When you climb aboard your bike, you likely'd like your phone or your GPS nearby. Whether you are checking directions, monitoring your ride, or capturing your experience, a secure and dependable method of affixing your device can make all the difference. For that reason, riders from all around the world rely on products such as the Motorcycle Handlebar Mount and a host of others. With all of the options available, however, how do you know which one you should use? With this guidebook, we will wade through handlebar mounts, the big alternatives, their benefits and drawbacks, and what type of rider each alternative best suits. With a walk-through of this type at the end of it, you will get a good sense of the setup that best suits your riding style.
What Is a Motorcycle Handlebar Mount?
The Handlebar Mount is one of the best-selling methods of mounting a phone, a GPS unit, or an action camera onto a bike. It clips onto your handlebars directly, often with a solid bracket or quick-release system. When secured, it holds your device immediately in your line of vision, and you can observe navigation back and forth without looking at it for more than a moment.
One of the reasons why a Motorcycle Handlebar Mount is popular is that it is uncomplicated. Most are easy to install, and you do not always require specialist tools. Riders will often resort to this type because it suits almost every bike. Does this convenience of use make it the ultimate choice of all, however? To figure that out, let us first of all look at the advantages before we compare it with other types.
The Advantages of Selecting a Motorcycle Handlebar Mount
There are a few reasons why riders continuously go back with the Motorcycle Handlebar Mount. First of which is visibility. Having a device right in front of you as you ride makes navigation seamless and hassle-free. You no longer have the need to look down at your pocket or mess with a tank bag.
Another advantage is universality. Most handlebars are one size fits all with a wide variety of mounts, and you can switch your mount from bike to bike with little hassle. Installation takes little time and has many tool-free adjustments, should you choose to change angles.
Affordability is another advantage. In comparison with more specific systems, a Motorcycle Handlebar Mount is quite cheap. It is possible to acquire a good-quality mount that serves the purpose at a low cost.
But convenience and price are not everything. Alternative riders with varied needs and styles shop elsewhere. What are the alternatives, and how do they measure up?
Alternatives to a Motorcycle Handlebar Mount
Whereas the Motorcycle Handlebar Mount is one universal device mount, it's quite definitely not a one-of-a-kind. Some riders complain it exposes their gear to too much vibration during acceleration or heavy braking. Others dislike their handlebars being cluttered with mounted gear. There are alternatives.
Mirror Mounts
A mirror mount affixed to the mirror stem of a motorcycle places your device somewhat out of your line of sight above the handlebars. Mirror mounts are compatible with motorcycles with limited handlebar space. However, with certain motorcycles, compatibility could become an issue. Some motorcycles are missing a mirror at an optimal location, and the mount could hinder your line of sight of traffic behind you, should you affix it with minimal consideration.
Fork Stem Mounts
Fork stem mounts insert into the hollow hole of the steering stem of a sportbike. These are narrow and position the device at a central spot. These are liked much by sportbike riders because they don't clutter up the bars. However, the drawback is that motorcycles are not available with a hollow fork stem and are also difficult to install. For riders who do not like to mess with tools, this may not suit.
Tank Mounts
Tank mounts clamp or strap firmly onto the fuel tank. Others are also part of a tank bag system that holds your phone under a clear plastic visor. Tank mounts are heavy and are ideal for long-distance touring. However, you also get the disadvantage of your device being held low, and you have to look down at it. Magnetic varieties are also prone to shift or break contact with uneven roads.
Magnetic and Suction Mounts
Magnetic mounts are sometimes quite handy because you can quickly mount and unmount your device. Reliability suffers at highway speeds or on uneven ground. Suction mounts are quite common with cars and are less common with motorcycles because smooth surfaces like a windshield or fairing are required. Harsh vibration and wind pressure lead to poor fitment with most bikes.
All of these others also serve a purpose, but how do they really compare with the Motorcycle Handlebar Mount? Compare the pros and cons next to each other.
Pros and Cons Compared
When determining whether a Motorcycle Handlebar Mount or something else works best for you, use three fundamental groupings: compatibility, security, and visibility.
A Handlebar Mount for a bike offers you great exposure and simple mounting, yet leaves your gear susceptible to vibration.
● Mirror mounts release handlebar space and yet are inefficient for all bicycles.
● Fork stem mounts are stable and visually clean, but they are only available on a few sportbikes.
● They are great for long rides, but the low mounting might not best suit riders who are always turning.
● Magnetic and suction mounts win on convenience but lose on reliability.
So how do you choose one of each? It's a matter of the type of rider you are and the type of roads you ride.
Which Riders Benefit Most from a Motorcycle Handlebar Mount
A Handlebar Mount for a motorcycle is best suited for riders who require at-a-glance and easy access to navigation. You receive at-a-glance visibility that matters as you are operating with traffic lights and high traffic.
Touring riders also enjoy the handlebar mount as they often travel long routes. Having the screen nearer their face also reduces fatigue as compared with seeing a tank bag from the bottom.
Adventure riders and off-road riders will also gain from this, although they will desire a Motorcycle Handlebar Mount with good vibration dampening. This prevents permanent damage to sensitive phone cameras.
Sportbike riders are often fans of fork stem mounts due to their minimalist style. Touring riders may favor the use of tank mounts while riding long distances. However, if you desire a mix of convenience features, cost-effectiveness, and mounting visibility, the handlebar mount has a tendency to reign supreme.
However, before one buys a particular mount, it is wise to reflect on several crucial matters.
Key Things to Consider Before Buying a Mount
The first consideration you ought to bear in mind is ruggedness. Your saddle needs to tolerate vibration, inclement weather, and high-speed use. Your device of choice may be adversely affected by low-quality materials or a faulty configuration.
Damping of vibration becomes a special factor of consideration. Current cameras are highly sensitive and may get irreparably damaged because of repeated shaking. Selecting a Motorcycle Handlebar Mount with built-in dampening may make a substantial difference.
Compatibility also enters the picture. Make sure the mount will operate with both your handlebars and your device size. Universal grips or adjustable clamps are a better choice if you will probably upgrade your device.
You also consider the convenience of installation. Riders also do not wish to waste hours wrestling with complex components. It should be easy to install and uninstall a good mount.
Finally, consider weather protection. If you ride in rain or harsh sun, your mount should resist rust, fading, and water damage. With these points in mind, you can narrow down your choice. But what makes GRxplore's Motorcycle Handlebar Mount stand out from the rest?
Why Choose GRxplore Motorcycle Handlebar Mount
GRxplore recognizes riders require something beyond a standard solution. With their Motorcycle Handlebar Mount, adventure has been considered. It has a solid grip that secures your phone firmly, regardless of bumps on the road. Integrated vibration absorption works towards safeguarding your device while providing you with a worry-free ride both through the cities and during long trips.
It also has high durability. GRxplore has high-quality materials that are able to endure weather and high speeds. It has a versatile design that can fit with almost any handlebars and device.
What distinguishes GRxplore from other products is the equilibrium of quality and cost. Most high-end mounts available cost a fortune, and low-end models are compromises. GRxplore's Motorcycle Handlebar Mount offers both power and value and is therefore a wise investment for both casual riders and explorers.
If you are looking for a saddle with an ideal combination of simplicity and rough-use reliability, GRxplore has the solution.
Conclusion
The correct mount for your motorcycle involves matching the riding style with the appropriate features. A Motorcycle Handlebar Mount has visibility, an affordable price tag, and universal compatibility, and as such, features are a favorite among both commuters and touring riders. Others, such as mirror mounts, fork stem mounts, and tank mounts, are also available but are somewhat more specialized.
Ultimately, it all comes down to what you cherish most. Are you looking for rapid installation and expedited access to your monitor? Are you looking for a solution you can use for long-distance travel? Or do you ride a sportbike where a fork stem mount could look neater?
If you are seeking a mount that can do it all and you do not desire compromise, the GRxplore Motorcycle Handlebar Mount has you covered. Toughly constructed and designed with riders in mind, it's the dependable one you and your day-to-day commuting needs, or your week-long touring adventures and off-road expeditions.
Not really sure what mountain you should ride yet? Contact us at GRxplore. Always keen to assist riders with discovering the gear that's safe, comfortable, and gets you excited and prepared for the next ride.
