Upgrading your ride’s sound starts with the right choice in speaker lid kits. When it comes to saddlebag speaker lid kit options, understanding whether to go with a cut‑in or cut‑out design can make a big difference in performance, fit, and appearance.
At Diamond Audio, the Motorcycle LID KITS collection offers precision-engineered Harley speaker lid kits, including cut‑in lid kits built specifically for different Harley Davidson® model years.
If you’re installing a motorcycle speaker kit, you’ll want to match your goals: more output and larger speakers, or a cleaner factory look with minimal modifications.
A proper speaker lid cut‑out kit lets you remove part of the lid to fit bigger speakers and deliver higher output. A cut‑in kit, on the other hand, preserves most of the stock lid and retains OEM style.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each, show which motorcycle speaker lids work best for different setups (especially Harley models), and help you determine the best motorcycle speaker kit for your setup.
What is a Cut-In Lid Kit?
A cut-in lid kit is designed for riders who want to upgrade their audio without major modifications to their saddlebags. Instead of replacing the entire lid or removing large sections, the cut-in design uses a precision-cut template that allows you to install speakers directly into the existing lid.
Diamond Audio offers motorcycle-specific cut-in kits that ensure proper fitment, alignment, and sound performance. There are hundreds of thousands of Harleys on the road, with more than 100,000 sold in North America in 2024. Our cut-in kits help you enjoy incredible sound and make your ride stand out from the many other bikes crisscrossing the country.
One of the biggest benefits of a cut-in design is that it retains most of the stock appearance while still delivering an upgrade in audio quality. For riders who want a clean, factory-style look with better sound on the highway, a cut-in option strikes the right balance.
When paired with a motorcycle speaker kit, a cut-in lid kit can handle midrange and high-frequency sound very effectively. This makes it an excellent choice if you’re adding speakers to complement fairing speakers or lower pods.
The installation is generally less invasive, which also makes it a smart option for riders who may not want to fully commit to a complete motorcycle speaker lids replacement.
Overall, a cut-in lid kit offers an accessible way to step into high-quality motorcycle audio while keeping your bike’s OEM styling intact.
What is a Cut-Out Lid Kit?
A speaker lid cut-out kit is designed for riders who want maximum output and bigger speaker options in their saddlebags. Unlike a cut-in kit, which works with smaller modifications, a cut-out lid requires removing a larger section of the lid to fit oversized speakers.
This design opens the door for more powerful audio setups that can project clearly over wind and road noise, even at highway speeds. It’s the opposite of an in-helmet speaker, projecting your favorite tunes into the open air for an incredible experience, each and every ride.
For riders building a high-performance motorcycle speaker kit, a cut-out lid kit is the choice that delivers the most impact. The larger speaker openings allow for deeper midbass response and greater volume, making it ideal for riders who want their system to be heard clearly in all conditions.
While installation is more involved than a cut-in option, the reward is unmatched sound output and the ability to run bigger, better motorcycle speaker lids.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Cut-In vs. Cut-Out
When choosing between a cut-in or a speaker lid cut-out kit, the decision comes down to how much output you want, how much modification you’re comfortable with, and the overall look you’re after.
Both styles of motorcycle speaker lids have strong advantages depending on your setup.
Quick Overview of Cut-In Lid Kits
- Appearance: Maintains a near-stock look, ideal for riders who want subtle upgrades.
- Speaker Size: Supports moderate speaker sizes that enhance clarity and midrange.
- Installation: Less invasive, easier to install, and usually less expensive.
- Best For: Riders who want a clean upgrade to pair with a motorcycle speaker kit without heavy customization.
Quick Overview of Cut-Out Lid Kits
- Appearance: More aggressive look with larger speaker openings, designed to showcase your system.
- Speaker Size: Allows larger speakers for deeper bass and significantly more volume.
- Installation: Requires more cutting and precise fitting but delivers a big performance payoff.
- Best For: Riders chasing the best motorcycle speaker kit experience, especially those who want to be heard clearly on highways or at rallies.
If you’re adding a Harley speaker lid kit, the cut-out style gives you the most flexibility for future upgrades and higher-powered systems. On the other hand, if you want to keep things simple while still improving your ride’s audio, a cut-in saddlebag speaker lid kit may be the smarter choice.
Choosing the Right Diamond Audio Lid Kit
Whether you go with a cut-in or a speaker lid cut-out kit, the right choice depends on your goals.
If you want a straightforward upgrade that keeps the stock look, a cut-in saddlebag speaker lid kit is the better fit. If on the other hand, you want the most output and the flexibility to run larger speakers, a cut-out option is the way to go.
Diamond Audio offers precision, purpose-built Harley speaker lid kit solutions designed for perfect fitment, durability, and outstanding audio performance.
Pairing these with the best motorcycle speaker kit ensures your system delivers clear, powerful sound whether you’re riding locally or cross-country.
Explore Diamond Audio’s full line of motorcycle speaker lids to find the right setup for your ride.