Motorcycle GPS mounts need to do more than hold a navigation device in place. A good mount has to match the GPS cradle, fit the motorcycle, stay readable through vibration, and remain secure through rain, wind, rough pavement and long-distance riding. The best choice depends heavily on whether your GPS uses an AMPS pattern, a 17mm Garmin socket, a Garmin spine connection, or another mounting system.
Best Motorcycle GPS Mounts at a Glance
| Mount | Best For | Connection | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM Handlebar Mount | Best overall for Garmin Zumo | AMPS | Handlebar |
| Tackform AMPS Mount | Clean perch installation | AMPS | Brake / clutch perch |
| Arkon Aluminum 17mm Mount | Garmin Drive and Nuvi | 17mm ball | Handlebar |
| TUSITA AMPS Mount | Lower-cost AMPS setup | AMPS | Handlebar |
| TUSITA Garmin Spine Mount | Compatible Garmin handhelds | Garmin spine | Handlebar |
Best Motorcycle GPS Mounts
1. RAM Mounts RAM-B-149ZU Handlebar Mount with AMPS Plate
The RAM-B-149ZU is our first choice for a Garmin Zumo or another motorcycle GPS cradle that uses the 4-hole AMPS mounting pattern.
The kit combines a handlebar U-bolt base, double-socket arm and diamond adapter plate. It fits handlebars from 0.5 inch through 1.25 inches, covering many touring motorcycles, cruisers, adventure bikes, dual sports and standard motorcycles.
The biggest advantage is adjustability. The ball-and-socket design lets you change the screen angle and position without rebuilding the entire installation. Keeping the arm reasonably short also helps control vibration.
For many Garmin Zumo installations, the GPS remains in its motorcycle cradle while the cradle bolts to the AMPS plate.
See our complete Garmin Zumo mount guide for additional Zumo mounting options.
2. Tackform Motorcycle GPS/Tuner AMPS Mount
Not every rider wants another clamp around the handlebar. The Tackform motorcycle GPS and tuner mount provides an AMPS mounting point from the brake or clutch perch instead.
That makes it particularly useful on motorcycles where the bars are already crowded with switches, mirrors, controls or other accessories.
A perch location can also put the GPS closer to the rider’s normal line of sight while giving the cockpit a cleaner appearance than another handlebar clamp.
The mount uses a 4-hole AMPS pattern, making it suitable for compatible GPS cradles and motorcycle electronics.
3. Arkon Premium Aluminum 17mm Motorcycle GPS Mount
The Arkon aluminum motorcycle mount solves a completely different problem.
Many Garmin Drive and Nuvi automotive GPS units use a cradle with a 17mm socket. These devices do not attach to an AMPS plate the way many Garmin Zumo motorcycle cradles do.
If your Garmin cradle snaps onto a small round ball, check whether it uses the common 17mm Garmin connection before buying anything.
The Arkon provides that ball in a motorcycle-oriented aluminum mounting system rather than relying on the lightweight plastic mounting hardware normally supplied for automotive use.
If you’re considering using an automotive Garmin on your bike, read our guide to using a car GPS on a motorcycle.
4. TUSITA AMPS Handlebar Mount
The TUSITA AMPS mount is a lower-cost option for riders who need a 2-hole or 4-hole AMPS mounting pattern on the handlebar.
It can make sense for a secondary motorcycle, ATV, scooter or less expensive GPS installation where the cradle matches the available AMPS hole pattern.
AMPS compatibility does not guarantee that every part of the installation will fit. Confirm the cradle pattern and handlebar diameter before ordering.
5. TUSITA Garmin Spine Clip Handlebar Mount
Some riders use Garmin handheld GPS units on dual-sport, trail, off-road and adventure motorcycles.
Those devices may use Garmin’s integrated spine connection instead of a Zumo-style AMPS cradle or an automotive-style 17mm socket.
The TUSITA setup combines a compatible Garmin spine holder with a handlebar base and arm. That makes it a more appropriate solution for compatible handheld units than trying to adapt them to a Zumo mount.
Check the exact Garmin model before ordering.
How to Choose a GPS Holder for a Motorcycle
Before shopping for a GPS holder or GPS bracket for a motorcycle, identify how the GPS cradle attaches to the mount.
This is the step that prevents most compatibility mistakes.
AMPS Motorcycle GPS Mounts
The AMPS pattern is widely used with rugged electronics and GPS mounting hardware.
Many Garmin Zumo motorcycle cradles attach through a 4-hole AMPS pattern. That allows the cradle to bolt onto a compatible RAM, Tackform or other AMPS plate.
The GPS itself is not being clamped into the mount. The motorcycle cradle is attached to the AMPS plate, and the GPS connects to its cradle.
If you’re unfamiliar with the pattern, see our AMPS mounting pattern guide.
17mm Garmin Motorcycle Mounts
Many Garmin automotive GPS models use a small ball-and-socket connection.
The socket is located on the back of the Garmin cradle and snaps over a 17mm ball.
That system is different from AMPS.
If your GPS has this type of cradle, buying an AMPS plate alone will not solve the problem. You need a compatible 17mm ball mount.
Garmin Spine Mounts
Some Garmin handheld devices use a rear spine connection.
These need a compatible spine clip or holder. They do not attach directly to a standard 17mm ball and should not be treated as a Zumo-style AMPS installation unless the required adapter hardware is present.
Best GPS Mounting Locations on a Motorcycle
The GPS connection is only half of the decision. The next question is where the mount belongs on the motorcycle.
Handlebar GPS Mount
Handlebar mounting is the most common choice for cruisers, touring motorcycles, adventure bikes, dual sports and standards.
It works particularly well when there is open bar space near the center or controls.
A short arm generally keeps the GPS closer to the motorcycle and reduces unnecessary movement.
Brake or Clutch Perch Mount
A brake or clutch perch GPS bracket can be a better option when the handlebar is crowded.
This location is popular on touring motorcycles and cruisers because it can provide a clean mounting position without adding another large clamp around the bar.
Because the mount attaches near motorcycle control hardware, installation should be done carefully.
Fork Stem Mount
Sportbikes often have clip-on handlebars with very little usable mounting space.
For motorcycles such as the Honda CBR1000RR, Yamaha R1, Suzuki GSX-R and Kawasaki Ninja ZX series, the center fork stem is often a better mounting location.
Stem sizes vary, so measure before ordering.
For more options outside the traditional handlebar location, see our guide to RAM motorcycle mounting locations.
Accessory Crossbar
Some adventure motorcycles have a navigation crossbar or accessory bar near the instrument cluster.
This can provide an excellent GPS position because the display sits higher in the rider’s field of view.
The correct clamp diameter and device-side adapter still need to be verified.
Mirror Mount
Mirror mounting can work on some scooters, cruisers and standard motorcycles when other mounting locations are unavailable.
Be sure the GPS does not interfere with mirror adjustment or steering movement.
Replacement GPS Cradles and Brackets
Sometimes the rider already has the handlebar base and adjustment arm and only needs the device-side hardware.
The MoreFiiCo motorcycle GPS navigator bracket falls into this category.
It is listed as a replacement-style bracket for compatible Garmin Zumo XT and Tread applications. It is not a complete motorcycle handlebar mount by itself.
That distinction matters. Buy this type of component when you’re replacing or adding the GPS-side bracket to an existing mounting system, not when you’re starting an installation from scratch.
Motorcycle GPS Mounting Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a phone holder for a dedicated GPS: GPS cradles often use AMPS, 17mm or device-specific connections.
- Confusing AMPS with 17mm: They are completely different mounting systems.
- Using lightweight bicycle hardware: Motorcycle speed, vibration and device weight place different demands on the mount.
- Using an unnecessarily long arm: More distance between the motorcycle and GPS can increase movement and vibration.
- Blocking instruments: Do not position the GPS where it hides gauges, warning lights or other information.
- Ignoring steering clearance: The GPS, arm and wiring must remain clear throughout the full steering range.
- Ignoring the power cable: Decide how the GPS will be powered before settling on its final mounting position.
- Skipping measurements: Handlebar diameter, fork stem size and cradle pattern all need to match.
Motorcycle GPS Installation Tips
- Identify the GPS cradle connection before buying the mount.
- Confirm handlebar diameter or stem dimensions.
- Keep adjustment arms as short as practical.
- Check the GPS screen from your normal riding position before tightening everything.
- Turn the handlebars fully left and right to verify clearance.
- Do not block the ignition, mirrors, gauges or controls.
- Route power wiring away from hot engine components, sharp edges and moving steering parts.
- Use thread locker only when recommended by the mount manufacturer.
- Recheck mounting hardware after the first few rides.
If the GPS requires permanent power, our GPS hardwiring guide covers the next part of the installation.
Motorcycle GPS Mount FAQ
What is the best motorcycle GPS mount?
For a Garmin Zumo or another GPS using an AMPS motorcycle cradle, the RAM-B-149ZU is a strong starting point because it combines a handlebar base, adjustable arm and AMPS-compatible plate. The correct choice still depends on the GPS cradle and available mounting location.
Can I mount a Garmin Zumo on a motorcycle handlebar?
Yes, when the GPS cradle and mounting hardware are compatible. Many Garmin Zumo motorcycle cradles use the AMPS mounting pattern, which can be attached to an appropriate handlebar mounting system.
What is the difference between an AMPS mount and a 17mm Garmin mount?
AMPS is a bolt pattern used to attach compatible cradles and electronics mounts. A 17mm Garmin mount uses a ball that snaps into a compatible socket on the rear of the GPS cradle. They are not interchangeable without the proper adapters.
Can a Garmin Drive or Nuvi be mounted on a motorcycle?
A compatible Garmin Drive or Nuvi can be mounted using motorcycle hardware designed for its cradle connection. Many automotive Garmin cradles use a 17mm socket, so a compatible 17mm motorcycle mount is required.
Where should a GPS be mounted on a motorcycle?
Handlebars work well for many cruisers, touring motorcycles, adventure bikes and standards. Brake or clutch perch mounts are useful when bar space is limited. Sportbikes often benefit from a fork stem installation, while adventure motorcycles may provide an accessory navigation crossbar.
Should I use a phone mount for a dedicated GPS?
Usually not. Dedicated GPS units are better mounted through the connection system designed for their cradle, such as AMPS, a 17mm ball or a Garmin spine holder.
Bottom Line
The best motorcycle GPS mount starts with the GPS cradle, not the motorcycle.
For many Garmin Zumo installations using an AMPS cradle, the RAM-B-149ZU is the best place to start. The Tackform AMPS mount is a strong alternative when you prefer a brake or clutch perch location.
Garmin Drive and Nuvi owners should check for a 17mm socket before buying anything. If that’s what the cradle uses, choose a compatible 17mm motorcycle mount such as the Arkon aluminum setup rather than an AMPS plate.
Sportbike riders should consider a fork stem mount, while adventure riders may also have the option of a navigation crossbar.
Identify the connection first, choose the mounting location second, and then buy the hardware that joins those two pieces together. That approach avoids most motorcycle GPS mounting mistakes before they happen.