The Yamaha V Star has been one of the most popular cruiser motorcycles in North America for over two decades, and for good reason. It delivers a classic look, a smooth ride, and an approachable power band that makes it a favorite among both new riders and experienced cruiser enthusiasts. Whether you are commuting, touring, or just enjoying a Sunday ride through the backroads, having your phone or GPS mounted securely on the handlebars is a practical upgrade that riders get a lot of use out of.
In this guide, we cover the best phone mounts and GPS mounts for the Yamaha V Star, including the 650, 950, and 1100 models. We will explain what to look for, which mounting location works best on this bike, and which products are worth your money.
Quick Comparison: Best Mounts for Yamaha V Star
| Mount | Best For | Mount Location |
|---|---|---|
| RAM X-Grip with U-Bolt Handlebar Base | Universal fit, all phone sizes, rugged use | Handlebar |
| ShuoTurbo Motorcycle Phone Mount | Budget-friendly pick with vibration dampener built in | Handlebar |
| Quad Lock Motorcycle Handlebar Mount | Premium lock-in security, frequent riders | Handlebar |
What You Need to Know About the V Star Handlebars
Before choosing a mount, it helps to know a few specifics about the V Star. The handlebar diameter on most Yamaha V Star models is one inch, which is standard across the majority of cruiser motorcycles. This is good news because almost every motorcycle phone mount on the market is designed to accommodate handlebars in the 0.75 to 1.25 inch range, so fitment is rarely an issue.
The V Star cockpit also offers plenty of bar real estate. Unlike sport bikes where the handlebars are narrow and cluttered with controls, most V Star models give you a wide, open bar area that makes it easy to find a clean mounting spot that keeps the phone visible without interfering with controls or mirrors.
One thing worth avoiding on the V Star is gas tank mounting. Adhesive and suction-based tank mounts do not hold up well under motorcycle vibration, and the last thing you want is to see your phone slide off the tank at highway speed. Stick to the handlebars and you will not have any problems.
Best Phone Mount for Yamaha V Star: RAM X-Grip with U-Bolt Handlebar Base
This is the mount you see in the photo that accompanies this article. I snapped this at a motorcycle rally a few years back. The X-Grip has the tether still attached. This is worth using.
The RAM X-Grip handlebar mount has been the gold standard for motorcycle phone mounting for years, and it continues to earn that reputation. The complete kit includes a zinc-coated U-bolt base, a double socket arm, and the spring-loaded X-Grip cradle. Everything you need comes in the box.
The U-bolt base fits handlebar rails from 0.5 to 1.25 inches in diameter, which covers the V Star’s one-inch bars with room to spare. Installation requires no drilling and takes about ten minutes. The double socket arm allows you to adjust the angle in almost any direction, so you can tilt the phone toward you without glare or strain.
The X-Grip cradle itself is what makes this system work so well on motorcycles. The four spring-loaded arms grip the sides of your phone and hold it firmly regardless of vibration. The cradle accommodates phones from 1.87 to 3.25 inches wide, which covers most phones with or without a case. A safety tether is included for added peace of mind on longer rides.
RAM Mounts are built in the USA and carry a lifetime warranty. This is not a throwaway mount. Riders have been running these setups for a really long time without issues.
Best Budget Option: ShuoTurbo Motorcycle Phone Mount with Vibration Dampener
Not every rider wants to spend a lot on a mount, and the ShuoTurbo is a solid choice for those who want a capable, no-fuss setup at a lower price point. What makes it stand out from the sea of generic budget mounts is that it includes a built-in vibration dampener, which is genuinely useful on a cruiser like the V Star where engine vibration is part of the ride.
The mount clamps to handlebars and uses a spring-loaded cradle that fits phones from 5.4 to 6.9 inches. The dampening layer sits between the clamp base and the cradle arm, absorbing the high-frequency vibration that can rattle your screen and wear on your phone’s camera stabilization hardware over time. Most mounts at this price skip that feature entirely.
Installation is quick and requires no drilling. The clamp design is compatible with the V Star’s standard one-inch bars and tightens securely with a hex bolt. It will not have the lifetime warranty or the USA-made build quality of RAM, but for casual riders or anyone who wants to try a handlebar mount before committing to a more expensive system, it gets the job done.
Premium Option: Quad Lock Motorcycle Handlebar Mount
If you want a more refined mounting experience and do not mind spending a bit more, Quad Lock is the premium choice for motorcycle phone mounting. The Quad Lock system uses a patented dual-stage locking mechanism that physically locks your phone to the mount, making it essentially impossible for the phone to come loose on its own.
The Quad Lock Motorcycle Handlebar Mount fits handlebar diameters of 7/8, 1, 1-1/8, and 1-1/4 inches, making it a perfect fit for the V Star’s one-inch bars. The mount itself is machined from aluminum and has a solid, premium feel that matches the craftsmanship of the bike.
The main consideration with Quad Lock is that it requires a Quad Lock compatible case or a universal adapter for your phone. The case or adapter attaches to the back of your phone and is what actually locks into the mount. This adds a small upfront cost if you are not already in the Quad Lock ecosystem, but once you have the case, swapping the phone between your bike mount, car mount, and desk mount takes about two seconds.
Quad Lock also offers a vibration dampener accessory that is highly recommended for motorcycle use. Modern phones have optical image stabilization in the camera, and sustained motorcycle vibration at certain frequencies can damage the OIS mechanism over time. The dampener reduces high-frequency vibrations by over 90 percent and is worth adding to your order.
Phone vs. Dedicated GPS: Which Is Better for the V Star?
This is a question a lot of V Star riders ask, and the answer is that for most people, a smartphone with a navigation app is the better choice in 2025. Here is why.
Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze receive constant updates, offer real-time traffic rerouting, and work offline with downloaded maps. They cover every road in the country and are updated far more frequently than the maps on any dedicated GPS unit. The V Star is not typically ridden in extreme off-road conditions where a ruggedized GPS would offer a meaningful advantage, so the smartphone wins on convenience for most riders.
That said, there are legitimate reasons to use a dedicated GPS. If you frequently ride in areas with poor cell coverage, a dedicated GPS with preloaded maps does not depend on a signal. Garmin’s zumo series is purpose-built for motorcycle use, with weatherproofed screens that are readable in direct sunlight and gloves-friendly controls. If you already own a Garmin zumo and want to mount it on your V Star, the stock Garmin mount that ships with the unit works fine on the V Star’s one-inch bars. Our guide to mounting a GPS on a motorcycle is worth checking for assistance.
Protecting Your Phone on the Handlebars
Mounting your phone on a motorcycle handlebar exposes it to a few conditions it would not normally face in a pocket or bag. Vibration is the biggest concern, followed by weather and the occasional drop at a parking lot.
For vibration, all three mounts recommended in this guide address it in different ways. The RAM X-Grip’s rubber ball-and-socket joint absorbs a significant amount of road vibration before it reaches the cradle. The ShuoTurbo includes a built-in dampener between the base and arm. If you go with Quad Lock, add their separate vibration dampener accessory to the order as discussed above.
For weather protection, a good phone case goes a long way. Cases like the OtterBox Defender or a similarly rugged option protect against rain splatter, dust, and the occasional drop without adding so much bulk that the mount stops gripping properly. If you ride in serious rain regularly, consider a fully waterproof case.
Sun glare is worth addressing as well. A phone screen that is hard to read in direct sunlight will tempt you to take your eyes off the road longer than you should. Many phones now have high-brightness outdoor modes that help, but positioning the mount so the screen is slightly angled away from direct sun is the most reliable fix.
Installation Tips for the Yamaha V Star
All three mounts covered in this guide install without drilling and without permanent modifications to the bike. For the RAM U-bolt mount, the process is straightforward: position the U-bolt around the handlebar at your preferred location, thread the hardware, and tighten with a screwdriver. The ShuoTurbo uses a hex bolt clamp and goes on similarly quickly. The mount should be snug enough that it does not rotate when you push on it, but you do not need to overtighten to the point of marking the bar.
For the Quad Lock handlebar mount, the clamp uses a lever system that cinches around the bar. It installs in a similar amount of time and also leaves no marks on the handlebar if you ever want to remove it.
After installing either mount, take the bike for a short test ride before heading out on a longer trip. Vibration can loosen hardware that felt tight in the driveway. Check the mount after the first ride and retighten if needed. After that initial check, most riders find these mounts stay put indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the handlebar diameter on a Yamaha V Star?
Most Yamaha V Star models, including the 650, 950, and 1100, have a one-inch handlebar diameter. This is the most common size for cruiser motorcycles and is compatible with virtually all motorcycle phone mounts on the market.
Can I use a bicycle phone mount on my V Star?
We do not recommend it. Bicycle mounts are not built to withstand motorcycle-level vibration. Over time they will loosen, and in some cases the cradle arms can fatigue and release the phone. Always use a mount specifically rated for motorcycle use.
Will a phone mount work with my phone in a case?
Yes, all three recommended mounts accommodate phones with cases. The RAM X-Grip opens to 3.25 inches wide, the ShuoTurbo fits phones up to 6.9 inches tall, and the Quad Lock system works with any case that has a Quad Lock adapter. Measure your phone with its case before ordering to confirm fit.
Is a GPS or a smartphone better for navigation on the V Star?
For most riders, a smartphone with Google Maps or Waze is the more practical choice. A dedicated GPS like the Garmin zumo is better if you ride frequently in areas with no cell signal or if you prefer gloves-friendly controls and a sunlight-readable screen.
Do I need a vibration dampener?
If you use Quad Lock, we recommend adding the vibration dampener accessory. High-frequency vibration from motorcycle engines can damage the optical image stabilization hardware in modern phone cameras over time. The RAM X-Grip’s ball-and-socket design absorbs a fair amount of vibration on its own, but adding a dampener to either setup is never a bad idea on longer rides.
Where else on the V Star can I mount my phone?
The handlebar is the best location for visibility and access. The gas tank is not a good option because adhesive and suction mounts do not hold reliably under motorcycle vibration. Some riders use a fork stem mount, which positions the phone slightly lower and more centered, but this depends on your V Star’s specific stem configuration.
