Motorcycle phone mounts | For easy access to navigation and other apps on your phone while you ride

Motorcycle phone mounts are a game changing accessory for riders who like to also use their phones for navigation, and want quick access to their apps while they ride. That includes connecting a Bluetooth headset for taking calls, listening to music and podcasts, and using the wide range of navigation options available on a smartphone, such as Google Maps, Waze, Calimoto and Scenic.

Related: Best motorcycle gadgets and accessories

Phone mounted on a motorcycle in mountainous region

But not everyone agrees that they are a good thing. Many emergency services believe your phone should stay in your pocket whilst on your motorcycle. They tell stories of riders who’ve had no means of reaching out for help after an accident where they’ve gone in a different direction to their bike and been too injured to reach their phones.

Horror stories aside, motorcycle phone mounts are hugely popular and have overcome many teething problems since they were introduced. The convenience of having your phone handy when you’re at the toll booth, or stopping to get that perfect picture, is something only a phone mount can deliver. Gone are the days of taking layers off in order to reach your phone for whatever reason.

Related: The best motorcycle action cameras

Speaking of pictures, one of the early problems was that sensitive cameras on some phones were completely destroyed by vibrations when their phones were on a motorcycle mount. This is still an issue with some phones, especially iPhones, but manufacturers like Quad Lock have produced dampeners that claim to absorb up to 90% of vibrations on most bikes. That doesn’t apply to all bikes, and it doesn’t completely solve the problem, but it’s a risk you’ll have to take if you use a phone mount on your bike.

Setting destination on phone

There’s also the weather. Most modern phones are only weatherproof to a limited extent, and your phone is exposed to all of the elements when it’s on a mount. That could be extremes in hot or cold, driving torrential rain, or even being submerged if your bike falls into water.

I spoke to one motorcyclist who swore he’d never use a phone mount yet was forced to gaffer tape his phone to his TFT when he absolutely needed Google Maps on one occasion. Not an ideal solution. It was more of an idealistic choice than practical because he still refused when I suggested that he get a phone mount but only use it when he needed to.

Best motorcycle phone mounts tested by MCN:

Expert rating:

5.0
Price: $75.49
Tested by Adam Oldfield for 5 years/8000 miles

I needed a mount that I could swap between different bikes and phones, without having to buy additional kit or cases to do so. Enter the Ram X-Grip mount. Whether it is on my commuter bike or its holding the GPS on my trail bike, the X-Grip is super versatile. With RAM’s wide selection of ball mount options, you can easily swap the arm and X-Grip over in seconds, whilst also using the multi-locational ball joints to get the perfect view and set up. 

It's been my go-to mount for many years and miles, and it continues to perform. The marine grade aluminium and stainless components, show no sign of wear deterioration from the elements, and the mount its left on my bike all year round.

It surprisingly held onto my phone securely even after launching my Honda CRF450X at the scenery when out on a trail. Cartwheeling the bike, I expected to be clambering around in the bushes to find my navigation, but the X-Grip held it firmly in place.

The only downside is with the handlebar mount. The U bolt threads slip into the top bracket a little close to the stem of the ball, making it difficult to get a socket onto, but it’s only a few more passes with a spanner to solve. Most recently the rubber tether backing band has split in a corner, but it still holds the phone well, securing it in three corners instead of four. But for peace of mind I will enquire if any spares are available and if the tether is backed by the welcome lifetime warranty that RAM provide.

It may be cheaper on the RAM Mount website, but check out their returns policy and if P&P is free or not.

Pros

  • Versatile - it can be used with any phone shape
  • Quality material and finish
  • Multi-positional and holds position well
  • Compatible with all my bikes
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Limited space on U bolt bracket, makes it difficult to get a socket on the nut next to the stem
  • Easy to lose the U bolt end rubbers
  • Rubber tether backing band eventually deteriorates

Expert rating:

5.0
Price: $34.14 - 39.99
Tested by Michael Guy for 2 years/18,000 miles.

The case you need for the Quad Lock system is specific to the make and model of phone you have, so make sure you get the right one.

You'll also need the right accessories to form the rest of the mount.

Quad Lock's system includes a neat and adjustable mount that fits to your handlebars. Your phone goes into a specific Quad Lock case, which has a recess in the back that locks onto the mount with a 45° turn. The case itself isn't much bulkier than a standard phone case.

There's also an optional waterproof cover, which keeps the worst of the weather off. Buy all three parts together, and bundle is not cheap, but in two years of use, it has been faultless, and I expect it to last for many years to come. Plus, it's an awful lot cheaper than having to buy a new phone when yours falls off and gets run over by a car....

Pros

  • Convenient fitting system
  • Wide variety of mounting methods
  • Vibration damper and wireless charging heads available

Cons

  • Needs separate protective cover for full weatherproofing
  • Expensive as a bundle

Expert rating:

4.0
Price: $19.99
Tested by Saffron Wilson for 14 months/8055 miles

Depending on your motorcycle this is a handy bit of kit, particularly if you’re reliant on your phone for navigation. It cancels out the high-frequency vibration from your bike’s engine, preventing damage to the image stabilisation sensors on some new smartphone cameras. 

It’s a bit fiddly to set up, but it only takes one Allen Key which is included in the pack, and once it’s on the bike it’s durable, weatherproof and even after 8000 miles it still looks as good as new – despite being out in all conditions.

Combined with the phone case, it’s a really useful system, which is why I ended up with a couple of other Quad Lock mounts in the car and at home. The initial outlay on the case, mounts and damper can be quite costly, but that’s true of a lot of phone mounts on the market. I personally found everything really easy to use and will continue to switch it between all my bikes for the foreseeable future.

Pros

  • Well-engineered
  • Phone's camera lasts longer
  • Works with all Quadlock mounts

Cons

  • Adds to overall cost
  • Only 90% effevtive with iPhones

Expert rating:

5.0
Tested by Gareth Evans for 6 months/3000 miles

Some mounts attach to your handlebars, but if you have an exposed fork stem, this mount from Quad Lock can be a really sleek and convenient option.

I've been using Australian-designed Quad Lock modular kit for a few years, but this Fork Stem Mount has made it more useful than ever. My R7 has so much to recommend it, but one thing it lacks is any sort of built-in navigation. With this kit, I can use my smartphone's Google Maps, with the phone hidden behind the fairing so it stays out of the wind and rain.

Installation couldn't be simpler, but only once you've sourced the correct open-top yoke nut – I got mine from Flitwick Motorcycles, who can sell you the whole lot in a package. The nut is fantastic quality, with the black matching the R7's frame and the Quad Lock mount perfectly. The whole setup looks OEM if you ask me.

So, once you've got your top yoke nut torqued correctly, simply insert the mount into the hole and fasten with an Allen key. This holds the mount in the stem, and then you can adjust the angle your phone sits at relative to your riding position using two other Allen key bolts.

I sandwiched the Quad Lock anti-vibration mount in there, too, to prevent the bike's vibes shaking anything loose inside my phone. Again, it's simple Allen Key fixings, and all the same size too. For a mod that takes minutes to install, it's a very pleasing thing, albeit rather expensive, once you've bought the nut, the bespoke phone case, the damper and the mount.

Pros

  • Subtle looks
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • You need to have a compatible fork stem layout
  • Expensive

Expert rating:

5.0
Tested by Adam Binnie

Another option for those looking to mount in their fork stem is this sleek magnetic design from Peak Design. Renowned for their rugged and dependable camera accessories, the brand also makes phone mounts that are beautifully made and designed.

Having previously ridden big adventure bikes with masses of space behind the screen, I've now got a diminutive Triumph Daytona 675 that barely has enough cockpit room for me, let alone a phone or sat nav.

None of my old mounts fit so this very minimalistic clamp from Peak Design looked like the ideal solution. Secured into the hollow centre at the top of the steerer by an expanding bolt, its short arm can be positioned perfectly to ensure my phone doesn't crash into my tank or screen.

Not that this is usual phone clamp criteria for me, but the machined aluminium construction looks absolutely brilliant too, and more importantly, feels rock solid when the bolts are tightened down. There's a rubber damper to stop vibrations from finding their way to the phone, of course.

The device is held on with strong magnets and a mechanical clasp and this system is both secure and easy to use - just line your phone up vaguely with the holder, and the magnets do the rest. It's less effort than a Quad Lock mount, in the sense that you don't need to twist it on to secure it.

Obviously, this means a specific case is necessary, but it's a slim and attractive design with less bulk than the similar Quad Lock offering. I previously had to stick a universal adaptor to my old phone, and this was quite a bulky combo. But I've now got a Peak Design phone case and the user experience is much better - it looks much sleeker and takes up less space in my pocket.

The mount takes up next to no room, can be used with your eyes closed, and its metal construction means it looks like an extension of my motorbike rather than an afterthought. Full marks from me!

Pros

  • Slim, attractive design
  • Non-bulky phone case
  • Extremely easy to use

Cons

  • No cases for old phones (a stick-on adaptor is available)
  • Marginally heavier than a plastic mount

Expert rating:

5.0
Price: $43.99
Tested by Charlotte King for 5 months/2,500 miles

 Having used the Quad Lock stem mount previously on my Suzuki SV650s and found it to be really useful I wanted to get another mount for my other bike, an Aprilia RS660. I thought I would try a mount that would hold the phone a little higher up on the bike so that I didn’t need to look down so low to read sat nav instructions. 

I chose the mirror stem mount on the thinking that I could mount it to any small bolt in the bike’s cockpit area. I discovered that it was easier to mount this one to my Suzuki and switch the stem mount over to the Aprilia. This way I could use the bolt that holds the front brake fluid reservoir to the bike.

It works perfectly this way, holding the phone so that I can see it easily, without it being in the way of my vision of the road ahead. It was so easy to fit, I simply removed the bolt, popped it through the mirror stem mount and popped it back on again. An Allen key and small socket was all that was required. The vibration dampener is a must to keep your phone safe from damage, especially the camera calibration.

Pros

  • Keeps my phone safe
  • Saves on pocket space
  • Perfect for navigation apps while riding
  • Super easy to fit

Cons

  • None so far

Expert rating:

5.0
Tested by Adam Binnie

There are lots of options on the market these days with a range of features and benefits. This one from RAM is a great option if you have an awkward mounting position thanks to its swivel ball mount.

Surely one of the best things about riding a motorbike is the ability to shut yourself off from the modern world and all its distractions – emails, phone calls, and social media notifications. Just by putting a helmet on you can set the ultimate Out Of Office autoreply to all of them.

There has to be a bit of give and take though; for every one of the 21st century’s intrusions on your attention, there is an innovation you suddenly can’t live without. Sat nav tech on your phone, which you can use for free on your bike, is one of them. An upgrade that car drivers normally pay extra to have added to their screens.

That said, it can be a tricky job finding a safe and stable place to mount your phone. Out-of-the-box solutions exist but bikes come in all different shapes and sizes, with different mounting points and handlebar diameters, so what you really want is something you can tailor to your individual needs.

If you want a more traditional style phone holder (i.e. not a Quad Lock that requires its own phone case/modifying your current phone case) then the RAM Quick-Grip XL and its associated mounting hardware are very easy to recommend.

Read Adam's full review here.

Pros

  • Modular design so you can tailor to your phone and bike
  • It rotates to give you a wide range of mounting angles
  • Clamps down hard so your phone can't pop out

Cons

  • Guess work to get some of the fittings aligned properly

Expert rating:

4.0
Tested by Nye Davis for 2 years/20,000 miles 

I’ve used my fair share of phone mounts over the years – some good and some terrible. Luckily, Quad Lock falls firmly into the former camp. 

The mounting hardware itself has been doggedly secure to the extent that my phone has never come detached as a result of the quick release interface failing.   

The system has proved very secure. Green lane enthusiasts take note however; it will move around if used away from the tarmac – that's just the nature of using spherical mounting hardware. I’ll happily stomach a bit of trailside adjusting though as the setup is just so superbly convenient. 

I can swap it between different motorcycles, bicycles, cars or anything else that you can affix a one-inch ball to in a matter of seconds and all without the need to break out a single tool. 

If, like me, you find yourself on a few different modes of transport quite regularly but are too stingy to fork out for multiple mounts for each of them, then Quad Lock’s One Inch Ball Adapter may be just the ticket.

Pros

  • It’s super quick to attach my phone to the QuadLock and the interface is very secure
  • The ball mount also means that I can quickly swap the mount between bikes

Cons

  • No matter how tight the clamp is done up, the mount will move around a bit when riding off-road

Expert rating:

5.0
Tested by Robin Kirkley for 4 years/30,000 miles

I’ve used my Quad Lock handlebar phone mount on different motorcycles for over 4 years now. It’s been a game changer having my phone on the handlebar for easy and alternative navigation. I do use my BMW Motorrad Garmin sat nav, but it isn’t always accurate. But between Google Maps and Garmin I always have a choice of which route to take. I also use navigation apps on my phone like Calimoto and Scenic, and they make both Garmin and Google Maps redundant in some situations. 

Another benefit of having my phone within easy reach is the quick access to the camera. If I see a stunning scene I’ll stop and quickly take a photo since the phone is so easy to access. Even with gloves on, it’s super easy to take the phone off of the mount and put it back on. And that photo will be a lasting memory.

It's essential to get the vibration dampener as an extra. It's well documented that the constant vibrations as you ride on different terrains can destroy some phone cameras.

I don't always use my phone when I ride, though. Sometimes you just want to ride in solitude and enjoy the freedom. But when I do use it, the Quad Lock handlebar mount is one of those essential accessories.

Pros

  • Convenient for using navigation apps on the phone
  • Quick and easy to access phone camera when I see a stunning scene on the journey

Cons

  • Motorcycle vibrations can ruin the phone's camera so it's essential to get the extra vibration dampener

Phone mount bundles to consider:

Expert rating:

4.0
Price: Build your ideal system, prices vary
Recommended by the team at RiDE Magazine

This bundle includes a standard case, a poncho, a Pro machined-aluminium mount, and a vibration damper.

The vibration damper fits to the mount with a central-set screw and sits between the arm and the main phone-mounting boss. Once assembled, the phone fits to the mount by offering up at 45° and turning to lock in whichever orientation you want. The quality is lovely and you can fit and release the phone with one hand.

There are loads of options in the range, including wireless charging heads and a host of accessories to go with the MAG case – including car and desk mounts. You can build a bundle to suit your phone/bike. Ultimately, it's superb quality and super-easy to use.

Pros

  • Easy to fit
  • Easy to use
  • Huge range of accessories

Cons

  • Bulky set-up on the handlebar
  • Ease of fitting
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Stability
    5.0
  • Features 
    4.0
  • Waterproofing
    4.0
Overall case weight (including phone) 254g
Overall case size (fitted to phone) 76mm x 150mm x 13mm
Wireless charging supported? Yes
Phone totally enclosed? No
Weather cover available? Yes
Handlebar sizes 22mm, 25mm, 28mm, 32mm, 35mm
Other mounts Mirror, ball, stem, brake reservoir, clutch
One-handed operation? Yes (one orientation)
Cable access? Yes
Wireless charging mount? Yes
  • Time to attach to bike 1 second
  • Time to change from portrait to landscape 2 seconds
  • Distance from handlebar centreline to phone screen 69mm
  • Peak vibration figure 0.29g
  • Average vibration figure 0.16g

Expert rating:

4.0
Price: Build your ideal system, prices vary
Recommended by the team at RiDE Magazine

The Ultimateaddons case is based around a solid plastic outer ‘skeleton’ with an internal flexible sleeve to house the phone and insulate it from vibrations. The phone needs to be taken out of any everyday case and fitted into the soft liner, then the main plastic case is closed around it.

The handlebar clamp is a fairly straightforward example, with two halves of the plastic mounting around the bars and a one-inch ball mount joining to what the company describes as a three-prong mount. This would stay fitted to the bike and the case clips into it. You can leave the case on the bike and fit your phone to it or remove the whole thing if you prefer.

In use, it works well; it is stable with a good view and the main cover allows fingers or gloves to work the phone’s screen. It doesn’t work with wireless charging and no option is available for on‑bike charging, though there is a snug, waterproofed aperture in the base for a cable.

All in all it's more involved but fits perfectly well, and you can build a bundle to suit your phone/bike.

Pros

  • Completely encases phone
  • Charging port built-in
  • Variety of mounting options

Cons

  • Phone must be removed from day-to-day case to be fitted
  • Case clips can break
  • Ease of fitting
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    3.0
  • Stability
    4.0
  • Features
    3.0
  • Waterproofing
    5.0
Overall case weight (including phone) 331g
Overall case size (fitted to phone) 95mm x 171mm x 20mm
Wireless charging supported?  No
Phone totally enclosed?  Yes
Weather cover available? N/A
Handlebar sizes<strong> </strong> 19mm, 22mm, 25mm, 28mm
Other mounts Mirror, ball, stem, claw
One-handed operation?  No
Cable access?  Yes
Wireless charging options?  No
  • Time to attach to bike (from normal case to mounted to bike) 29 seconds
  • Time to change from portrait to landscape 2 seconds
  • Distance from handlebar centreline to phone screen 90mm
  • Peak vibration figure 0.20g
  • Average vibration figure 0.12g

Expert rating:

4.0
Price: Build your ideal system, prices vary
Recommended by the team at RiDE Magazine

The SP Connect mount is made from aluminium and has a nice finish, anodised in black. The mount comes with two possible fitments, to cope with older cases as well as the ‘SPC+’ style we were sent. If using the mount on its own, you need to assemble it with the relevant fitting, but the vibration damper came ready to fit to the SPC+ case. 

The damper mounts with a single bolt and can be rotated to numerous angles on the toothed ring. The case fits by offering it to the mount at 90° to the desired orientation and turning the phone, at which point it clicks into place. But there is no mechanical fastening, such as a lever or buttons – so you turn it 90° either way to release it again. 

This is a decent quality but not very user-friendly option, but you can build a bundle to suit your phone/bike.

Pros

  • Quality materials and finish
  • Versatile fitting options
  • Easy installation
  • Good range of adjustability
  • Convenient case mounting

Cons

  • Lack of mechanical fastening
  • Complicated to switch orientation
  • Potential for water ingress
  • Not the best vibration damping performance
  • Ease of fitting
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    4.0
  • Stability
    4.0
  • Features
    4.0
  • Waterproofing
    4.0
Overall <strong>case weight (including phone) </strong> 245g
Overall <strong>case size (fitted to phone) </strong> 74mm x 150mm x 12mm
Wireless <strong>charging supported? </strong> Yes
Phone <strong>totally enclosed?</strong>  No
Weather <strong>cover available? </strong> Yes
Handlebar <strong>sizes</strong> 22mm, 25mm, 28mm, 32mm
Other <strong>mounts</strong>   Stem, bar clamp, clutch reservoir, mirror, ball
One-handed <strong>operation?</strong>  Yes
Cable <strong>access?</strong>  Yes
Wireless<strong> charging mount?</strong> Yes
  • Time to attach to bike 1.9 seconds
  • Time to change from portrait to landscape 19 seconds
  • Distance from handlebar centreline to phone screen 63mm
  • Peak vibration figure 0.18g
  • Average vibration figure 0.12g

Expert rating:

4.0
Price: Build your ideal system, prices vary
Recommended by the team at RiDE Magazine

The FitClic 2.0 is a fairly deep system, comprising a lamped ball mount for the handlebar then a bracket that sits atop it to accept the phone case. However, it is not a one-inch ball mount that would be compatible with, say, a RAM mount.

The vibration damper sits between the two halves for the phone mount and needs to be installed before fitting to the bike; it’s not difficult but a bit fiddly.

The case itself is nice, with a smooth feeling and a very slim profile. It features a twist‑to‑lock action – you offer it to the mount at 45° from the orientation you want and twist it clockwise to lock, though it can be tricky to locate in the first instance.

In summary, it's a capable mount that does what it should, and you can build a system to suit your phone/bike.

Pros

  • Innovative mount design
  • Easy to use
  • High-quality phone case
  • Good vibration damping

Cons

  • Lack of weatherproofing
  • Very tall on the bike
  • Limited adjustment
  • Ease of fitting
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    4.0
  • Stability
    4.0
  • Features
    4.0
Overall <strong>case weight (including phone) </strong> 242g
Overall <strong>case size (fitted to phone) </strong> 75mm x 151mm x 14mm
Wireless <strong>charging supported? </strong> Yes
Phone <strong>totally enclosed? </strong> No
Weather <strong>cover available? </strong> Yes
Handlebar <strong>sizes</strong> 22mm, 25mm, 28mm, 32mm
Other <strong>mounts </strong> Mirror, stem, bar clamp
One-handed <strong>operation? </strong> No (one orientation)
Cable <strong>access? </strong> Yes
Wireless <strong>charging options?</strong>  Yes
  • Time to attach to bike 1 second
  • Time to change from portrait to landscape 3 seconds
  • Distance from handlebar centreline to phone screen 104mm
  • Peak vibration figure 0.17g
  • Average vibration figure 0.12g

Remember, it may still be illegal to use your cell phone while riding

There are practical reasons that it’s a bad idea to use your cell phone while you are riding but there might also be state laws where you live that could land you in trouble with police. The safest ways to interact with your phone on the move are:

  • Voice command via a Bluetooth headset
  • A phone mount
  • Through a built-in sat nav

The device shouldn’t block your view of the road and traffic ahead.

So choose and locate your motorcycle mobile phone holder properly to avoid any issues with the law.

How MCN tests products

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.

Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.

If you can’t see a review against a motorcycle phone mount on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. It’ll only be included if we think it’s important and relevant in the market. Rest assured that we will be bringing you more phone mount reviews as soon as we’ve done the miles with them.

Our scores explained

When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given product, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a guide to what each number score means:

1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.

2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.

3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.

4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted average in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectations and delivered in a particularly impressive way.

5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.

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