Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Review: Balanced Sound Verdict
Few motorcycle audio products spark as much debate as the Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Sound Bar Plus — marketed as a weather‑resistant, 300‑watt, Bluetooth‑enabled handlebar speaker. With an average rating hovering between 4.2 and 4.4 out of 5, the real-world verdict lands at 7.6/10. Riders are split: some swear it’s “louder than my Harley,” while others call it “almost useless” on the expressway without a windshield.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — best for riders who prioritize mid/high clarity over booming bass.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear mid/high tones even at highway speeds for some setups | Bass response noticeably lacking |
| Easy Bluetooth pairing and on-bar controls | Bluetooth dropouts reported on certain devices |
| Weather-resistant IP66 housing | Wind and pipe noise diminish clarity above 50–60 mph without windshield |
| USB charging port for phone/devices | Mounting clamps can feel flimsy or ill-fitting |
| Versatile mounting options, fits multiple bar sizes | Inconsistent performance — some units arrived defective |
| Expandable via aux output for additional amp/speakers | Price considered high compared to alternatives |
Claims vs Reality
Kuryakyn’s marketing leans heavily on “300 watts of peak power” and “distortion‑free sound at any volume.” Digging deeper into user reports, the story is more nuanced. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Sound quality is on par with other similar sized Bluetooth speakers… you’ll wish it had a bit more bass, but it is very clear even at high volume.” Clarity is strong, but low-end punch is widely reported as missing.
Another bold claim is weather resistance — the IP66 rating implies survival in wet riding conditions. While many long-haul riders are satisfied, Reddit user James S. shared: “The element was faulty… chip was blown… now it works really well,” indicating that water or manufacturing defects can jeopardize longevity if unlucky.
Finally, Kuryakyn touts universal fitment. This is mostly true, yet riders with bar diameters outside 1.25" encountered additional part purchases. Reddit user Marcus L. explained: “I had to purchase an additional 1.5" light strip clip as the kit only fits the 1.25" clip. No deal breaker.”
Cross‑Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Bluetooth connectivity and ease of pairing stand out. Trustpilot reviewers repeatedly called pairing “a breeze,” and several users enjoyed the convenience of controlling playback directly. One rider shared: “I can control the volume and rewind or skip songs all from unit. I can also charge my phone.” Urban commuters especially benefit from this, as control without reaching for the device improves safety.
The IP66 housing offers peace of mind for tourers. A long‑term user on Trustpilot said: “Water‑resistant electronics are great for all‑weather riding… I put over 20k miles on a bike with one of these and the quality never lessened.” The durability bolsters its appeal among all-season riders.
Expandability earns nods from audiophiles. Reddit user Marcus L. uses “the output jack for an additional amp,” creating a fuller sound while retaining the Kuryakyn’s high‑mid clarity. This is a strategic advantage over sealed, non‑expandable motorcycle speakers.
Common Complaints
Bass is the single most consistent gripe. BestViewsReviews users reported “bass is lacking… tingy and sharp tone,” especially when riding above 50 mph without wind protection. Low-end loss affects genres like hip-hop or EDM — these simply don’t deliver the same energy as they do in a car or home stereo.
Bluetooth stability isn’t bulletproof. Around 24% of users on BestViewsReviews experienced dropouts, often mid‑ride. One noted: “Bluetooth disconnects every 2 seconds,” suggesting interference or device mismatch. Riders relying on GPS units like Garmin Zumo XT 2 also reported audio cutting off after seconds, despite sustained pairing.
Clamp fitment issues frustrate. David B. on Reddit described: “I have 1" bars but… the 1" clamps are a bit loose.” Ill-fitting mounts can cause vibration rattle or the need for DIY shimming.
Divisive Features
Volume output at high speeds causes disagreement. Riders behind windshields or with moderate exhaust often praise clarity at 80 mph (“I can identify the song”), while those with loud pipes or no wind protection call it “almost useless” past 50 mph. This variance shows how much riding context controls the experience.
Some see the $300–$450 price as justified for durability and expansion potential, others see cheaper Bluetooth speakers as better value. Kevin A. from Reddit claimed: “I could buy a Bluetooth speaker, mount it… pay less and get better bass.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Amazon reviews reveal occasional quality control issues. Units arriving DOA or with broken USB port covers do occur — one Amazon customer received a defective bar “dead straight out of the box” and faced inconvenient returns. Durability over seasons is generally positive, with riders logging tens of thousands of miles without performance drop, but reliability is uneven.
Water ingress is rare but possible. One rider replaced a cheaper unit after downpour damage and found the Kuryakyn “much better quality.” This suggests good sealing when intact, but small failures like a loose USB cover can compromise protection.
Alternatives
In discussions, the Plex system surfaces as the direct competitor. Riders noted the Plex is “over a G with marine quality speakers,” providing richer bass but at triple the cost. Trustpilot reviewer compared side‑by‑side: “Only marginally worse… glad I didn’t drop all that cash.” This positions the Kuryakyn as the mid‑tier option — less thump, far lower price, still expandable.
Another informal alternative: mounting a portable Bluetooth speaker. While significantly cheaper, this sacrifices weather resistance, bar-mount stability, and expansion features.
Price & Value
Current prices vary: Amazon lists around $314, Indian Motorcycle Accessories shows $477, eBay listings hover near $325, and specialty shops push $450+. Resale potential is decent — used units fetch over $300 if condition is clean. Riders recommend seeking holiday sales or bundled accessory deals to justify cost.
Practical buying tip from an Amazon reviewer: use a fuse tap instead of a T‑tap clip for easier, safer ignition wiring. This prevents accidental damage and improves reliability.
FAQ
Q: Does it really deliver 300 watts?
A: The 300W rating is peak power, not continuous. Riders report it as “plenty loud” for mid/highs, but lacking subwoofer-level bass.
Q: Can I hear it clearly at highway speeds?
A: With a windshield and moderate pipes, yes — up to 80 mph. Without wind protection or with loud exhaust, clarity drops after 50–60 mph.
Q: Is installation beginner-friendly?
A: Yes for those comfortable with basic wiring. Mounting can be tricky depending on bar size, but many complete it in under an hour with the right clips.
Q: How weatherproof is it?
A: IP66 sealing protects against heavy rain, but loose or missing port covers can compromise this. Some defects occur, so inspect yours before riding.
Q: Can I improve bass performance?
A: Adding an external amp and auxiliary speakers via the output jack can boost fullness. EQ adjustments on your source also help.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a commuter or tourer who values mid/high clarity, easy Bluetooth control, and weather resistance. Avoid if you expect deep bass or ride mostly at high speed without wind protection. Pro tip from the community: Pair it with a fairing or additional amp for the best highway sound.
