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Mobile phones have become an essential part of everyday life and have evolved to replace many other electronic devices. On the motorcycle, they make a great replacement sat nav and especially when you’re travelling, they can reduce the number of devices you need to bring/ charge.
Rather like deciding which phone you want to buy next, there is a minefield of different options on the market. Some are great, others are terrible, and you need to make sure you get the right case for your needs. Spending £50 on a case is definitely worth it when the thing it’s protecting is pushing £1,000!
9to5ADV’s Favourite Adventure Motorcycle Phone Mount
9to5ADV’s Favourite Adventure Motorcycle Phone Mount
Before we delve into the article, here’s our top pick for an adventure motorcycle phone case:
The robust phone cases and mounts from Ultimateaddons protect your phone from all of the elements and keep your device secured to your bike even in the roughest terrain without sacrificing functionality. Ideal for the novice and seasoned adventure rider.
Check prices on Amazon.
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Are Motorcycle Phone Mounts Legal?
In the UK, mobile phone usage while operating a vehicle more restrictive than ever, and for good reason, especially for us bikers. I’m sure you’ve had an instance (or few) where you’ve noticed a driver on their phone and know full well, they haven’t noticed you.
As motorcycle riders, we are still governed by the same lawsand so cannot hold and use a mobile device when riding. This of course iseasier to deal with as we cannot hold our phone and use it while riding along!
In short, yes, they are legal as the phone is held in themount instead of your hand. This is legal, however if the police think that youare distracted by using it then they can still stop you.
So get your phone set up and your destination plugged intothe sat nav before you set off to save any risk of distraction.
Mobile Phone or Sat Nav?
The debate has raged on for years – is it better to haveyour phone for navigation on your motorcycle, or should you stick to adedicated Sat Nav such as the likes from Garmin or TomTom?
In our experience, a mobile phone with a dedicated case alwayscomes out on top. First of all, you only have to bring one device and chargeron your trip with you. The navigation options are (almost) endless with all thedifferent apps you can use, from Google Maps to TomTom’s mobile app.
Maps can be downloaded too for offline use in areas with noreception, and phone storage is plenty big enough these days to store as manyas you need. Also, with mobile data, you receive constant traffic updates,making navigating an unknown city in rush-hour a breeze.
Motorcycle Phone Mount Buying Guide
It’s important to know what you’ll be looking for in yournew phone case/ mount, and there’s a lot to consider. Here’s a quick run down:
- Protection –Are you shooting around cities in warm weather, or are you out on the rugged trails in all weathers and with a big risk of impacts from falls, trees etc. (If you’re on this website then I’m assuming you’re more of the latter!). Some mounts will literally just hold the phone, others lock them in a protective case covering them for water and impacts.
- Mounting Location Options – Most motorcycle phone mounts will attach to your bike’s handlebars, placing your phone right in front, or to the side of you, below the clocks. However there are many other options to consider. Different manufacturers offer different mounting options to suit your needs. Other mounting places include the wing mirror stem, fork bolts and accessory points like the 12mm crossbar on the Yamaha Ténéré 700.
- Making your phone fit – There are two types of mount when it comes to this topic: Universal or Model-Specific. If you are in the Apple or Samsung camps, then you can usually get a case specifically designed for your device quite easily. This makes things easier when doing things like operating the camera or physical side buttons. The snug fit can also make for better protection. If you have a lesser-used phone model then you’ll have to look at universal mounts. The plus side here is that you won’t have to shell out again when you change your phone.
- Charging – Do you want to charge your phone when you’re out riding. If you’re using your device for navigation then you will probably want to as it can drain your battery, and quickly! Simple mounts will be fine as they won’t obstruct the charging port but full, waterproof cases will cover it up unless you get one specifically designed to take one. There are also wireless charging options to consider (if your phone takes it).
- Articulation – Quite simply, moving your phone around between portrait/ landscape and taking the phone off the mount. If you’re going to be stopping to take photos or get coffee, then you’ll need to take your phone off the mount/ out of the case, and you don’t want to spend a minute messing around each time.
Our Top Motorcycle Phone Mounts
UltimateAddons – Used by 9to5ADV
Check prices on Amazon.
Check prices on SportsBikeShop (UK).
- Best option for adventuring, travelling, all year round biking.
- Great phone protection against knocks and water.
- Model-Specific cases allow full use of your device, screen and charging for Apple and Samsung models.
- Mounts for almost everything, including car and bicycle.
- QI Wireless charging coming in 2020
Read More: UltimateAddons Case Full Review.
This is the do-it-all case, the one you want if you’re aheavy phone user on your bike. The very best of their range comes in the formof the model-specific cases which make your phone a doddle to use on and offthe bike. Because of how well the phone works in its case, you don’t need to removeit every time you’re on foot. Just unclip it from the mount (of which there areoptions for almost everything) and use it in its case. These are well tried andtested products and are used by many RTW adventurers.
Having such a rugged and waterproof case means that it canbe a little fiddly when opening and closing, but worthy pay off in our opinion.
RAM Mounts
Revzilla Mac Os Download
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Check prices on SportsBikeShop (UK).
Check prices on RevZilla (US).
- Lots of mounting accessories allow you to mount virtually anywhere in your bike’s cockpit.
- Mounts are universal, not phone specific.
- Solid product that has been in the market for a long time.
- No elemental protection.
Revzilla Mac Os Catalina
If you’ve ever mounted a sat nav onto your bike before,chances are that you’ve used a RAM mount. For years they have been the go-tooption for mounting, well anything to your bike. Their phone mount is prettysimple, using four rubber prongs to hold the device in place. These are strongand will keep your phone clamped in even in the event of a fall. However, theyoffer no protection from debris or the weather.
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The other thing to bear in mind with this one, is that thewhole mount stays on the bike when you remove your phone, which means you don’thave any carry anything around with you when you are off two-wheels.
Quad Lock
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- Minimal, unobtrusive design.
- Model-specific cases but can also work with any other phone.
- Very simple and quick lock/ unlock mechanism.
This is the mount for you if you’re a light phone user. Thecase is designed to look like a standard phone case but with a little clip onthe back which connects to the clamp on the bike with ease. It’s definitely asecure clamp too. We regularly use the Quad Lock when we’re out trail ridingand haven’t had an issue yet.
Once again, the main issue here is the protection fromweather and debris: there is none. Which is why I’m recommending it as alight-use mount as opposed to a touring mount.
TruActive
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- Best budget option.
- Universal mount, works with any phone.
- Only mounts onto handlebars.
- Comes with multiple coloured bands (if that’s your thing)
If you don’t use your phone enough to warrant some of thehigher price tags then this may be the phone mount for you. Simple, sturdydesign and a secure cradle for your phone by using a clamp and rubber band. Ifyou have a phone with a very thin bezel then you may find the bands obtrusiveas they cover the corners of the device, but you shouldn’t find it too much ofan issue for most functions.
Unlike some other mounts, this one only gives you the optionto mount onto handlebars instead of bolts etc.
Best Apps for Adventure Motorcycle Travel
Ravezilla Mac Os Download
Now that you have your shiny new phone mount on order, it’stime to beef up your device with the proper apps. Here’s a selection of ourfavourites:
Android Auto
The quintessential driving and riding app for your androidphone. This app overrides your usual screen and notifications, replacing it allwith a much simpler interface with bigger buttons, and less distractions. Threemain buttons link to your chosen navigation, phone and music app allowing youto switch between each on the fly with ease. Notifications are kept to aminimum and if you are connected up to a headset, you can get text messagesread to you aloud. If you don’t want to press buttons, you can also controleverything by voice with the press of a button.
OS Maps (for UK Travel)
Pick up the cheap subscription to get all other features out of this app. Paper OS maps are the best, but why not have them all on your phone instead? With offline options available, this app is great for scoping out trails and roads off the beaten path.
NOAA Weather Radar
The best way to dodge the rainstorms! This app has free andpremium options, and gives live weather radar images for you to find that breakin the clouds and ride on to your next destination.
OsmAnd
If you are looking to take a ride along the TET (Trans Euro Trail), there are plenty of app options for plugging the GPX files into. We’ve found that this one works the best. Simple interface with turn-by-turn navigation if you want it.
Intercoms and Bluetooth Headsets
For complete connectivity, consider looking into getting a helmet intercom with bluetooth connectivity. This will allow you to receive turn-by-turn navigation from your phone, along with listening to music, taking phone calls and even controlling your phone by voice.
Check out our guide on helmet intercoms here:
How To – Pick a Motorcycle Intercom
Where to Buy
If you’re thinking of purchasing a Motorcycle Phone Mount online then we’d strongly recommend SportsBikeShop (UK), RevZilla (US) or Amazon.
By clicking through to them from any of the links here on our site and placing an order, we get a small kickback from the companies as a thank you at no extra cost to you! It really helps keep the lights on at 9to5ADV.