We've done our share of video and photo whilst trying to ride a motorcycle ... not to mention we're kind of "gadget experts." We hope this guide helps you choose the right camera mount for you!

We hope you'll consider the ALL-NEW new Leader Motorcycle DeluxeCAM camera mount. It was completely re-designed from our experience both using and selling other camera mounts, to give you the BEST video and/or photos possible from a moving motorcycle! All parts are MADE IN THE USA!


VIDEO TIPS

Many riders have discovered the possibility of re-living those grand "adventure vacations" through video. The problem is, after a minute or two, an unchanging view from the saddle becomes… well… boring. If you want to make your video as exciting as your ride, here are some tips.

#1: Planning

Think about what to shoot, where and when - before you leave. Do you want mainly the sites along the road? Mainly straight ahead? Or even to the rear? What angle do you want the shots from? Your answers to these questions can help you decide what equipment to get.

#2: Equipment: Cameras & camera mounts

We're no experts on cameras, but what we have found is this: the quality of the camera matters. Some cheaper cameras will be susceptible to every vibration, and - let's face it - you can't eliminate vibration entirely when you're on a motorcycle (no matter how great your camera mount). So get a quality camera. Depending on how you're mounting it, the size and weight of the camera matter as well. Which leads me to my next point...

There's almost as many choices for mounting a camera on a motorcycle as there are cameras. Here are a few of the common ones:

• Helmet Cam (aka helmet-mounted cameras): The main drawback to a Helmet Camera is that you can't change the angle of the shot - wherever you are looking, that's what you're getting. If you look down at your gauges, so does your video. If you look behind you to check traffic, guess where the Helmet Cam goes? Some helmet cameras won't allow you to zoom in or out; you might find your target turned into a speck on the horizon! All-in-one point-of-view cameras have no viewfinder in which to frame your shot (you gotta just point and hope). Fancier helmet cameras have a remote recorder, but they're expensive - and you've got wires to deal with.

• Camera suction-cup Mounts: These usually stick to the bike's tank or windscreen. First drawback: suction cup mounts do not provide as many angles as you might like. But in my mind, an even bigger drawback is the potential for the suction to become loose and disengage with all that road vibration...goodbye, camera!
  
  

• RAM Mount: RAM Mount makes a variety of parts and pieces to mount your camera; but you may feel like you've got to get a PhD before you figure out which parts will work for you. And - as our customers have pointed out many a time - they are not pretty to look at.

• Leader DeluxeCAM: The DeluxeCAM motorcycle camera mount avoids the issues pointed out above. It allows you to mount any camera that has the tripod adapter. It's mounted right at your fingertips (on a round bar, switch housing or reservoir) so you can change and adjust on the fly. It has built-in security and vibration-minimizing features. 360-degree rotation and TWO ultra-swivels (top and bottom) give you a huge range of positioning and angle-ability. And (perhaps best of all), it's ultra-slim rod gives it the most AMAZING streamlined look!

#3: Learn and Test

Learn how to use your camera. Make sure you know when it is and is not recording. (On some cameras it's hard to tell, especially if it's a Helmet Camera stuck to your head where you can't see it. I once lost a key sequence because I thought the low-battery light meant the camera was recording.)

Pick a time when traffic is light on your favorite short twisty road. If you can get a friend to help, all the better - you'll find you can use the extra help. Don't be surprised if it takes an entire afternoon to get comfortable with all your motorcycle video taking options.

Speaking of the ROAD... The quality of your video (or photos) is directly proportional to the quality of the road. If you're on a road that looks like this one (like most of the roads near our home!), getting good video is a challenge no matter what kind of camera or mount you choose!

Motorcycle Camera Mount: Which is Right for YOU?

Motorcycle Camera Mount for Harley Davidson

1. On the Harley switch housing (also referred to as controls or reservoir). Ideal for larger dressers with limited handlebar space or cabling. Mounts on EITHER left or right side controls.
2. You can mount on the round handlebar itself. See the section (below) on Metric Cruisers for details.

Motorcycle Camera Mount for Gold Wing

Motorcycle Camera Mount for BMW

1. Our BMW bracket fits BMW reservoirs with 1-1/4" spacing and can be mounted on either left or right IF you have the space. See BMW Camera mounts.
2. If you have round handlebars, you can mount on the bar itself. See the section (below) on Metric Cruisers for details.

Motorcycle Camera Mount for Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Victory and others

Motorcycle Camera Mount for Can-Am Spyder

Our NEW Can-Am Spyder bracket mounts to the two lower bolts in the center handlebar area of the Can-Am Spyder RT and ST models. Beautiful black anodized finish. See all Can-Am Spyder Camera mounts.