Medium Smooth, easy listening Casual rider / mild upgrade
CX Dome Medium–High Hi-fi clarity, more midbass Touring rider who wants quality
CHX Horn High Bright, loud, vocal-forward Highway rider chasing volume
PRO Horn Very High Aggressive, maximum output Loud rider / bagger build

Build Stage Recommendations

Many riders think in stages. Use this as a guide to match Cicada speakers to your build level.

Stage Goal Recommended Cicada Series
Stage 1 Better than stock, straightforward upgrade CS, CHX
Stage 1.5 More clarity, some extra punch CX
Stage 2 Loud highway performance CHX, CX
Stage 2.5 Midbass hit plus volume CX + CM
Stage 3 Serious volume and impact PRO, CM
Stage 4 Extreme show / competition-level loud HLCD + CM + Subwoofers

Detailed Speaker Breakdown

CHX Series — Coaxial Horn Speakers (Loud, Clear, Highway-Ready)

Positioning: Cicada’s core horn-loaded coaxial line and the sweet spot for many Harley riders who want vocals to cut through at speed.

Sound profile: Bright, vocal-forward, built to fight wind and road noise.

Output level: High, even on moderate amplification.

Best locations: Fairing and saddlebag lids.

Important expectation: Horn-loaded designs prioritise projection and clarity over low-frequency extension. That means CHX can be insanely clear and loud — but if you want warmth and bass weight, pairing CHX with a woofer/sub (or adding midbass drivers elsewhere) is the usual path.

Why CHX?

  • Built-in horn tweeter for maximum projection.
  • Loud and clear at 100+ km/h.
  • High sensitivity, so they get loud even with moderate power.
  • Available in 5.25", 6.5" and 6×9 sizes.

Best suited for

  • Stage 1–2 Harley upgrades.
  • Riders who want louder vocals without going extreme.
  • Fairing and saddlebag lid builds.
  • Touring bikes wanting clean, reliable output.

HLCD Series — Horn Loaded Compression Drivers (Extreme Top-End Output)

Positioning: True compression horns for maximum projection and high-output systems.

Sound profile: Intense top-end clarity with long-range projection.

Output level: Very high; built for extreme setups.

Best locations: Road Glide fairings, lowers, custom pods.

HLCD is where you move from “loud bike audio” into “concert-style projection”. These are designed to be part of a properly staged system — typically paired with CM midbass drivers and tuned with a DSP so the top-end stays powerful without becoming harsh or fatiguing.

Why HLCD?

  • Concert-style clarity in a motorcycle-sized package.
  • Designed to be paired with CM midbass drivers.
  • Perfect for multi-speaker, high-output builds.
  • Ideal when you want your top-end to be heard above everything else.

Best suited for

  • Stage 3–4 “concert-level” systems.
  • Road Glide riders where fairing placement is ideal.
  • Bikes with multiple amplifiers or sub systems.
  • Demo and show builds.

CM Series — MidBass & MidRange Drivers (Punch and Impact)

Positioning: Midbass and midrange drivers designed to complement HLCD horns or add serious punch to a touring system.

Sound profile: Strong midbass impact with clear vocals.

Output level: Medium–high, especially with proper power.

Best locations: Lids, lowers, pods and rear positions.

If horns are your “cut-through”, CM is your “body”. Adding CM midbass is one of the fastest ways to make a Harley system feel bigger and fuller, especially when the bike is running high-output tops (CHX/PRO/HLCD) that naturally focus on projection.

Why CM?

  • Strong midbass impact that you can feel.
  • Higher power handling than coaxials.
  • Great for 2-way or 3-way systems.
  • Excellent clarity on male vocals and guitars.

Best suited for

  • Riders who want their fairing to truly hit.
  • Saddlebags with midbass pods or 6×9 lids.
  • Touring bikes with front and rear staging.
  • Stage 2–4 systems.

CX Series — Carbon Matrix Coaxials (Premium Sound Quality)

Positioning: The refined Cicada coaxial, focused on clarity, tone, and a more “hi-fi” listening experience.

Sound profile: Detailed, smooth, richer than basic coaxials.

Output level: Medium–high, with better midbass than CHX at similar power levels.

Best locations: Fairing and rear positions where sound quality matters.

CX is the series for riders who want the system to sound right, not just loud. In installer-style builds, CX is often the easiest range to tune into a balanced result — smooth top-end, strong midrange detail, and midbass that feels fuller than typical horn coaxials.

Why CX?

  • Carbon-matrix cones for premium audio response.
  • Excellent midrange detail and smoother top-end.
  • Better midbass than CHX at similar power levels.
  • Perfect for riders who want a balanced, hi-fi sound.

Best suited for

  • Riders who prefer clarity over sheer loudness.
  • Touring bikes doing long-distance rides.
  • Fairing-only systems or fairing plus modest rear fill.
  • Stage 1.5–3 builds wanting clean sound.

CS Series — Standard Coaxials (Direct OEM Upgrade)

Positioning: The most affordable Cicada option, designed as a straightforward upgrade from stock.

Sound profile: Clean and smooth, a big step up from factory speakers.

Output level: Low–medium.

Best locations: Fairing and basic rear positions.

CS is for riders who want a proper improvement without chasing big power or complex tuning. It’s the sensible starting point — especially if the goal is “clearer than stock” rather than “louder than everyone”.

Why CS?

  • Budget-friendly but still purpose-built for motorcycles.
  • Great clarity compared to stock Harley speakers.
  • No horn, so smoother and less aggressive than CHX.
  • Easy upgrade for any rider stepping into audio.

Best suited for

  • Commuters and everyday riders.
  • First-time audio upgrades.
  • Fairing-only replacements.
  • Basic Stage 1 builds.

NEO Series — Neodymium Lightweight High-Output Speakers

Positioning: Lightweight, high-sensitivity performance series for riders who care about weight and efficiency.

Sound profile: Clean, loud and efficient.

Output level: Medium–high, very efficient per watt.

Best locations: Fairing, lids and pods where weight matters.

NEO is built for riders who want strong output without unnecessary load — less weight in the fairing, high efficiency, and excellent “power-to-volume” performance. It’s a smart option when you’re expanding to more speaker locations and want the system to stay responsive.

Why NEO?

  • Neodymium magnets offer massive output without extra weight.
  • High efficiency for loud builds without hammering the charging system.
  • Perfect in bikes with multiple speakers.
  • Ideal for riders who do not want extra weight in the fairing or lids.

Best suited for

  • Performance baggers.
  • Touring riders chasing power-to-weight benefits.
  • High output builds requiring strong efficiency.
  • Stage 2–3 systems.

PRO Series — Maximum-Output Coaxial Horn Speakers

Positioning: The most aggressive coaxial horns in the Cicada range.

Sound profile: Very bright, very loud, built for maximum impact.

Output level: Very high.

Best locations: Fairings and lids where high-output is the priority.

PRO is for riders who want “no excuses” output. Like any horn-based design, it’s at its best when the system is planned properly — the right amp headroom, sensible crossover points, and (ideally) DSP to keep the top-end controlled at real riding volume.

Why PRO?

  • Highest output of the coaxial ranges.
  • Large motors for serious power handling.
  • Designed for loud builds and big power.
  • Work incredibly well in Road Glide fairings.

Best suited for

  • Stage 2–3 builds.
  • Riders chasing ultimate volume.
  • Baggers and custom builds.
  • Fairing and 6×9 lid combinations.

Cicada Subwoofers — CS250 Series and Bag Drop-In Options

Positioning: Motorcycle-focused subwoofers designed to live in saddlebags.

Sound profile: Low-end punch and fullness.

Output level: High, with the right amplification.

Best locations: Saddlebags and custom bag enclosures.

Subwoofers are what turn a “loud” Harley system into a “full-range” Harley system. If your build is horn-heavy (CHX/PRO/HLCD), adding subs is usually the fastest way to restore warmth and make music feel complete — not just sharp and forward.

Why Cicada subs?

  • Compact motors for Harley bag clearance.
  • High power handling in small enclosures.
  • Work beautifully with dedicated monoblock amplifiers.
  • Add real punch and low-end body to a bike system.

Best suited for

  • Baggers looking for real bass.
  • Road Glide or Street Glide running rear amps.
  • Stage 3–4 systems needing sub-bass.

Cicada Amplifier Series — Pick the Right Power for Your Build

Cicada amps are compact, efficient and built to deliver clean power in tight Harley compartments.

Cicada Amplifier Comparison

Amp Series Power Level Physical Size Weather Protection Best Use
CS Low Ultra-small Standard Basic upgrades, fairing-only systems
CM Medium Compact Standard Midbass-focused builds, CM speakers
CX Medium–High Compact Standard Fairing plus lids, touring systems
CX PRO High Compact Standard PRO, HLCD and high-output systems
CXM Medium–High Compact Marine-grade All-weather and coastal riding
Monoblock Subwoofer-specific Compact Standard Subwoofer installs in saddlebags

Detailed Amplifier Breakdown

CS Series Amplifiers — Micro Power Units

Positioning: The smallest Cicada amps, perfect for simple but clean upgrades.

Role in a system: Entry-level power for coaxials.

  • Very small footprint for tight fairing installs.
  • Enough power for CS or CHX speakers at sensible volumes.
  • Great for fairing-only builds.

CX Series Amplifiers — Full-Range Class-D Workhorses

Positioning: The most versatile Cicada amps for most Harley touring builds.

Role in a system: Main power stage for front and rear speakers.

  • Compact size for Harley fairings and saddlebags.
  • Enough power for CHX, CX, NEO and even early PRO setups.
  • Fantastic balance of loudness and clarity.

CX PRO Series — High-Power, High-Output Amps

Positioning: Built for serious riders who want serious volume.

Role in a system: Main power stage for PRO, HLCD and CM-focused systems.

  • More headroom for aggressive listening.
  • More current delivery for demanding speakers.
  • Perfect for PRO and HLCD series speakers.

CM Series Amps — Mid-Power With Midbass Control

Positioning: Mid-power amps that pair naturally with CM midbass drivers.

Role in a system: Dedicated midbass or full-range power where control is important.

  • Exceptional midbass control and grip.
  • Clean output across midrange and bass frequencies.
  • Compact but powerful enough for demanding midbass applications.

CXM Series — Weather-Resistant Marine-Grade Amps

Positioning: For riders who do not see rain as a reason to stop riding.

  • Marine coating for moisture and corrosion resistance.
  • Built for all-weather riding and harsh environments.
  • Ideal for bikes that live outside or near the coast.

Monoblock Amps — Dedicated Sub Power

Positioning: Compact, efficient monoblocks built to feed subs properly.

  • High-efficiency Class-D design, ideal for motorcycles.
  • Small enough to mount in saddlebags.
  • Tuned to work with typical motorcycle electrical systems.

Matching Cicada Speakers and Amps — What Works Best?

Speaker Series Ideal Amp Series Build Level
CS CS or CX Stage 1
CHX CX or CM Stage 1–2
CX CX, CM or CX PRO Stage 1.5–3
NEO CX or CX PRO Stage 2–3
PRO CX PRO Stage 2–3
HLCD CX PRO Stage 3–4
CM Midbass CM or CX PRO Stage 2–4
Subwoofers Monoblock Stage 3–4

Recommended Harley Build Paths With Cicada

These are typical Cicada combinations for popular Harley touring models (Street Glide, Road Glide, Ultra, Electra Glide, Tri Glide and CVO variants).

Street Glide (Batwing Fairing)

Rider Type Recommended Speakers Recommended Amps
Daily rider CS or CHX in the fairing CS or CX
Touring rider CX front, CHX or CX in lids CX or CM
Loud rider PRO in the fairing, CM or CHX in lids CX PRO
Extreme rider PRO plus HLCD and CM midbass with subs CX PRO plus Monoblock

Road Glide (Sharknose Fairing)

Rider Type Recommended Speakers Recommended Amps
Daily rider CHX or CX in the fairing CX
Touring rider CX front, CM midbass in lids CX or CM
Loud rider PRO in the fairing, CM or CHX in lids CX PRO
Extreme rider HLCD plus CM midbass, optional subs CX PRO plus Monoblock

Ultra, Electra Glide & Tri Glide

Rider Type Recommended Speakers Recommended Amps
Daily rider CHX in the fairing, CS in the Tour Pak CS or CX
Touring rider CX front, CHX rear CX
Loud rider PRO front, CHX or CM in rear positions CX PRO
Extreme rider PRO front, CM and HLCD where possible, optional subs CX PRO plus Monoblock

Baggers and Competition Builds

Build Type Recommended Speakers Recommended Amps
Show and street mix PRO in fairing, CM in lids, optional subs CX PRO plus Monoblock
Competition-style loud HLCD plus CM midbass, multiple subwoofers Multiple CX PRO amplifiers plus Monoblocks

When You Should Add a DSP

A DSP (digital signal processor) takes your build from simply loud to properly tuned.

DSP expectations (especially for CHX / PRO / HLCD / CM builds): A DSP isn’t there because these speakers “sound bad” — it’s there because high-output designs produce a lot of energy. Horn and compression-driver systems are built for projection first, and without proper crossover control and EQ, they can sound aggressive, unbalanced, or fatiguing at real riding volume. A DSP lets you smooth the top-end, control overlap between drivers, protect components, and integrate midbass/subs so the system stays loud and listenable.

When a DSP is strongly recommended:

  • If you are running HLCD horns.
  • If you are using CM midbass drivers in a serious system.
  • If you have multiple amplifiers in the bike.
  • If you are adding one or more subwoofers.
  • If you want tight staging, imaging and controlled top-end.

With a DSP you can:

  • Shape the horn response so it is powerful but not harsh.
  • Balance fairing, lids and rear speakers properly.
  • Tune subs to integrate with the front stage.
  • Protect your gear and get more usable output from the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an amplifier for Cicada speakers?

You can run some Cicada speakers from a factory radio or low-power source, but to get the real benefit, an amplifier is highly recommended. CHX, CX, NEO, PRO, HLCD and CM all respond very well to more clean power. For anything beyond a very basic upgrade, plan on adding a Cicada amplifier.

What is the main difference between CHX and PRO speakers?

Both CHX and PRO are horn-loaded coaxials. CHX is designed as a high-output highway-focused upgrade, while PRO is built for maximum output and show-level loudness. If you want aggressive top-end performance and do not mind running more power, PRO is the better fit. If you want loud but manageable, CHX is the more sensible choice.

When should I choose CX over CHX?

Choose CX if you value overall clarity, tone and midbass more than outright horn intensity. CX is smoother and more hi-fi in character. CHX is the better choice if your priority is maximum vocal projection at speed.

Do Cicada speakers fit in stock Harley locations?

Most Cicada speaker sizes are designed with common Harley locations in mind, including fairings, lids and rear positions. Exact fitment can depend on bike model, year and any existing aftermarket parts. Always check cut-out size, depth and mounting requirements, and reach out for advice if you are unsure.

Will I need to upgrade my charging system?

Many Stage 1 and Stage 2 Cicada builds will run happily on a healthy factory charging system. As you move into Stage 3 and Stage 4 with multiple amplifiers and subwoofers, current draw increases. At that point it is worth evaluating battery condition, wiring and charging performance to ensure long-term reliability.

Do I always need a DSP?

No, a DSP is not mandatory for every build. For simpler Stage 1 and many Stage 2 systems, careful amplifier gain and basic EQ can be enough. DSP becomes highly recommended once you add HLCD horns, multiple speaker locations, subs and more than one amplifier, or if you simply want to get the most out of your investment.

Can I upgrade in stages using Cicada gear?

Yes. Many riders start with a speaker and amp upgrade in the fairing, then add lids, then subs, and finally DSP and more amplification. Cicada’s range makes it easy to scale your system over time without replacing everything at once.

Final Thoughts

Cicada Audio gives Harley riders in Australia everything they need to build anything from a clean upgrade to an extreme show-level system, without digging through a dozen brands or mismatched components.

If you want the perfect sound for your Street Glide, Road Glide, Ultra, Electra Glide, Tri Glide or custom bagger, Cicada has a series built exactly for that purpose. Choose your speakers, match your amps, and decide whether it’s time for a DSP.

If you’re ready to upgrade your touring bike and want expert advice, get in touch — Motorcycle Audio Australia is here to help you build it right the first time.

Let’s make it LOUD, OK?