Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Review: Clear Audio Verdict
Bold claims of “300 watts peak power” may raise expectations sky-high, but for the Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Motorcycle Sound Bar the verdict lands at a solid 7.9/10—a well-built, versatile handlebar audio solution that delivers crisp mids and highs, yet draws mixed reactions for bass performance and long-term reliability.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy—ideal for riders prioritizing clarity and ease of use over deep bass and booming volume.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear sound up to highway speeds with fairing | Lacks bass; mids/highs dominate |
| Easy Bluetooth pairing & built-in USB charger | Pricey compared to DIY Bluetooth speaker setups |
| Weather-resistant (IP66) build | Reports of loose clamps and flimsy mounting |
| Versatile mounting options | Bluetooth dropouts for some users |
| Charges phones during rides | Not loud enough for some open-road scenarios |
| Compatible with multiple handlebars | Occasional hardware quality issues |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing calls out “powerful distortion-free sound at any volume level” and “universal articulating mounting clamps” as headline features. Reality tells a more nuanced story.
The sound claim holds true for many riders with wind protection. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Sound quality is crisp, even at 70 mph (behind a wind screen)… there’s not a lot of bass, but that’s by design.” However, without fairings, wind noise erodes clarity over 50 mph. Reddit user David B. said: “Due to its design and size, it lacks bass… mid and high tones are clear and piercingly loud at full volume.”
The mounting clamp promise of fitting “virtually any bars” met some friction. Marcus L. wrote: “I had to purchase an additional 1.5-inch light strip clip as the kit only fits the 1.25 clip… no deal breaker.” Others flagged looseness even when matched to spec.
The Bluetooth “wireless connectivity to any enabled device” generally works well, with quick connections noted. Yet, certain setups suffer. One Trustpilot reviewer explained: “Bluetooth disconnects frequently while riding… it kept cutting in and out every 2 seconds.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon and Reddit, convenience and clarity scored high. Riders who stream GPS directions or podcasts benefit most. Marcus L. shared: “Pairs easily with my phone… works very well when I use Waze on my targets.” The 1.0A USB charger drew consistent praise for keeping devices alive on long hauls; one buyer said, “Built-in USB charger… makes it blow the Plex away.”
Weather resistance bolsters confidence in varied conditions. A rider recounting a cheaper unit’s rain failure said of the Kuryakyn: “Much better quality… volume is definitely loud enough to hear at 65+ mph.”
Ease of install emerges in many stories. A verified buyer detailed: “It only involves 3 wires… I bought a fuse tap, connected wire #3 to it… everything works perfect!” For riders wary of electrical tweaks, plug-and-play simplicity matters.
Common Complaints
Bass absence is the most repeated criticism. Kevin A. stated: “If you’re looking for a sound with bass, this isn’t it. Mostly medium and high.” While some understand this as a design choice to cut through wind, others compare unfavorably to larger touring systems.
Volume expectations sometimes misalign with reality. John O. lamented: “I was shocked to hear they were making a new 300w soundbar… it is not [loud].” Even with a volume booster app, riders chasing booming audio over loud pipes may be disappointed.
Hardware quirks—from loose clamps to missing USB covers—chip away at perceived build quality. One Amazon purchaser found the aux/USB port cover “had fallen off during shipping… soft plastic… would not stay in.”
Bluetooth instability surfaces intermittently, especially with GPS units. A Trustpilot reviewer who paired with a Garmin Zumo XT2 reported: “Sounded fantastic… but would cut off after 5 seconds.”
Divisive Features
Mounting versatility splits the crowd—92% praised it, yet 8% deemed clamps flimsy. For some, multi-fit brackets worked flawlessly; others needed aftermarket parts for true security.
Volume clarity gets two camps: riders with fairing or closed-face helmets often report excellent clarity even at high speeds; open-bar cruisers without windshields find performance drops beyond 50-60 mph.
Trust & Reliability
Durability stories run from stellar to suspect. Several owners ran units for tens of thousands of miles without degradation. One long-term user said: “Over 20k miles… quality never lessened.” Yet, failures out of the box and weather ingress issues exist. A one-star Amazon review described: “Defective right out of box… buttons lit and immediately went out… unit was dead.”
Shipping and assembly faults—like missing covers—crop up, though these are less common. The IP66 rating inspires confidence, but multiple reports suggest actual water resistance can waver under direct downpours if covers aren’t secured.
Alternatives
The Plex touring audio system appears in comparisons, often outperforming in fullness but at more than twice the cost. One buyer chose Kuryakyn after side-by-side testing: “Marginally worse than Plex… glad I didn’t drop all that cash.” Others note that a mounted Bluetooth speaker can out-bass this sound bar for less, sacrificing integration and weather protection.
Price & Value
Community data shows current new pricing around $300-365 USD, with resale varying from $200 for used units to $500 for high-demand sellers. eBay averages $401.51, suggesting strong retained value if kept in good condition. Many advise paying extra for weatherproofing and integration over cheaper DIY options.
Tips from riders: check bar size before ordering mounts, consider adding a fairing for sound improvement, and source a fuse tap for stress-free ignition wiring.
FAQ
Q: Can it handle highway speeds without a windshield?
A: It depends. Riders with open bars often report diminished clarity beyond 50-60 mph, while those with fairings can sustain clear audio up to 80 mph.
Q: Is the bass adjustable?
A: No dedicated bass boost exists; most riders use phone EQ settings to tweak. This design focuses on mids and highs to cut through wind noise.
Q: Will it fit my handlebars?
A: The kit fits 7/8" to 1-1/2" bars, though some report needing extra clips for certain sizes.
Q: Can I expand the system?
A: Yes—an aux output lets you connect to an amp or extra speakers, popular among riders seeking fuller sound.
Q: Is the USB port water-resistant?
A: Yes, but only if the cover stays intact. Some users had covers fall off, exposing internals to moisture risk.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a rider who values clear mid/high audio, quick Bluetooth pairing, and integrated charging—particularly for fairing-equipped bikes. Avoid if your priority is deep bass or blasting music over loud exhaust at freeway speeds. Pro tip from community: use a fuse tap for cleaner install and an EQ app to fine-tune sound.
