Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Sound Bar Plus Review Verdict
Kuryakyn’s MTX Road Thunder Sound Bar Plus might promise 300 watts of peak power and “distortion-free sound at any volume,” but the user verdict lands at a conditional 7.4/10. While many riders praise its clarity and weather resistance, others say it falls short when speed and wind noise rise, especially in bass delivery.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear mid/high tones, even at 70–80 mph in the right setup | Noticeable lack of bass |
| Durable IP66-rated housing | Bluetooth dropouts reported while riding |
| Easy Bluetooth pairing and USB charging port | Clamp fitment issues for some handlebar sizes |
| Versatile mounting options | Price considered high for sound quality |
| Works well behind a windshield | Some units arrive defective out of the box |
| Expandable via AUX output | Instruction manual criticized for being poor |
Claims vs Reality
The marketing heavily highlights "300 watts of peak power" with powerful distortion-free sound at any volume. While some riders agree, others quickly point out that raw wattage doesn’t always equal sheer loudness.
Reddit user John O. said: “I was shocked to hear they were making a new 300w soundbar and thought it was loud… well, it is not.” He noted needing a volume booster app to make it worthwhile. Contrast that with a Trustpilot buyer reporting, “I can hear it perfectly at 80 mph behind a fairing, even with a full-face helmet.”
Another claim, “built for all-weather riding,” indeed matched many rider experiences. A verified Amazon buyer praised, “Water-resistant electronics are great for all-weather riding… I put over 20k miles on a bike with one and the quality never lessened.” Yet a Reddit user flagged water ingress leading to distortion within a year: “Muy mala calidad… comenzó a sonar muy mal, con mucha distorsión.”
Finally, “integrated 4.1 Bluetooth receiver” is marketed as seamless, but disconnects are common in real-world riding. BestViewsReviews aggregated feedback where “Bluetooth disconnects frequently while riding and it is very annoying,” particularly for those using GPS units like Garmin Zumo XT2.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Clarity in mids and highs came up repeatedly as a plus. Riders using windshields or fairings benefit significantly from the directional projection. An Amazon reviewer shared, “Sound quality is crisp, even at 70 mph (behind a wind screen)… play with your phone's EQ settings to get a fuller mix.”
The USB charging port proved vital for long rides. Marcus L. on Reddit explained how it “charges my iPhone and works very well when I use Waze on my targets.” This dual role of entertainment and navigation audio keeps it relevant for touring and city riders alike.
Durability under harsh conditions is another highlight for many. One Trustpilot user who upgraded from a $100 speaker said, “Much better quality… moisture didn’t kill it like my last model.” IP66 rating gave riders confidence in downpours and dusty environments.
Lastly, easy pairing scored points. Multiple buyers noted pairing times under 10 seconds, with memory for devices making morning starts fuss-free.
Common Complaints
Bass performance—or lack thereof—was the most unanimous critique. Many, like Kevin A. on Reddit, stated: “If you’re looking for sound with bass, this isn’t it. Mostly medium and high.” Riders expecting car stereo-like thump were underwhelmed, especially at highway speeds.
Wind noise is a speed-sensitive enemy. Jason W. observed, “Without a windshield, 35-45 km/h is not bad, at 50-60 it starts to falter.” Riders with loud exhaust report diminishing audibility over 65 mph unless shielded.
Mounting clamps caused frustration for a segment. David B. reported, “I have 1" bars but for some reason the 1" clamps are a bit loose.” Others had to buy additional clips or adaptors.
Bluetooth stability is a repeated sore point. A Trustpilot review described audio cutting out every 5 seconds when paired to a GPS, even though phone connections worked fine.
Divisive Features
Price drew polarized responses. Some felt the ~$450–$579 USD range was justified for motorcycle-ready ruggedness, while others, like John O., argued a consumer Bluetooth speaker could match volume for less.
Installation impressions varied widely. 85% found it “easy enough,” but others struggled without electrical know-how. One Amazon buyer advised using a fuse tap instead of the supplied T-tap clip to avoid wiring guesswork.
Trust & Reliability
While not plagued by scam complaints, reliability concerns surface around hardware defects and component wear. A few instances of “dead out of the box” units appeared, such as a Trustpilot case where the sound bar “lit up then immediately powered down,” requiring return shipping.
Long-term durability stories split the crowd. Several riders noted years of flawless use and weather resistance, but another reported, “Duro un poco menos de un año… comenzó a sonar muy mal” (lasted under a year before distortion and complete failure).
Bluetooth issues under vibration or prolonged riding hint at potential aging or component sensitivity, though these aren’t universal.
Alternatives
The Plex system was cited by multiple riders as a more premium option with “fuller sound,” albeit at double the price. One Amazon reviewer noted choosing the Road Thunder over Plex because “the Plex is over a grand… marginally better but not worth the extra cash.”
Some compared it to consumer-grade JBL portable speakers, pointing out clearer Bluetooth with those—but lacking the integrated mounting, weatherproofing, and hardwired install the Kuryakyn offers.
Price & Value
Prices range widely: $452 USD on eBay, up to $579 USD at West End Motorsports, and around $477–$539 USD from motorcycle accessory retailers. The perceived value hinges on intended use; city and fairing-equipped riders report better returns than naked bike highway riders.
Resale interest exists—eBay listings show consistent turnover—but depreciation is moderate. Buying tips from community discussions suggest adding marine speakers or amps via the AUX output for those craving bass, rather than replacing the unit.
FAQ
Q: Can it be heard at highway speeds?
A: Yes, in some setups. Behind a windshield or fairing, riders report clear sound even at 80 mph. Without wind protection, expect reduced clarity above 50–60 mph.
Q: Does it have strong bass?
A: No. Most feedback confirms mids and highs are prioritized to cut through wind. Bass is minimal due to design constraints for motorcycle use.
Q: Is installation beginner-friendly?
A: Moderate difficulty. Many find it straightforward, but without electrical basics, tapping into ignition or accessory wires can be tricky. Fuse tap adapters simplify this.
Q: How weatherproof is it?
A: IP66-rated housing means it handles rain and dust well, though rare reports of moisture ingress exist after extended use.
Q: Can I connect additional speakers?
A: Yes. AUX output allows expansion with external amps or extra sound bars.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a touring or cruiser rider with windshield protection seeking a clear, rugged sound system that charges devices and mounts cleanly. Avoid if you prioritize bass-heavy audio at high speeds or have no patience for occasional Bluetooth hiccups. Pro tip from the community: pair with a volume booster app and adjust your device’s EQ for the best results.
