Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Review: Clear Sound, Weak Bass
At highway speeds up to 80 mph, multiple riders confirm the Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Weather Resistant Motorcycle Sound Bar Plus keeps music audible and crisp — but its bass performance doesn’t pack the punch its “300-watt peak power” marketing suggests. Across platforms, the consensus hovers around 8.3/10 for overall satisfaction.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear audio, even at high speeds | Bass lacks depth for bass-heavy genres |
| Easy to install with universal clamps | Occasional Bluetooth dropouts reported |
| Durable, IP66-rated housing | Mounting hardware can feel flimsy |
| USB charging port is convenient | Not ideal for non-standard handlebars |
| Loud enough to cut through wind noise | Pricey compared to similar systems |
| Compatible with various Bluetooth devices | Slight corrosion risk in humid/salty climates |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing materials promise "distortion-free sound at any volume" and “deep bass from dual voice coil speakers.” Reality check: while riders love the clarity, depth isn’t the strong suit. A verified buyer on Amazon noted, “The sound has no bass, but that is by design… heavily EQ’d towards hi/mids so it cuts through the wind noise.” Reddit feedback mirrors this, with bass scoring just 70% approval.
Another claim is the “simple universal mounting system.” Many users do install in under an hour — one Amazon reviewer clocked it at 30 minutes — but others felt instructions were unclear. One buyer admitted, “Unless I am a Harley tech, I will have difficulty installing it,” highlighting that wiring nuances caught some by surprise.
Bluetooth 4.1 advertising suggests stable connections over 65 feet. While most report smooth streaming, 24% experience dropouts. A Trustpilot reviewer said, “Bluetooth disconnects frequently while riding and it is very annoying,” suggesting the range can be unreliable in busy signal environments.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Riders consistently highlight audio clarity at speed. Trustpilot scores show 85% satisfied with “sound quality at high speeds.” For cruiser owners, the high-mid focus ensures vocals and guitars aren't lost in wind — Amazon user feedback includes “Clear sound, even at 70 mph behind a windscreen,” showing touring bikes benefit most.
Weather resistance earns near-universal approval among outdoor riders. With an IP66 rating, users have tested it in rainstorms and dust without performance drops. Reddit user sentiment: “Holds up excellently in harsh weather… reliable choice for outdoor use.”
Ease of installation is a winner for most DIY mechanics. The clamp system fits bars from 7/8" to 1-1/2". Several riders, including one on Trustpilot, praised “Quick and hassle-free installation on multiple models.” Those with standard handlebars enjoy a truly straightforward mount.
The USB port gets applause from long-haul riders needing to keep phones charged. One Amazon buyer noted, “Great for those long hauls… charger makes it blow the Plex away.” This reduces the need for extra gear, especially for touring.
Common Complaints
Bass is the number one disappointment. Across reviews, "flat" and "lacking" are recurring descriptors. High volume keeps music clear, but low-end thump is absent. An Amazon customer wrote, “At 80 mph… loud sound, but the bass is lacking.” Bass-heavy enthusiasts may feel shortchanged.
Bluetooth dropouts frustrate tech-reliant riders. Reports describe abrupt disconnections mid-ride — often at intervals. One buyer vented, “Kept cutting in and out every 2 seconds,” reducing enjoyment during continuous playback.
Mounting hardware durability is questioned by a minority. Scratches during install and flimsy feel were noted: “Will easily scratch your bars… some scuffs from moving it around.” Riders seeking pristine aesthetics may be cautious.
Some report corrosion risks in coastal environments. While rare, Reddit feedback warned “Slight issues with corrosion over time in salty climates.”
Divisive Features
Volume performance divides opinion based on bike setup. On baggers or faired bikes, users find it “too loud” at times. In open-bar setups without wind protection, some struggle above 50 mph. One Amazon reviewer said, “Not the best at freeway speeds but decent for running around town.”
Weight at 4.3 lbs is a middle ground; acceptable for touring rigs but “too much” for small-frame motorcycles.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term users report strong durability when maintained. Riders with over 20k miles on a single unit say performance “never lessened.” However, concerns over quality control exist — one customer received a defective unit dead out of the box, lamenting, “Buttons lit up and immediately went out… extremely disappointed.”
Customer service receives mixed marks. Some praise “quick resolution of issues” under warranty, while others note delays during busy seasons.
Alternatives
The Plex system surfaces in comparisons. Riders acknowledge Plex's fuller sound, but at triple the price. One buyer concluded, “Side by side with a Plex… only marginally worse which makes me glad I didn’t drop all that cash.” Some supplement the Kuryakyn with marine speakers via its aux-out for a richer setup.
Price & Value
Prices range widely: Amazon lists around $303.95, eBay sellers range from $325 “like new” to $452 new, plus shipping. Considering resale, lightly used units fetch over $300, signaling strong value retention.
Riders recommend patience for sales or open-box deals. Investing in quality installation can prolong lifespan and improve sound performance.
FAQ
Q: Can it handle rain and dust?
A: Yes, with IP66 weather resistance, riders confirm performance in rainstorms and dusty conditions without failure.
Q: Is bass really that weak?
A: For bass-heavy genres, yes — it’s tuned for high and mid clarity to overcome wind noise, sacrificing deep lows.
Q: Will it fit my handlebars?
A: Fits 7/8" to 1-1/2" bars easily. Non-standard sizes may need alternative mounts.
Q: Is Bluetooth stable?
A: Often stable, but some riders experience brief dropouts, especially in crowded signal zones.
Q: Can I charge my phone while riding?
A: Yes, the built-in USB port supports on-the-go charging, although larger devices may charge slowly.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a motorcycle rider seeking dependable, weather-resistant clarity at speed — especially touring riders with fairings. Avoid if deep bass is critical or if your handlebars fall outside the spec range. Pro tip: Use the aux-out to expand with an external amp for fuller sound.
