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Gopro Mount?

4K views 14 replies 6 participants last post by  Kingsrule5 
#1 ·
So I picked up a GoPro over the weekend and looking for some suggestions as to where to mount it.

I don't want to use the 3M mounts since I think they look out of place.

My initial thought is the front crash bar and use a handle bar mount. Has anybody tried that?

Any other solutions?
 
#2 ·
I have a lesser action camera, an Ego 727. (And one of these days, I'll probably get one of the GoPro models.)

However, I have a top-shelf mount for it, a combination of a Mini Cardellini clamp and a Manfotto 494 ball head. This particular combination is sold by Filmtools -- Cardellini 494 - The Mini Cardellini Camera & Monitor Mount Filmtools -- but you can probably get the two parts cheaper.

I typically mount this on the left crashbar -- see attached pic -- although you can use this mount all over the bike. On the crashbar mount, for an example of what you end up with at this height -- the perspective -- see this clip I saved on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/72389999

The Cardellini is a machined work of art, and with protective rubber inside the jaws. And it absolutely stays put, as does the Manfrotto.

There are less expensive ways to go, of course, but, ya know, you generally you get what you pay for. RAM makes a clamping mount, the Tough-Claw: RAM Small Tough-Claw? with 1" Diameter Rubber Ball . Pedco makes a mount that some bike-on-camera review sites use: Amazon.com: Pedco UltraClamp Assembly for Cameras, Scopes and Binoculars (1.5-inch): Sports & Outdoors .

HogTail makes some mounts that you may like, including some specifically with GoPros in mind. There's one designed for the Vic fork tube: HogTag Collar - Victory / Triumph Models | HogTag Collar . I think that's too close to the range of fork-tube movement, and he has been working on one (at my request, actually) that can mount way up at the top. They also make the HogJaw, which can be positioned in all sorts of ways: Hog Jaw Articulating Mount by HogTag Collar | HogTag Collar

If you do want a handlebar amount, you might be interested in something like the Adaptiv anti-vibration mount: Amazon.com: Adaptiv D-01-06 AdaptivMount Handlebar Mount: Automotive . I doubt that this would clear the fairing enough on an XC/XCT; it might be better suited for an XR.

Keep in mind that even though the crashbars, etc., are sprung weight -- that is, it's not as if you mount this stuff to an (unsprung) axle -- you still get some vibration. This is particularly evident when you're in the process of winding up a big twin. And this will be worse on the handlebars, which are not as rigid as the crashbars (and I have no idea how well the Adaptiv mount actually works).

You can avoid this problem by keeping a steady or decreasing speed most of the time. Or by mounting an action cam to your helmet, chest, etc., i.e., using the body as a shock-absorbing mechanism. Me, I prefer a fixed mount, on the bike, as compared to a body mount. And I prefer something that doesn't move with the handlebars or fairing... which is why I mostly pick on the crashbar. But to each his own.

Hope this gives you some ideas...
 

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#3 ·
Thanks man that helps a ton. The Hogtag fork mount looks promising for the price only question is if I can make it work with my goody lowers.

I was curious about results from mounting on the crash bar with the vibration.

Other thought was potential use of a suction cup on the bags but concern is it falling off. Even with a tether I worry about it coming off and hitting the bags.
 
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#5 ·
Do you know what the ram mount for the mirror is called?

The video looks good I could see the vibration at a few points but not bad overall. What kind of mount did you use for that?
 
#6 ·
Go to wwwrammount.com and have a look at what they offer. You can get mounts with a u bolt that I use, it will go around handle bars or engine bars. Clutch or brake reservoir mounts or the mirror mount with various size holes so you bolt it under the mirror onto the clutch perch.
 
#7 ·
Just some additional comments that may be useful to you or others who read this thread down the road...

U-Joint vs. Mounting Innovations:

The RAM U-Clamp is sold separately, and also comes with a lot of combinations of products that RAM sells. However, I think it's fugly. I had one on my handlebars for a (brief) while; see pic below.

A much better choice, IMHO, for a few dollars more (hey, life is short -- splurge, and do this right), is the B-231U from Mounting Innovations:

Chrome Handlebar Mount

This is available in chrome or black, is both elegant and rock-solid, and can fit on 1" (e.g., stock handlebars) or 1 1/4" (e.g., the stock crashbars) bars. For ordering, see RAM Bases & Balls , about a quarter of the way down the page.

I have a couple of these in black (to match my HeliBars); compare and contrast with the RAM clamp in a couple more pics below.

RAM Extensions:

RAM calls its extensions "socket arms," if you do any searching at their site, e.g.:

RAMMOUNTS - Components Search[part_type][]=Arm&query=arm

I believe they come in 1 1/2" all the way to 6", and I've accumulated a few assorted lengths over the years.

RAM GoPro:

Here's RAM's page of GoPro-oriented products:

RAMMOUNTS - RAM GoPro Camera Mounts

One of the interesting items on that page is their 18" long curved aluminum mount:

RAM 18" Long Rigid Aluminum Rod & (2 QTY) Single Socket Arms for 1" Balls

I don't know how well that dampens -- or maybe magnifies -- vibration, but there's a video on that page that shows them using that rod to mount a GoPro!

If you try to use the regular socket arms (extensions) with a handlebar- (or clutch bracket) mounted RAM ball, I think you'll find that the camera view will include too much of the dash and other stuff. This 18" rod, however, looks like it could position a camera better; after looking at that, I'm thinking of getting one myself.

Just some more goodies for your consideration -- the choices are almost overwhelming...
 

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#9 ·
Paul, you're certainly correct, especially considering all the body-mount straps, helmet mounts, and that sort of thing GoPro offers. Here's their mount page:

http://shop.gopro.com/mounts-accessories

However, for attaching to motorcycles -- IMHO, of course -- once you get the RAM GoPro adapter -- RAM Custom GoPro® Hero Adapter -- you now have access to any of RAM's hundreds of ball-to-ball mounting options. That is, I'd agree with what RAM says on that page:

While the GoPro® line of mounting accessories is nothing to scoff at, the diversity of the RAM product line is simply unmatched.

Again, IMHO, and speaking in terms of bike-mounting only, where someone might be concerned about suction cups and so forth, and in terms of where body-mounting is not the user's preference.
 
#11 ·
I used this base from RAM and mounted an arm to it to mount my action camera. I put it under the right mirror and the lens is just past the side of my windscreen. If I used a GoPro I would need a different size arm but same concept.
I've used many different cameras and different mounting spots, including suction mounted, my least favorite was mounted on the crash bar it transmitted a bunch of noise but with a better mount with a better isolation it would've eliminated most of it. Next to the windscreen does catch more wind noise.
 
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#12 ·
Yeah the sound isn't my concern I figured it would be loud and useless. Just assumed I would put music over it.
 
#13 ·
GoPro Mount

I used the bar mount from GoPro to mount my GoPro to the right side of my engine guard this summer (usually I attached it via the same mount to one of the blinkers in front). We were riding in high cross winds in two lane traffic. We met a semi and I felt something hit my leg, looked down and all that was there was the actual mount! Waterproof case was gone. Thank goodness I had taken the camera out of the case and was charging it in my saddlebag! Will definitely not be mounting it there again!!! It will be back to the blinker. :smile
 
#14 ·
Yeah I plan to use a tether. I ordered a parts kit off amazon that included one.
 
#15 ·
So after some research I picked up these products from amazon. RAM Mount Handlebar Kit:

RAM Mount Tough Claw:

Also if you are considering the Tough Claw package with the mount I was able to get the extra handlebar mount for only $9 more when that part alone is normally $13.

I figure I can try the u-mount a few places and see what works and then the lock jaw I can move around on the XC and to my other bike.

Actually think I might be able to attach to the bag rails and get a good angle
 
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