Cell phone mount recommendations
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 903
From: South Florida (Ft Myers area)
This. Vibration kills optical image stabilization in cameras; I've lost the cameras in multiple phones before I figured out what was causing it, and Apple has just put out a tech support bulletin warning about the issue. Like everyone else, I did it for years with no issues whatsoever, and then -- bam. Camera's gone on the new, expensive phone.
Second consideration, however minor this may seem: if you are ever in an accident where you're separated from the bike (like, carving some canyons and you lowside and the bike goes over the hill, or whatever) -- how you gonna call for help? I had a nasty accident on an adventure bike in the middle of nowhere, and I can tell you I was very glad I had the phone (and the GPS satellite Garmin Explorer) in jacket pockets, instead of halfway down the hill where my bike rolled.
Garmin Zumo XT on the handlebars; it's made for the job. Cell phone in the pocket.
Second consideration, however minor this may seem: if you are ever in an accident where you're separated from the bike (like, carving some canyons and you lowside and the bike goes over the hill, or whatever) -- how you gonna call for help? I had a nasty accident on an adventure bike in the middle of nowhere, and I can tell you I was very glad I had the phone (and the GPS satellite Garmin Explorer) in jacket pockets, instead of halfway down the hill where my bike rolled.
Garmin Zumo XT on the handlebars; it's made for the job. Cell phone in the pocket.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 25
Likes: 2
From: Arizona
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,976
Likes: 1,880
From: SF Bay Area
This. Vibration kills optical image stabilization in cameras; I've lost the cameras in multiple phones before I figured out what was causing it, and Apple has just put out a tech support bulletin warning about the issue. Like everyone else, I did it for years with no issues whatsoever, and then -- bam. Camera's gone on the new, expensive phone.
Second consideration, however minor this may seem: if you are ever in an accident where you're separated from the bike (like, carving some canyons and you lowside and the bike goes over the hill, or whatever) -- how you gonna call for help? I had a nasty accident on an adventure bike in the middle of nowhere, and I can tell you I was very glad I had the phone (and the GPS satellite Garmin Explorer) in jacket pockets, instead of halfway down the hill where my bike rolled.
Garmin Zumo XT on the handlebars; it's made for the job. Cell phone in the pocket.
Second consideration, however minor this may seem: if you are ever in an accident where you're separated from the bike (like, carving some canyons and you lowside and the bike goes over the hill, or whatever) -- how you gonna call for help? I had a nasty accident on an adventure bike in the middle of nowhere, and I can tell you I was very glad I had the phone (and the GPS satellite Garmin Explorer) in jacket pockets, instead of halfway down the hill where my bike rolled.
Garmin Zumo XT on the handlebars; it's made for the job. Cell phone in the pocket.
This all the way. I never mount my phone on the bike. Phones are for emergencies and Garmin or other are for navigation. I have heard of some guys that buy an old phone just for navigation but with Garmin units being fairly cheap (and better for the task) I would go that route. I'm looking at the Garmin Zumo and Garmin 396 lmt for my needs.
Last edited by Calif Fat Bob; Oct 6, 2021 at 12:19 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 401
Likes: 190
From: PA
If you use an iPhone and value it do not mount your phone to your bike. Even the mounts that claim to offer vibration damping have broken iPhones. I know from two separate warranty claims on the iPhone. This was before Apple (and myself) realized motorcycle vibrations were ruining these phones.
I use Ram Mounts for my Pixel 5 on my Grom and Fat Bob. They have amazing customer service. This is the Ram mount I am currently using on my Fat Bob:
I use Ram Mounts for my Pixel 5 on my Grom and Fat Bob. They have amazing customer service. This is the Ram mount I am currently using on my Fat Bob:
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 451
Likes: 287
From: Delmarva to the OBX
Quad lock with vibration dampening on my Fat Bob, no camera issues, knock wood.
Quad lock in my car (what the hell, already had the case)
Glove box on my Road Glide, with car play. I guess that's gonna eventually break my camera.
Quad lock in my car (what the hell, already had the case)
Glove box on my Road Glide, with car play. I guess that's gonna eventually break my camera.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 973
Likes: 440
From: West TN
I have had the Ciro once for 3 years, love it. Has not had an issue with my Android phones, even the latest. I dont think the image stabilization in active on the phone unless the camera is in use.
