Cicada Motorcycle Amplifiers Explained for Harley Touring Bikes
Motorcycle amplifiers aren’t car amplifiers. On a Harley, you’re dealing with wind and helmet noise, vibration, heat, limited mounting space, and an electrical system that quickly exposes inefficient power.
Cicada amplifiers are designed specifically for these conditions — compact Class-D designs, realistic power delivery, and electrical requirements that align with how Harley touring bikes are actually ridden.
This guide breaks down the current Cicada amplifier range, explains what each model is designed to do, and helps you choose the right amp based on riding style, speakers, and electrical reality — not just watt numbers.
Let’s make it loud, OK?
Quick Pick: Which Cicada Amp Do I Need?
- Clean 4-speaker touring upgrade: FLX700.4 (8 AWG, stock battery OK)
- More headroom for highway riding: FLX1000.4 (8 AWG, stock battery OK)
- High-output fairing + lids: FLX1400.4 (4 AWG required)
- Very loud systems: FLX2000.4 (4 AWG + lithium required)
- Simple stock upgrade or add-on speakers (lowers, pods, rear fill): CX250.2D
- Adding a subwoofer: FLX1600.1 or FLX2500.1
- Extreme / competition builds: BFA5000.1 (fully prepared bikes only)
- Want tuning without a separate DSP: FLX700.4PRO or FLX1400.4P
How Much Power Do You Really Need on a Harley?
On a Harley, the goal isn’t chasing the biggest watt number — it’s clean headroom at your real riding volume.
- Too little power causes clipping and harshness
- Too much power stresses wiring, batteries, and charging systems
A properly matched amplifier sounds cleaner, runs cooler, and is far more reliable than an oversized amp supported by an unprepared bike.
Cicada Amplifier Range
| Model | Type | Power (4Ω / 2Ω) | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLX700.4 | 4-channel | 128W ×4 / 175W ×4 | Core touring amp |
| FLX1000.4 | 4-channel | 168W ×4 / 254W ×4 | More headroom for highway |
| FLX1400.4 | 4-channel | 225W ×4 / 350W ×4 | High-output builds |
| FLX2000.4 | 4-channel | 331W ×4 / 542W ×4 | Serious builds |
| CX250.2D | 2-channel | 125W ×2 / 250W ×2 | Add-on speakers, zones |
| FLX1600.1 | Mono | 1600W RMS | Subwoofer power |
| FLX2500.1 | Mono | 2500W RMS | High-power sub systems |
| BFA5000.1 | Mono | 5000W RMS | Extreme / competition only |
Wiring & Battery Requirements (Critical)
| Model | Min. Wire Gauge | Battery Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| FLX700.4 | 8 AWG | Stock battery OK |
| FLX1000.4 | 8 AWG | Stock battery OK |
| FLX1400.4 | 4 AWG | Stock battery OK |
| FLX2000.4 | 4 AWG | Lithium required |
| CX250.2D | 8 AWG | Stock battery OK |
| FLX1600.1 | 4 AWG | Lithium recommended |
| FLX2500.1 | 2 AWG | Lithium required |
| BFA5000.1 | 1/0 AWG | Multiple lithium batteries required |
FLX 4-Channel Amplifiers Explained
FLX700.4 — The Touring Sweet Spot
The FLX700.4 is the most common choice for Harley touring builds. It delivers clean, controlled power for fairing and saddlebag speakers without stressing a healthy factory charging system.
FLX1000.4 — Same Size, More Headroom
Ideal for riders who spend long hours at highway speeds. The extra headroom keeps the system sounding relaxed instead of strained.
FLX1400.4 — High Output Without Going Extreme
This is where systems start to feel genuinely powerful. Proper wiring becomes critical, but the bike remains electrically manageable.
FLX2000.4 — Serious Build Territory
Designed for riders who know they want big output. Cicada specifies lithium battery support here for a reason — this amp assumes the bike is prepared.
If your system goals don’t include horn-loaded speakers or sustained high-volume riding, the FLX700.4 or FLX1000.4 will often sound better on a stock electrical system.
CX250.2D — Compact 2-Channel Amplifier (Simple Upgrades or Add-On Power)
The CX250.2D is one of the most versatile amplifiers in the Cicada range because it works just as well as a simple stock upgrade as it does in more complex systems.
For riders who want better sound without redesigning the bike, the CX250.2D is a great entry point. It provides clean, efficient power that immediately improves clarity and volume over a factory radio or low-power source.
At the same time, its compact size makes it an excellent utility amp in larger builds.
Common uses
- Fairing speakers as a simple 2-channel upgrade
- Lower fairing speakers
- Saddlebag pods
- Rear fill or Tour Pak speakers
Because of its modest electrical demands and small footprint, the CX250.2D runs happily on a stock charging system and installs easily in tight spaces.
Think of the CX250.2D as the “no-drama” amplifier: ideal if you just want your Harley to sound better today, with the option to add more power or speakers later.
Mono Amplifiers for Subwoofer Systems
FLX1600.1
A strong, efficient mono amplifier suited to most Harley saddlebag subwoofer builds.
FLX2500.1
High-power subwoofer amplifier requiring proper wiring and lithium support. This is not a casual add-on.
BFA5000.1 — Extreme Output Mono Amplifier
The BFA5000.1 is not a normal touring amplifier. It is intended for competition-level or showcase builds with fully prepared electrical systems.
Reality check: this amp is not suitable for stock or lightly upgraded Harley electrical systems.
Amplifiers With Built-In DSP (PRO Models)
FLX700.4PRO
The FLX700.4PRO matches the power output of the standard FLX700.4 but adds onboard DSP with Bluetooth tuning — same power, smarter control.
You can tune crossovers, EQ, channel levels and time alignment directly from your phone.
FLX1400.4P
Combines higher output with DSP control for demanding speaker systems where tuning precision matters as much as power.
DSP-equipped amps make sense for simpler systems. For complex multi-amp builds, a dedicated DSP is still the better solution — covered in a separate guide.
Speaker Pairing Guidance
Cicada amplifiers are designed to work seamlessly with Cicada speakers.
- CX250.2D: ideal for simple fairing upgrades or secondary speaker zones
- FLX700.4 / FLX1000.4: most coaxial speaker builds
- FLX1400.4 / FLX2000.4: high-output horn speakers or multi-speaker systems
For detailed speaker selection and impedance matching, see our Cicada Motorcycle Speakers Guide.
What If I Want to Add a Sub Later?
All Cicada 4-channel amps can be bridged, but most riders choose to add a dedicated mono amp instead.
- Keep your 4-channel amp on speakers
- Add FLX1600.1 or FLX2500.1 for sub duty
- Cleaner tuning and better electrical balance
Don’t Overbuy: Real Talk
Real talk: if you’re running stock-style speakers and riding suburban roads, the FLX2000.4 is overkill — and it will stress a stock charging system.
Start with the FLX700.4 or FLX1000.4. You can always upgrade later.
Final Thoughts
Cicada’s amplifier range scales cleanly from sensible touring upgrades to extreme, show-level builds. The key is matching the amplifier to your speakers, riding style, and electrical capability — not chasing the biggest number on the box.
Not sure which amp fits your build? Send us your bike, speakers, and goals — we’ll map it out properly.
Let’s make it LOUD, OK?