Indian Motorcycle traces its roots back to 1901, and the modern lineup still carries that legacy forward with touring and cruiser models built for long days in the saddle. Wide handlebars, solid castings, and rider-focused ergonomics make Indian motorcycle mounts some of the easiest accessories to install compared to sport bikes or fully faired tourers with cramped cockpits.
Easy to install doesn’t mean foolproof, though. The wrong mount can rattle loose, block your view, or fail outright at highway speed. Below is a rundown of the mounts that actually hold up on an Indian, along with a few mistakes worth avoiding before you drill or clamp anything to your bars.
Indian’s current lineup spans everything from the compact Scout to the full-dress Roadmaster and Pursuit tourers, and bar layout varies quite a bit across that range. Scout and Chief models tend to run narrower, more upright bars with less real estate, while Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield models offer wider bars and, in many cases, a fairing-mounted fork stem that opens up additional mounting real estate beyond the grips themselves. Whatever model you ride, the mounting principles below hold true: metal construction, a clamp sized correctly for your bar diameter, and hardware built to handle sustained vibration rather than the occasional pothole a car might hit.
Best Indian Motorcycle Mounts at a Glance
Indian models offer plenty of handlebar real estate compared to sport bikes, which opens up more mounting options than most riders expect. Here’s how the four main accessory categories stack up.
| Mount | Best For | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| RAM X-Grip U-Bolt Mount | Phones, most screen sizes | Bars up to 1.25 in diameter |
| RAM Garmin Zumo Ball Mount | Garmin Zumo GPS units | 17mm ball, AMPS cradles |
| Quad Lock Motorcycle Handlebar Mount | Case-based lock system | Bars 7/8 in to 1.25 in |
| BRCOVAN Anti-Theft Phone Mount | Street parking, theft deterrence | Universal handlebar clamp |
1. Handlebar Phone Mount: RAM X-Grip U-Bolt
For most riders, a handlebar mount is the simplest and most reliable way to run a phone on an Indian. Most models in the lineup accept clamp-style mounts on bars up to 1.25 inches in diameter, which covers the vast majority of aftermarket and factory options.
Skip the plastic mounts sold at gas stations and department stores. Sustained motorcycle vibration works plastic joints loose over time, and a phone coming free at speed is not a risk worth taking. Metal construction and a locking grip matter more here than almost anywhere else on the bike.
The RAM X-Grip U-Bolt is a long-standing favorite in the motorcycle world because it grips phones of nearly any size, case included, and RAM backs it with a lifetime warranty. The U-Bolt base wraps directly around the bar rather than relying on a friction clamp, which matters on a bike that vibrates for hours at a stretch. Installation is genuinely simple: loosen the U-bolt, slide it around the bar, position the ball where you want the cradle to sit, and tighten. No drilling, no adapters, and no proprietary tools required. We cover the broader X-Grip cradle lineup in our guide to RAM X-Grip cradles if you want to compare arm lengths and base styles before buying.
One detail worth checking before you order: measure the outside diameter of your bar at the exact spot you plan to mount, not just the published spec for your model year. Aftermarket risers, wrapped grips, or switch housings can all change the effective clamping diameter enough to matter.
2. GPS Mount: RAM Garmin Zumo Ball Mount
Riders who prefer a dedicated GPS over a phone usually land on a Garmin Zumo, and the back of that cradle uses a standard 4-hole AMPS pattern. Pairing it with a RAM ball mount built specifically for the Zumo line keeps the installation simple since Garmin designs its hardware around RAM’s mounting standard from the start.
This is one of the more painless upgrades available for an Indian, since the handlebar clamp integrates directly with the factory bar diameter on most models without adapters or spacers.
If you’re running a fairing-equipped model like the Chieftain or Roadmaster, you also have the option of a fork stem or dash-mounted GPS ball, which keeps the unit closer to your natural line of sight and out of direct sun glare. Riders who split time between navigation and phone use often run two separate ball mounts rather than swapping a single cradle back and forth mid-ride, since the cradle-swap approach tends to loosen faster with repeated use.
3. Alternative Phone Mount: Quad Lock Motorcycle Handlebar Mount
The X-Grip’s spring cradle isn’t the only reliable way to hold a phone on a bike. Quad Lock takes a different approach: a case or adhesive adapter locks directly onto the mount with a twist-and-lock mechanism instead of a spring-loaded cradle, which some riders prefer for a lower-profile setup and a faster on-and-off motion at gas stops.
The mount itself fits handlebars from 7/8 inch up to 1.25 inches, covering the same range as most Indian models. Keep in mind it requires a Quad Lock case or universal adapter on the phone, sold separately, so factor that into the total cost if you don’t already run one.
4. Anti-Theft Phone Mount: BRCOVAN
Street parking changes the calculus on any exposed accessory, and a phone mount sitting in plain view on your handlebars is an easy target. The BRCOVAN mount addresses this with a locking knob on the socket arm that keeps the cradle from being twisted off by hand, which is enough to deter the opportunistic theft that a standard quick-release mount doesn’t.
It still includes a vibration dampener and an adjustable cradle that fits a wide range of phone sizes with the case on, so you’re not giving up day-to-day usability for the added security.
How to Choose the Right Mount for an Indian Motorcycle
Start with how you want the phone to attach, since that decision drives everything else. A spring-loaded cradle like the X-Grip works with any phone in seconds, no case required. A twist-lock system like Quad Lock is lower profile but needs a compatible case or adapter. If you park in public and worry about theft, a locking mount like BRCOVAN trades a bit of convenience for peace of mind. A dedicated GPS needs a cradle matched to that unit’s mounting pattern, usually AMPS or a proprietary Garmin fit.
Next, check your bar diameter before ordering anything. Most Indian models run standard round bars, but cruiser and touring trims can vary slightly between model years, so measure with calipers or check your owner’s manual rather than guessing.
Finally, weigh metal against plastic. A plastic clamp might save a few dollars up front, but on a bike that vibrates for hours at a stretch, metal construction is the difference between a mount that lasts one season and one that lasts ten.
Common Mounting Mistakes to Avoid
- Suction mounts: They work fine on a car windshield, but motorcycle vibration defeats the seal far faster than most riders expect.
- Cheap plastic clamps: They flex and crack under sustained vibration, usually right when you need them most.
- Ignoring vibration dampening: Sustained motorcycle vibration can affect a phone’s camera stabilization over time, even in a mount that holds the phone securely.
- Skipping the spacers: Under-tightened clamps or missing bushings are the most common cause of a mount that slowly rotates out of position.
FAQ: Indian Motorcycle Mounts
What size handlebar clamp do I need for an Indian motorcycle?
Most Indian models use standard round bars that accept clamps sized for up to 1.25 inches in diameter. Touring trims occasionally run slightly larger bars, so it’s worth measuring before you buy rather than assuming.
Are suction cup mounts safe for motorcycles?
Not reliably. Suction mounts are built for smooth glass surfaces with minimal vibration, and motorcycle engines and road vibration break that seal down over time, sometimes without obvious warning before it fails.
Do I need a vibration-dampening mount for my phone?
It’s worth it if you ride regularly at highway speed or on rougher roads. Sustained vibration has been linked to camera stabilization issues on some newer phones, so a dampened cradle is cheap insurance.
Can I use the same mount for a phone and a GPS unit?
Not directly. Phone cradles and GPS cradles use different mounting patterns, so you’d need to swap the cradle itself, though many riders keep both on separate ball mounts and switch the arm depending on the ride.
Will a handlebar mount fit every Indian model?
Most will, since Indian’s round bars fall within the standard clamp range most mounts are built for. The exception is heavily customized bars or aftermarket risers with non-standard diameters, which is why it’s worth measuring your actual bar rather than relying on the factory spec sheet.
How often should I check a motorcycle mount for wear?
A quick inspection before every ride takes a few seconds and catches most problems early. Check that the clamp is still torqued down, that the ball joint hasn’t developed play, and that the cradle latch still closes with resistance rather than swinging loosely.
