Motorcycle Video Camera Mount Systems: Film Your Rides

A big trend among motorcycle riders and aficionados is the concept of motorcycle video camera mount systems. The concept is simple: attach a camera to the front of your bike or your gear in order to film a particular ride to share with friends or Youtube. There are lots of reasons to do this, and lots of people are trying it out!

This article is all about motorcycle video camera mounts and the details involved. We'll touch on the best ways and methods to mount a motorcycle camera effectively so you can take the best footage, including motorcycle helmet camera mount and handlebar camera mount systems. We'll talk about the reasons why you might want to record your ride and what you can do with it, and some of the best brands out there.

Let's begin!

Motorcycle video camera mount systems are pretty straightforward, simply attach a camera in any way you like to your bike and away you go. But why would someone want to video or take photos of their ride? There are a lot of reasons behind motorcycle camera mounts, and people use them for many different reasons. We'll list a few here:

Recreational / Memories:

Most people who set up motorbike camera mount systems do so in order to record their rides for recreational or memory reasons. If you're doing a long road trip and want to capture some of it for later revisiting, a motorcycle cam is a great way to do that. If you're out with your friends and you want to snap a few shots to remind you of all the fun you're having, they work wonderfully. It's also a fantastic way to get 'on road action shots' of your buddies.

Stunt / Trick Photography:

This is a use of motorcycle camera mounts I don't necessarily endorse, but many people will set up motorbike camera systems in order to record tricks and stunt riding on the road or track. If you check on Youtube or similar video sharing sites, you'll see a lot of camera mount videos of wheelies, stoppies and other tricks. A warning: this can get you into trouble if the authorities find it!

Race / Track Use:

Motorcycle camera systems are also widely used by both amateurs and professionals on the track. During races or time trials it's a nice way to record things from the rider's perspective. Televised motorbike races will often employ either helmet camera mounts or handlebar ones.

There are a few ways to effectively mount a motorcycle video camera system on your bike, and a few issues you'll probably run into. There are always ways around these problems, but you might have to use some creativity depending on your situation. Here are a few issues you might face:

Vibration Issues:

One of the primary issues you'll face when trying to mount a motorcycle camera is the issue of vibration. Bikes will all vibrate, especially on the road, and this can lead to shaky photography and indistinct images.

There is no 'cure' for camera vibration in this situation. The best you can hope for is to minimize the issue. Vibration dampening pads on the mount can alleviate the problem, and many cameras now have anti-shake functionality. Also, mount your motorcycle camera system on a part of your bike that would have less movement. Mount on the frame or tank, not the periphery.

Finding a Good Spot:

Every bike is different, and so finding a good spot and way to attach your motorcycle camera mount system can be pretty tricky. You'll have the windscreen, mirrors, wires and accessories to deal with, and you'll want to make sure your camera doesn't impede rideability.

I'd suggest finding a spot on the tank, or you could choose a motorcycle handlebar camera mount to keep things out of the way. Be sure to fully test out your system and make sure it's comfortable, effective and safe.

Two Excellent Motorcycle Camera Systems

There are two very popular styles of motorcycle camera mount systems on the market: one mounts to the top of your helmet, while the other mounts onto the handlebars. Both of these systems have pros and cons, and we'll look at them both now.

Motorcycle Helmet Camera Mount:

The helmet mount system is great for a number of reasons. First, because it's on your helmet, you can be sure that the visibility is great, and your video camera will capture whatever you're looking at. Another advantage of these things is the portability. You don't have to worry about cumbersome mount systems getting in the way.

You might experience a loss of aerodynamics with a helmet mounted camera system, and wind noise could be an issue.

Motorcycle Handlebar Camera Mount:

Handlebar mount systems are also clean and effective camera mount options. The handlebars are a good base for these systems, and they will ensure a camera forward viewing position. You will benefit from the windshield to minimize wind noise and resistance.

Motorcycle handlebar camera mounts often suffer from some vibration from the bars, and they can impede your riding if you don't set it up correctly.

If you're looking for motorcycle camera mount systems like these, I highly recommend doing a search or two for commercial products. While it's possible to set up a DIY system, it's better to go with a brand, in my opinion. Cameras are expensive, and losing one on the road would be a bummer!

You also have a lot of choice with retail or online stores. Rear mounted motorcycle camera mounts are popular, for example.

I recommend online stores like ToBeFast and MisterMounts for great motorcycle mounted camera products, but feel free to do your own searching and find the product that's perfect for you and your particular bike or riding style.

Good Luck!

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