Mounting a SiriusXM radio on your motorcycle is one of the better upgrades you can make for long-distance riding. Whether you commute daily or spend weekends on the highway, satellite radio gives you consistent signal across the country without hunting for local stations or dealing with dead zones. The setup involves four things: a mount, a power source, an audio output method, and proper antenna placement. Get all four right and you will have a clean, reliable installation that holds up on the road.
This guide covers current products and hardware that work with SiriusXM dock-and-play units from the past decade. If your radio has a 4-hole AMPS pattern on the back of its dock or cradle, every recommendation here applies.
Quick Comparison: SiriusXM Motorcycle Mount Options
| Mount | Best For | Handlebar Size |
|---|---|---|
| Arkon Motorcycle Handlebar Mount for Satellite Radios | Most SiriusXM AMPS dock-and-play units, best value | Up to 33mm (1.3″) |
| RAM Mounts RAM-B-149ZU | Riders who want all-metal construction with lifetime warranty | 0.5″ to 1.25″ |
| SRS PowerConnect Motorcycle Kit | Complete all-in-one setup with cradle, antenna, and hardwired power included | Standard round bars |
Understanding the AMPS Mounting Pattern
Before buying anything, check the back of your SiriusXM radio dock or cradle. Most current and recent SiriusXM units use a 4-hole AMPS pattern, which is the industry standard for in-vehicle electronics mounting. The four holes sit in a rectangular arrangement spaced roughly 30mm by 38mm apart. Any AMPS-compatible handlebar mount will attach directly to this plate using four screws.
If your dock uses a different pattern, such as a single T-slot or dual T-notch, confirm the adapter type before ordering a mount. Some older XM units use the T-slot while newer Sirius models transitioned to AMPS. Both the Arkon and RAM mounts below include AMPS-compatible hardware and fit the overwhelming majority of motorcycles on the road.
Best Value Pick: Arkon GN032-SBH-AMPS
The Arkon GN032-SBH-AMPS is the most widely used dedicated SiriusXM motorcycle mount available today. It clamps directly to your handlebar using a dual-bolt Phillips screw system, requires no permanent modification to the bike, and installs in under ten minutes. The mount head rotates 360 degrees, so you can dial in the exact angle for your riding position.
Built from reinforced composite material, it carries a 2-year limited warranty and fits handlebars up to 33mm. That covers standard bars on Harleys, Hondas, Yamahas, and most other bikes. If you have aftermarket ape hangers or non-round bars, measure before ordering. It does not include the SiriusXM dock or cradle, which you either already have with your radio or need to order separately.
Most Solid Build: RAM Mounts RAM-B-149ZU
The RAM-B-149ZU is the mount to buy if you want the most secure, long-term hardware available for a motorcycle installation. It consists of a zinc-coated U-bolt base, a medium-length double socket arm, and a diamond adapter plate with the standard AMPS hole pattern. The U-bolt clamps around the handlebar and locks down with nylock nuts, delivering a level of grip that composite clamp mounts cannot match. Two U-bolt sizes are included in the package, covering rails from 0.5 to 1.25 inches in diameter.
The double socket arm gives you near-infinite angle adjustment at both ends, and the marine-grade aluminum construction means this mount will outlast the bike it is attached to. RAM backs it with a lifetime warranty. The AMPS diamond plate at the business end connects directly to your SiriusXM cradle or dock without any additional adapters.
This is the mount for riders who put serious miles on their bikes or who simply want to install it once and never think about it again. It costs more than the Arkon but the build quality difference is immediately apparent when you pick it up.
Best All-in-One: SRS Satellite Radio PowerConnect Motorcycle Kit
If you want to buy one thing and have everything you need in the box, the SRS Satellite Radio PowerConnect Motorcycle Kit is the answer. It includes a SiriusXM PowerConnect vehicle cradle, handlebar clamp mount, AMPS back plate and screws, L-bracket, short-cable magnetic antenna with mounting plate, hardwired power adapter, and an AUX cable for audio. Nothing else to source or figure out.
The kit works with all SiriusXM 5-volt dock-and-play receivers including the Onyx, Onyx EZ, Onyx EZR, Onyx Plus, Xpress, MiRGE, Edge, and Tour models. It is also RAM Mount compatible, with the included AMPS plate attaching directly to a 25mm RAM ball if you already run RAM hardware on your bike and want to swap the radio in and out easily.
For riders who have never done a motorcycle electronics install before, this kit removes most of the guesswork. Everything is matched and confirmed to work together, and the hardwired power adapter is already included so you are not sourcing a separate USB kit.
Powering Your SiriusXM Radio on a Motorcycle
Most SiriusXM dock-and-play radios run on 5 volts and draw between 1 and 2 amps, which is standard USB territory. If you go with the SRS kit above, a hardwired power adapter is included. If you are using the Arkon or RAM mount with your own existing dock, you have two options: a USB hardwire kit that connects directly to the bike’s battery, or a 12-volt accessory socket if your bike already has one installed.
A hardwire kit is the cleaner solution. It connects to the battery with an inline fuse, routes a weather-resistant cable to where your radio is mounted, and terminates in a USB port or 12-volt socket. Wire it to a switched power source and the radio powers on with the ignition and cuts off automatically, protecting your battery.
The process is identical to hardwiring a GPS unit. If you have not done it before, our guide on hardwiring a Garmin GPS on a motorcycle walks through the full process step by step. The wiring principles are the same. Expect the installation to take 30 to 60 minutes depending on your comfort level with routing cables through frame or fairings.
Getting Audio from Your SiriusXM Radio While Riding
Most SiriusXM dock-and-play units include a 3.5mm audio output on the dock, letting you route audio to any compatible input. For motorcycle riders, the two practical options are a Bluetooth helmet communication system or a direct AUX connection to a factory audio system.
A Bluetooth helmet system is the right choice for most riders without factory speakers. These units mount to the outside of your helmet, pair with a Bluetooth transmitter or directly with your phone, and deliver audio into helmet speakers. The Sena 50S is one of the strongest options currently available, with Bluetooth 5.0, mesh intercom for group riding, and a noise-control microphone engineered for highway wind.
If your bike has a factory audio system with an AUX input, such as many Harley-Davidson touring models or the Honda Gold Wing, run a standard 3.5mm cable from the dock’s audio out into the stereo. No extra hardware needed beyond the cable.
Always keep audio at a level where you can still hear traffic and emergency signals. Ambient awareness features on higher-end Bluetooth systems are worth the cost for daily or highway riding.
Antenna Placement on a Motorcycle
The SiriusXM antenna needs a clear line of sight to the sky. Unlike a car where you can place the antenna on the roof, a motorcycle gives you fewer options. The most common solution is a magnetic mount on the gas tank, which provides a large flat metal surface that faces upward and sits close to where the radio is typically mounted on the handlebars.
If your tank has a painted or non-metallic surface, a small adhesive metal plate gives the magnetic antenna something to grip. Keep the antenna cable short. Antennas with 8 to 12 inch cables are preferable on motorcycles over the longer cables designed for cars, which create clutter and routing challenges. Avoid placing the antenna under a fairing or alongside the frame where metal obstructions will degrade signal quality.
Where to Mount on the Handlebar
Most riders mount the SiriusXM radio on the left side of the handlebar between the grip and the clutch lever, or on the right between the grip and the brake lever. Clutch-side mounting is more common because the throttle and brake on the right side make adding hardware there less comfortable. Keep the radio positioned close enough to read without looking away from the road for more than a glance.
On Harley-Davidson touring models and some other bikes, mounting via the brake or clutch reservoir bolts rather than a handlebar clamp gives a cleaner, more integrated look. For a breakdown of how reservoir mounting works, see our guide on mounting options for the Honda Gold Wing, which covers that approach in detail.
If you want to see all the phone and GPS mounting options available for your specific bike alongside a satellite radio setup, the full motorcycle mount guide covers dozens of makes and models with specific hardware recommendations.
Always Use a Tether
A tether is a short loop of cable or rubber strap that connects your device to the mount, providing a secondary retention point independent of the clamping mechanism. If the radio works free of the dock at highway speed, a tether is the difference between a damaged radio on the road and one that stays with the bike. They are inexpensive and take about two minutes to install. We cover them in our article on motorcycle mount tethers, which applies equally to SiriusXM radios and GPS units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my car SiriusXM radio on a motorcycle?
Yes, in most cases. SiriusXM dock-and-play units designed for cars use the same AMPS mounting standard and the same power requirements as motorcycle-specific setups. You need a motorcycle handlebar mount, a power source, and proper antenna placement. The radio itself does not know whether it is on a car dash or a motorcycle handlebar.
Do I need a motorcycle-specific SiriusXM radio?
Not necessarily. SiriusXM sells units marketed specifically for motorcycles with weather-resistant housings. However, many riders run standard dock-and-play units without issues, especially when the radio is kept away from direct rain exposure. If you ride in heavy rain regularly, a weather-resistant unit or protective soft case is worth considering.
What is the AMPS pattern and why does it matter?
AMPS stands for Advanced Mobile Phone System, a legacy mounting standard that became the default for in-vehicle electronics. The four-hole pattern is still used on most SiriusXM docks and on a wide range of GPS and satellite radio mounts. If your radio and your mount both use AMPS, they are compatible regardless of brand.
What if my handlebar is wider than 1.25 inches?
Both the Arkon and RAM mounts listed here cap at 1.25 inches. For larger or non-round bars, look at Arkon’s strap-style handlebar mount (GN034-SBH-AMPS), which uses a flexible strap that accommodates bars from 15mm up to 50mm and also works on square handlebars.
What is the easiest overall setup?
The SRS PowerConnect Motorcycle Kit gives you everything in one box and eliminates the need to source a cradle, power adapter, and antenna separately. If you already have a dock and just need the mount hardware, the RAM-B-149ZU is the most solid single-mount purchase you can make.
Can I use the RAM-B-149ZU with an existing RAM ball system on my bike?
Yes. The AMPS diamond plate on the RAM-B-149ZU connects to any B-size 1-inch ball component, so if you already have a RAM base on your bike, you can swap the arm and plate in without replacing the base. The SRS kit also includes a 25mm RAM ball adapter for exactly this scenario.
The Right Setup Takes About an Hour
A complete SiriusXM motorcycle installation from mount to power to audio takes most riders between one and two hours the first time. The mount itself goes on in minutes. Power routing through the frame or under the tank takes the most time but only needs to be done once. Once the hardwire kit is in and the mount is on the bar, putting the radio on and taking it off is a matter of seconds.
Start with the SRS kit if you want everything in one box. Go with the RAM-B-149ZU if you want the most solid mount on the market and already have or are sourcing the dock and power separately. The Arkon GN032-SBH-AMPS is the right call if you want a proven, inexpensive mount that gets the job done without fuss.
For Garmin GPS mounting on the same handlebars, the principles are nearly identical, and our Garmin Zumo motorcycle mount guide covers that side of the setup in full detail.
