A motorcycle GPS mount is not the same thing as a phone mount. A GPS is usually heavier, often uses a different mounting pattern, and is expected to stay in place through vibration, rain, wind, rough pavement and long-distance riding. That means the mount has to be chosen around the device, the motorcycle, and the riding style.This page is meant to be the main MountGuys hub for motorcycle GPS mounting. The goal is not to throw five random products on a page and call it done. The real question is: where should a GPS be mounted on a motorcycle, what pattern does the GPS use, and which mount actually belongs in that location?
The most important thing to understand is the difference between a Garmin Zumo, a Garmin Drive or Nuvi, and a phone running a GPS app. Many Garmin Zumo motorcycle GPS units use a rugged motorcycle cradle with a 4-hole AMPS pattern. Many Garmin automotive GPS units use a 17mm ball socket. Phones usually need a cradle, clamp, or locking case system. Mixing those up is how people buy the wrong mount.
Motorcycle GPS Mounting Basics
The mount you need depends on the back of the GPS cradle. This is the part that gets missed most often. The GPS itself is only part of the setup. The cradle determines the mounting pattern.
Garmin Zumo and many motorcycle GPS units: These commonly use a motorcycle cradle that attaches with the 4-hole AMPS pattern. AMPS is a rectangular bolt pattern used across many rugged mounts, GPS cradles, marine mounts, radio mounts and motorcycle electronics mounts.
Garmin Drive, Nuvi and other automotive GPS units: These often use a 17mm socket on the back of the cradle. That means you need a 17mm ball mount, not an AMPS mount.
Phones used as GPS: These require a phone cradle, X-Grip, Quick-Grip, Quad Lock, Rokform, Tackform or similar phone-specific holder. A phone mount can run navigation, but it is not the same setup as a dedicated GPS cradle.
Best motorcycle GPS mounting locations:
- Handlebar: Best for cruisers, touring bikes, adventure bikes and dual sports with open bar space.
- Brake or clutch perch: Best for Harley touring bikes, cruisers and motorcycles with limited handlebar space.
- Fork stem: Best for sportbikes with clip-ons and no exposed handlebar area.
- Accessory crossbar: Best for adventure bikes with GPS bars or navigation towers.
- Mirror mount: Useful on some scooters, cruisers and standard motorcycles.
Locations to avoid:
- Cheap bicycle mounts: They are not built for motorcycle vibration.
- Long extension arms: They add vibration and make the GPS harder to read.
- Tank mounts for navigation: Usually too low and awkward while riding.
- Weak magnetic-only mounts: Not enough retention for a GPS or phone on a motorcycle.
Best Motorcycle GPS Mounts
1. RAM Mounts RAM-B-149ZU Handlebar Mount with AMPS Plate – Best Overall for Garmin Zumo
The RAM-B-149ZU is the first mount to consider for a Garmin Zumo or any motorcycle GPS cradle that uses the 4-hole AMPS pattern. This kit includes a handlebar U-bolt base, a double socket arm, and a diamond adapter plate. It fits handlebars from 0.5 inch to 1.25 inches, which covers a huge number of motorcycles.
This is the right choice for touring bikes, cruisers, adventure bikes, dual sports and many standard motorcycles. It gives you the RAM ball-and-socket adjustment that has made RAM popular in motorcycle mounting for years. The AMPS plate gives you the correct bolt pattern for many Garmin motorcycle cradles.
The best part is flexibility. If you change GPS units later, you may only need to change the cradle, not the entire mounting system. For a motorcycle GPS hub page, this is the core recommendation.
2. Tackform Motorcycle GPS/Tuner AMPS Mount – Best Brake or Clutch Perch Mount
The Tackform motorcycle GPS and tuner mount is one of the better choices when the handlebar is not the best location. It uses a 4-hole AMPS pattern and is designed for GPS units, tuners and other motorcycle electronics. That makes it a strong match for Garmin Zumo cradles and similar AMPS-based devices.
This style is especially useful on Harley touring bikes, Indian motorcycles, metric cruisers and other bikes where the brake or clutch perch gives a cleaner mounting point than the handlebar. It also works well when the handlebar is crowded with switches, mirrors, risers, fairing structure or other accessories.
The advantage is placement. A perch mount often sits closer to the rider’s natural line of sight and avoids the clutter of a handlebar clamp. The installation is slightly more involved, but the finished result is usually cleaner.
3. TUSITA Garmin Spine Clip Handlebar Mount – Best for Garmin Handheld GPS Units
Not every Garmin used on a motorcycle is a Zumo. Some riders use handheld Garmin devices, especially on dual sport, off-road, trail and adventure bikes. For those devices, the Garmin spine clip handlebar mount is the better fit.
This setup is designed around Garmin handheld units that use the integrated spine connection. It includes a handlebar U-bolt base and 3-inch arm, so it is a complete mounting approach instead of a loose adapter. This is a good choice for riders using compatible Garmin handhelds rather than a Zumo-style motorcycle GPS.
The fitment detail matters here. Do not buy a spine clip holder for a Garmin unit that uses an AMPS cradle or a 17mm socket. This is for compatible handheld Garmin devices with the spine connection.
4. Arkon Premium Aluminum 17mm Motorcycle GPS Mount – Best for Garmin Drive and Nuvi
The Arkon premium aluminum motorcycle GPS mount is the right choice for Garmin Drive, Nuvi and similar automotive GPS units that use a 17mm socket on the back of the cradle. This is not the same as an AMPS mount. If your GPS cradle snaps onto a small ball, there is a good chance it uses the 17mm pattern.
This mount is useful for riders who still prefer an automotive Garmin GPS but want it mounted securely on a motorcycle. The aluminum construction is important because a cheap plastic car-style GPS mount is not the right hardware for a motorcycle.
This is not the best option for Garmin Zumo users. Zumo owners should usually use an AMPS pattern mount. But for Garmin Drive or Nuvi riders, this is one of the cleanest and most direct solutions.
5. MoreFiiCo Motorcycle GPS Navigator Mount Bracket for Garmin Zumo XT and Tread – Best Replacement Cradle Bracket
If you already have the mounting arm and base but need the GPS cradle bracket, the MoreFiiCo bracket is worth considering. It is listed as a replacement-style motorcycle GPS navigator mount bracket for Garmin Zumo XT and Tread units. This is not a full handlebar mount by itself. It is the device-side bracket.
This belongs in the article because many riders do not need a complete mount. Sometimes the arm and base are already on the motorcycle, but the cradle or bracket is missing, broken or being moved between bikes.
Check your exact Garmin model before buying. The Zumo XT, Tread and related units use specific hardware, and a replacement bracket needs to match the unit. This is the kind of part that makes sense for riders who already understand their existing mount system.
6. TUSITA AMPS Handlebar Mount – Best Budget AMPS Alternative
The TUSITA AMPS mount is a budget-friendly alternative for riders who need a 2-hole or 4-hole AMPS pattern mount for a GPS, satellite device or tuner. It is not as established as RAM or Tackform, but it fills a useful slot for riders who want a metal AMPS-compatible bar mount without spending as much.
This is the type of mount to consider for a secondary bike, ATV, scooter, or lower-cost GPS setup where the device uses an AMPS plate. It can work with Garmin Zumo-style devices when the cradle and bolt pattern match.
The caution is simple: verify the hole pattern, handlebar diameter and GPS cradle before buying. AMPS compatibility is useful, but the rest of the mount still needs to match your motorcycle and device.
Motorcycle GPS Mount Types Explained
Handlebar GPS Mounts
Handlebar mounts are the most common motorcycle GPS solution because many bikes have exposed bars. Cruisers, touring bikes, adventure bikes, dual sports and standards often have enough handlebar space for a U-bolt or clamp-style mount.
The best handlebar mounts use metal hardware, a secure clamp and a ball-and-socket arm. Avoid bicycle-style plastic mounts. They are not built for the vibration and weight of a motorcycle GPS.
Full Guide: Garmin Zumo Mounts
AMPS Pattern GPS Mounts
The AMPS pattern is the most important mounting pattern for motorcycle GPS owners to understand. Many Garmin Zumo cradles and rugged electronics mounts use the 4-hole AMPS pattern. If you are mounting a Zumo XT, XT2, XT3, 590 or 595, AMPS compatibility is often the key requirement.
A good AMPS mount gives you a secure bolt-on connection between the GPS cradle and the motorcycle mount. This is much better than trying to squeeze a GPS into a phone cradle.
Full guide: AMPS Pattern Explained
17mm Garmin GPS Mounts
The 17mm ball pattern is common on Garmin automotive GPS units like many Drive and Nuvi models. These are not motorcycle-specific GPS units, but plenty of riders still use them because they are familiar, affordable and easy to operate.
If your Garmin cradle snaps onto a small ball, you probably need a 17mm motorcycle mount, not an AMPS mount.
Full guide: Using an Automotive GPS on a Motorcycle
Fork Stem Mounts
Fork stem mounts are the answer for sportbikes. Bikes like the Honda CBR1000RR, Yamaha R1, Suzuki GSX-R, Kawasaki Ninja ZX series and similar motorcycles often have no usable handlebar space. A fork stem mount places the GPS or phone in the center of the cockpit.
The downside is fitment. Fork stem openings vary, and some mounts require trimming or expansion to fit correctly. Measure carefully before ordering.
Full guide: RAM Mounts for Motorcycles
Brake and Clutch Perch Mounts
Perch mounts are great on touring bikes, cruisers and motorcycles with crowded handlebars. They attach near the brake or clutch reservoir and usually provide a cleaner view than a handlebar clamp.
They also require more careful installation because you are working near control hardware. If you are not comfortable with that, have a mechanic install it.
Full guide: How to Mount a Motorcycle GPS
Common Motorcycle GPS Mounting Mistakes
- Buying a phone mount for a GPS: A GPS cradle usually needs AMPS, 17mm or a specific Garmin adapter.
- Confusing AMPS and 17mm: These are completely different mounting systems.
- Using plastic bicycle mounts: Motorcycle vibration will expose weak hardware quickly.
- Using arms that are too long: Long arms add vibration and make the GPS harder to read.
- Blocking gauges: The GPS should be visible without hiding warning lights or instruments.
- Ignoring power routing: A GPS mount is only half the job if you also need hardwired power.
- Skipping fitment checks: Handlebar diameter, stem size and cradle pattern all matter.
Installation Tips
- Identify your GPS cradle pattern before shopping for a mount.
- Use AMPS mounts for Garmin Zumo-style motorcycle GPS cradles.
- Use 17mm mounts for Garmin Drive and Nuvi-style automotive GPS cradles.
- Keep the mount arm as short as practical to reduce vibration.
- Check full steering movement before riding.
- Do not block gauges, mirrors, ignition access or handlebar controls.
- Use thread locker only when the mount manufacturer recommends it.
- Recheck hardware after the first few rides.
- Route power cables away from hot engine parts, sharp edges and moving steering components. If you plan to hardwire the GPS, read our hardwiring guide before committing to a mount location.
Bottom Line
The best motorcycle GPS mount depends on the GPS cradle and the motorcycle. For most Garmin Zumo owners, the RAM-B-149ZU handlebar AMPS mount is the best starting point. If you want a cleaner perch setup, the Tackform AMPS mount is the better choice. If you use a Garmin Drive or Nuvi with a 17mm socket, the Arkon aluminum 17mm motorcycle mount is the right direction.
Sportbike riders should think fork stem first. Cruiser and touring riders should compare handlebar and perch locations. Adventure bike riders should look for handlebar, crossbar or AMPS-based solutions that keep the GPS high, stable and easy to read.
Do not buy the mount until you know the device pattern. AMPS, 17mm, Garmin spine clip and phone cradles are not interchangeable. Get that part right, and the rest of the installation becomes much easier.