Garmin Zumo XT, XT2 & XT3 Mounts: Every Mounting Option Covered

The Garmin Zumo XT, Zumo XT2 abd Zumo XT3  are three of the best motorcycle GPS units on the market — weatherproof, glove-friendly, and built for serious riding. But getting them mounted securely on your bike takes a bit more thought than a typical car GPS. This guide covers every mounting option for both models, on the motorcycle and in the car, so you can find the right setup for your bike and riding style.

One important note before diving in: the Zumo XT , XT2 and XT3 use different cradles and are not interchangeable. However, both use the same standard 4-hole AMPS mounting pattern on the back of the cradle, which means the same RAM Mounts bases, arms, and adapters work for both. If you’re upgrading from an XT to an XT2 to an XT3, you can keep your existing handlebar base and arm — just replace the cradle.

Zumo XT vs XT2 Mount Compatibility at a Glance

Motorcycle Mount Options for the Zumo XT, XT2 and XT3

1. Garmin Included Motorcycle Mount (Handlebar and Clutch)

Garmin includes a quality motorcycle mount with both the Zumo XT and XT2, and it’s actually made by RAM Mounts — which tells you something about the quality. The mount attaches to the back of the cradle using the standard 4-hole AMPS pattern and offers two base options: a u-bolt handlebar clamp that fits bars up to 1.25 inches in diameter, or clutch/brake reservoir bolts for a cleaner look.

The handlebar option is by far the most popular and works on the vast majority of motorcycles. The clutch or brake attachment gives a cleaner, more integrated look but requires removing your factory bolts and replacing them with the included hardware — straightforward for mechanical riders, worth having your shop do if you’re not comfortable with brake system components.

If you’re mounting an XT2 on a second bike, the Garmin Motorcycle Power Cable + Mount kit (sold separately) is the clean way to set it up — includes both the XT2-specific cradle and 12V power cable for the second installation.

2. BRCOVAN Fork Stem Mount

The fork stem mount is a popular alternative for riders who don’t want to use handlebar real estate for their GPS. It attaches to the stem hole at the top of the fork — the threaded hole on the top triple clamp that most motorcycles have. The BRCOVAN base includes two metal spacers (one for 12–18.5mm stems, one for 18.5–25.4mm) so it fits most bikes without cutting anything. It also has an anti-theft bolt design that requires the included special wrench to remove.

The BRCOVAN base outputs a standard 1″ B-size ball, so you’ll need a B-size double socket arm and the BRCOVAN 4-hole AMPS square plate to connect to your Zumo XT, XT2 or XT3 cradle.  But don’t panic!  The arm and AMPS adapter that Garmin provides with the mount will fit this fork stem mount!

The GPS ends up positioned centrally in front of the handlebar, which many riders find more ergonomic than an off-center handlebar position.

3. Tackform Mirror Mount

The Tackform mirror mount is particularly popular with BMW GS and adventure touring riders. It threads onto the existing M10 mirror bolt using a through-hole design — meaning your mirror stays exactly where it is and the GPS mount sits alongside it. The base outputs a 20mm ball that connects to Tackform’s own arm and AMPS plate, which bolts directly to the Zumo cradle using the standard 4-hole pattern.

Tackform makes this mount from billet 6061-T6 aluminum with hardcoat anodizing, so it’s genuinely weatherproof. The GPS ends up positioned toward the left side of the bike in a location that integrates cleanly with the touring aesthetic of most adventure bikes.

Note: Tackform uses a 20mm ball system rather than the 1″ B-size ball used by BRCOVAN and RAM. All components — base, arm, and AMPS plate — should come from the Tackform 20 Series for guaranteed compatibility.

4. BRCOVAN AMPS Square Plate (Fairings and Dash Panels)

For Goldwing riders, Harley touring owners, and anyone with a fairing or dash panel, the BRCOVAN AMPS Square Plate is a clean permanent mounting solution. The 6061-T6 aluminum plate screws directly to the fairing surface, and the Zumo cradle bolts straight to it using the standard 4-hole AMPS pattern — no arm needed if you want a flat, low-profile installation. Add a B-size double socket arm between the plate and cradle if you need angle adjustment.

This is a permanent installation. If you prefer something removable, the handlebar or fork stem options are more practical.

Using the Garmin Zumo XT or XT2 in a Car

Both the Zumo XT and XT2 work well as car GPS units — the feature set is arguably better than most dedicated car GPS devices and you already own it. Garmin sells a car kit for both models that includes a windshield suction mount and the appropriate power cable.

5. Garmin Automotive Mount Kit (Windshield Suction Mount)

Garmin offers automotive mount kits for both the Zumo XT and XT2.  These are sold separately since the two models use different cradles and power cables. Each kit includes a windshield suction mount, the appropriate car cradle, and a vehicle power cable. The XT car cradle uses a 17mm ball socket on the back, which is the same standard Garmin has used on Nuvi and Drive car GPS units for years so any Garmin Nuvi or Drive windshield or vent mount with a 17mm ball will also fit the XT car cradle, giving you more placement options beyond the suction cup in the kit.

No car kit for the Garmin Zumo XT3.  As of late March 2026, Garmin has not released a dedicated automotive mount kit specifically for the zūmo XT3.  While the device was launched in February 2026, Garmin’s official support documentation explicitly states that the zūmo XT3 does not currently have an automotive mount available.

The Zumo XT3 Owner’s Manual does include a section on “Mounting Your Device in a Vehicle,” which describes using a suction cup mount and a specific cradle. This suggests that Garmin likely intends to release a kit soon, or may offer it as an optional accessory in certain regions, but it is not yet widely available as a standalone part.

6. Cup Holder Mount (Car Use, Both Models)

If windshield mounting isn’t an option — whether due to state law, personal preference, or vehicle type — a cup holder mount is a practical alternative for car use. Look for a cup holder mount with a 17mm ball output that accepts the Zumo XT car cradle. Windshield mounts are restricted by law in several states, making the cup holder a useful fallback for in-car use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Zumo XT, XT2 and XT3 mounts interchangeable?

The cradles are not interchangeable — each model uses its own specific cradle. However, the 4-hole AMPS mounting pattern on the back of both cradles is the same standard, which means all RAM Mounts bases, arms, and adapters work identically on both models. If you’re upgrading from an XT to an XT2 to an XT3, keep your existing base and arm and just replace the cradle.

Can I use my old Zumo mount with the XT or XT2 or XT3?

If you’re upgrading from an older Zumo model that used the RAM-sourced handlebar mount, the base and arm are almost certainly reusable. The AMPS mounting pattern has remained consistent across Garmin Zumo models for over a decade. The one thing you’ll need to replace is the cradle, since the XT, XT2 and XT3 use their own specific cradles.

What is the AMPS mounting pattern?

AMPS stands for Accessory Mounting Pattern Standard — a 4-hole bolt pattern used on the back of GPS cradles, phone holders, and other device mounts. It’s an industry-wide standard used by Garmin, RAM Mounts, and dozens of other manufacturers, which is why RAM Mounts bases work with Garmin cradles and vice versa. The hole spacing is 38mm x 17mm.

What’s the best mount for a BMW GS?

BMW GS owners have two popular options — the Tackform Mirror Mount, which threads onto the existing M10 mirror bolt and keeps your mirror in place, or the BRCOVAN Fork Stem Base, which positions the GPS centrally at the top of the fork. The mirror mount is the more popular choice on GS models specifically because of where the mirror bolt sits relative to the rider’s sightline, and the through-hole design means you don’t sacrifice your mirror to install it.

What’s the best mount for a Harley-Davidson?

For Harley touring models (Road King, Street Glide, Road Glide), the BRCOVAN AMPS Square Plate screwed to the fairing or dash panel gives the cleanest look and most stable installation. For Sportsters and other models without a fairing, the handlebar u-bolt mount from the included Garmin kit is the most practical option. Some Harley owners also use the clutch reservoir bolt attachment from the Garmin mount for a very clean handlebar-free installation.

Bottom Line

The Zumo XT and XT2 both use the same AMPS mounting ecosystem, which means RAM Mounts has you covered for any bike and any mounting location. Here’s the quick summary:

• Most motorcycles (handlebar): Garmin Motorcycle Mount Bracket
• Clean centerline mount: BRCOVAN Fork Stem Mount Base
• BMW and adventure touring: Tackform Mirror Mount
• Goldwing and touring fairings: BRCOVAN AMPS Square Plate
• Car use (XT): Garmin Zumo XT Automotive Mount Kit
• Car use (XT2): Garmin Zumo XT2 Automotive Mount Kit

Be sure to visit our Motorcycle GPS Mounts Hub for more information.

If you ride with a phone alongside your GPS, see our guide on using your Zumo motorcycle mount for a phone — the same RAM hardware that holds your GPS can be adapted for a phone cradle as well.