Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Review: Worth the Price?
Few motorcycle audio systems spark as much debate as the Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder Sound Bar Plus (2720). Officially rated at 300 watts peak power, it earns a respectable 4.2/5 average from riders, but its real-world performance paints a more complex picture. While some praise it as “phenomenal” and “exactly what I imagined,” others call it “very expensive” and “not loud at all” at highway speeds.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – great for casual urban cruising, potentially disappointing for high-speed, wind-heavy riding.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear mid/high tones at moderate speeds | Noticeable bass deficiency |
| Easy Bluetooth pairing | Bluetooth dropouts during rides |
| Durable IP66-rated build | Some units defective out of the box |
| USB charging port included | Mounting clamps reported as flimsy/loose |
| Versatile mounting options | Price considered steep by many |
| Audible with windshield at 70 km/h | Sound fades above ~60 mph without wind protection |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing touts “distortion-free sound at any volume” thanks to two 2"x3" dual voice coil speakers and four silk dome tweeters. Reddit user david b. agreed with part of this claim: “The sound is crisp and clear. Mid and high tones are clear and piercingly loud at full volume,” but immediately noted, “due to its design and size, it lacks a bit of bass and deep tones.” This echoes multiple Trustpilot reviews stating that while treble cuts through wind, low-end punch simply isn’t there.
Another bold claim is the “universal articulating mounting clamps fit virtually any bars between ⅞" and 1½".” Users found that, in practice, some bars required extra hardware. Marcus l. shared: “I had to purchase an additional 1.5-inch light strip clip as the kit only fits the 1.25-inch clip. No deal breaker.” Others, like david b., found “the 1-inch clamps are a bit loose.”
Kuryakyn also promotes “seamless Bluetooth connectivity.” While pairing is indeed straightforward, performance in motion is mixed. A verified buyer on BestViewsReviews admitted, “Bluetooth disconnects frequently while riding and it is very annoying,” describing audio cutting in and out every few seconds — especially with GPS devices like the Garmin Zumo XT2.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Whether on Trustpilot or Reddit, many appreciate the clear sound profile for suburban rides. An Amazon reviewer with a 2021 Indian Scout Bobber said, “At 45-50, it’s clear as day with full face shield helmet on.” Riders without windshields, cruising under 60 mph, often praise its ability to outperform portable speakers. For touring bikes with fairings, sound clarity holds up even at freeway speeds. The USB charging port is another consistent win, keeping phones topped up on long hauls. Jason w. on Reddit sums it up: “Pairs easily with my phone… The USB cable works well as it charges my iPhone.”
Its IP66-rated weather resistance impressed those riding in unpredictable conditions. One Trustpilot review compared it favorably to a cheaper unit that failed after a downpour: “Bit the bullet and purchased this… much better quality than the first $100 version.”
Common Complaints
Bass output — or rather, lack thereof — dominates complaints. Kevin a. said, “If you're looking for a sound with a base, this isn't it. Mostly medium and high.” That trade-off is deliberate, as one Amazon user explained: “To make such a tiny soundbar audible on a motorcycle, it needs to be heavily EQ’d towards hi/mids.” Yet for bass lovers, this is a dealbreaker.
Durability issues appear in a minority of cases but are severe: James s. found his unit powered on for “a few seconds and then loses power,” requiring an electrician to fix a blown chip. Another Trustpilot reviewer reported their USB port cover falling off in shipping due to a weak plastic clip, leaving ports exposed to rain.
Bluetooth intermittency plagues a subset of users, particularly those integrating GPS. One rider recounted on Trustpilot: “The track was continuing to play, but no sound coming from the speaker… audio would come back immediately for another 5 seconds before cutting off again.”
Mounting hardware quality is another friction point. Scuffs to bars during install, loose clamps, and awkward fit for certain handlebar diameters are all mentioned repeatedly.
Divisive Features
Volume performance sparks heated debate. While david b. insists, “At a speed of 70 km/h I can hear perfectly because of the wind… clamps are the biggest problem,” John o. directly counters: “Not loud at all… for the money it’s just not worth it.” Riding style, bike type, and windshield presence seem to dictate satisfaction here. Riders behind large fairings often say volume is more than adequate; those on naked bikes find wind noise unbeatable past 50-60 mph.
Price is another split opinion. Some, like the Trustpilot user urging “spend the $$!”, see it as an investment in quality motorcycle audio. Others deem it “too expensive for this sound quality,” suggesting a mounted Bluetooth speaker for less.
Trust & Reliability
Defective units out of the box are rare but reported — a costly and frustrating issue given return logistics for some buyers. One Trustpilot reviewer from a rural area noted it would cost “half the value of the goods” to send back. Some riders upgrade or repair these units themselves, as James s. did, leading to eventual satisfaction but at added expense.
Long-term use shows mixed durability. A Spanish-language Amazon review laments: “Duró un poco menos de un año… mucha distorsión hasta que dejó de funcionar por completo.” On the other side, one rider logged “over 20k miles… and the quality never lessened,” suggesting that when initial build issues are absent, the sound bar can survive extensive riding seasons.
Alternatives
Several reviewers weighed this against the “Plex” system, noting Plex’s fuller sound but much higher cost. One Trustpilot rider found the Road Thunder “only marginally worse,” making them “glad I didn’t drop all that cash on one.” Cheaper portable speakers are also mentioned, yet their inability to cut through wind at speed remains a persistent weakness compared to the Kuryakyn.
Price & Value
Current listings range from $303.95 on Amazon to $325 on eBay, with retail prices cited as high as $579.99. Second-hand units fetch decent resale due to demand, especially when lightly used. eBay seller darpan gogia described theirs as “barely used for a 100-mile trip before selling my bike… clear and powerful sound.”
Value perception hinges on usage. Fairing-equipped cruisers see strong returns in enjoying music and navigation cues at all speeds, whereas stripped-down street bikes may find performance marginal in highway contexts.
FAQ
Q: Is the Kuryakyn MTX Road Thunder loud enough for highway speeds?
A: Riders with windshields or fairings generally find it clear up to 70 mph. Without wind protection, multiple reports say it falters above 50-60 mph.
Q: Does it have good bass output?
A: No. It’s tuned for mids and highs to cut through wind noise, which means bass lovers may be disappointed.
Q: How easy is installation?
A: Many say around 30-90 minutes, with simple wiring if splicing into ignition. YouTube guides help, but flimsy clamps and risk of bar scuffs require care.
Q: Is Bluetooth stable while riding?
A: Generally steady when paired directly to phones, but GPS integration sometimes causes frequent dropouts.
Q: Will it fit my handlebars?
A: Designed for ⅞" to 1½" bars, though riders with certain sizes may need extra adapters or find clamp fit imperfect.
Final Verdict: Buy if you cruise under 60 mph, ride with a windshield, and value clear mids/highs with added USB charging on the go. Avoid if you expect subwoofer-level bass or perfect Bluetooth stability with GPS. Pro tip from the community: experiment with phone EQ settings to enrich sound, and consider a volume booster app for maximum output.
