Kuryakyn 2719 MTX Road Thunder Sound Bar Plus: Premium Audio for Your Motorcycle

The roar of a motorcycle engine, the wind whipping past your helmet – these are integral parts of the riding experience. But for many, the perfect ride also includes a soundtrack. Delivering high-fidelity audio in the demanding environment of a motorcycle, however, presents a unique set of engineering challenges. It’s a world away from designing a home stereo system. Let’s explore the science and technology behind motorcycle audio, focusing on how a system like the Kuryakyn 2719 MTX Road Thunder Sound Bar Plus tackles these hurdles.

Decoding Sound: Basic Acoustic Principles

Before diving into the specifics of the Kuryakyn 2719, it’s helpful to understand a few fundamental acoustic principles.

• Sound Pressure Level (SPL): Measured in decibels (dB), SPL represents the loudness of a sound. The higher the SPL, the louder the sound. A typical conversation might be around 60 dB, while a motorcycle engine at speed can easily reach 90 dB or more.
• Frequency Response: This refers to the range of frequencies (from low bass to high treble) that an audio system can reproduce. A wider frequency response generally means a more accurate and complete sound reproduction.
• Distortion: This refers to any unwanted changes to the audio signal that degrade the sound quality. Distortion can manifest as a fuzzy, harsh, or unclear sound.
  

The Kuryakyn 2719: An Engineering Deep Dive

The Kuryakyn 2719 MTX Road Thunder isn’t just a speaker strapped to handlebars; it’s a carefully engineered system designed to overcome the specific challenges of the motorcycle environment. Let’s break down its key components:

• Power and Amplification: The Kuryakyn 2719 boasts 300 watts of peak power. This might seem excessive, but it’s necessary to overcome the significant ambient noise levels encountered while riding. The system utilizes a 4-channel amplifier, specifically a Class D amplifier. Class D amplifiers are highly efficient, meaning they convert more of the electrical energy into sound and less into heat. This is crucial in a compact, enclosed system like a motorcycle sound bar, where heat dissipation can be a major issue. The Amplifier is rated at 4 x 19WRMS, with a maximum of 4 x 23W.

• Speaker Design - Dual Voice Coils (DVC): The two 2” x 3” full-range speakers in the Kuryakyn 2719 feature a clever design element: dual voice coils. Imagine a speaker cone as a drumhead. The voice coil is like the drumstick that makes it vibrate. A traditional speaker has one “drumstick” (voice coil). A DVC speaker has two. This doesn’t just mean it can handle more power (which it can). It also allows for greater flexibility in how the speaker is wired and, crucially, can improve the speaker’s ability to produce lower frequencies (bass). This is because the two voice coils can be configured to work together to move more air, resulting in a richer, fuller sound, especially in the lower frequencies.

• Speaker Design - Silk Dome Tweeters and N42 Magnets: High frequencies (like cymbals and vocals) are handled by four 1” silk dome tweeters. Silk is a lightweight yet strong material, allowing the tweeter to vibrate very rapidly and accurately reproduce these delicate sounds. But the real secret weapon here is the N42 neodymium magnet. Neodymium magnets are incredibly powerful for their size. The “N42” designation refers to the magnet’s grade – a measure of its magnetic strength. A higher grade means a stronger magnetic field, which translates to greater control over the tweeter’s movement and, ultimately, a more precise and powerful sound. This allows for a wider frequency response and a clear audio output.

• Connectivity: Bluetooth and Beyond: The Kuryakyn 2719 utilizes Bluetooth 3.0 for wireless audio streaming. While newer versions of Bluetooth exist, 3.0 provides a stable and reliable connection for streaming audio. An important factor that is not listed in the product description, is which audio codecs the system supports. Common Bluetooth audio codecs include SBC (the basic, mandatory codec), AAC (popular with Apple devices), and aptX (known for higher quality). The specific codec used can impact the audio quality, particularly at higher bitrates. The absence of this information in the product specifications is a minor drawback. In addition to Bluetooth, the Kuryakyn 2719 includes a 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting non-Bluetooth devices and a 3.5mm output for connecting an external amplifier or additional speakers, offering system expansion flexibility. The Bluetooth range is 20 meters.

• Weatherproofing: The IP66 Standard: Motorcycles are exposed to the elements, and a sound system must be able to withstand them. The Kuryakyn 2719 boasts an IP66 rating. This isn’t just marketing jargon; it’s an internationally recognized standard. “IP” stands for “Ingress Protection.” The first “6” indicates that the unit is completely dust-tight – no dust particles can penetrate the enclosure. The second “6” signifies that the unit is protected against powerful water jets. This means it can handle heavy rain, road spray, and even being washed down, but it’s not designed for submersion.

• Vibration’s effect, and reduction methods: Motorcycles are inherently vibrational environments. These vibrations can negatively affect the performance and longevity of audio equipment. The Kuryakyn 2719, while not explicitly detailing its vibration damping methods, likely incorporates design features to mitigate these effects. These could include robust construction materials, strategically placed damping materials within the enclosure, and secure mounting hardware. The metal enclosure itself likely contributes to vibration resistance.

Mounting and Installation

The Kuryakyn 2719 is designed for handlebar mounting, with universal articulating clamps that fit bars ranging from 7/8” to 1-1/2” in diameter. The installation process is generally straightforward, typically involving attaching the clamps to the handlebars, securing the sound bar to the clamps, and connecting the power, ground, and ignition wires. It’s crucial to ensure a secure and stable mount to minimize vibration and prevent the sound bar from shifting during riding. Consulting the user manual, which provides a PDF download with specific instructions, is highly recommended.

Beyond the Specs: The Listening Experience

All these technical features combine to create a listening experience that’s surprisingly powerful and clear, even in the challenging motorcycle environment. The combination of high power output, well-designed speakers, and a robust enclosure allows the Kuryakyn 2719 to deliver audio that can be heard and enjoyed above the din of wind and engine noise. Of course, the actual listening experience will vary depending on factors like riding speed, helmet type, and the presence of a windshield.

A Brief Comparison

While a direct comparison to specific competitor products is outside the scope of this article (and would veer into marketing), it’s important to understand the broader context. Lower-quality motorcycle audio systems often cut corners on power output, speaker quality, and weatherproofing. They might use cheaper plastic enclosures, lower-grade magnets, and single voice coil speakers, resulting in a sound that’s tinny, distorted, and easily overwhelmed by ambient noise. The Kuryakyn 2719’s focus on quality components and robust construction sets it apart.

Future Trend

The motorcycle audio is constantly improving. Future products may have better noise-canceling technology. This will help reduce the impact of wind and engine noise, and provide a more immersive music experience. Another future improvement may be in smart controls, with features like voice commands, allowing for adjustments without taking your hands off the handlebars. Further integration can occur, with the audio system connecting to the motorcycle’s navigation or communication systems, providing turn-by-turn directions or allowing for phone calls through the speakers.

Conclusion

The Kuryakyn 2719 MTX Road Thunder Sound Bar Plus represents a significant step up from basic motorcycle audio solutions. It’s a testament to how careful engineering and high-quality components can overcome the inherent challenges of delivering satisfying sound on two wheels. It’s not just about loudness; it’s about clarity, fidelity, and durability. While it represents a premium investment, for riders who prioritize audio quality, it’s an investment that can significantly enhance the riding experience. It is ideally suited for riders who want a powerful, clear, and weather-resistant audio system without the complexity of a multi-component setup.