Experiencing a fender-bender in your car allows you to easily step out and assess the damage. However, when you’re on a motorcycle, there’s no room for fender-benders; every accident has the potential to be catastrophic. To extend this analogy further, dropping your phone on the floorboard while driving in your car can be retrieved with a simple reach. In contrast, if your phone takes a tumble from your motorcycle, chances are it’s gone for good.
Motorcyclists who rely on their phones to stay connected while riding understand the crucial need for a secure motorcycle phone mount. Using a bicycle mount simply won’t suffice on the highway or off-road. Motorcycle phone mounts vary in style, mounting methods, and cost. With such a wide selection available on the market today, choosing the right one to securely hold your smartphone can be challenging.
The Best Motorcycle Phone Mounts Despite the diversity of motorcycles and riders on the road, motorcycling often conjures an enduring stereotype of the leather-clad rebel, poised for adventure. While we certainly embrace the freedom to ride our bikes on our terms, there’s one thing many of us share: the desire to make the most of our time in the saddle. Some riders prefer to completely disconnect during their journeys, immersing themselves in the ride. However, especially among the younger generation of riders, there’s a growing desire to stay connected while on two wheels—whether it’s for music, phone calls, or navigation using smartphones.
If you fall into the category of riders who prefer to stay connected, you have two options: 1) Connect your phone via Bluetooth to a helmet communication system like Cardo or Sena and keep your phone in your pocket, or 2) Mount your smartphone onto your motorcycle.
For those who opt for the second approach, a secure method to attach your phone to your handlebar or fork stem is crucial. A bicycle phone mount won’t offer the required stability for motorcycle riding. You need a robust, metal phone mount that can endure high wind speeds, road imperfections, off-road terrain, and the continuous vibrations from a high-RPM engine.
Hence, the necessity for a motorcycle-specific phone mount becomes evident. But which one should you choose? To provide an answer, we consulted our trusted gear expert, Patrick McHugh. Patrick manages product research and testing at Comoto, the parent company of well-known motorcycle gear and apparel retailers like Revzilla, Cycle Gear, and J&P Cycles. According to McHugh, “My job essentially involves using and evaluating every piece of motorcycle gear and apparel on the market, whether we sell it or not.” Patrick previously assisted us in compiling a selection of the best motorcycle helmets available, and we value his expertise when it comes to motorcycle gear.
As it turns out, selecting the best motorcycle phone mount is nearly as challenging as picking the right helmet. These mounts vary greatly in style, quality, and price. Nevertheless, McHugh emphasizes, “We’ve discovered that there aren’t actually that many [trusted] players in the phone mount game.”
Therefore, choosing a brand with a solid reputation among real riders is crucial. In summary, as with most types of gear and gadgets, the old adage holds true: You typically get what you pay for. In other words, entrusting your valuable smartphone to a cheap knock-off brand comes with its own set of risks.
Are you ready to select your motorcycle phone mount? Here are some of the best options available for purchase.
QuadLock made quite a splash with its viral social media videos. While it might have initially seemed like a gimmick, the QuadLock system has proven itself to be highly effective. It boasts a sleek design and easily attaches to any handlebar using a U-bolt (fork-stem versions are also available). It securely holds your smartphone at an optimal height. QuadLock utilizes a proprietary case tailored to your phone, meaning you’ll need to keep the case on whether you’re riding or not—unless you opt for the adhesive Universal Adapter.
What sets QuadLock apart is its proactive approach to addressing smartphone camera issues, thanks to its dedicated Vibration Dampener. Furthermore, the system offers an optional Weatherproof Wireless Charging Head, ensuring your phone stays charged during your rides.
According to Comoto’s McHugh, “[QuadLock is] by far the biggest name in the game right now. The new vibration dampener alleviates the iPhone issues. It’s an excellent choice for the price.”
If you’re seeking a high-end motorcycle phone mount with wireless charging capabilities, look no further. RAM Mounts’ relatively new Quick-Grip mount system surpasses its well-received X-Grip, and this package includes a wireless charging adapter.
RAM Mounts offer various attachment options for your motorcycle. In this selection, we’ve chosen the U-bolt mount, but it’s also available in fork-stem mounts and clip-on Tough Claw bases. RAM additionally provides a range of optional arm extenders and a ball-joint socket that allows you to adjust your phone’s angle for optimal visibility.
“RAM Mounts are excellent and have garnered a loyal following over the years,” noted McHugh. However, he pointed out that, while RAM’s rubber ball-and-socket system effectively dampens vibrations, RAM doesn’t guarantee protection against iPhone damage.
Rokform is renowned for its wide array of phone case options catering to both Apple and Samsung Galaxy phones. Users with other phone brands can opt for the universal adapter. Regardless of your phone choice, the Pro Series Perch Mount securely bolts directly to the clutch or brake-lever mechanism on Harley, Indian, and even metric cruisers like Honda. This provides a stable mount at the ideal height. Crafted from CNC-machined 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, it’s available in either anodized black or polished aluminum to complement the custom look favored by cruiser enthusiasts.
For those interested in transferring their mount between different bikes, Rokform offers a versatile bar clip mount. Furthermore, Rokform’s Vibration Dampener has received glowing reviews from users.
