Putting a camera on a motorcycle allows you to capture your rides, whether for vlogging, safety, or simply reliving the journey. The method often depends on the type of camera and the desired mounting location.
You can attach a camera to a motorcycle using various mounts designed for different locations, such as the handlebars, helmet, fuel tank, or fairing. A common method for action cameras like GoPros involves using adhesive mounts combined with a buckle mount.
Using an Adhesive Mount and Buckle Mount
Based on the provided reference, a straightforward way to mount a camera, particularly an action camera like a GoPro, involves combining an adhesive mount with a buckle mount.
Here's how this setup works:
- Combine the Mounts: Start by taking the Buckle Mount and sliding it through the grooves of the Adhesive Mount. Continue sliding until you hear or feel a click, indicating that the two pieces are securely locked together.
- Attach the Camera: Once the mount assembly is ready, slide your camera into the opening of the Buckle Mount. Ensure it's pushed all the way in until it's firmly seated.
This combined mount can then be attached to a clean, flat surface on your motorcycle using the adhesive backing. Popular spots include the fairing, fuel tank (on flat sections), or even a helmet (if you choose a helmet mount instead of bike mount).
Other Common Motorcycle Camera Mounting Methods
Beyond the adhesive and buckle setup, several other mounting options are popular among riders:
- Handlebar Mounts: These typically use a clamp mechanism to grip the motorcycle's handlebars. They are relatively easy to install and move, offering a view from the front of the bike.
- Helmet Mounts: Attaching a camera to your helmet provides a first-person perspective, capturing exactly what you see. Options include chin mounts, side mounts, or top mounts, often secured with adhesive pads or straps.
- Fuel Tank Mounts: Magnetic tank mounts offer a quick and easy way to attach a camera to metal fuel tanks. They are popular for their stability and ease of use but are only suitable for compatible tank materials.
- Mirror Stem Mounts: These mounts attach to the stem of your motorcycle mirrors, providing a view that often includes parts of the bike and the road ahead.
- Crash Bar/Engine Guard Mounts: Clamping mounts can be attached to the bike's crash bars or engine guards, offering lower-angle perspectives and potentially more protected mounting points.
- Tail Section Mounts: Similar to tank mounts, adhesive pads or specific rack mounts can be used on the tail section to capture footage looking backward or a wider view of the road behind.
Choosing the Right Mount Location
The best place to mount a camera depends on the type of footage you want to capture:
- Forward View: Handlebars, front fairing, or a helmet chin mount.
- Rider's Perspective: Helmet side or top mount.
- View Including the Bike: Tank mount, crash bar mount, or mirror stem mount.
- Rearward View: Tail section mount.
Always ensure that the mount is secure and does not obstruct your view, control, or any essential parts of the motorcycle before riding. Test the stability of the mount and the camera positioning before heading out on a ride.
