When you’re riding your motorcycle, you might want to capture the journey. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker wanting to share your adventures or a commuter documenting your daily route, a camera can be a great addition. But where do you put it? The best place to mount a camera on a motorcycle depends on what you want to film and how you ride. Getting the mounting location right is key to stable, clear footage. A poorly placed camera can vibrate too much, block your view, or even fall off.
Table of Contents
Top Camera Mounting Locations On A Motorcycle
There are several popular spots to mount your action camera. Each offers a different perspective and has its own pros and cons. Let’s explore the most common and effective locations.
Handlebars
Mounting a camera on your handlebars is a very common choice for many riders. It offers a wide, forward-facing view that captures the road ahead and some of the bike’s controls. This perspective is great for showing what the rider sees.
Pros:
- Easy Access: It’s simple to attach and adjust the camera here.
- Wide View: Captures a lot of the scenery and the road ahead.
- Good for POV: Offers a perspective close to the rider’s eye level.
Cons:
- Vibration: Handlebars can vibrate significantly, especially at higher speeds or on rough roads. This can lead to shaky footage.
- Obstruction: Depending on the camera and mount size, it might slightly obstruct your view of the instruments or controls.
- Limited Lean Angle: When you lean into a turn, the camera might not capture the turn itself as well as other locations.
Pro Tip: To reduce vibration, use a rubber dampener or a specialized anti-vibration mount. Ensure the mount is very secure, as loose handlebars can be dangerous.
Helmet Mounts
Helmet mounts are another favorite. They put the camera right at your head level, giving you a true point-of-view (POV) perspective. This is often considered the most immersive way to film your ride.
Pros:
- True POV: Captures exactly what you see, making viewers feel like they are on the ride with you.
- Stable View: Generally offers a more stable shot than handlebar mounts because your head moves with the bike’s lean.
- No Bike Interference: Doesn’t interfere with the motorcycle’s controls or appearance.
Cons:
- Wind Noise: Cameras mounted on helmets can pick up a lot of wind noise, which can be distracting.
- Weight and Drag: The added weight and bulk on your helmet can cause neck fatigue on long rides and increase wind resistance.
- Limited Field of View: Sometimes the view can be too close to your own face or helmet, cutting off the wider scenery.
Pro Tip: Use a good quality microphone cover or external microphone to reduce wind noise. Experiment with different helmet mount locations (chin, side, top) to find the best balance of view and comfort.
Frame Or Body Mounts
Mounting the camera on the motorcycle’s frame, like near the front forks, engine guard, or even the rear fender, can offer unique angles. These shots can show the bike in motion, the road rushing underneath, or the bike leaning into turns.
Pros:
- Unique Angles: Provides dynamic shots that show the bike itself and its interaction with the road.
- Lower Vibration: Some frame locations might be less prone to vibration than handlebars.
- Less Rider Interference: Doesn’t affect the rider’s view or comfort.
Cons:
- Limited View: The camera might be too low to capture the full scenery or road ahead.
- Dirt and Debris: These locations are more exposed to road spray, dirt, and mud.
- Mounting Challenges: Finding a secure and suitable mounting point can be difficult and may require specific adapters.
Pro Tip: Consider mounting on a crash cage or engine guard if your bike has one. These are designed to withstand impact and often provide stable mounting points.
Windshield Or Fairing Mounts
If your motorcycle has a windshield or fairing, this can be an excellent spot for a camera. It’s often a stable location that offers a good view over the handlebars and captures the road ahead.
Pros:
- Good Stability: Fairings can offer a relatively stable platform, reducing vibration.
- Forward View: Provides a clear view of the road and scenery.
- Wind Protection: The fairing can offer some protection to the camera from wind and debris.
Cons:
- Limited to Bikes with Fairings: Not an option for naked bikes.
- Potential Obstruction: Depending on the camera’s position, it could block your view of the instruments.
- Mounting Complexity: Attaching to a fairing might require drilling or specialized clamps.
Pro Tip: Ensure the mount is firmly attached and doesn’t create stress points on the fairing, which could lead to cracks.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Mount
Selecting the right mount isn’t just about where it looks cool; it’s about practicality and the quality of your footage. Here are key things to think about:
Vibration
Motorcycles vibrate a lot. This is the biggest enemy of good camera footage. Handlebars and exposed parts tend to vibrate more. Look for mounting locations that are more integrated with the bike’s chassis or use anti-vibration accessories.
Field Of View
What do you want to show? If it’s the road ahead, handlebar or helmet mounts are good. If you want to show the bike leaning or the road passing under the wheels, frame mounts are better. Consider the angle of the shot you want to achieve.
Durability And Security
Your camera needs to stay put. A mount that loosens can lead to a lost camera or dangerous situations. Choose robust mounts made from strong materials like aluminum or reinforced plastic. Always double-check that the mount is tightened securely.
Wind Noise
Wind noise can ruin audio. Helmet mounts are particularly prone to this. Using a windscreen for your camera’s microphone or an external microphone can greatly improve audio quality.
Battery Life And Storage
Long rides mean you need power and space. Consider how you’ll keep your camera running. Many riders use external power banks or connect their cameras directly to the motorcycle’s battery. Ensure you have enough SD card storage for your planned recording time.
Credit: www.youtube.com
Mounting Accessories And Tips
Beyond the main mounting location, specific accessories can make a big difference.
Suction Cup Mounts
These are great for smooth, flat surfaces like windshields or fairings. They offer flexibility but must be checked regularly for security, especially at high speeds.
Clamp Mounts
These can attach to various parts of the bike, like handlebars, frame tubes, or mirrors. Look for adjustable clamps that fit your specific bike’s diameter.
Adhesive Mounts
Strong adhesive mounts, often used on helmets, can be very secure. However, they are permanent or semi-permanent, so choose the location carefully.
Ball Joints And Extension Arms
These accessories allow you to adjust the camera angle precisely. They can be useful for fine-tuning your shot after the main mount is attached.
Example Comparison Of Mount Locations
Here’s a quick look at how different mounting spots stack up for common use cases:
| Mount Location | Best For | Vibration Level | Ease of Use | Field of View |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handlebars | General Road View, Commuting | Medium-High | High | Wide, Forward |
| Helmet (Chin) | True POV, Immersive Riding | Low | Medium | Very Close, Forward |
| Helmet (Top/Side) | Balanced View, Less Drag | Low-Medium | Medium | Balanced |