The Yamaha YZF-R3 is one of the company’s best selling motorcycles. The challenge of mounting anything on this model motorcycle is the lack of a traditional handlebar. Brands like Harley-Davidson make mounting phones, GPS devices and cameras easy because these have a traditional handlebar with a lot of real estate. Just pick a well made handlebar mount with a quality holder, attach it to the handlebar and off you go. Not so with the Yamaha YZF-R3. So let’s take a look at some options.
As I investigated what types of mounts fit the Yamaha YZF-R3, I found it to be more difficult than anticipated. That’s because a lot of the traditional locations didn’t fit well. Fortunately, I have been doing this for a long time and was able to figure out a few excellent locations for a mount. I’m recommending RAM Mount parts for this mission. I have a lot of experience with their parts and they are high quality. They all come with a lifetime warranty too.
These mounts come in three parts. The mounting base is the part that attaches to the Yamaha YZF-R3. There will be a holder or adapter which is what will hold your phone, GPS device or camera in place. The third part is the connecting arm. That’s the part that connects the mounting base to the holder or camera adapter. Most of these mounts are an easy install but if you do not feel comfortable working on your motorcycle, take it to a mechanic to get it done correctly and securely.
There are a few base parts that fit well. The first part to consider is a mount that attaches to the front brake reservoir. The RAM Brake/Clutch Reservoir Mount with Universal X-Grip Phone Cradle is the most complete solution you can get as it includes all three parts that you need (holder, arm and base) as a single kit. This part comes with a set of bolts that will replace the current manufacturer bolts. These bolts are somewhat similar to the manufacturer set with the exception they are longer to accommodate the added depth of the mount. A set of black spacers is included which are needed for a secure fit. The included X-Grip cradle will open to 3.25 inches to fit most smartphones. If a larger cradle is needed, the RAM Brake/Clutch Reservoir Mount with Universal X-Grip IV Phone Cradle includes a cradle that opens to 4.5 inches. That cradle is going to fit most GPS devices that are up to a 5″ diagonal screen size.
The next mounting option will utilize the RAM Mounts 1 Inch Ball with M10 X 1.25 Pitch Male Thread mounting base. This is a part that has a 1″ inch rubber ball attached to an M10 x 1.25 pitch male threaded screw. This part is going to fit the left side mirror hole. You will need a mounting arm so add the RAM Mount 3 Inch Metal Arm for 1″ Ball Mounts as this is needed to join the holder / adapter to the mounting base. There are two other size arms. The one recommended is the standard size which is 3″ long. There is a 1.75 inch arm which sometimes works out better and a longer 6″ arm which is rarely used. It’s a matter of preference. Be sure to tighten everything securely before use.
If adding a camera adapter to any of these solutions, the RAM Mount Camera Adapter is the best choice for these mounts. This inexpensive part has the 1″ rubber ball on one end and a 1/4″ – 20 threaded screw on the other. That screw pattern is similar to what you would find on a tripod. Most cameras have a tripod screw hole on the bottom. What I like about this adapter is the round metal base that acts as a support for the camera. This part fits the metal arm that we already recommended as part of the mounting configurations just discussed.
Adding a phone holder to the above configuration is also simple. Use the RAM Universal X-Grip Holder. This part is included with the RAM Clutch Reservoir Mount but can be added to the mirror hole base configuration that was just reviewed. This opens to 3.25 inches which is large enough for most phones. The back of the holder has a 1″ ball that’s going to fit inside the standard metal arm that we highlighted. These cradles come with a safety tether which I highly recommend using.
In my opinion, these are the best options for a Yamaha YZF-R3. There are a few other options that I considered but they didn’t fit as well as the options covered above. As already mentioned, these are all from RAM and made in the USA with a lifetime warranty and will likely last longer than the device that you are going to mount.