Typical instructions involves inserting a stem accessory which is manufactured by mounting companies specifically for this purpose. Some stem mounts are made of multiple parts and are fastened with machine screws into the stem. Other stem mounts are manufactured of a thick rubber component and the mount is twisted tightly into the stem hole. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully prior and during installation to ensure that the mount is installed properly and securely.
There are only a few manufacturers that we know of that manufacture a stem mount and the two companies are RAM Mount and TechMount. Both companies are known to be good manufacturers that back their products up with a warranty. Be sure to first get a measurement of your stem diameter to ensure that your new mount will fit. You will need that measurement to customize the mount prior to installation.
Let’s look at these mounts a little closer.
TechMount manufactures a stem mount kit. The universal stem mount system comes equipped with six stem shafts with varying diameters, each being a different diameter to fit virtually all-steering stem holes. Select the right size for your stem and slide it down into the top of the fork steering stem. The stem adapter includes an O-ring, which progressively gets tighter as you slide it slides it into the stem shaft, keeping your device attached securely to your motorcycle.
The TechMount kit has a 17mm ball at the end which ironically is the same size used by a Garmin Nuvi GPS cradle. So for many GPS units, this might be all that is required. If you would like to add a universal phone cradle to this mount, there are many options. The TechMount cradle kit with included safety bungee has a 17mm adapter that will fit over the ball on the stem mount. The resulting cradle installation sits roughly an inch off the stem.
RAM Mount also makes a motorcycle stem mount base. Unlike TechMount these mounts come with a single ball assembly and you will need to do some trimming to customize the fit to your stem diameter. The mount includes the one inch ball that is universal to most RAM Mount systems. You will find this base bundled with a variety of cradles. Most popular is the stem base bundled with RAM’s X-Grip phone cradle. We wrote a very detailed article on the X-Grip series and you can read it here.
RAM also offers a variety of custom GPS cradles for Garmin units. These cradles provide a secure fit for use on a motorcycle. Coupling the RAM stem base with an arm and mounting diamond in a single stem mount kit is all that you would need to add to the RAM custom cradle for a complete solution. The RAM mount can also be coupled with the Power Plate for radar detectors.