So naturally, finding a way to mount this prosthesis we call a smartphone to our bikes is bound to happen. Sport bikes and many sport-touring machines will have clip-on hand grips that don’t provide a classic round handlebar where you can attach a phone mount. As the plug is compressed, it expands and grips the inside of the fork stem hole, providing a solid mounting location to add a cell phone.
It takes a bit more diligence for installation than the standard handlebar mount but it’s still usually the best option for sport bikes. If you ride a modern scooter, you’ll quickly realize a fork stem mounting option won’t work and you’ve got a bunch of plastic covering the handlebar with no good place to attach a mount without crowding the handgrip. The point I’m trying to make, in case it’s not clear, is that if you have more than one bike you don’t necessarily need to purchase two phone mounts.
Most of us take a quick glance at our tachometer every now and again, so having your phone mounted close to this position or easily visible while you’re looking straight ahead is best. Back in my college days, I was walking to my bike and chatting with my buddy Chris and went to set my helmet on the tank.
My phone shot out my helmet like a cannon, hit the metal gas tank of my ZRX1100, and ricocheted onto the concrete.
I fully expected my phone to be in a million pieces, but all it had was a small nick on the surrounding frame. The Quad Lock case is clean, low profile, and adds some additional protection. If you’re not feeling that lucky, a rugged, waterproof case will not only protect your phone from everyday clumsiness but also from the inclement weather that’s bound to find you at one point or another.
If you’re like me and utilize a very slim case or none at all, you can keep your phone in your jacket pocket during inclement weather and rely on the voice commands via Bluetooth. If you don’t see your smartphone listed in the specifications, simply measure your phone and compare the dimensions to the width and depth range provided for each size to make sure you’re getting the right X-Grip. Secondly, I don’t know why or how but I always seem to lose the RAM Mounts Universal X-Grip Cell Phone Holder Tether.
I’ve seen a lot of riders who don’t use this and I’m sure that one day they’ll hit that pothole that’s big enough and they’ll regret it.
These brands share a lot of similarities with their mounting options, and don’t forget about that rubber tether to ensure your phone doesn’t go anywhere it shouldn’t. Previously, I mentioned the X-Grip with RAM and how it can smash the buttons on the side of your phone without proper finagling.
Just another note worth mentioning, as that slight annoyance ultimately led me to seek out alternative mounting options such as Quad Lock. This system uses a bracket that mounts to your handlebar or to your fork stem for you sport bike riders out there, and attaches to the proprietary Quad Lock case designed specifically for the model phone you’re using.
Once you have the mounting base and arm in place, it’s a simple press-and-twist motion with your phone and you’re ready to roll. While Quad Lock offers plenty of mounts that go well beyond two wheels, they’re easily one of my favorites for the motorcycle enthusiast.
Quad Lock might be one of my favorite motorcycle mounting options on the market right now for the versatility, ease of use, and the price, but there is one more brand you should strongly consider. The ROKFORM phone mount will better withstand the abuse of the rugged terrain ADV riders often encounter.
If you’re using it at highway speeds for any prolonged amount of time, it’s not the most secure option I’ve tested. A: I feel like this one is pretty obvious but just in case, you really shouldn’t rely on magnets as your main mounting point if you’re planning to use your smartphone on your motorcycle.
The magnets are simply not strong enough to prevent the phone from bouncing free at the first bump in the road.
And yes, the ROKFORM case discussed earlier has a magnet incorporated but it’s not the main point of contact to secure the phone to your machine.
A: First and foremost, you’ll want to mount your phone so it won’t interfere with any of your controls or your ability to manipulate your bike. Most of us take a quick glance at our tachometer every now and again so having your phone mounted close to this position or easily visible while you’re looking straight ahead is best.
A: If you ride a modern scooter, you’ll quickly realize you’ve got a bunch of plastic covering the handlebar down to the grip. When you consider how expensive smartphones are these days and how much less even the most premium, easy-to-use, vibration-dampening motorcycle phone mount costs, it seems like an easy choice to me… follow your heart.
Best Motorcycle Phone Mount (Review & Buying Guide) 2021
With decades of combined experience covering the latest news, reviewing the greatest gear, and advising you on your next car purchase, The Drive is the leading authority on all things automotive. A motorcycle phone mount can bring all the power of your smartphone into plain view so you can say goodbye to trying to remember exactly which exit you were supposed to take. People might think you’re a moto YouTuber Best Overall RAM Mount X-Grip Check Latest Price Best Value iOttie Active Edge Check Latest Price LEARN MORE Summary Summary You don’t have to spend a lot to make navigation easier when you’re in the saddle.
Sena provides excellent security for your phone alongside premium features and build quality.
Oversized plastic nuts require lots of clearance Honorable Mention Sena PowerPro Check Latest Price Why Trust Us Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise.
How We Tested Pretty pictures and slick marketing jargon only go so far, and we’ve all been let down by something that looked awesome in an advertisement and turned out to be junk — just like every fast food menu item ever. If they fell off the first time I hit a rough patch of pavement or set down an alleged wheelie, you deserve to hear about it.
During the test period, I logged miles on city streets, highways, and what passes for twisty country roads in Texas. During testing, the internal springs and soft rubber grips hold my phone in place, whether I was cutting across town on city streets or cruising down the highway. Anyone who’s used Sena headsets knows the brand doesn’t skimp on quality, and the PowerPro phone mount is no exception. The handlebar attachment works well and provides a strong grip, but the plastic fasteners need lots of space; fitting this to my naked Ducati Monster took a bit of creativity.
Riders who log lots of miles and require navigation and communication aids they can trust will definitely appreciate the attention to detail that went into this phone mount. Mount the simple plastic clamp to your handlebar to create a stable platform for your phone or GoPro. The phone mount squeezes tight until a release switch is pressed to prevent wiggling loose over bumps and potholes, which is a nice touch. Those of you looking for a longer-lasting product might want to spend the extra money to upgrade to a stronger alternative.
Honorable Mention Techmount Techgripper Stem Mount Kit Check Latest Price Those clip-on bars are great for tucking in and looking awesome on the front straight, but they don’t leave much room for street-oriented accessories, do they? Don’t sweat it, because TechMount has a clever way to mount phones to sportbikes so you can enjoy the same tech as someone jamming out to surround sound on their full dresser.
As long as your steering stem is open, just plug in the right adapter and click the phone holder onto the ball mount. If there’s one downside, it’s that the mount attachment isn’t quite as robust as some of the alternatives and doesn’t provide top-level security for your phone.
Obviously, this mount isn’t going anywhere near a dirt trail, so as long as you aren’t pounding the front end on the ground after sky-high wheelies all the time you should be fine.
The price also makes it tempting, and having a little extra space for small items like a garage door opener, access card, or toll transponder is awfully convenient. Pack not just your phone, but a few other necessities with this bag’s five-liter capacity and let the semi-rigid body keep fragile belongings like sunglasses nice and safe. Unlike magnetic panels or straps that can scuff your tank’s paint, this bag uses a heavy-duty hard mount that can be installed around your gas cap.
It’s ideal for overnight and weekend runs on a naked bike, and on road trips you’ll appreciate the extra portage capacity. The semi-rigid shell will keep its shape when empty, but there are certainly times you’ll want your phone but may not care to deal with the extra bulk. This sturdy attachment mounts to your handlebar to create a stable platform for things like phones and GPS units. The Smart Bar mounting platform upholds the brand’s reputation for quality and value with easy installation, high-end components, and practicality that makes your motorcycle more versatile. The metal construction should be strong enough to handle whatever you throw at it, but one- and two-year extended warranties are available for a reasonable price. It’s fairly expensive, but the added capability and longevity of this Givi accessory make it worthwhile for distance-minded riders.
With as many accessories as are available direct from the manufacturer, you’ll be able to fit one of these on your own bike (or ATV, or boat, or airplane) with no problem. As for the other phone mounts I researched, and the Sena I tested, you can save a few bucks and still get a quality product with the iOttie Active Edge.
In addition to being easy on the wallet, it looks like a breeze to install and works with other accessories like action cameras.
I know you’ll be eager to hit the road with your new phone mount, but take a minute to double-check the installation first.
Get A Grip: Guide To The Best Motorcycle Phone Mount
Many riders used to these luxuries from their cars want to be able to see, at a glance, information on a screen – be it what music they’re listening to, their navigation system or to see who’s calling them. Unique ball and socket connection for great adjustability Incredibly strong and made from resilient materials
Incredibly strong and made from resilient materials Takes phones of all sizes, even with bulky cases attached Givi earned their stripes with market-leading topboxes and panniers, but do their phone mounts live up to the reputation?
Comes with rainguard to keep phone safe in downpours Has an extra safety strap just in case the main mount comes loose Has an extra safety strap just in case the main mount comes loose Quality materials mean screen glare is reduced Quality materials mean screen glare is reduced Easy to mount, quick to attach and detach phones Full-cover system makes it good at protecting from rainfall Mid-range in price so won’t break the bank Is one-size-fits-all so if you’ve got a tiny mobile, it may jostle around Materials don’t feel incredibly sturdy Materials don’t feel incredibly sturdy To ensure waterproofing, there’s no gap for a charging cable Very adjustable, meaning you can always get good visibility Silicon bands make for extra security that will reduce vibration Silicon bands make for extra security that will reduce vibration Nice red and black colour scheme
Nice red and black colour scheme Easy to rotate phone between portrait and landscape modes What you get at the top end of the price spectrum is something that will do the same job as a £20 model, just better; with less vibration, better waterproofing and snazzy, yet generally unnecessary, extras like magnetic mounting.
Usually, and more often on cheaper models, the mount will be one unit that clamps around your handlebars, with a screw system to tighten up, and a bracket to place your phone into. It’s important to check the listings of the mount you’re looking at to ensure it fits your handset – most are adjustable, but some may not house larger ‘phablet’ style phones.
Finding a mount with metal components made of zinc alloy or aluminium will help with sturdiness, while ABS plastic will also do just fine. Track your distance – If you’re riding a bike without a fuel gauge, it’s handy to know exactly how far you’ve travelled since your last fill-up. Music – If you do have a Bluetooth headset connected, you’ll be able to skip songs and adjust volume more easily. Thousands of bikers can’t all be wrong – and if you can get past its looks, you’re left with a seriously sturdy phone mount that will last you for plenty of riding seasons.
But if you’re someone who commutes through all seasons and wants to have a screen in front of them come rain or shine, the Givi S957B can do it all with added peace-of-mind in the event of an unexpected storm.
Tested: Ultimate Addons bike phone mount review
Date reviewed: December 2018 | Tested by: John Milbank | Price: Complete kit from £34.99 | ultimateaddons.com While I’m a big fan of dedicated motorcycle sat-navs, there are plenty of situations where this expensive device simply isn’t needed, or can’t be quickly installed; I’m often riding different bikes and need some basic navigation, but don’t have time to strip the motorcycle down to fit the power leads. For the many people who don’t need the performance and features of a TomTom or Garmin, a mobile phone can give very usable navigation with the highly regarded and free Here WeGo, as well as the £35 MyRoute app. Ultimate Addons started producing accessories for PDAs back in 2008, but with the advances in smartphone technology, and the fact that many members of the company are cyclists and motorcyclists, the brand has evolved to become known for its vehicle mounting solutions, covering phones, tablets, action-cameras and sat-navs. The £22.99 case for my iPhone SE is one of the earlier designs, and having looked at those available for the newer phones, it’s not quite as slim or easy to use as those for the latest Samsung and Apple devices; a long clip on either side flips open, then a tab is pulled on the front to lift the lid and insert the phone, which sits very securely in a shock-resistant surround.
With it correctly seated, there’s a good, tactile feel, but I did end up shaving a small amount off the bottom of the button (inside) with a scalpel, which has meant it’s a lot quicker and easier to drop the phone in now. The strap has a finger hole that makes it very easy to pull tight, and while you’re usually left with a fair bit of slack, it’s so universally handy for swapping between various bikes and cycles that you really don’t care.
Fitting the ball is simply a matter of removing one bolt and replacing it, before topping off with a blanking cap Waterproofing The case is rated IPX4, which means it protects from splashing water, but mustn’t be immersed.
Best Motorcycle Phone Mounts
A well-placed phone can make it easier to follow GPS directions or check to see who the incoming call is from to determine if you should answer on your Bluetooth communicator. This has lead to a burgeoning selection of phone mounts for securely placing your smartphone on your bike where it can be easily glanced at. Although the U-bolt here will accommodate rails from 0.50″ to 1.25″ in diameter, options for the steering stem and other locations are available.
The company claims that the patented dual-stage lock holds your smartphone secure over the roughest terrain.
Although those whose bikes with clip-ons are out of luck, the Roam mount will fit a wide variety of handlebars, ranging from 7/8” through 1-1/4” diameter. Constructed of CNC Machined Aircraft Grade Aluminum, the Rokform mount secures your smartphone via a twist-locking system. Bottom Line / Part of an ecosystem of phone protection and mounting products Check Price One member of our staff always carries their phone inside a jacket pocket and listens to turn-by-turn directions over a Bluetooth communicator.
If you have a tank bag with a clear top, this is also a good place for your phone to be within an easy glance. July 23, 2021: Removed Tackform mount due to lack of availability and updated links. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews and other articles.
TOP 10 Best Motorcycle Phone Mounts 2021
Unlike before, nowadays, high-quality phone mounts can withstand strong wind and very convenient to use for listening to music, answering calls, and navigation audio while riding. This RAM mount has a four-leg stainless steel body to provide a strong grip and better visibility.
On the contrary, you can rotate its legs to set your smartphone at the required angle for maximum visibility. Besides its high strength composite and stainless steel body, it has other quite unique features like rubber tips to avoid scratching and a rustproof capability. Pros: Universal X-Grip Cradle, Available in two sizes, 360 degree Rotation, Stainless Steel Body This motorcycle phone mount is part of Tackform’s Endure Series, which is rock solid. The Tackform Enduro is an aluminum mount that can easily hold your existing smartphone and is capable of handling the future tech handheld devices as well. All credit goes to the high strength industrial spring system that’s installed in this Enduro Series phone mount.
In fact, the Tackform Enduro series is proving to be tough competition to the other premium mounts available on the market. Pros: Aluminium Clamps, 360 degree Rotation, Fail-Proof Grip, Easy Operation, Versatility It will provide a secure fit for your smartphone no matter how fast you ride or how much your bike vibrates. The mount has a minimalist utilitarian design with lots of smaller elements that are supposed to improve the safety.
On the top and bottom of the unit, you will find a couple of spring-loaded adjustable supports that will act as main holders for your device. On the sides, the mount has some additional stoppers that will keep your phone in place and prevent it from moving sideways.
You will get a U-bolt base that can be fixed to your handlebars, and a B size RAM double socket arm.
Other than that, there is also a heavy-duty mounting ball with a socket mechanism that is designed to connect the main unit with the arm.
To put the whole thing together and attach it to your motorcycle, all you have to do is loosen the central bolt and connect the arm with the mounting balls on each of its ends. Once you have the case, insert your phone into it and attach it to the main unit using the RokLock Twist Mount.
This innovative magnetic mechanism will let you twist and lock the case into the mount with one simple movement. The Rokform Magnetic phone mount is constructed from a military-grade aluminium, which makes it is extremely durable.
It can withstand years of abuse and riding in off-road terrain during tough weather conditions.
Unfortunately, because of its very high price tag and the need of an external case, I cannot recommend it over the other mounts on top of our list. Pros: Stylish Design, Military-Grade Aluminium Construction, Extreme Durability, 360 degree Rotation, It features a universal fit that is compatible with all smartphone brands such as the iPhone, Samsung and Sony.
Without a doubt, the Mob Armor Claw is an outstanding motorcycle phone mount that is still a little expensive, but it will surely make your life easier. Thanks to its simple design and adjustable width, the mount is compatible with most smartphones that are available on the market today. Pros: Sleek & Compact Design, Aluminium Construction, 360 degree Rotation, Easy to Use The Arkon RoadVise is a very simple motorcycle phone mount that doesn’t look that promising on paper.
Arkon is a California-based company that has been in the business for a very long time and if there is any issue with their product, they will handle it. The Arkon RoadVise phone mount is constructed from a durable plastic and it feels really solid. As I stated earlier, the mount doesn’t have any tether or silicon bands, but the grip is so strong that there is absolutely no need for it. The Arkon RoadVise will fit handlebars measuring up to 33 mm in diameter and it is compatible with all phones up to 4 inches wide. Because there is no cover on the mount and your phone will be exposed to elements, Arkon recommends using a rugged case with your smartphone to prevent any potential damage to your device.
Pros: Simple Design, Spring-Loaded Mechanism, 2-Year Warranty, Good Customer Support You don’t need any extra tools to install this mount, except your fingers that can finish the job in a couple of minutes. The Lamicall Holder motorcycle phone mount is equipped with rubberized silicone pads in each corner that are specifically designed to securely grip your device and make it fit perfectly.
That means you will have extra security and your mount will absorb any shock while riding without any harm to your device. You can then use it to navigate, receive calls, and listen to music without worrying about bumps and rough roads.
Pros: Heavy Duty Clamp, Shock Absorbing Rubberized Corner Pads, 360 degree Rotation, Good Value Its hard plastic material and a silicon net securely mount your device to the handlebar.
Pros: Comes with a Large Clamp, Provides Strong Grip, Phone Compatibility, Good Value The Aduro U-Grip Plus motorcycle phone mount is recognized for its secure, sturdy design and a universal fit.
Thanks to its lower price tag, the mount is super-affordable and you will get a great value for your money if you buy this product. It is equipped with a U-shape clamp and strong silicone bands for a firm grip and improved security. In general, the Aduro U-Grip Plus is a reliable motorcycle phone mount, but there are some customers that were unlucky with their units. Pros: Universal Fit, 360 degree Rotation, Lifetime Warranty, Extremely Affordable It is important to verify the dimensions of your smartphone with its case or cover, whichever you are currently using, to determine the overall size. A clamp is another factor in this list that is required to properly install the phone mount on the handlebar of your motorcycle.
So, make sure to get the largest clamp or one that is compatible with your phone to securely mount the device to the handlebar. There are different types of motorcycle phone mounts on the market that are available in both a low and high price range.
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