Phone and GPS Mounts for KTM Motorcycles

Let’s discuss some mounts that are going to work well on a KTM motorcycle.  KTM is one of the easier motorcycle brands to mount cell phones and GPS devices to.  This is because most of them have a decent amount of handlebar space.  The typical diameter of a KTM handlebar comes in at around an inch (actually a lot are 7/8″ to be exact).  The majority of handlebar mounts made for a motorcycle come typically fit diameters up to 1.25 inches and range downwards so most KTM handlebars are going to fall into the right diameter range.

At this point, you might be tempted to leap onto the internet and select the least expensive mount you can find.  Don’t do it.  Be wary of inexpensive plastic mounts which are primarily made for bicycles.  While some plastic bicycle mounts will work satisfactorily, there are others that are too brittle for motorcycle vibrations.  A good rule is that if it costs $5 and ships from Asia, it’s not a good choice for your motorcycle.  Opt for a mount that’s primarily constructed of metal or at least a heavy plastic.

So the mounts we are going to recommend for KTM are for the handlebar.  Check your handlebar diameter and ensure it’s nothing outside the typical .875 to 1.25 inch range.

A good cell phone mount is going to have a well made cradle that closes very tightly around the device.  Measure your phone to ensure you get the right cradle size.  I suggest using a protective case if mounting your phone on a motorcycle.  You probably paid a substantial amount for your phone and gravel and road debris kicked up off the highway can chip your screen or scratch your phone.  A good case (we like the Otterbox Defender) will pay for itself many times over.

Select a mount that can swivel into portrait or landscape.  If using your phone as a GPS, you will likely use it in landscape but if using it for other applications, there’s a good chance portrait mode will be needed.

Now we can look at some specific mounts that we know are well made for motorcycle deployment.  The companies that make these have been around for a long time and stand behind their products.  They all offer warranties some even offering a lifetime warranty.

The first manufacturer we will recommend is RAM.  The RAM phone mounts feature the X-Grip cradle.  These cradles have been a favorite for a long time and you can read our RAM X-Grip Overview. These are heavy-duty mounts that are mostly constructed of metal.  The RAM X-Grip Motorcycle Handlebar Mount combines the X-Grip cradle with a metal motorcycle mount that fits up to 1.25 inch handlebars and features two adjustment points with the ability to pivot and swivel.  The included holder opens to 3.25 inches so it will open large enough to hold many smartphones.

Larger phones like the iPhone 6s Plus needs a larger holder so you would select the RAM X-Grip IV Motorcycle Mount.  This holder is going to open to 4.5 inches which is large enough to hold an iPhone 6s with a big thick Otterbox Defender case.  it’s also going to hold other large phones like the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 with a thick case.  This includes the same mount as the previously described RAM mount.  It has a u-bolt that fits handlebars from .5 to 1.25 inches.

Both of the RAM Mounts just described include a safety tether which is a nice touch for added security.  These mounts come with a lifetime warranty.

If you need access to a rear mounted camera on your phone, the TechGripper Handlebar Mount Kit is a good choice.  The included cradle opens to 4 inches and holds your phone from the sides.  The mount is metal and coated in black.  It fits handlebar diameters from 7/8 to 1.25 inches.  The mount takes up .75 inches of handlebar real estate and the phone sits somewhat flush to the handlebar.  Installation of the mount is completed with a small hex wrench which is provided.  This is a nice feature that helps prevent theft of the mount since most thieves aren’t walking around with a set of hex wrenches.  Installation is easy and you should be able to do this yourself.

What about a GPS mount?  Assuming that Garmin is being used, it all depends upon the model that’s being mounted.  If you have a Garmin Zumo which is made specifically for a motorcycle, these will come with a metal mount that is made to fit a handlebar.  In fact, it’s the same base as the phone mounts we discussed a few paragraphs ago as Garmin sources their Zumo motorcycle mounts from RAM.

If you are mounting a Garmin Nuvi or a Garmin Drive GPS model, you will need a mount that will utilize the cradle that is used to attach to the suction cup mount.  That suction cup mount has a 17mm ball at the end so you will need a handlebar mount that also has a 17mm ball.  The Arkon Handlebar Mount for Garmin Nuvi and Garmin Drive GPS has a 17mm ball at the end to fit the socket on the back of the Garmin cradle.  The mount uses a pair of bolts to tighten around handlebars up to 1.25 inches.  These mounts come with a 2-year warranty from Arkon.

All of the mounts recommended are ones we have recommended for a long time and are perform well.  The manufacturers have been around for many years and are known to stand behind their products.  Remember to be safe when using any of your devices.  Set it up before starting the ride and do not interface with it while riding.  We suggest using a safety tether whenever possible.