Buying guide · Endurrad
GPS and smartphone mounts for motorcycles: a guide to choosing and compatibility
You choose the navigator once. You curse the mount at every pothole. Seven model-specific brackets, dampened universal mounts, and the technical reason why mounting an iPhone on a rigid mount is an expensive mistake.
In short. If your motorcycle has a dedicated bracket, choose that one: it attaches to points already provided, doesn't take up handlebar space, and doesn't rotate. On Endurrad there are seven specific LOBOO brackets for the BMW R 1300 GS, BMW F 750/850/800 GS, KTM 390/790 Adventure and Norden 901, Ducati DesertX, Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro, CFMOTO 800 MT, and Honda ADV350, from €39.00 to €108.00.
If you mount a smartphone, the mount must be dampened. It's not a convenience: engine vibrations transmitted through a rigid mount can permanently damage the camera's optical image stabilizer. That's why there are the LOBOO PH02S (from €54.00), the PH06 with magnetic damping (€162.00), and the Outplorer pneumatic suspension series (from €70.00).
If you're looking for the navigator and not the mount, the right guide is how to choose a motorcycle navigator.
The three ways to mount a device on a motorcycle
Before looking at prices, decide where you will attach it. Everything else depends on this choice: rigidity, bulk, field of view, and how easy it is to remove the device when you leave the motorcycle.
01 · The best
Dedicated bar or bracket
It attaches to points already provided by the manufacturer: dashboard screws, steering stem, or top yoke. It doesn't take up handlebar space, doesn't rotate, aligns the device with your line of sight, and remains stable because it is mounted on a rigid structure. The drawback: it only exists if someone has designed one for your motorcycle.
02 · The most common
Handlebar collar
Universal, affordable, and available for every diameter. But the handlebar is the point on the motorcycle where vibrations are strongest, and on an adventure bike the available space is already contested by handguards, risers, and controls. It works well if the collar is correctly sized and the arm is short.
03 · The smart fallback
Mirror stem
When the handlebar is full, the mirror mount is often the only available space. However, it moves the device to the side of the steering axis, and on a long arm the lever amplifies oscillations. Use it with short arms and vibration-damped mounts.
There is one rule that applies to all three: the longer the arm, the worse the result. Every centimeter of overhang multiplies the oscillation at the end. An excellent mount on a 20 cm arm performs worse than a mediocre mount mounted close to the base.
Vibrations: the problem that breaks phones, not mounts
It is the part no price list explains, and the one that can save you or cost you hundreds of euros.
Modern smartphones have a camera with optical image stabilization: a lens assembly suspended on micro-actuators, designed to compensate for hand tremors. That mechanism is delicate by design and calibrated for low frequencies.
A motorcycle engine produces high-frequency vibrations with constant amplitude, very different from what that system was designed for. On a rigid mount, those vibrations reach the phone without any filtering. The typical result is not a cracked screen: it is a camera that, after a few thousand kilometers, can no longer focus, or produces blurry images even when stationary. It is progressive, often permanent damage, and is not covered by the warranty.
This is where two product categories arise that would otherwise seem identical:
- Rigid mounts, suitable for dedicated GPS navigators, dashcams, and CarPlay displays, which are designed and tested for use on vehicles.
- Vibration-damped mounts, necessary when the device is a smartphone. The damping can be mechanical with springs (LOBOO PH02S), magnetic (LOBOO PH06), or pneumatic with air suspension (Outplorer PH10 and QM series).
The criteria that really matter
Exact diameter of the mounting point
It is the number one cause of returns. Handlebar mounts are sold for diameter ranges: Ø 22/25/28/32 mm for the handlebar itself, Ø 12/13 mm for pins and crossbars, Ø up to 10.2 mm for mirror mounts, and dedicated ranges for sport bikes with clip-on handlebars Ø 12-25.4 mm. Measure the exact point where you will mount it, not just any point on the handlebar: on adventure bikes, the diameter changes along its length.
Wireless charging: useful, but with one limitation
Convenient on the road because it eliminates a cable that can disconnect due to vibrations. However, it has a side effect worth knowing about: inductive charging generates heat, and a smartphone in the August sun may already enter thermal protection on its own. In summer, on long rides, it is often better to disable it and charge while stopped.
The catalog includes all three power options: 15 W wireless on the PH02S and PH06, 24 W Power Delivery via cable on the PH02S, and 36 W on the PH06. The PH02S is also available without charging, at €27.00 less.
Quick release and anti-theft protection
If you leave the motorcycle on the street, the device goes with you. All serious mounts have a release mechanism, but it is worth checking that it can be operated with one hand and while wearing gloves. On the other hand, the mount itself can be stolen: dedicated anti-theft screw kits are available, such as the Outplorer AT10 at €20.00.
Field of vision and type of instrumentation
The device must not cover the original instrumentation or enter the useful field of vision. On motorcycles with a large TFT dashboard, some brackets are designed specifically for the TFT version and are not compatible with the analog setup of the same model: this is the case with the mount for the BMW F 750/850/800 GS.
Model-specific brackets: the compatibility table
They are the best solution when available. Prices recorded on Endurrad when the article was updated: they may vary depending on promotions and availability.
| Motorcycle | Years | Code | Mount diameter | Price | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFMOTO 800 MT | — | CDZ602 | 22 mm or 12 mm | 39,00 € / 54,00 € | 60,00 € |
| Honda ADV350 | 2025 | LOB_CDZ511 | Anti-rotation, no drilling | 54,00 € | 60,00 € |
| BMW F 750 GS, F 850 GS, F 800 GS | TFT versions only | LOB_CDZ033 | 12 mm | 54,00 € | 60,00 € |
| Ducati DesertX | 2023 and later | CDZ581 | 12 mm, anti-rotation | 59,08 € | 65,64 € |
| Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro | 2023 and later | — | — | 59,08 € | 65,64 € |
| KTM 390 and 790 Adventure, Husqvarna Norden 901 | — | 11.3.09220 | 12 mm or 22 mm | 71,97 € | 79,97 € |
| BMW R 1300 GS | — | LOB_CDZ131 | — | 108,00 € | 120,00 € |
Scroll the table sideways to see all the columns.
The most substantial
BMW R 1300 GS GPS bracket
108,00 € 120,00 €
The most expensive bracket in the range, and the reason is the motorcycle: the R 1300 GS has a redesigned front end with no free space on the handlebar. This one attaches to the structure and places the device above the TFT without covering it.
When to choose it: if you have an R 1300 GS, this is the answer. A universal clamp on this motorcycle is an ugly and unstable compromise.
Covers three models
KTM 390 / 790 Adventure and Norden 901
71,97 € 79,97 €
Available with a 12 mm or 22 mm mount: the choice depends on what you attach to it, not on the motorcycle. The 12 mm is the standard for pivot smartphone mounts, while the 22 mm accepts classic handlebar clamps.
The Norden 901 and KTM 790 share the same platform, so the same bracket fits both. Still, check the year on the product page.
Anti-rotation
Ducati DesertX (2023+)
59,08 € 65,64 €
12 mm mount with anti-rotation geometry: the pin is not a smooth cylinder but constrained, so the mount does not rotate on itself when you hit a pothole. It is the most annoying flaw of inexpensive mounts, and it is mechanically solved here.
TFT versions only
BMW F 750 / 850 / 800 GS
54,00 € 60,00 €
12 mm mount designed for the TFT dashboard. This is the critical point: the same motorcycles also exist with different instrumentation, and the bracket will not fit those versions. Before ordering, check your dashboard, not the model name.
Dedicated Triumph mount
Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro (2023+)
59,08 € 65,64 €
Specific bracket for the GT Pro from 2023 onward. On the Tiger 1200, the handlebars are particularly crowded with controls, risers and wiring, and it is one of the motorcycles where the dedicated solution makes the clearest difference compared with a collar mount.
The most affordable
CFMOTO 800 MT
from €39.00 60,00 €
Two versions: 22 mm at €39.00 and 12 mm at €54.00. Choose based on the mount you will install on it. It is the most affordable dedicated bracket in the catalog.
No drilling
Honda ADV350 (2025)
54,00 € 60,00 €
Anti-rotation navigation bar that installs without drilling holes: it uses existing mounting points. On an adventure scooter, where the front is faired and the handlebars are covered, it is often the only clean solution.
Smartphone mounts: which ones are worth the money
Here, damping is not an extra, it is the product. The price difference between a €30 mount and a €160 one is almost entirely down to how well it isolates the phone from vibrations.
Best value for money
LOBOO PH02S
from €54.00 90,00 €
Mechanical damping, five mounting configurations (Ø 22/25/28/32, Ø 12/13, Ø up to 10.2 mm) and two versions: without charging at €54.00, or with 15 W wireless charging and 24 W Power Delivery at €81.00.
Why it is the most sensible choice: it is the lowest entry price in the catalog for a holder that genuinely protects the camera. The extra €27.00 for charging is justified if you take long trips with navigation always on.
The most advanced
LOBOO PH06
162,00 € 180,00 €
Magnetic damping instead of mechanical damping: there are no springs or rubber parts that degrade over time, as isolation is provided by a magnetic field. 15 W wireless charging and wired charging up to 36 W, the highest power in the catalog. Four mounts are available, including a version for sport bikes with clip-on handlebars Ø 12-25.4 mm.
Limitations. It costs three times as much as the PH02S without charging. It makes sense if you ride many kilometers a year or if the phone you mount is high-end.
Air suspension
Outplorer PH10
70,00 €
A third approach to damping: an air suspension that works like a miniature pneumatic shock absorber. It is the foundation of the Outplorer ecosystem and combines with all their mounts.
When to choose it: if you plan to build a modular setup with an action camera or multiple attachment points. As a standalone piece, the PH02S remains more affordable.
Complete kit
Outplorer P100-A
107,00 €
The PH10 already paired with the handlebar mount: a ready-to-use kit, with nothing to configure. The P100-B mirror mount at €94.00 and P100-C universal collar mount at €104.00 variants are also available.
When to choose it: if you want air suspension without having to choose each component individually.
Dedicated to Ducati
DENALI for Multistrada V4
61,00 €
Dedicated bracket for the Multistrada V4 from 2021. It is a mount, not a complete holder: it provides the correct attachment point on the motorcycle, to which the actual phone holder can be added. The version for the Ducati DesertX at €106.00 is also available.
The Outplorer modular ecosystem
It deserves a section of its own because it is not a product but a system: each piece combines with the others through standard interfaces. If you plan to add an action camera or change the position over time, it is the most sensible approach.
You choose a mount, an arm, and a device holder head. The Quick Launch series adds a quick-release mechanism that lets you remove the phone with a single movement.
| Category | Components | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Launch mounts | QM01 handlebar, QM02 PRO anti-vibration handlebar, QM03 clamp, QM04 mirror, QM05 mirror stem, QM06 clutch lever, QM07 brake pump | 65,00 – 82,00 € |
| Front mounts | QB01 front mount, QB02 steering stem cap | 47,00 – 52,00 € |
| Universal clamps | CM10, HM10, HM25 | 32,00 – 46,00 € |
| Arms | DA90 double joint, MA10 multi-position articulated | 32,00 – 54,00 € |
| Ball adapters | BM6, BM8, BM10, BA25 with 1-inch ball | 22,00 – 27,00 € |
| Action cameras | G100 kit, GM10 and GB10 GoPro adapters | 22,00 – 70,00 € |
| PRO cases | iPhone 14 through 17 Pro Max and Air, Samsung Galaxy S23, S24, S25 in all versions | 39,00 € |
| Accessories | HE10 carbon handlebar extension, QU01 universal interface, AT10 anti-theft screws | 20,00 – 56,00 € |
| Top-of-the-range kit | H1000 Glory Knight Pro handlebar mount | 156,00 € |
Scroll the table sideways to see all the columns.
Installation: the five mistakes we see most often
- Arm too long. This is the most common mistake and the easiest to avoid. Every centimeter of extension amplifies oscillation: use the shortest arm that allows you to see the screen.
- Wrong diameter compensated with shims. A 28 mm collar on a 22 mm tube with two wraps of rubber may seem secure, but it shifts and loosens. Get the right size.
- Overtightening by feel. On aluminum, overtightening deforms the seat and creates play. If the manufacturer specifies a torque, follow it; if not, tighten until contact plus a quarter turn, then check again after the first few miles.
- Taut cable. A power cable with no slack can disconnect at the first pothole or, worse, pull on the phone connector. Leave a loop and secure it with a cable tie away from the steering.
- No full-lock steering check. Before setting off, turn the handlebars fully in both directions. The mount must not touch the tank, windscreen, or wiring.
The complete step-by-step procedure is in the dedicated guide: how to mount a GPS mount without errors.
Frequently asked questions
Can motorcycle vibrations really damage your phone's camera?
Yes. Modern smartphones have optical image stabilization consisting of lenses suspended on micro-actuators, designed to compensate for hand shake and calibrated for low frequencies. Motorcycle engine vibrations are high-frequency and constant in amplitude, very different from those conditions. On a rigid mount, they reach the phone without filtering, and the typical damage is progressive: a camera that no longer focuses correctly. Therefore, if you mount a smartphone, the mount must be damped.
Is a dedicated mount better than a universal one?
If there is a dedicated bracket for your motorcycle, that is the best choice: it attaches to existing mounting points, does not take up space on the handlebar, does not rotate, and works on a rigid structure. On Endurrad, there are dedicated brackets for the BMW R 1300 GS, BMW F 750/850/800 GS in the TFT version, KTM 390 and 790 Adventure, Husqvarna Norden 901, Ducati DesertX, Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro, CFMOTO 800 MT, and Honda ADV350. If your motorcycle is not covered, a universal collar mount with the correct diameter solves the problem without major compromises.
What diameter should I choose?
It depends on the exact point where you mount it, not on the motorcycle model. The standard sizes are Ø 22/25/28/32 mm for the handlebar, Ø 12/13 mm for pins and crossbars, up to 10.2 mm for mirror mounts, and Ø 12-25.4 mm for sport bikes with clip-on handlebars. Measure the tube at the exact mounting point: on adventure motorcycles, the cross-section changes along the length of the handlebar.
Is wireless charging worthwhile?
Yes, when travelling, because it eliminates a cable that tends to disconnect with vibrations. However, it has one limitation: inductive charging generates heat, and a smartphone exposed to the summer sun may already trigger thermal protection on its own. On long rides in high temperatures, it is often better to deactivate it and charge while stopped. The LOBOO PH02S is available in both versions, with a €27.00 difference.
What is the difference between the LOBOO PH02S and PH06?
The type of damping and charging power. The PH02S uses mechanical damping and offers 15 W wireless charging with 24 W Power Delivery, starting at €54.00 without charging and €81.00 with it. The PH06 uses magnetic damping, with no springs or rubber parts subject to degradation, and reaches 36 W for wired charging, at €162.00. The PH06 also has a specific variant for sport bikes with clip-on handlebars.
What is the difference between mechanical, magnetic, and pneumatic damping?
There are three ways to isolate the device from vibrations. The mechanical type uses springs or elastic elements and is the most widespread and affordable solution. The magnetic type uses a magnetic field and has no elastic components that degrade over time. The pneumatic type uses an air suspension, like a small shock absorber. All three work: the difference lies in long-term durability and price.
Does the BMW F 850 GS mount fit all versions?
No. The LOBOO mount for the BMW F 750 GS, F 850 GS, and F 800 GS is designed for versions with a TFT dashboard. The same motorcycles are available with different instrumentation, and the bracket is not compatible with those versions. Before ordering, check your motorcycle’s dashboard type, not just the model name.
How can I prevent my phone from being stolen when I leave the motorcycle?
The device should always be taken with you: make sure the mount’s release mechanism can be operated with one hand while wearing gloves. The mount itself can also be stolen, which is why dedicated anti-theft screw kits exist, such as the €20.00 Outplorer AT10, which replaces the standard hardware with heads that cannot be removed using common tools.
Is a case with an integrated mount worthwhile?
It’s the cleanest and quickest solution because it eliminates the jaws that clamp the phone and reduces contact points. However, it ties the system to that smartphone model: when you change phones, you have to buy the case again. If you change devices often, an adjustable-claw mount remains more flexible. Outplorer PRO cases cost €39.00 and fit iPhones from the 14 to the 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy models from the S23 to the S25.
How much does a good motorcycle mount cost?
Model-specific brackets on Endurrad range from €39.00 for the CFMOTO 800 MT to €108.00 for the BMW R 1300 GS. Shock-absorbing smartphone mounts start at €54.00 with the LOBOO PH02S without charging and go up to €162.00 with the PH06 featuring magnetic damping. Outplorer modular kits range from €70.00 to €156.00, depending on the configuration.
Can't find a mount for your motorcycle?
Tell us the make, model, and year, which device you want to mount, and where you would like to position it. We’ll tell you whether a dedicated bracket exists or which universal configuration works best on your front end.
- Free shipping in Italy on orders over €100
- Free shipping in Europe on orders over €250
- Returns within 14 days
- 24-month legal warranty
Prices found on Endurrad when the article was updated: they may vary depending on promotions and availability. The listed compatibility information comes from the product pages: always check the model, year, and type of instrumentation before purchasing.
Further reading: how to choose a motorcycle navigation system · CarPlay or a dedicated navigation system · how to mount a GPS holder
