Motorcycle GPS mounts need to do more than hold a navigation device in place. A dependable setup has to match your GPS cradle interface, fit your specific motorcycle cockpit, stay readable through engine and road vibration, and remain secure through rain, wind, rough pavement, and long-distance riding. Because dedicated motorcycle navigators and repurposed automotive units attach differently, the right mount depends first on whether your GPS uses a 4-hole AMPS bolt pattern, a 17mm Garmin ball socket, or an integrated Garmin spine connection.
Quick Answer: For Garmin Zumo and TomTom Rider models that use an AMPS motorcycle cradle, the RAM Handlebar U-Bolt AMPS Mount is our best overall handlebar choice. Riders with crowded handlebars who prefer a brake or clutch control perch location should choose the Tackform Motorcycle AMPS Perch Mount. If you are mounting a Garmin Drive, DriveSmart, or Nuvi with a rear 17mm ball socket, choose the Arkon Aluminum 17mm Handlebar Mount instead of an AMPS plate.
Before ordering hardware, check the back of your GPS cradle and inspect where your motorcycle has open mounting space. You can also compare phone, action-camera, and model-specific cockpit hardware across our main motorcycle mounts hub.
Best Motorcycle GPS Mounts at a Glance
The comparison table below separates complete AMPS handlebar and perch mounts from 17mm ball mounts, handheld spine mounts, and replacement Zumo brackets so you can match the right hardware to your device cradle.
| Mount | Best For | Years / Trim |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Handlebar U-Bolt AMPS Mount | Best overall for Garmin Zumo & TomTom Rider | AMPS cradles on 0.50″ to 1.25″ round handlebars and adventure crossbars |
| Tackform Motorcycle AMPS Perch Mount | Clean brake or clutch perch installation | 4-hole AMPS cradles on touring & cruiser control perches |
| Arkon Aluminum 17mm Handlebar Mount | Garmin Drive, DriveSmart & Nuvi car cradles | 17mm ball socket cradles on standard motorcycle handlebars |
| TUSITA AMPS Handlebar Mount | Lower-cost metal AMPS handlebar setup | 2-hole & 4-hole AMPS cradles on secondary bikes, ATVs, or scooters |
| TUSITA Garmin Spine Handlebar Mount | Compatible Garmin handheld trail GPS units | Garmin spine-back handhelds on dual-sport, trail, and adventure handlebars |
| MoreFiiCo Garmin Zumo XT Replacement Bracket | Replacing a worn GPS-side Zumo XT bracket | Device-side AMPS bracket only for compatible Garmin Zumo XT / Tread docks |
Best Motorcycle GPS Mounts
1. RAM Handlebar U-Bolt Mount with AMPS Plate
The RAM Handlebar U-Bolt Mount with AMPS Plate (part number RAM-B-149ZU) is our top overall choice for a Garmin Zumo, TomTom Rider, or any dedicated motorcycle GPS cradle that bolts to an AMPS plate. The complete three-part kit combines a zinc-coated steel handlebar U-bolt base, a medium 1-inch B-size double-socket arm, and a 2-hole diamond ball adapter plate. With two included U-bolt sizes and a composite small-rail shim, it clamps to round bars and adventure crossbars from 0.50 inches (12.7mm) up to 1.25 inches (31.75mm), covering touring motorcycles, cruisers, adventure bikes, dual-sports, and naked standards.
Its biggest advantage is modular adjustability. The 1-inch rubber ball-and-socket joints damp high-frequency handlebar buzz and let you fine-tune the screen angle and height without rebuilding the entire installation. Keeping the socket arm reasonably short also controls lever-arm movement over rough pavement.
On most Garmin Zumo installations, the GPS snaps into its powered motorcycle cradle while that cradle bolts to the RAM diamond plate. Note that the included diamond adapter uses a 2-hole AMPS layout (1.912-inch hole spacing) that bolts diagonally across two opposite corners of a standard 4-hole Garmin Zumo or TomTom Rider cradle, which is the exact configuration Garmin includes in factory Zumo boxes. See our complete Garmin Zumo XT, XT2, and XT3 mount guide for additional Zumo mounting options.
Best for: Garmin Zumo XT, XT2, XT3, 396, 590, 595, TomTom Rider, and other motorcycle GPS cradles using the AMPS pattern on 0.50-inch to 1.25-inch bars.
2. Tackform Motorcycle GPS and Tuner AMPS Perch Mount
Not every rider wants another clamp wrapped around the handlebar, and many touring motorcycles and cruisers have cast or covered bars that leave zero exposed round tubing. The Tackform Motorcycle GPS and Tuner AMPS Mount solves that problem by anchoring a 4-hole AMPS mounting plate directly to the two pinch bolts on your front brake or clutch control perch using the supplied metric and standard replacement bolts and spacers.
Mounting at the control perch is especially helpful when your handlebars are already crowded with switchgear, heated-grip controllers, mirror stems, or auxiliary light switches. A perch position also brings the GPS screen closer to your left hand and natural sightline while giving the cockpit a much cleaner, factory-integrated appearance than an extra U-bolt clamp. Because the upper plate is pre-drilled with the standard 30mm by 38mm 4-hole AMPS hole pattern, it bolts directly to compatible Garmin Zumo cradles, TomTom docks, and Dynojet or engine tuner monitors.
Best for: Touring bikes, baggers, and cruisers where a brake or clutch control perch location works better than clamping to the handlebar.
3. Arkon Premium Aluminum 17mm Motorcycle GPS Mount
The Arkon Premium Aluminum 17mm Motorcycle GPS Mount solves a completely different compatibility problem. Most consumer Garmin Drive, DriveSmart (5-inch to 7-inch), and Nuvi automotive GPS units use a clip-in plastic cradle with a round 17mm ball socket on the back. Those automotive cradles cannot bolt onto a flat AMPS plate the way a Garmin Zumo motorcycle cradle does.
If your existing Garmin cradle snaps over a small round swivel ball, verify that it uses the standard 17mm Garmin G-Ball connection before ordering motorcycle hardware. The Arkon mount provides that exact 17mm ball head on a heavy-duty zippered-clamp aluminum handlebar pedestal rather than relying on lightweight plastic car hardware. Just remember that you still need the original plastic cradle that clips to your Garmin body, and check our Garmin 17mm vs. 22mm mount compatibility guide if you own an oversized 8-inch DriveSmart 86 or truck navigator that uses a larger 22mm ball.
Best for: Garmin Nuvi, Drive, and 5-inch to 7-inch DriveSmart automotive GPS cradles that snap onto a 17mm ball.
4. TUSITA AMPS Handlebar Mount
The TUSITA AMPS Handlebar Mount is a budget-friendly metal alternative for riders who need a 2-hole or 4-hole AMPS mounting point on round handlebars without paying for a separate base, arm, and adapter plate. It combines a handlebar bar clamp (with rubber sizing shims for common bar diameters), a compact double-socket arm, and a rectangular AMPS top plate in one box.
This kit makes sense for a secondary motorcycle, dual-sport, ATV, or scooter where you want to leave a dedicated mount installed and move your AMPS cradle between bikes. Because AMPS compatibility on the top plate does not guarantee that every part of the installation will clear your specific controls, confirm both your GPS cradle hole spacing and your handlebar diameter before ordering.
Best for: Riders looking for a lower-cost metal AMPS handlebar mount for a compatible GPS cradle, engine tuner, or auxiliary monitor.
5. TUSITA Garmin Spine Clip Handlebar Mount
Dual-sport, enduro, trail, and backcountry adventure riders frequently navigate with rugged Garmin handheld GPS units (such as the GPSMAP 66/67 series, Oregon, eTrex, or inReach Explorer/Mini) rather than wide touchscreen highway units. Instead of a bolt-on Zumo AMPS cradle or a 17mm automotive ball socket, those trail handhelds slide into Garmin’s integrated rear spine rail.
The TUSITA Garmin Spine Clip Handlebar Mount pairs a clamp-on handlebar base and short socket arm with a molded Garmin-style spine clip holder. That gives trail riders a purpose-built handlebar dock that locks into the handheld’s rear spine channel without stacking makeshift adapters onto a Zumo bracket. Always check the compatibility list against your exact Garmin handheld model and add a backup lanyard to the handlebars before riding rough singletrack.
Best for: Compatible Garmin handheld GPS and satellite communicator units that use the integrated Garmin rear spine connection.
How to Choose a GPS Holder for a Motorcycle
Before shopping for a motorcycle GPS holder or handlebar bracket, turn your GPS and its cradle over to see how the device attaches. Identifying that cradle interface first prevents almost every compatibility mistake.
AMPS Motorcycle GPS Mounts
The AMPS hole pattern is the universal standard for rugged motorcycle navigators and commercial electronics. Dedicated motorcycle cradles for the Garmin Zumo series, BMW Motorrad Navigator docks, and TomTom Rider active docks all use a 4-hole rectangular bolt pattern measuring 30mm by 38mm (1.181 by 1.496 inches), which also accepts 2-hole diamond plates bolted diagonally across two corners.
In an AMPS setup, the mount never clamps directly onto the bare GPS screen. Instead, the motorcycle cradle bolts onto a compatible RAM, Tackform, or TUSITA AMPS plate, and your GPS clicks into that cradle. For hole measurements and adapter options, see our AMPS mounting pattern guide and our TomTom Rider mounts guide.
17mm Garmin Motorcycle Mounts
Consumer Garmin automotive navigators use a compact ball-and-socket interface rather than bolt-through screws. The round socket sits on the back of the plastic Garmin cradle and snaps directly over a 17mm (0.67-inch) G-Ball stud. Because 17mm Garmin sockets cannot bolt to an AMPS plate and will not fit a 1-inch (25.4mm) RAM B-size ball, riders adapting a Garmin Nuvi, Drive, or 5-inch to 7-inch DriveSmart to a motorcycle must use a dedicated 17mm ball mount like the Arkon aluminum handlebar mount above.
Garmin Spine Mounts
Garmin outdoor handhelds and inReach satellite communicators use a vertical T-slot spine molded into the back of the housing. These devices slide into a matching spine clip holder and lock with a spring tab. They do not snap onto a 17mm ball and cannot bolt directly to a Zumo AMPS plate unless you use a spine-to-AMPS adapter bracket.
Best GPS Mounting Locations on a Motorcycle
Matching the GPS cradle is only the first half of the build. Next, choose the mounting location that fits your motorcycle’s handlebar geometry, fairing clearance, and riding posture.
Handlebar GPS Mount
Clamping to exposed round handlebars (typically 7/8-inch, 1-inch, or 1-1/4-inch tubing) is the most straightforward option for cruisers, adventure bikes, dual-sports, and naked standards. It works best when you have at least an inch of straight, unclamped tubing near the center risers or inboard of the left switchgear. Choosing a short or medium socket arm keeps the GPS mass close to the bar centerline and minimizes vibration over bumps.
Brake or Clutch Perch Mount
A brake or clutch reservoir perch bracket is the cleanest workaround when your handlebars are covered by plastic trim, cast into non-round shapes, or packed with accessories. Popular on heavyweight touring motorcycles and cruisers, a perch mount shares the two pinch bolts on your master cylinder housing so you do not have to squeeze another clamp around the bar. Because you are loosening factory control fasteners, torque the replacement bolts evenly and verify full lever travel before riding.
Fork Stem Mount
Supersport motorcycles such as the Honda CBR1000RR, Yamaha YZF-R1, Suzuki GSX-R, and Kawasaki Ninja ZX series use angled clip-on handlebars with virtually zero open bar tubing. On bikes with an open cylindrical center steering stem nut (typically 12mm to 38mm inner diameter), an expansion-plug fork stem base places your GPS dead-center above the triple tree where it clears the windscreen and tank bag at full lock. For non-handlebar bases across sport and touring cockpits, see our guide to RAM motorcycle mounting locations outside the handlebar.
Accessory Crossbar
Many adventure and dual-sport motorcycles feature a 12mm to 16mm upper navigation crossbar above the instrument cluster behind the windscreen. Mounting your GPS on that upper rail places the map high in your natural line of sight so you can read terrain contours while standing on the pegs without dropping your chin toward the tank. Always verify whether your U-bolt or clamp includes a small-rail shim for thin 12mm bars, or check our BMW Navigator V and VI motorcycle mounts guide if your adventure bike uses a factory BMW Navigation Preparation crossbar dock.
Mirror Mount
Mirror stem and under-mirror bolt mounts work well on scooters, metric cruisers, and standard motorcycles where the handlebar is fully enclosed by bodywork. When anchoring to a mirror stalk or M10 mirror thread, confirm whether your bike uses a reverse (left-hand) thread on one side and make sure the mounted GPS does not block your rear-view mirror adjustment or contact the windscreen at full steering lock.
Replacement GPS Cradles and Brackets
Sometimes you already have a solid handlebar base, socket arm, and AMPS ball plate on your motorcycle and only need to replace a cracked device-side plastic bracket, or you want to snap your GPS onto a second bike without unbolting your original cradle.
The MoreFiiCo Motorcycle GPS Navigator Bracket (which replaces Garmin part number 010-12953-00) fits that exact scenario for compatible 5.5-inch Garmin Zumo XT and Tread docks. Keep two important distinctions in mind before ordering: first, this is the isolated GPS-side plastic AMPS bracket only, not a complete handlebar mount with a base or arm. Second, it is an unpowered mechanical bracket, so if you want 12V charging on a second motorcycle, you must pair it with the matching Garmin motorcycle power cable for your exact Zumo generation (note that the original Zumo XT 2-pin cradle and the larger Zumo XT2/XT3 5-pin cradles are not interchangeable).
Motorcycle GPS Mounting Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a smartphone clamp for a dedicated GPS: Dedicated motorcycle GPS units are thick, heavy, and engineered to bolt through their rear cradle via AMPS, a 17mm ball, or a spine clip rather than sitting in spring-loaded phone jaws.
- Confusing AMPS with a 17mm Garmin ball: A 4-hole AMPS plate uses machine screws for Zumo and TomTom docks, whereas a 17mm ball snaps into the rear socket of automotive Garmin Nuvi and Drive cradles.
- Using lightweight plastic bicycle mounts: Highway wind blast, rain, potholes, and heavy GPS housings quickly snap unreinforced bicycle clamps. Stick to marine-grade aluminum or glass-filled composite motorcycle hardware.
- Running an unnecessarily long socket arm: Long 5-inch or 6-inch extension arms act as a lever that amplifies screen shake over rough pavement and puts extra torque on your handlebar clamp.
- Blocking your instrument cluster or warning lights: Position the arm so the GPS sits beside or above your speedometer, tachometer, neutral light, and turn-signal indicators.
- Skipping the lock-to-lock steering clearance test: Always turn the handlebars all the way left and right with your tank bag installed to confirm the GPS, arm, and power cord never pinch against the tank or fairing.
- Treating mounting and power wiring as separate projects: Decide how your 12V or USB power cable will route to the battery or switched accessory fuse block before locking down the mount’s final location.
- Guessing bar or stem diameters: Measure your handlebar (7/8″, 1″, or 1-1/4″), adventure crossbar (12mm to 16mm), or fork stem bore before ordering.
Motorcycle GPS Installation Tips
- Identify your GPS cradle connection (4-hole AMPS, 17mm ball, or Garmin spine) before shopping for a base.
- Measure your handlebar diameter, control perch bolt spacing, or hollow fork stem inner bore so you order the right base size on the first try.
- Use the shortest socket arm that clears your switches and tank bag to keep vibration to a minimum.
- Sit on the motorcycle in your normal riding posture and wearing your helmet to check screen glare and sightlines before final tightening.
- Sweep the handlebars from full left lock to full right lock to verify clearance around the ignition key, mirrors, windshield, and levers.
- Route power cables along factory wiring looms using UV-resistant zip ties, staying well clear of hot exhaust headers, sharp frame edges, and moving fork tubes.
- Use medium-strength blue thread locker on metal-to-metal AMPS machine screws when recommended by the hardware manufacturer, avoiding contact with polycarbonate plastic cradle housings.
- Recheck all clamp bolts, ball socket knobs, and cradle screws after your first 50 miles of riding.
For step-by-step cockpit setup and permanent 12V wiring instructions, read our guide on how to attach a GPS to a motorcycle and our Garmin GPS hardwiring guide.
Motorcycle GPS Mount FAQ
What is the best motorcycle GPS mount?
For a Garmin Zumo, TomTom Rider, or another navigator that uses an AMPS motorcycle cradle, the RAM Handlebar U-Bolt AMPS Mount (RAM-B-149ZU) is the strongest all-around starting point because it includes the U-bolt base (fitting 0.50-inch to 1.25-inch bars), medium socket arm, and AMPS diamond ball plate in one kit. If your handlebars are crowded or cast, the Tackform Motorcycle AMPS Perch Mount is the best alternative for brake or clutch perch mounting.
Can I mount a Garmin Zumo on a motorcycle handlebar?
Yes. Garmin Zumo motorcycle cradles use the industry-standard 4-hole AMPS bolt pattern on the rear of the dock. Bolting that cradle onto a compatible AMPS ball plate and handlebar U-bolt or clamp kit lets you mount any Zumo XT, XT2, XT3, 396, or 595 securely to round handlebars or upper adventure crossbars.
What is the difference between an AMPS mount and a 17mm Garmin mount?
AMPS is a 4-hole rectangular bolt pattern (30mm by 38mm) that uses machine screws to bolt heavy-duty motorcycle GPS cradles onto a metal plate. A 17mm Garmin mount uses a round 17mm swivel ball that snaps directly into a plastic socket on the back of consumer Garmin automotive cradles. The two interfaces are not interchangeable without dedicated adapter hardware.
Can a Garmin Drive or Nuvi be mounted on a motorcycle?
Yes, in fair weather and with the right ball size. Because Garmin Nuvi, Drive, and 5-inch to 7-inch DriveSmart cradles use a rear 17mm ball socket, you need a 17mm motorcycle mount such as the Arkon Aluminum 17mm Handlebar Mount rather than an AMPS plate. Keep in mind that consumer car GPS units are not waterproof and are not tuned for thick motorcycle gloves like a Garmin Zumo.
Where should a GPS be mounted on a motorcycle?
Exposed handlebars work best for most cruisers, adventure bikes, dual-sports, and standards. Brake or clutch perch mounts are ideal when handlebar tubing is covered or crowded with controls. Sportbikes with clip-on bars usually require a center fork stem mount, while adventure bikes often provide a high 12mm to 16mm navigation crossbar above the gauges.
Should I use a phone mount for a dedicated GPS?
No. Universal phone cradles are built for thin, flat smartphones and can lose their grip on a thick, wedge-shaped GPS housing over potholes. Always mount a dedicated GPS through the attachment system engineered for its cradle, whether that is a 4-hole AMPS plate, a 17mm ball, or a Garmin handheld spine clip.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right motorcycle GPS mount always starts with the back of your GPS cradle rather than the motorcycle itself. For Garmin Zumo and TomTom Rider setups that use an AMPS motorcycle dock, start with the RAM Handlebar U-Bolt AMPS Mount for round bars and crossbars, the Tackform Motorcycle AMPS Perch Mount for brake or clutch control perches, or the TUSITA AMPS Handlebar Mount for a budget-friendly secondary bike setup. If you are adapting a Garmin Nuvi, Drive, or 5-inch to 7-inch DriveSmart car cradle, pair your existing 17mm socket cradle with the Arkon Aluminum 17mm Handlebar Mount, and choose the TUSITA Garmin Spine Handlebar Mount for trail handhelds.
If you are comparing model-specific motorcycle setups or also ride with a smartphone on the bars, check out our Garmin Zumo XT, XT2, and XT3 mount guide, our BMW motorcycle phone and GPS mounts guide, and our roundup of the best motorcycle handlebar phone mounts.