Kuryakyn 2720 MTX Road Thunder Sound Bar Plus: Uncompromising Audio for the Open Road

For many, the rumble of a motorcycle engine is music in itself. But what about those longer rides, those stretches of open highway where the rhythm of the road could use a complementary soundtrack? For years, motorcycle audio has been a compromise. Traditional car audio systems simply aren’t built for the exposed, high-vibration environment of a motorcycle. Wind noise, engine roar, and the elements themselves conspire to create a challenging sonic landscape. The Kuryakyn 2720 MTX Road Thunder Sound Bar Plus aims to change that, delivering a high-fidelity audio experience designed specifically for the demands of motorcycling. This isn’t just about playing music; it’s about understanding the science of sound on two wheels.

The Science of Sound on Two Wheels

Before we dive into the specifics of the Kuryakyn 2720, let’s consider the unique acoustic challenges faced by motorcycle riders.

• The Challenge of Open Air: Unlike a car, which provides a relatively enclosed space, a motorcycle offers no such acoustic containment. Sound waves dissipate quickly in open air, meaning the sound system needs to be significantly more powerful to achieve the same perceived loudness. Think of it like the difference between listening to music in your living room versus at an outdoor concert.

• Engine Noise: A Sonic Hurdle: The very heart of the motorcycle, its engine, is also a major source of noise. This isn’t just a low rumble; engines produce a wide range of frequencies, many of which overlap with the frequencies of music. This creates a masking effect, where the engine noise obscures the desired audio.

• Wind Noise: The Ultimate Foe: As speed increases, wind noise becomes the dominant acoustic challenge. This isn’t just a whooshing sound; it’s a complex mix of frequencies generated by turbulence around the rider’s helmet and body. At highway speeds, wind noise can easily exceed 85-100 decibels (dB), requiring a sound system that can compete with that level of background noise. To put that in perspective, prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can cause hearing damage.

• How Our Ears Perceive Sound: Our ears are not equally sensitive to all frequencies. We are most sensitive to sounds in the midrange (around 2kHz to 5kHz), where human speech falls. This means that a motorcycle sound system needs to be carefully tuned to emphasize these frequencies, ensuring that vocals and instruments are clear and intelligible even amidst the noise.
  

Kuryakyn 2720: Engineering Sound for the Ride

The Kuryakyn 2720 MTX Road Thunder Sound Bar Plus tackles these challenges head-on with a combination of power, intelligent design, and rugged construction.

• Power and Clarity: 300 Watts and 4.1 Channels: The 300-watt peak power rating indicates the system’s ability to deliver loud, impactful sound. But power isn’t everything; it’s how that power is used that matters. The Kuryakyn 2720 employs a 4.1 channel system. This means there are four distinct audio channels driving two 2” x 3” full-range speakers and two 1” silk dome tweeters. The “4” represents those four channels, creating a broader and more immersive soundstage. The “.1” signifies the ability of the system to efficiently reproduce low-frequency sounds – the bass. While not a dedicated, physically separate subwoofer, the design of the Kuryakyn 2720, and how the signal is processed, provides that crucial low-end punch. The four separate speakers are also arranged to provide a more directional sound, focusing the audio towards the rider. The RMS power, a more accurate measure of continuous power output, is 4 x 19W, with a maximum of 4 x 23W.

• The Magnetism of Sound: Neodymium Drivers: The speakers within the Kuryakyn 2720 utilize neodymium magnets. Neodymium is a rare-earth element that produces incredibly strong magnetic fields for its size. In a speaker, the magnet is part of the motor that drives the speaker cone, creating sound waves. Stronger magnets allow for smaller, lighter speakers that can still produce powerful sound – a critical advantage in the space-constrained environment of a motorcycle. The N42 rating refers to the specific grade of the neodymium magnet, indicating its strength and resistance to demagnetization.

• Weatherproof Warrior: IP66 Explained: Motorcycling is an all-weather pursuit, and the Kuryakyn 2720 is built to withstand the elements. Its IP66 rating is a testament to its durability. “IP” stands for “Ingress Protection,” and the two digits that follow indicate the level of protection against solids (first digit) and liquids (second digit). A “6” in the first position means the unit is completely dust-tight – no dust particles can penetrate the enclosure. The second “6” indicates that it can withstand powerful water jets from any direction. This means you can ride through rain, dust storms, and even wash your bike without worrying about damaging the sound bar. However it is not design for full water immersion.

• Wireless Freedom: Bluetooth 4.1 and NFC: The Kuryakyn 2720 embraces wireless convenience with Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology that allows you to stream music directly from your smartphone or other compatible device. Version 4.1 offers improvements in power efficiency and data transfer speed compared to earlier versions. The inclusion of NFC (Near Field Communication) simplifies the pairing process. With NFC, you can simply tap your compatible device to the sound bar to establish a Bluetooth connection – no need to navigate through menus. While many newer Bluetooth devices use version 5.0 or higher, version 4.1 is perfectly adequate for high-quality audio streaming, especially given the typical listening distances on a motorcycle. Different Bluetooth audio codecs are available, such as SBC, AAC, and aptX. While the provided documentation doesn’t state which codecs are used, SBC is a mandatory standard, and AAC is commonly supported, offering better quality than SBC.

• Built to Last: Materials and Construction: The Kuryakyn 2720 features a durable housing, designed to withstand the vibrations and shocks inherent in motorcycling. The integrated heat sink helps dissipate heat generated by the amplifier, preventing overheating and ensuring long-term reliability. The self-protection circuit guards against voltage fluctuations, further protecting the internal components. The unit is primarily made of aluminum, adding to the robust nature, and is also aesthetically pleasing.

• Power at Your Fingertips: Integrated USB Charging: A convenient 1.0A USB charging port is integrated into the end cap, allowing you to keep your smartphone or other devices powered up while you ride. The port is also water-resistant, maintaining the overall weatherproof integrity of the sound bar.
  

The Kuryakyn Difference: Beyond the Specs

While the technical specifications are impressive, the true value of the Kuryakyn 2720 lies in its real-world performance and how it enhances the riding experience. It’s the difference between hearing some music and truly feeling the music, even at highway speeds. It’s about having a sound system that’s as rugged and reliable as your motorcycle itself. The careful consideration of speaker placement, combined with the power and clarity of the system, creates a “sweet spot” of sound for the rider.

Installation is designed to be straightforward. The universal articulating mounting clamps are compatible with a wide range of handlebar sizes, from 7/8” to 1-1/2”. The included installation instructions are clear, and online video tutorials are also available. However, it’s crucial to ensure the sound bar is securely mounted and doesn’t interfere with the motorcycle’s controls or your field of vision. Wiring should be done carefully, following the instructions and ensuring proper connections to the battery and a switched power source (one that turns off with the ignition). This prevents accidental battery drain. Using the provided T-Tap Quick Connect Female connector on the ACC/Key ignition wire is highly recommended.

The auxiliary input (3.5mm) provides a wired connection option for devices that don’t have Bluetooth, while the auxiliary output allows you to connect an external amplifier or even a second Road Thunder Sound Bar Plus for an even more powerful sound system. This expandability is a significant advantage for riders who want to customize their audio setup.

Addressing Potential Shortcomings

No product is perfect, and it’s important to acknowledge potential drawbacks. The Kuryakyn 2720, while delivering excellent sound quality for its size and form factor, doesn’t have a dedicated, separate subwoofer. This means that the very lowest bass frequencies (deep bass) might not be as pronounced as in a system with a larger, dedicated subwoofer. However, for most riders, the bass response is more than adequate, providing a full and satisfying sound.

The price point is another factor to consider. The Kuryakyn 2720 is a premium product, and its price reflects that. However, the investment is justified by the combination of sound quality, durability, and features. It’s also worth noting that the sound bar does not include built in FM radio, requiring a connected device (like a smartphone) to provide any radio function.

Finally, while the Bluetooth connection is generally reliable, like all wireless technology, it can be susceptible to interference in certain environments. Maintaining a clear line of sight between your device and the sound bar can help maximize connection stability.

Conclusion: The Soundtrack to Your Adventure

The Kuryakyn 2720 MTX Road Thunder Sound Bar Plus represents a significant step forward in motorcycle audio. It’s a well-engineered, thoughtfully designed system that delivers impressive sound quality and durability in a challenging environment. It’s more than just a speaker; it’s an investment in your riding experience, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music with clarity and power, no matter where the road takes you. It’s about merging the freedom of the open road with the immersive power of music. The open road, your engine, and perfectly streamed audio. The Kuryakyn lets you take the concert with you.