Harley® bike owners and motorcycle enthusiasts know that riding is a great reprieve from the stresses of life. You may even take to the open road to leave digital devices behind and disconnect for a few hours (or days).
But other times, there’s not much way around a smartphone's convenience, especially when riding in new places. Hands-free motorcycle phone mounts can help you keep in touch, charge your phone, and even arrive at your destination on time with GPS navigation.
Use our guide to find the best motorcycle phone mounts, holders, and chargers from Harley-Davidson to keep your trusty device accessible and protected during your next ride.
If you’re considering mounting your phone to your bike, the primary question to consider is probably an obvious one: Where?
The answer depends on the design of your specific bike. Some mounts attach directly to your handlebars, while others can work with the clutch, fork stem, or even use magnetic or clamp-based fasteners for secure holds in other places. The type of riding you do matters, too. Some work best on highways and city streets, while others suit off-road trails.
Let’s break down the different types of motorcycle mounts available, their benefits, and when they might work best for your next ride.
Handlebar mounts are the most common option. These mounts clamp around traditional rounded, tubular handlebars. They work well for bikes with enough bar space to mount an accessory. Harley-Davidson® touring and cruiser models with standard bar setups are an excellent use case for handlebar phone mounts.
This type of motorcycle phone mount is perfect for riders who frequently use GPS or want to easily control music on the road. They’re great for accessibility. Some handlebar mounts use quick-release mechanisms for easy phone removal, while others offer vibration damping to protect the phone’s sensitive components from rattling.
Clutch mounts are a great alternative for bikes with limited handlebar space. These mounts attach to your clutch or brake reservoir. They put your phone within reach without interfering with other controls.
Clutch mounts are great for bikes whose riders prefer a more integrated look. They often come equipped with adjustable angles that give optimal views without obstructing gauges or mirrors.
Sport bike and café racer enthusiasts often trust fork stem mounts with a sleek, compact phone placement. They fit into the hollow center of the fork stem and keep the phone low and centered within sight lines.
Fork stem mounts are generally the best motorcycle phone mount when it comes to aerodynamics since they rest on the cockpit. They keep phones out of the way while riding. It’s important to note, however, that installation may require specific adapters or additional work compared to others.
Magnetic motorcycle phone mounts offer a quick, easy way to secure your phone without the hassle of clamps or brackets. They usually attach to the bike with adhesive or a metal plate. The phone stays in place with strong magnets. Sometimes you need to attach a magnet to the phone. Many newer phones have built-in magnets.
This is a great mount style for riders who frequently need to remove and replace their phone during stops. However, this type might not be ideal for aggressive riding conditions or rough terrain. Extreme vibrations can impact the phone’s durability and may even cause it to fall off during your ride.
A clamp mount uses a secure, tension-based grip to hold the phone in place. These mounts are highly adjustable and easily attached to various bike parts, including handlebars, mirrors, or frame tubing. Many clamp mounts also feature anti-vibration technology that can reduce the impact of road or engine vibrations on your phone’s delicate internal parts.
Universal phone carriers are an option for those who want a mount that works with a wide range of phone models. They typically feature adjustable arms or elastic grips that expand to hold your device securely. One of their major benefits is compatibility across device types, meaning you won’t have to buy a new mount when upgrading or switching phones. They’re also available in multiple mounting styles, including handlebar, clutch, and fork stem options.
High-quality motorcycle phone mounts do more than hold your phone. They ensure secure mounting, protects against vibration, and offer convenience when traveling. As you shop for your phone mount, think about features that enhance durability, device protection, and usability.
Motorcycle engines and road conditions generate vibrations that can harm your phone’s internal components, including sensitive parts like a camera’s image stabilizer. Mounts with built-in vibration protection can absorb those shocks and reduce the risk of long-term damage.
If you routinely ride on rough roads or long highway stretches, a vibration-damping mount can help protect your phone from premature wear and malfunctions. Look for mounts with rubberized or spring-loaded shock absorbers to minimize impact.
Roads and weather can often be unpredictable. Your phone mount needs to withstand exposure to rain, heat, and cold. Weather-resistant mounts ensure your device stays secure in harsh conditions and sunny days alike.
For additional protection, consider a mount with sealed enclosures or water-resistant carriers that shield the phone from water or dust. These can keep your phone handy without risking damage.
A good phone mount should be easy to install and adjust without using lots of tools or bike modifications. Quick-install systems like clamps or magnetic mounts often allow for hassle-free attachment and removal.
Mounts with one-handed operation can make it easier to place or retrieve your phone, especially when wearing riding gloves. Look for mounts with simple locking mechanisms and swivel adjustments that let you position your phone for optimal visibility without distractions.
To ride hands-free on your Harley® motorcycle, we offer heavy-duty motorcycle phone mounts designed to stand up to whatever the open road offers.
Choose from phone holder options in chrome or black to match your bike, and you’ll find features that keep your device protected on every one of our mounts. Rugged outer cases seal your phone inside with a hinge and clamp, while soft touchscreen technology enables easy fingertip navigation—or use with touchscreen-friendly gloves.
When you have questions about using a motorcycle phone mount or how to choose one of Harley-Davidson’s excellent options, we’ve got answers:
Instruments and sensors inside modern smartphone cameras can be susceptible to damage when exposed to heavy vibrations like those experienced on a motorcycle handlebar or chassis. That’s why Harley-Davidson offers an easy-to-install anti-vibration module that not only help protect smartphones from vibrations but help them remain securely mounted.
Waterproof phone cases can be paired with motorcycle phone mounts and universal phone carriers in order to protect devices from dust and rain out on the road. However, if you would prefer to avoid the bulk of a waterproof case after you’re done with your ride, you can also turn to Harley-Davidson’s rigid water-resistant carrier designed to guard your phone against the elements.
Yes. Phone mounts are legal in many places, but you should check local laws to make sure there aren’t any restrictions where you’re planning to ride. Using a phone holder on your motorcycle enables you to ride hands-free and avoid the unsafe (and typically illegal) practice of holding your phone while riding. Nevertheless, it’s important to practice safe riding habits while using a motorcycle phone mount. Harley-Davidson® handlebar and clutch mounts can keep phones conveniently located without interfering with riders’ ability to manipulate their bike or access controls.
Always operate your motorcycle in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
With the help of a Bluetooth® helmet or headset, riders can maintain a hands-free connection to their devices without necessarily mounting them to their bike. Store your phone in a tank bag or other accessory bag option, and you’ll still be able to hear your music, directions, or riding partners loud and clear—and easily access your phone during pit stops.
The best phone mount for off-road riding is one with protective features. That means vibration-damping to reduce the risk of sensitive phone components. A secure grip and locking mechanism keep your phone in place on rough terrain, while weather-resistant features can protect your device against rain, mud, and dust. For many off-road riders, a handlebar mount with strong clamps or fork stem mounts with anti-vibration features is the best fit.
Some motorcycle phone mounts can damage your phone if they lack proper protection. Phone mounts that don’t offer vibration-damping may not absorb the shocks and jolts from rough terrain or engine vibration. This can damage your phone’s camera or other components. In addition, phone mounts that lack weather resistance could expose the device to dust, rain, or heat which can damage your phone’s screen or battery. The worst damage, however, can come from phone mounts that fail to secure your device.
Learn about the best Bluetooth motorcycle helmets & headsets from Harley-Davidson.
Ready to find the mount you need? Explore all of our motorcycle phone mounts and carriers here to go hands-free today online or at your local Harley-Davidson® dealer.