Jaquan Green

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.

How Often to Change Motorcycle Oil? Learn the answer to this question and the importance of using the correct type of oil and its frequency. Changing the oil on your motorcycle is one of the most important maintenance procedures you can perform. As important as changing oil in a car, regularly changing oil in a motorcycle is even more important.

Your motorcycle oil serves many functions. Improper maintenance may lead to engine and gearbox damage, reduced performance, and decreased fuel economy. Keep reading to learn all the reasons why you should take your bike’s oil health seriously, what type of oil to use, and how often to change it.

Why Motorcycle Oil is Important Engine oil lubricates moving parts while protecting the engine from corrosive moisture, combustion byproducts, and contaminants containing various additives. Unlike cars, most motorcycles also use oil as an engine coolant unless the motorcycle is specially “liquid-cooled.” Oil is also used to maintain cooling and lubrication of a motorcycle’s gearbox, instead of automatic transmission fluid used in cars.

Unfortunately, as contaminants and moisture accumulate, the lubricating quality and protective additives of the oil eventually break down. That’s why it is necessary to maintain the integrity of motorcycle oil by regularly changing the oil and using the correct type of oil.

What Are the Different Types of Motorcycle Oil? Mineral oil, also known as “conventional” oil, is a petroleum product made from refined crude oil. It is a “fossil fuel” formed by the decomposition of dead organisms underground. While it is the cheapest to buy and can serve as an effective lubricant, it contains some impurities from crude oil. Thus, it breaks down faster than synthetic oil and needs to be changed more frequently.

Synthetic oil, on the other hand, is made from chemically modified petrochemical products instead of crude oil. They undergo complex production processes to produce the precise chemical composition required for optimal engine lubrication, while filtering out the various impurities contained in mineral oil. Synthetic oil can provide better engine protection and doesn’t break down as quickly as mineral oil, but it is much more expensive.

Semi-synthetic oil is a mixture of mineral oil and synthetic oil, containing 5% to 30% synthetic oil. As a blended oil, semi-synthetic oil provides an excellent compromise between the lifespan and protection of synthetic oil and the affordability of mineral oil.

How to Choose the Best Oil for Your Bike Since motorcycle oil serves more purposes than car oil, there are some special considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best oil for your bike. Your motorcycle owner’s manual will tell you the manufacturer’s recommended type, and should include:

Whether mineral or synthetic oil is required. Viscosity grade or “weight,” most commonly 10W-40. American Petroleum Institute (API) classification, a two-letter code ranging from SA to SN that represents oil lubrication and additive properties. API and most motorcycle manufacturers recommend using an oil with an SG rating. Japanese Automotive Standards Organization (JASO) classification. This two-letter code indicates the quality of friction modifiers that can affect clutch performance. Most motorcycles use oil-lubricated (“wet”) clutches, so they require oil with the JASO MA or MA2 rating.

How Often Should Motorcycle Oil be Changed?

The frequency of motorcycle oil changes depends on the type of oil used, the distance traveled, and the frequency of use. The user manual will provide recommended maintenance intervals, but as a general rule:

Mineral oil should be changed every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, or at least once a year. Some experts may recommend doing so at least twice a year. Synthetic oil should be changed every 7,000 to 10,000 miles, or at least once a year. Semi-synthetic oil should be changed every 5,000 to 6,000 miles, or at least once a year.

Surprisingly, if you do not ride your motorcycle frequently, or if you typically take short trips of no more than 30 minutes, you may need to change the oil more regularly. This is because the engine needs to be driven (not just idled) for about 30 minutes on a regular basis to burn off all the moisture accumulated in the oil. Excessive moisture can cause oil degradation and engine corrosion.

If you cannot ride your motorcycle for 30 minutes every week or two, such as during the winter, it is recommended to change the oil before storage.

The fuel stabilizer should be added to fresh fuel at the gas station to ensure optimal performance. This will allow the stabilized fuel to run through the carburetor and prevent the accumulation of combustion gases and acid in the oil, which can damage expensive engine parts.

It is recommended to change the oil even if it was recently changed, and use a low-profile plastic container as a drain pan due to the bike’s low clearance. Fogging the engine with oil can prevent corrosion and should be done outdoors, and new spark plugs should be installed beforehand. To drain the carburetor, turn off the main gas valve and open the petcock or drain screw on the bottom of the bowl. For shaft-driven bikes, the gear lube should be drained and replaced with fresh lube using a bendable funnel. To prevent critters from nesting in the mufflers and air cleaners, a sandwich bag filled with steel wool can be inserted into the air intake and tailpipes. Finally, chain lube should be applied to all pivot points to prevent rust during winter storage.
To ensure optimal performance, fuel stabilizer should be added to fresh fuel at the gas station, allowing it to run through the carburetor and prevent the accumulation of combustion gases and acid in the oil, which can damage expensive engine parts. Changing the oil before winter storage, even if recently changed, is important due to the potential for acid to form in the oil during storage. A low-profile plastic container should be used as a drain pan to accommodate the bike’s low clearance. Fogging the engine with oil outdoors can prevent corrosion, and new spark plugs should be installed beforehand. To drain the carburetor, turn off the main gas valve and open the petcock or drain screw on the bottom of the bowl. For shaft-driven bikes, the gear lube should be drained and replaced with fresh lube using a bendable funnel. To prevent critters from nesting in the mufflers and air cleaners, a sandwich bag filled with steel wool can be inserted into the air intake and tailpipes. Finally, applying chain lube to all pivot points can prevent rust during winter storage.
The use of a battery maintainer is preferable to a trickle charger as it employs smart monitoring circuitry to charge the battery only when needed, avoiding damage. Therefore, connecting a battery maintainer to the battery will ensure it is fully charged and ready to use come springtime.
Testing the coolant protection level is a step that should not be skipped. To do so, dip the suction tube of the coolant tester into the radiator or coolant reservoir and draw up enough fluid to make the indicator (or balls) float. Then, read the protection level and change the coolant if it is not adequate.
As a final step, apply a light coating of WD-40 to the entire bike to prevent corrosion during winter storage. This technique was recommended by a bike shop service manager, who claims that his bikes emerge from storage in better condition than those of customers who do not use this method. Come springtime, simply take the bike to a self-service car wash and rinse it off.
Required Tools for this Project include Allen wrenches, rags, a socket/ratchet set, a wrench set, an oil filter wrench, an oil drain pan, rubber gloves, an oil funnel, a bendable funnel, a battery maintainer, and a coolant tester.
To avoid last-minute shopping trips, have all the necessary materials on hand ahead of time, including chain lube, engine oil, fogging oil, fuel stabilizer, gear lube oil, an oil filter, pink tape, a sandwich bag, steel wool, and WD-40.