Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Plus Review: Clear Sound Verdict
At 300 watts peak power, the Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Weather Resistant Motorcycle Sound Bar Plus promises "distortion-free sound at any volume" — but dig through rider reports and the verdict lands at 8/10. While praised for clarity, installation ease, and rugged build, its bass output and high-speed performance don’t match the hype for every user.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Excellent for riders prioritizing mid/high clarity and weather resistance, less ideal for bass lovers or those riding without wind protection.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear and powerful audio at moderate speeds | Bass lacks depth for a 300W system |
| IP66-rated weather resistance | Audio struggles above 60 mph without windshield |
| Simple installation with universal mounting clamps | Pricey compared to similar-specced competitors |
| USB charging port for devices on the go | Occasional Bluetooth dropouts reported |
| Compatible with wide range of handlebars | Mounting clamps can feel flimsy |
| Reliable build quality over time | Some corrosion in coastal/humid conditions |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing pushes the 300W peak power and “powerful distortion-free sound at any volume.” On paper, the internal 4-channel amp, silk dome tweeters, and dual voice coil speakers promise a full range audio experience. In practice, many riders back up the claims for clarity but question the depth of low frequencies. A verified Amazon buyer noted: “The sound quality is crisp, even at 70 mph (behind a windscreen)... there’s not a lot of bass.”
Kuryakyn touts IP66 weather-resistance as making it ideal for all outdoor conditions. This largely holds up, with Reddit and Trustpilot users reporting solid performance through rain and dusty trails. However, isolated complaints cite corrosion in humid coastal climates. As one Reddit user explained, “Prolonged exposure to extreme weather could cause wear on the speaker’s exterior.”
Bluetooth connectivity also gets headline treatment. While most riders report instant pairing and reliable streaming within the 20-meter range, others encounter frustrating dropouts. On Quora, one rider shared: “Bluetooth disconnects frequently while riding… every 2 seconds.” This indicates sensitivity to interference and source device quality.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Sound clarity ranks highest across Reddit, Amazon, and Trustpilot. Riders with fairings or windshields repeatedly confirm they can hear the system without distortion even at highway speeds. A Reddit user noted: “Clear and powerful audio, even at high speeds… enjoyable for long rides.” For touring bikers and urban riders alike, the heavily EQ’d mids/highs cut through wind and engine noise.
Installation earns near-universal praise thanks to the patent-pending universal clamps fit to handlebars from 7/8" to 1-1/2". A verified buyer on Amazon wrote: “Install was a breeze… connects to battery and splices into accessory wire. Everything is included.” This makes it especially attractive to riders who want plug-and-play upgrades without pro installer costs.
Weather resistance delivers confidence. Trustpilot feedback highlights long-term performance in rain and dust without degradation. As one customer stated: “Its IP66 housing ensures reliability even in harsh outdoor conditions.” For adventure riders, this durability means less worry about sudden downpours.
The USB charging port becomes a convenience lifeline on long mileage runs. Riders stream music while keeping GPS or phones powered, reducing the need for extra gear. One Indian Scout owner on Amazon confirmed: “The speaker turns off when the bike turns off… includes a USB port for charging your phone. No complaints.”
Common Complaints
Bass performance is a recurring disappointment. Despite 300W peak power ratings, most agree low-end tones lack punch. An Amazon reviewer wrote: “If you’re looking for sound with a base, this isn’t it… mostly medium and high.” Bass-heavy music genres lose impact, making the system less appealing for those chasing deep, thumping sound.
High-speed audibility without wind protection is inconsistent. Multiple reports cite drop-offs at 50–60 mph, especially for riders with open bars. One Revain user put it bluntly: “At 50-60 without a windshield… sound quality is not audible.” This limitation matters for stripped-down cruisers or naked sport bikes.
Bluetooth stability issues crop up for a minority of riders. Dropouts or incompatibility with certain GPS units, like Garmin Zumo, frustrate tech-heavy users. An Amazon reviewer found: “This speaker sounded fantastic… but would cut off after about 5 seconds when paired to my Zumo XT2.”
Clamp sturdiness divides opinion. While most say they hold, some call them loose on certain bar diameters. Reddit feedback notes “Mounting hardware could have been more robust… feels flimsy at times.”
Divisive Features
Portability perception varies. At 4.3 lbs, some view it as lightweight for a motorcycle audio bar, while others find it bulky for smaller bikes. One Reddit user noted: “Relatively lightweight… doesn’t add bulk,” while another countered, “The weight may feel substantial when mounted on smaller bikes.”
Value for money depends on expectations. Many accept the premium price for brand reliability and weather protection, but others feel alternatives offer similar performance for less. A Reddit member observed: “It’s well-built, but you pay a premium for the brand name.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data shows most users find the build quality and support dependable, with quick resolution of issues under the one-year warranty. Yet there are documented cases of defective units out of the box. An Amazon buyer described: “Defective right out of the box… powered on for seconds then shut off… returning for refund.”
Long-term durability stories are positive in standard conditions, with riders putting tens of thousands of miles on the system without drop in quality. One high-mileage rider wrote: “Over 20k miles… quality never lessened.” Failures tend to stem from extreme moisture or mechanical mishandling, such as losing the USB port cover during shipping.
Alternatives
The Plex marine-quality systems come up in comparisons from riders who considered spending more. One Amazon buyer explained their choice: “I was between this and the Plex… figured I’d go this route first since the Plex is over a grand.” Plex delivers fuller bass but at significantly higher cost. Cheaper unbranded bars are mentioned as “el cheapo junk” by Amazon users, highlighting a gap between budget units and Kuryakyn’s mid-premium positioning.
Price & Value
At current Amazon pricing around $303.95 (down from $469.99), the Road Thunder Plus sits in a mid-tier bracket for motorcycle audio. eBay listings span $325–$452 with occasional discounts. Resale value appears strong for near-new units, particularly for riders upgrading to amp/speaker combos.
Community tips stress considering riding style before purchase: those with bare handlebars and regular high-speed runs will get less benefit without windshield protection. If bass is critical, expect to add external speakers via the aux-out port.
FAQ
Q: Can it be installed without pro help?
A: Yes. Most riders complete installation in under an hour using universal clamps and included hardware. Those comfortable with basic wiring to battery or ignition won’t need professional assistance.
Q: Is it loud enough for highway speeds?
A: With wind protection, clarity remains at speeds up to 80 mph. Without fairings or windshields, audibility may fade past 55–60 mph, especially on loud-piped bikes.
Q: Does the USB port charge quickly?
A: The 1.0A output is fine for phones but slower for tablets or power-intensive devices. It’s best for maintaining charge, not rapid fills.
Q: How weatherproof is it?
A: Rated IP66, it handles rain and dust well. Some users in very humid or salty climates have reported minor corrosion over time.
Q: Will bass improve with EQ settings?
A: Marginally. Adjusting phone EQ can enhance lows, but the design emphasizes mids/highs to battle wind noise. Adding external speakers via the aux port is the best route for stronger bass.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a touring or commuting rider who values clear mid/high audio, quick installation, and reliable weather resistance. Avoid if you demand deep bass or consistent performance on open-bar bikes at high speeds. Pro tip: Use the aux-out with an external amp to fill in low-end punch, and mount behind a fairing or windshield for best results.
