Capturing your motorcycle adventures has become increasingly popular, and knowing how to mount an action camera safely and effectively is essential. Whether you’re documenting scenic routes or creating engaging vlogs, the right mounting technique ensures you get the best footage without compromising your safety. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different mounting options, essential gear, and best practices for securely attaching your camera to your motorcycle.
Choosing the Right Mounting Location
Selecting the ideal location for your action camera is crucial for capturing the best angles and ensuring stability. Several factors influence this decision, including the type of footage you want to capture and the safety considerations involved.
Helmet Mount
Mounting the camera on your helmet provides a rider’s perspective, offering immersive footage that captures your every move. It’s like seeing the road through your eyes, making viewers feel like they are right there with you.
- Pros: Immersive POV footage, captures head movements and reactions.
- Cons: Can affect aerodynamics, potential safety hazard in case of an accident, may cause neck strain on longer rides.
- Considerations: Ensure the mount is securely attached and doesn’t obstruct your vision. Choose a lightweight camera and mount to minimize strain.
Handlebar Mount
Attaching the camera to your handlebars offers a stable and unobstructed view of the road ahead. This is a popular choice for capturing the scenery and your motorcycle’s instrument panel.
- Pros: Stable footage, clear view of the road and motorcycle controls, easy access to camera controls.
- Cons: Can pick up vibrations from the engine, may be affected by handlebar movement.
- Considerations: Use a vibration-dampening mount to minimize shaking. Ensure the mount doesn’t interfere with your ability to steer or operate the motorcycle.
Fairing Mount
Mounting the camera on the fairing provides a fixed perspective, similar to a dashboard camera. This option is ideal for capturing long stretches of road and minimizing vibration.
- Pros: Stable footage, minimal vibration, good view of the road ahead.
- Cons: Limited flexibility in camera angle, may require drilling or modification of the fairing.
- Considerations: Ensure the mount is securely attached and doesn’t damage the fairing. Consider the camera’s field of view when positioning the mount.
Other Mounting Locations
Consider these alternative locations for unique perspectives:
- Tank Mount: Offers a low-angle view of the road and your motorcycle’s tank.
- Frame Mount: Provides a stable and unique perspective, often used for capturing suspension movement.
- Swingarm Mount: Offers a dynamic view of the rear wheel and suspension.
Essential Gear and Accessories
Having the right gear is essential for securely mounting your action camera and ensuring high-quality footage. Here’s a list of essential accessories:
- Action Camera: Choose a camera with good image stabilization, high resolution, and a wide field of view. GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 are popular brands.
- Mounting Kit: Select a mount that is specifically designed for motorcycles and compatible with your camera. Consider the type of mount (helmet, handlebar, fairing) and the material (aluminum, plastic).
- Adhesive Mounts: These mounts use strong adhesive to attach to smooth surfaces like helmets and fairings. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying the mount.
- Clamp Mounts: These mounts use clamps to attach to handlebars, frames, and other tubular structures. Choose a clamp that is the right size for your motorcycle’s components.
- Extension Arms: These arms allow you to extend the camera away from the mount, providing more flexibility in camera angle.
- Safety Tether: A safety tether is a must-have accessory. It attaches the camera to the motorcycle, preventing it from falling off in case the mount fails.
- Vibration Dampener: Reduces vibrations for smoother footage, especially when mounting on handlebars or the frame.
- External Microphone: Improves audio quality by reducing wind noise and capturing clear sound.
- Waterproof Housing: Protects the camera from rain, dust, and mud.
Step-by-Step Mounting Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to securely mount your action camera on your motorcycle:
Helmet Mounting
- Clean the Helmet Surface: Use a clean cloth and isopropyl alcohol to clean the area where you will be attaching the adhesive mount.
- Attach the Adhesive Mount: Peel off the backing from the adhesive mount and carefully position it on the helmet. Press firmly for several minutes to ensure a strong bond.
- Attach the Camera: Attach the camera to the mount using the appropriate screws or clips.
- Secure the Safety Tether: Attach the safety tether to the camera and a secure point on the helmet.
- Test the Mount: Gently shake the helmet to ensure the mount is secure and the camera is stable.
Handlebar Mounting
- Choose the Mounting Location: Select a location on the handlebars that provides a clear view and doesn’t interfere with your controls.
- Attach the Clamp Mount: Open the clamp and position it around the handlebars. Tighten the screws securely.
- Attach the Camera: Attach the camera to the mount using the appropriate screws or clips.
- Secure the Safety Tether: Attach the safety tether to the camera and a secure point on the motorcycle.
- Test the Mount: Gently shake the handlebars to ensure the mount is secure and the camera is stable.
Fairing Mounting
- Choose the Mounting Location: Select a location on the fairing that provides a clear view and doesn’t interfere with your controls.
- Prepare the Surface: Clean the area where you will be attaching the adhesive mount or drilling holes for a screw mount.
- Attach the Mount: Attach the mount using adhesive or screws. If using screws, drill pilot holes and carefully tighten the screws.
- Attach the Camera: Attach the camera to the mount using the appropriate screws or clips.
- Secure the Safety Tether: Attach the safety tether to the camera and a secure point on the motorcycle.
- Test the Mount: Gently shake the fairing to ensure the mount is secure and the camera is stable.
Safety Considerations
Safety should always be your top priority when mounting an action camera on your motorcycle. Here are some important safety considerations:
- Secure Mounting: Ensure the camera and mount are securely attached to the motorcycle. A loose camera can be a distraction and a safety hazard.
- Vision Obstruction: Make sure the camera and mount do not obstruct your vision or interfere with your ability to operate the motorcycle.
- Aerodynamics: Be aware that a helmet-mounted camera can affect aerodynamics and stability, especially at high speeds.
- Weight Distribution: A heavy camera on your helmet can cause neck strain on longer rides. Choose a lightweight camera and mount to minimize strain.
- Legal Regulations: Check local regulations regarding the use of cameras on motorcycles. Some jurisdictions may have restrictions on helmet-mounted cameras.
- Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect the mount and camera for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged components immediately.
