We live in an era where we take our smartphones almost everywhere. We depend on our smartphones for many things like communication, navigation, information, and entertainment. The best motorcycle phone mounts allow you to safely secure your phone or GPS to your motorcycle where it is safely accessible without having to take your eyes off the road or hands off the handlebars.
We all know that operating a phone while driving a vehicle is not only illegal but dangerous.
For motorcyclists being able to safely access your mobile phone while riding can have its benefits and you can do it simply by fitting a phone mount to your bike.
Finding a phone mount for a motorcycle is nothing like finding a phone mount for a car. There are way more factors to consider.
In a car, if the phone falls from its mount, the phone is still safe. If your phone falls off your motorcycle, it’s over for the phone. There are also factors like wind, bumps, and your bike’s vibration to contend with.
If you use a Bluetooth communication system fitted to your helmet to enable you to make and receive phone calls, use a GPS, or listen to music on your phone, then fitting a motorcycle phone mount is essential.
In this review, I have included only the mounts that are in my opinion tough enough to handle the rigors of off-road dirt bike riding, whether it’s Dual Sport or Adventure riding.
Quick Summary:
Here’s a quick summary of 6 of the best motorcycle phone mounts being reviewed here:
1. RAM X-Grip Phone Mount
2. Tackform Metal Motorcycle Phone Mount – Top Choice Value For Money
3. ILM Bike & Motorcycle Phone Mount – Best Bang For Buck
4. Quad Lock Motorcycle Phone Mount – Most Technologically Advanced
5. Spritech Bike & Motorcycle Phone Holder
6. IPOW Metal Bike & Motorcycle Phone Mount
Different Types Of Phone Mount Methods
There is a wide range of locations to fit a phone mount to your motorcycle.
The most common are: Handlebar mount, brake/clutch master cylinder fixing, steering stem fixing, tank mounts, mirror stem fixing, or windshield fixing.
In this review we will look at handlebar fixing mounts, being the most commonly used for dirt bikes.
Before considering a handlebar mount, check your motorcycle handlebars to make sure you have enough bare handlebar space that is not taken up with bar-mounted controls.
How To Choose A Motorcycle Phone Mount
Top 3 things to consider:
1. Construction Material:
You’re trusting your valuable phone to this, so the durability and construction materials used are important. Although there are a lot of plastic phone mounts on the market, some of the biggest sellers are plastic, you are trusting a $1000 phone to a $10 piece of plastic. With a car mount, it’s only going to fall onto the carpeted car floor, not a big issue.
If your phone falls from a motorcycle, it’s the end of the phone. When you think about it, spending $50 on a phone mount isn’t a lot for peace of mind when you consider what you spent on the phone and motorcycle.
2. Vibration & Shock Absorption:
Whether you’re riding a street bike on a smooth road, or riding your dual sport or adventure bike over some rough terrain, the phone mount needs to be able to absorb some of the vibrations and withstand the shocks while holding the phone securely in place.
Rubber surfaces to the handlebar mount and against the phone surface are something to look for.
Note: With some of the latest smartphones now including OIS (Optical Image Stability) on the cameras, there are many reports that the sensitive camera mounting is damaged by motorcycle vibration. For older iPhones before the X, which don’t have the OIS, vibration doesn’t seem to be a problem for the camera.
Quad Lock has done extensive research into the problem and now produces a vibration dampener to fix onto their mounts. They claim it reduces over 90% of the high-frequency vibration.
For more information: Quad Lock vibration dampener
3. Secure Attachment – To Handlebar And Phone:
How the mount attaches to your motorcycle is vitally important. Not only for determining how solid the mount is but in the versatility of where you can mount it.
Mounts use a variety of methods from clamps which can be tightened by hand, to screws or U-bolts (as in the case of the RAM mounts above) which need a tool to fix.
Compatibility with the diameter of the handlebars is essential. Luckily most phone mounts offer a wide range of suitability for commonly used handlebar sizes and can be adjusted to fit securely.
How the mount grips your phone is of equal importance. Most mounts use a cradle that clamps to the sides of your phone. How many points of contact the cradle has is important.
Sometimes the clamp is enough, but some mounts also supply a silicone or rubber strap that slides over the phone corners for additional safety.
Compatibility with your phone size is also something to check. Measure your phone width, with the cover on if you use one, to double-check the mount will accommodate it.
Manufacturers use a wide range of methods to secure the phone, from spring-loaded finger-type grips, to screw clamps and silicone straps. Quick easy fitting and removal of your phone are desirable, but secure fitting is a top priority.
Another thing to check is that the clamps or fingers don’t interfere with the side buttons on your phone.
Let’s look at 6 of the Best Motorcycle Phone Mounts available today that are tough enough to handle off-road riding.
1. RAM X-Grip Phone Mount with Handlebar U-Bolt Base
RAM Mounts is a name that is synonymous with attaching devices to your bike. They are a US company that has been around since 1992 and even supplies mounting devices to the military and Law enforcement departments.
At the heart of most of their mounts is the RAM Ball. It is a 1″ diameter rubber ball and socket system that allows adjustment at both ends of the arm. This allows an almost infinite adjustment so that you can position your device at just the right viewing angle.
The hardware included allows you to fit the mount to bars ranging from 0.5″ to 1.25″ using a U-bolt fixing. A nice feature is the black cover caps which fit over the exposed ends of the U-bolt.
The spring-loaded X-Grip IV cradle expands and contracts to hold your device securely with four points of contact. Also included is a heavy rubber strap to provide extra holding power to your device, especially useful in off-road situations where you’re covering rough terrain.
The ball base is also available in several different mounting options depending on where you want to mount it to your bike. The U-bolt base for handlebar mounting is the most popular, easiest to install, and most universal.
Reviewers have noted it is a good idea to superglue the rubber tips in place.
Features:
- Material: Powder Coated Marine Grade Aluminum, Marine Grade Stainless Steel Components & High Strength Composite
- U-Bolt Dimensions: 0.5″ to 1.25″
- Cradle Dimensions: Min. width = 1.75″ (Min. Height = 5.5″) Max Width = 4.5″ (Min Height = 3.25″) Depth = 0.875″
- Rustproof
- Spring-loaded holder expands and contracts for a perfect fit for your device
- Rubber coated tips will hold your device firm and stable
- Socket technology allows for multiple adjustment angles and articulation of your device
- Ball Size: 1″ Rubber ‘B’ size
- Lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Durable Aluminum and Stainless Steel construction
- 360-degree rotation to allow landscape or portrait viewing of your phone
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Rubber tips may need gluing
2. Tackform Metal Motorcycle Phone Mount
Tackform is another industry leader in mounting solutions for phones and action cameras.
The Tackform Metal Motorcycle Phone Mount is part of Tackform’s Enduro series, so if you ride off-road a lot it is an ideal choice for you. In fact, it is suitable for street bikes, dirt bikes, Quads, bicycles, mountain bikes, and even snowmobiles.
It is compatible with smartphone devices up to a width of 3.25″ and 0.5″ thick. You can easily fit or remove your phone with a single hand so there’s no fumbling around to fit it.
The clamp is made from high-strength 6061 machined aluminum with an industrial-quality spring system to give a fail-proof grip on your device.
The solid ball and socket joint allows you to position the phone to any viewing angle. It offers 360-degree rotation for portrait or landscape viewing.
The bar clamp will fit handlebars of 7/8″, 1″, 1.15″ diameter using the ABS bushings provided, and 1.25″ bars without the bushing.
Two Allen head screws clamp the mount in place and Tackform has even included the Allen key for convenience, so no other tools are required.
Although it is not required Tackform has included an optional silicone sling for extra security if you choose. The Tackform is tested to handle all weather conditions so if it’s rain, snow, dust, or dirt you have no worries.
There’s also a Tackform Chrome version available.
Features:
- Aluminum construction with industrial quality spring for a fail-proof grip
- 360-degree range of motion to allow landscape or portrait viewing of your phone
- Fits bars of 7/8″, 1″, 1.15″ & 1.25″ diameter
- One hand fitting and removal
- Optional silicone sling included but not required
- Easy and fast installation
- Lifetime Guarantee
Pros:
- Aluminum construction
- 360-degree rotation
- One-handed fitting/removal
Cons:
- A bit pricey
3. ILM Bike Motorcycle Phone Mount
The ILM phone mount is a good choice if you want a solid metal product at a budget price.
It is designed for power sports and constructed from durable Aluminum and stainless steel to ensure your device is held firm and stable.
You can fit it to street bikes, dirt bikes, quads, mountain bikes, or bicycles and not have to worry about the phone releasing when riding rough terrain.
It will accommodate the largest devices up to a maximum of 3.7 inches wide. It is simple and quick to fit to your handlebars with two Allen head screws.
The cradle design is a bit different from other brands. There are two walls on the sides which are adjusted to suit your phone width. The phone is secured by adjusting the two knurled screws and can be quickly fitted and removed. The surfaces in contact with the phone and handlebars are rubber-lined to prevent scratching.
There is no need for silicone straps to obscure the corners of your phone, and it even looks cool when sitting empty on your bike.
It is available in silver or black color options so you can pick which best suits your bike.
Features:
- Aluminum and Stainless Steel construction
- Universal mount to fit any phone up to 3.7″ wide
- Fits handlebars from 3/4″ up to 1-3/8″ diameter
- 360-degree rotation to allow landscape or portrait viewing of your phone
- Lifetime Warranty
Pros:
- Aluminum construction
- 360-degree rotation
- Budget price
Cons:
- Pivots but cannot swivel – handlebar must be close to horizontal
4. Quad Lock Motorcycle Phone Mount
Quad Lock has been making mounting solutions for smartphones since 2011, based in Melbourne, Australia. Quad Lock has sold millions of products worldwide, making it a great success story.
They are used and recommended by non-other than Charley Boorman of ‘Long Way Round’, Long Way Down’ and ‘Long Way Up’, fame, with friend Ewan McGregor. He has used them in the harshest conditions on his trips and wouldn’t endorse Quad Lock unless he was totally convinced of their quality.
The mounting system is totally versatile, with mounting solutions for cars, motorcycles, bicycles, marine, running, golf, off-road and everyday applications. The phone is secured by a simple 45-degree turn with one hand.
The cases are compatible with Apple, Samsung, Google, and Huawei phones, and there is also have a universal fit.
There are also several mounting options available: for motorcycles, there are the handlebar, mirror, and fork stem mounts.
An important factor to consider for motorcycles, especially dirt bikes is vibration dampening. As mentioned above, the latest smartphones now include OIS (Optical Image Stability) on the cameras. The sensitive camera mounting can be damaged by motorcycle vibration.
Quad Lock has a vibration dampener available which is sold separately for about $25 which is money well spent if it means saving the camera in your phone.
There is now a new magnetic mount, which I would not recommend for motorcycle or bicycle use.
The phone case can be purchased separately for your particular phone, which is compatible with all Quad Lock mounts, except the magnetic mount. You can purchase the mount and case together as a Moto Mount kit.
There are two versions of the handlebar mount: The standard Handlebar Mount, and the Handlebar Mount PRO. Details below.
A waterproof case, called the Quad Lock ‘Poncho’ is also available for wet weather conditions.
Features:
Mount:
- Compatible with all Quad Lock Cases and the Universal Adaptor
- Two different mounting options:
- Standard Handlebar Mount: Made from tough glass-filled nylon. Stainless steel hardware. Fits handlebar sizes 22mm (⅞”), 25mm (1”), 28mm (1-⅛”), and 32mm (1-¼”) (diameter)
- Handlebar Mount PRO: Black anodized CNC machined aluminum. Black stainless steel hardware. Fits handlebar sizes 22mm (⅞”), 25mm (1”), 28mm (1-⅛”), 32mm (1-¼”) and 35mm (1-⅜”) (diameter). Discreet cable route for USB charge cables.
- 360-degree rotation to allow landscape or portrait viewing of your phone
- Can be upgraded with charging options: Quad Lock Weatherproof Charging Head or the integrated Quad Lock USB charger.
- Both chargers are IP66 water resistant.
- Handlebar, Mirror, or Fork stem mounting is available
- Vibration dampener sold separately
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Case:
- Secure interface
- Composite TPU/PC construction
- Soft protective internal lining
- Impact absorbing shell
- Compatible with wireless charging
Pros:
- Versatility to use in many applications and different mounting options
- 360-degree rotation to allow landscape or portrait viewing of your phone
- Vibration dampening available
- 2 Charging options are available
- One-handed fitting/removal
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Does not include case – purchase separately for your phone
5. Spritech Bike Motorcycle Phone Holder
The Spritech is another budget-price universal phone mount suitable for motorcycles, bicycles, mountain bikes, treadmills, golf carts, or anything with a sturdy bar to fix to. It will fit devices up to a maximum of 3.9 inches wide.
It is constructed from aluminum alloy with two stainless steel screws to secure it to the handlebars, so you will never have to worry about it failing.
The mount can be fitted in minutes using the Allen wrench which is included in the package.
The cradle secures the phone with four claws which are lined with a cushioning adhesive patch to reduce vibration and protect your phone surface from scratches.
A tensioning knob is used to clamp the phone securely into the cradle. The handlebar clamp is also lined to improve grip and prevent scratches to your handlebars.
The mount is 360 degrees rotatable to allow landscape or portrait viewing of your phone. Like the ILM mount at number 3 above, the design pivots, but has no ball & socket swivel adjustment, so the handlebar must be close to horizontal for the best viewing angle.
Features:
- Aluminum construction
- Universal mount to fit any phone from 2.4″ to 3.9″ wide
- Fits handlebars from 0.8″ up to 1.5″ in diameter
- 360-degree rotation to allow landscape or portrait viewing of your phone
- Cushioning adhesive patches on clamps to protect phone & handlebar from scratches
Pros:
- Aluminum construction
- 360-degree rotation
- Budget price
Cons:
- Pivots but cannot swivel – handlebar must be close to horizontal
- May not fit with some thicker phone cases
6. IPOW Metal Bike & Motorcycle Phone Mount
The IPOW metal phone mount is another affordable option if you’re on a tight budget. It is suitable for motorcycles, mountain bikes, bicycles, or ATVs.
The phone mounting is universal and will fit any phone up to 3.5″ in width. With a 360-degree rotation, you can adjust the position to any preferred angle.
To help eliminate vibration, the mount comes with several shock-absorbing shims to accommodate various handlebar sizes.
While the base mount that holds the handlebar, the stem, and the ball joint are metal, the clamp that holds the phone is made of ABS plastic. This may be of some concern, but I have not found any reviews reporting the breakage of the plastic phone clamp.
The spring-loaded arc-shaped phone holder secures your phone and is backed up by a silicone band that slips over the corners of your phone. An extra silicone band is also included.
No tools are required to fit the phone holder to your handlebars, a simple screw mechanism secures the mount in place.
Features:
- Metal/ABS Plastic construction
- Universal mount to fit any phone up to 3.5″ wide
- Fits handlebars from 0.6″ up to 1.1″ in diameter
- Tool-free installation
- 360-degree rotation to allow landscape or portrait viewing of your phone
- 12 Month Warranty
Pros:
- Metal construction
- 360-degree rotation
- Budget price
Cons:
- The base, stem & ball are metal, the phone clamp is ABS Plastic
- 12-month Warranty – not lifetime
Final Thoughts:
Top Choice Value For Money: Tackform Metal Motorcycle Phone Mount
With its full aluminum construction, ball and socket design giving 360-degree rotation, secure handlebar fixing, one-handed phone fitting and removal, and lifetime warranty, the Tackform is pretty hard to beat for a good-looking mount that you will safely secure your phone.
The Tackform Metal Phone mounts are a popular favorite with hundreds of overwhelmingly positive reviews from users.
Best Bang For Buck: ILM Bike & Motorcycle Phone Mount
If you can’t justify spending 50 or 60 dollars on a phone mount, the ILM is a solid metal phone mount that you can still be confident using and know that your phone is safe. While the ILM design doesn’t have the ball and socket adjustability this may not be an issue for you depending on your own particular mounting location.
Most Technologically Advanced: Quad Lock Motorcycle Phone Mount
For the versatility of using the same system which can be customized with component options for use on cars, motorcycles, bicycles, marine, running, golf, off-road and everyday applications, there is none other.
Combine this with the choice of handlebar, mirror, and fork stem mounts, ease of securing with a simple 45-degree turn with one hand, and the all-important vibration dampening, and the Quad Lock has no equal.
Related Posts:
5 Best Motorcycle Bluetooth Headsets – Suitable For Dirt Bikes
5 Best Action Cams For Dirt Bikes
Action Cam Mounting Tips – For Dirt Bike Riders
10 Best Dirt Bike Upgrades For Dual Sport Riding
Have you used any of the mounts in this review? Is there a phone mount that you can highly recommend that has served you well?
This is a well-done article that focuses on the importance of using mounts on two-wheeled vehicles. It is good to see that a lot of thought has gone into considering these mounts for cyclists and motorcyclists as well, as it’s dangerous to use a phone while moving.
I want to commend you for doing this article and starting this website. It’s easy to navigate through the menus, I like the pictures and the content is clear and easy to read.
Thanks for your kind comments. Glad you found it easy to navigate and read, it’s always good to get some feedback.
Greg
I am looking for some mounts for action camera but here I landed on your blog post about phone mounts in motorcycle. I changed my mind not to buy some mounts of action camera. I will try this product to see if this is going to be working well. May I know if this will fit on BMX bike?
Hi Bong. All of the mounts in this review would be Ok for BMX, Mountain bikes or bicycles. Just check the handlebar diameter first to make sure the mount you like will suit that size.
If you were looking for mounts for action cameras, I wrote a post on that: Action Cam Mounting Tips – For Dirt Bike Riders It may be of some help to you. Thanks for dropping in.
Greg
The mount shown in the image at the beginning of the article is an excellent mount. It is strong (all metal, no cheap plastic), secure (mounts easily and stays in place), adjustable (the prongs on the top, bottom and sides can be adjusted to fit almost any phone and stay in that position when the allen screws are tightened. The prongs have rubber covers which help secure the phone and provide some vibration dampening) and it’s super easy to get your phone in (or out) simply by lifting the top set of prongs (which are spring loaded). Lift the prongs, slide your phone it (or take it out) and release the prongs.
I watch my friends with their motowolf mounts and shake my head. (I tried a motowolf mount once, took it off again within a day.)
Hard to position so you can see your phone easily (especially if your want to change that position while riding or if the mount gets bumped) and constantly unscrewing the retaining bolt, then screwing it back in over and over again.
Meanwhile, while they are “screwing” around, I simply lift the top prongs from my mount, grab my phone and walk away.
Hi Kerry. Good to hear a good review on the RAM X-Grip phone mount. It is very popular with thousands of ratings. Like any product, there are always a few reviewers who had a bad experience but I can never understand how that happens when there are so many positive reviews. It seems no matter how good a product is, there are always a few negative comments.
The Tackform is another excellent phone mount. Metal construction is the way to go. Fifty dollars is not much to spend to safeguard a $1000 phone. Thanks for your comments.
Greg
What’s the best mount to avoid IPhone cameras to dislocate from its internal casing causing blurry pictures and videos ? Thousands of comments about this in the internet.
I’ve lost two phones already…
Hi Justo. I have read that phones with OIS (Optical Image Stability) are especially susceptible to vibration damage from motorcycle mounts. If your phone doesn’t have OIS you are much less likely to damage the camera.
It seems iPhones before the X didn’t have a problem because there was no OIS. The RAM mount is one that reviewers have said will damage the camera.
The good news is that Quad Lock now produces an anti-vibration dampener that fits onto their mount which they claim reduces over 90% of the high-frequency vibrations. They have done some extensive testing and seem to be in a class of their own for this.
This looks like the best bet. Hope this helps, here is the link so you can check it out: Quadlock vibration dampener
Why was Quadlock not one of your 5 reviewed. Did they not offer a free product?
Hi Glen. Quadlock was not available on Amazon US at the time of writing the review, but I see it is now, so I will be updating the post to add Quadlock. They are a great mount and even have Charley Boorman using them and promoting them.
I have never received any free products from writing a review on them. I have no preference for any particular manufacturer, I simply do my research and groundwork based on my experience of over 40 years of riding and racing dirt bikes, and give the reader all the information to make an informed decision. Amazon pays a small commission as you can read in my Affiliate Disclosure, which adds no cost to the purchaser. Many links on my site go directly to the manufacturer, which pays no commission.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Greg