How to Build a RAM® Mount Setup for Motorbikes and Adventure Riding
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Time to read 5 min
The best RAM® mount for motorbikes is a secure, adjustable setup that matches your bike, device and riding conditions. For Australian riders, a strong motorbike mount can help keep a phone, GPS or action camera visible and stable during commuting, touring, off-road riding and long-distance adventure trips.
Motorbikes create more vibration and exposure than most cars, so the mounting setup needs to be chosen carefully. A good RAM® setup usually combines the right base, arm and holder to suit the handlebar, brake or clutch reservoir, fork stem, mirror post or other suitable mounting point.
Why motorbike riders use RAM® Mounts
RAM® Mounts are popular with motorbike riders because they are modular. Instead of buying one fixed mount, you can build a setup that suits your bike and the device you want to carry.
A proper motorbike setup should:
- keep the device secure during vibration and movement
- allow easy viewing without blocking controls
- work with gloves where practical
- support portrait or landscape positioning
- fit your phone, GPS or camera
- allow angle adjustment for visibility
- suit commuting, touring or off-road use
For adventure riders, this flexibility matters because every bike cockpit is different.
Common devices mounted on motorbikes
Motorbike riders commonly use RAM® Mounts for:
- smartphones for navigation
- GPS units for touring
- action cameras
- small tablets or rugged devices
- GoPro-style cameras
- charging accessories
The device size and weight will determine which RAM® ball size, holder and base are most suitable.
Quick guide: best RAM® Mount components for motorbikes
| Component | Best for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Suction cup base | Food delivery drivers | Portable and easy to move between vehicles |
| Fixed mounting base | Courier vans and daily route vehicles | Provides a more stable long-term mounting solution |
| Universal phone holder | Shared fleet vehicles | Fits a wide range of phones used by different drivers |
| Short socket arm | Rough roads and high-vibration routes | Reduces movement and improves device stability |
Step 1: Choose the best mounting location
Start by deciding where the device should sit. The best location is visible at a glance and does not interfere with steering, brake lines, levers, mirrors, indicators or the instrument cluster.
Common motorbike mounting locations include:
- handlebars
- brake or clutch reservoir
- mirror stem
- fork stem
- frame or crash bars
- windscreen support bars
For adventure bikes, handlebar and bar clamp mounts are often practical. For sports bikes, a fork stem mount may be a cleaner option.
Step 2: Choose the right RAM® base
The base connects the RAM® system to your motorbike. This is the foundation of the setup, so it needs to suit your bike and riding conditions.
Handlebar bases
Handlebar bases are one of the most common options. They are practical for naked bikes, adventure bikes, cruisers and many commuters.
Reservoir bases
A brake or clutch reservoir base can be a good choice when handlebar space is limited. It uses existing bolt positions, creating a tidy installation.
Fork stem bases
Fork stem bases are often used on sports bikes. They create a central mounting point without needing extra handlebar space.
Tough-Claw™ bases
Tough-Claw™ bases are useful when you want a removable or flexible mounting option. They can clamp to suitable bars or rails, making them helpful for temporary setups.
Step 3: Choose the right arm length
For motorbikes, shorter arms are often better because they reduce movement. A long arm can give more reach, but it can also increase vibration.
A short or standard RAM® arm is usually a good starting point. Choose the shortest arm that still lets you see the screen clearly and operate the bike safely.
Step 4: Choose the right device holder
The holder should match the device you are mounting. For phones, a universal holder can be useful because it works with many phone sizes and cases.
For GPS units, a device-specific holder or plate may be the better option. For action cameras, choose a compatible camera mounting solution that allows angle adjustment.
Step 5: Think about vibration and charging
Motorbikes create constant vibration. To reduce movement, keep the device close to the mounting point, use a suitable ball size and avoid unnecessary extension.
If you use your phone for navigation, plan your charging cable route carefully. The cable should not interfere with steering or controls, and it should have enough slack for full handlebar movement.
Best RAM® Mount setup for adventure riding
Adventure riders often need strong, flexible mounting because conditions can include corrugations, dirt roads, rain, dust and long travel days.
A good adventure riding setup should include:
- a secure handlebar or bar clamp base
- a short or standard socket arm
- a strong phone or GPS holder
- careful cable routing
- a device case or weather protection if needed
For off-road riding, keep the mount compact and close to the bike to reduce vibration and accidental impact.
Best RAM® Mount setup for commuting
Commuters usually need a simple and reliable setup for phone navigation. A universal phone holder with a handlebar or reservoir base is often enough.
For daily commuting, consider:
- easy phone removal
- clear screen visibility
- charging access
- low-profile mounting
- simple adjustment
Best RAM® Mount setup for touring
Touring riders may use both a phone and GPS. This can require more planning around mounting position, screen visibility and charging.
For touring, choose components that can handle long rides, repeated adjustment and different weather conditions.
Common mistakes to avoid
Mounting the device too far away
The farther the device sits from the mounting point, the more movement it may experience. Keep the setup compact where possible.
Blocking the instrument cluster
Avoid placing the device where it hides speed, warning lights or navigation-critical information.
Forgetting full steering movement
Before riding, turn the bars fully left and right to check that the mount and cable do not interfere with movement.
Choosing the wrong holder for a phone case
If you use a thick phone case, check the holder size range before buying.
Ignoring weather protection
A mount can hold the device securely, but the device itself may still need protection from rain, dust or sun.
Recommended Mounts Australia categories to explore
Final recommendation
For most motorbike riders, a RAM® handlebar or reservoir base paired with a short arm and a suitable phone or GPS holder is a strong starting point. Adventure riders should focus on stability and compact positioning, while commuters may prioritise easy phone access and a clean install.
If you are unsure which parts fit your bike, Mounts Australia can help you choose the right RAM® base, arm and holder for your riding style.
FAQs
What is the best RAM® mount for a motorbike?
The best RAM® mount for a motorbike depends on your bike and device. Many riders choose a handlebar or reservoir base, a short socket arm and a phone or GPS holder.
Can I use a RAM® phone mount for adventure riding?
Yes, RAM® phone mounts can be used for adventure riding when paired with a secure base and compact arm. For rough conditions, keep the setup short and stable.
What RAM® arm length is best for motorbikes?
A short or standard RAM® arm is often best for motorbikes because it helps reduce vibration and movement.
Can I mount a GPS on my motorbike with RAM® Mounts?
Yes, RAM® Mounts can be used for many GPS units. Choose a compatible holder or plate and a base that suits your bike.
Where should I mount my phone on a motorbike?
Mount your phone where it is visible at a glance and does not block controls, steering movement or the instrument cluster.
Explore Mounts Australia’s RAM® motorcycle mounts or contact our team for help building a secure setup for your phone, GPS or action camera.