Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Plus Review: Clear but Pricey
When riders talk about the Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Weather Resistant Motorcycle Sound Bar Plus, one theme cuts through the noise: clarity at speed, but not without trade‑offs. Coming in at a solid 8/10 from aggregated ratings, it’s celebrated for its IP66 durability, straightforward installation, and strong mid‑high sound profile, while bass lovers and those riding without wind protection may find it lacking.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy for riders prioritizing clarity over deep bass
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear audio at high speeds | Lacks deep bass despite 300w rating |
| Easy installation with universal clamps | Bluetooth dropouts for some users |
| IP66 weather resistance | Wind noise reduces performance without a windshield |
| Built‑in USB charging port | Pricey compared to similar systems |
| Loud enough for highway riding | Mounting clamps can feel flimsy |
| Rugged build quality | Potential corrosion in humid/salty environments |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing touts “300 watts of peak power” and “distortion‑free sound at any volume,” promising premium audio performance. In practice, riders report that while volume and clarity in the mid‑high frequencies are impressive, bass response is underwhelming. A verified buyer on Amazon admitted: “Sound quality is crisp, even at 70 mph (behind a windscreen). Like others have noted, there’s not a lot of bass.”
Bluetooth connectivity is pitched as seamless, with a 4.1 receiver supporting easy pairing. Yet experiences vary. Reddit users praised the 20‑meter range, but some on Trustpilot described frustrating dropouts: “Bluetooth disconnects frequently while riding and it is very annoying.” A few solved low volume issues by using “volume booster” apps, as recommended by retailers.
Durability gets emphasized with IP66 weather resistance, and many riders attest to its resilience. However, long‑term users in coastal settings warn humidity and salt exposure can cause corrosion. One BestViewsReviews participant noted: “Prolonged exposure to extreme weather could cause wear on the speaker’s exterior.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Ease of installation is a standout. From Harley riders to Honda Shadow owners, users praised the universal clamps fitting 7/8" to 1‑1/2" bars. One Amazon reviewer described a 30‑minute install: “If you can disconnect your battery and lift your tank, you can do this.” Riders who tapped into accessory fuse slots avoided wiring confusion—Reddit user feedback suggests this method also minimizes risk to the bike’s electrical system.
Outdoor durability earns consistent praise. Riders testify to using it in rain and dust without performance issues. A Trustpilot review called it “reliable in harsh outdoor conditions,” highlighting its appeal to touring motorcyclists.
USB charging on the go is a favorite convenience for long‑distance riders. Many use it to keep GPS units or smartphones alive during extended trips. A verified buyer shared: “Charge my phone while riding—especially useful for Waze navigation.”
Common Complaints
Bass deficiency is the most repeated complaint. While some understand motorcycle audio prioritizes midrange and treble to cut through wind, others expected fuller low end from a 300w system. Kevin A. on Revain stated: “If you’re looking for a sound with bass, this isn’t it. Mostly medium and high.”
Bluetooth instability frustrates certain users, particularly at speed or with obstacles between device and speaker. One Amazon customer’s Garmin Zumo XT2 connection cut out every five seconds, making the unit impractical for GPS‑driven music control.
Mounting hardware quality comes under occasional fire. A few claimed clamps feel “flimsy” or misfit their exact handlebar diameter despite being within spec. Loose clamps can be especially concerning for riders tackling rough terrain.
Divisive Features
Sound at high speed splits opinion. Riders with windshields often hear clear audio even at 80 mph, while those without find quality degrades beyond 50‑60 mph. Jason W. observed: “Without a windshield, 35‑45 km/h is not bad… at 50‑60 it starts to falter.” In quieter town riding, some even find it “too loud” with half helmets.
Price also divides riders. Some feel $314–$579 is justified given durability and clarity; others compare it to cheaper Bluetooth speakers mounted DIY, as Kevin A. suggested, finding performance similar at a fraction of the cost.
Trust & Reliability
Durability beyond the first year shows mostly positive patterns, though isolated failures occur. Some Amazon buyers encountered “defective out of the box” units or minor parts like USB covers falling off during shipping. James S. reported paying extra for an electrician to replace a blown chip, but once repaired, it “now works really well.”
Trustpilot feedback suggests customer support is generally responsive, yet slow during busy seasons. Riders warn premium pricing doesn’t guarantee instant problem resolution, so factor potential downtime if warranty service is needed.
Alternatives
Some compare the Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Plus to the higher‑priced Plex system. While Plex reportedly offers fuller sound, multiple riders found the MTX “only marginally worse” for much less money. Others think a cheaper JBL Bluetooth speaker mounted via custom hardware could rival it for casual town riding, though ruggedness and weather sealing wouldn’t match the Kuryakyn’s IP66 build.
Price & Value
Market prices range widely—from discounted $314 listings on Amazon to $579 retail prices. eBay sales hover near $539 new. Used or “previously installed” units can dip under $350, but watch for missing hardware or cosmetic wear.
Community buying tips include:
- Buy when bundled with other Kuryakyn gear for better overall value.
- If you ride without a windshield, consider pairing with fairing or auxiliary speakers for balanced sound.
- For riders in humid climates, routine cleaning and protective sprays can mitigate corrosion risk.
FAQ
Q: Will this work with non‑standard handlebars?
A: Universal clamps fit 7/8″ to 1‑1/2″ bars; non‑standard sizes require custom mounting solutions or adapters.
Q: Can I hear it at highway speeds without a windshield?
A: Many riders say sound clarity drops above 50–60 mph without wind protection, though volume remains high.
Q: Does the USB charging port support fast charging?
A: It outputs 1.0 amp—enough for phones and smaller devices but slower for tablets.
Q: What happens in heavy rain?
A: IP66 build holds up well, but persistent exposure in salty or humid environments can cause minor corrosion over time.
Q: Is bass adjustable?
A: No built‑in equalizer; adjust via your source device or use external EQ/amp for enhanced low end.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a touring or commuting rider who values clear, durable audio with easy installation and on‑the‑go charging. Avoid if you crave deep bass, ride without wind protection at high speeds, or need absolute Bluetooth stability in all conditions. Pro tip: tap into your accessory fuse for clean ignition‑linked wiring and fewer installation headaches.
