The Garmin Zumo 390LM, 395LM, and 396LMT-S are three of the most popular motorcycle GPS units ever made. Released between 2015 and 2017, all three share the same rugged weatherproof housing, glove-friendly touchscreen, and identical mounting system. If you own any one of them, this guide covers every mounting option available, what each one is best for, and exactly what you need to buy to get a complete working setup.
The mounting system is the real story with these units. Garmin built the motorcycle cradle around the standard 4-hole AMPS pattern, which opens up a wide ecosystem of compatible hardware from multiple brands. In my experience running a handlebar setup on my daily driver, a properly installed mount on these units does not move, does not vibrate, and does not need constant readjustment.
390LM vs 395LM vs 396LMT-S: Do the Mounts Differ?
No. All three models use the exact same mounting system. The motorcycle cradle on all three attaches via the standard 4-hole AMPS pattern. The car cradle on all three uses a 17mm ball socket. Every mount option in this guide works with all three devices.
The differences between the models are feature-based. The 395LM added TPMS tire pressure monitoring support. The 396LMT-S added Bluetooth audio and dynamic fuel stop alerts. The hardware, screen size (4.3 inches), and mounting footprint are identical across the lineup.
Understanding the Two Mounting Systems
Every Zumo in this lineup ships with two completely different cradles for two completely different applications. Understanding this upfront prevents buying the wrong hardware.
The motorcycle cradle uses the 4-hole AMPS pattern on its back face. This is a universal industry standard shared across dozens of mount manufacturers, which means you have real options beyond what Garmin includes in the box. The car cradle uses a 17mm ball socket on its back face, the same standard used on Garmin Nuvi car GPS units.
Quick Comparison: Best Mounts for Garmin Zumo 390LM, 395LM, and 396LMT-S
| Mount | Best For | Mount Location |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Handlebar Mount Kit | Most riders, all bike types | Handlebars |
| Tackform Brake/Clutch Reservoir Mount | Touring bikes, Harleys, Goldwings | Brake or clutch reservoir |
| Tackform Mirror Mount | BMW and select touring models | Mirror post |
| RAM Fork Stem Base | Sport bikes, crowded handlebars | Steering stem center |
| Arkon 17mm Suction Mount | Car use with the car cradle | Windshield or dash |
Best Motorcycle Mounts for the Garmin Zumo 390LM, 395LM, and 396LMT-S
1. Garmin Handlebar Mount Kit (Best for Most Riders)
The Garmin handlebar mount kit is the most direct solution for riders who want the GPS on the handlebars. This is the official Garmin hardware, using a U-bolt base that clamps to the handlebar and a double socket arm with a 1-inch ball joint. The arm connects to the AMPS plate on the back of the Zumo motorcycle cradle.
The kit fits handlebars from 0.5 to 1.25 inches in diameter, which covers the vast majority of street, touring, and adventure bikes. Adjustment happens at both ends of the arm, which gives you solid control over the final viewing angle without a lot of trial and error.
View Garmin Handlebar Mount Kit on Amazon →
2. Tackform Brake/Clutch Reservoir Mount (Best for Touring Bikes)
On Harley-Davidson touring models, Honda Goldwings, and large-displacement bikes where the handlebars are already crowded with controls, switches, and accessories, the Tackform brake and clutch reservoir mount is one of the cleanest solutions available. It mounts using the existing bolt holes on the brake or clutch master cylinder reservoir, no drilling required.
The Tackform is built from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and uses a 20mm ball and socket system with dual thumbscrews for adjustment. The 3.5-inch arm provides enough reach to position the GPS clearly in your sightline without creating excessive leverage. It bolts directly to the back of the Zumo motorcycle cradle using the standard AMPS hole pattern.
One thing worth knowing: Tackform uses a 20mm ball system, which is their own platform and is not cross-compatible with RAM’s 1-inch B-size ball components. If you already own RAM arms from a previous setup, they will not fit this base. The Tackform system is self-contained.
View Tackform Brake/Clutch Reservoir Mount on Amazon →
3. Tackform Mirror Mount (Best for BMW and Select Touring Models)
The Tackform mirror mount threads through the mirror bolt hole using either an M10 or 3/8-inch bolt, making it compatible with a wide range of motorcycles that have standard mirror post configurations. It is particularly popular on BMW GS and RT models where the mirror location puts the GPS in a natural central viewing position.
Like the Tackform reservoir mount, this unit is CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and connects directly to the AMPS pattern on the back of the Zumo cradle. The short reach arm keeps the GPS close to the cockpit without creating excessive overhang, which matters at highway speeds.
This is a clean, low-profile installation that integrates with existing hardware on the bike rather than adding clamps or brackets. Riders who prefer a factory-look result and have a compatible mirror configuration will find this the most satisfying option aesthetically.
View Tackform Mirror Mount on Amazon →
4. RAM Fork Stem Base (Best for Sport Bikes)
Sport bikes and modern naked bikes often leave little handlebar space between the levers, switches, and grips. The RAM fork stem mount solves this by threading directly into the steering stem hole at the center of the triple tree, placing the GPS in the center of the cockpit rather than off to one side on the bars.
This base fits stem holes measuring 15 to 17mm in diameter and accepts RAM’s standard 1-inch B-size ball. That means it works with the arm and AMPS plate included in the original Garmin package or any compatible RAM B-size arm. You are only replacing the base, not rebuilding the entire mount.
The centered position is an ergonomic improvement for many riders. Your eyes travel straight ahead to read the screen rather than angling slightly left or right. On sport bikes where body position already puts you lower over the tank, this placement keeps navigation readable without disrupting your riding position.
View RAM Fork Stem Base on Amazon →
Best Car Mount for the Garmin Zumo 390LM, 395LM, and 396LMT-S
All three Zumo models work well as car GPS units. The navigation software is as capable as any dedicated car GPS, and if you already own one of these for the bike, there is no reason to buy a separate device for the car.
To use the Zumo in a car you need the Garmin automotive kit, which includes the car cradle and power cable. The back of that cradle has a 17mm ball socket, the same standard used on Garmin Nuvi devices, which means a wide range of aftermarket car mounts are compatible.
Arkon 17mm Suction Cup Mount (Best Car Upgrade)
The Arkon suction cup mount is a meaningful step up from the basic windshield mount Garmin includes. It uses a vacuum-lock lever system that creates a much stronger bond with the windshield or dash surface. A dash disk is included for vehicles where windshield mounting is not legal or practical.
Despite Arkon listing this for the Nuvi lineup, the 17mm ball fits directly into the socket on the Zumo car cradle. No adapters needed. It works with all three Zumo models covered here.
View Arkon 17mm Suction Mount on Amazon →
A Note on Ball System Compatibility
One thing that trips up buyers in this category is that different mount brands use different ball sizes. RAM Mounts uses a 1-inch B-size ball for motorcycle applications. Tackform uses a 20mm ball. These systems are not cross-compatible. You cannot use a Tackform arm on a RAM base, or vice versa.
The practical implication is simple: if you start with a Garmin or RAM base, stick with RAM-compatible arms and plates. If you start with a Tackform base, use Tackform arms throughout. Both systems connect to the Zumo’s AMPS cradle on one end, so the GPS itself is compatible with either ecosystem. The incompatibility is between the base and arm components within each brand’s lineup.
Common Mounting Mistakes to Avoid
Using the wrong cradle is the most common error. The motorcycle cradle and car cradle look similar but use completely different attachment systems on the back. Confirm which cradle you have in hand before ordering any mount hardware.
Arm length matters more than most people expect. A long arm extended far from the mounting point creates a leverage point that can amplify vibration over rough pavement. Keep the arm as short as your viewing angle allows, tighten every joint firmly, and test full handlebar lock-to-lock movement before riding to confirm nothing contacts the tank or fairing.
Mounting too far off center forces your eyes off the road for longer than necessary every time you check the screen. Position the GPS so a quick downward glance covers it. If you find yourself turning your head or losing sight of traffic to read the display, the position needs adjustment before it becomes a habit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the 390LM, 395LM, and 396LMT-S use the same mounts?
Yes. All three models use the identical 4-hole AMPS pattern on the motorcycle cradle and the same 17mm ball socket on the car cradle. Every mount in this guide is compatible with all three devices.
Will my existing mount transfer if I upgrade models?
The base and arm transfer directly. The cradle is model-specific and will need to be replaced, but your existing hardware stays in place on the bike.
Can I use a Garmin Nuvi car mount with my Zumo?
Yes, as long as it uses a 17mm ball. The car cradle on all three Zumo models uses the same 17mm ball socket as the Nuvi lineup. Any 17mm-compatible Nuvi mount will fit the Zumo car cradle.
Is the Garmin handlebar kit a complete solution?
It includes the U-bolt base and arm but requires your existing Zumo motorcycle cradle to complete the installation. If you have the cradle that came with the GPS, you have everything you need. If the cradle is missing or damaged, order a replacement from Garmin first.
Can the Tackform mounts use RAM arms?
No. Tackform uses a 20mm ball and socket system. RAM uses a 1-inch B-size ball. The two are not cross-compatible. Each brand’s components work only within their own system.
What arm length should I buy?
Shorter is almost always better. Use the shortest arm that allows a comfortable viewing angle from your normal riding position. Longer arms increase vibration risk and reduce overall stability.
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Bottom Line
The Garmin Zumo 390LM, 395LM, and 396LMT-S share the same AMPS-based mounting system, which means the same hardware options work across all three. For most riders, the Garmin handlebar kit paired with the included cradle is the easiest and most reliable starting point. Riders on touring bikes with crowded handlebars will find the Tackform reservoir mount a cleaner alternative. BMW and mirror-mount bikes have a purpose-built solution in the Tackform mirror mount. Sport bike riders with limited handlebar space should look at the RAM fork stem option.
The car cradle, sold separately as part of Garmin’s automotive kit, opens up a completely different 17mm ball ecosystem for vehicle use. Keep the two systems separate in your mind and every buying decision in this category becomes simple.
