Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Suction Cup Mounts? Suction Cup Mounts?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree4Likes
  • 3 Post By markharf
  • 1 Post By backofbeyond

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Mar 2019
cliffspicer's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 10
Suction Cup Mounts?
Hello,

I have a 2017 KLR and I use a RAM mount for my phone which I use as my GPS. I don't like looking down to see the phone since it's mounted on the handlebars. I was thinking of using a suction cup mount and placing it on the inside of my OEM windscreen so I can see it easily while I ride. Has anyone tried this and how well does it work? I would use a wire as a safety in case it popped off, but just wondering if the concept has been tested by anyone here?

Many thanks,

Cliff
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Mar 2019
cliffspicer's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 10
I think I may have solved my own issue and I'll tell you the new idea. I used epoxy on my phone case to mount a GoPro connector so I can use all the GoPro mounts with my phone to record video on my phone. I now think I may use the GoPro sticky mount on my OEM windscreen and mount my phone this way. Stay tuned and I'll take some photos and see how it works in case someone is interested in trying it as well.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Mar 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
I just had a GoPro sticky come off my windscreen on Sunday taking the GoPro with it. The mount had been on there for about a year. Fortunately the safety wire caught it so no harm done but they’re not fit and forget.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Mar 2019
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,959
Suction cup mounts don't even work reliably inside a car, much less out in the weather. They're fine for a while, then give way without warning.

Epoxy is a fine substance, but different brands and formulations have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, some won't withstand vibration or sudden impact very well; many won't stick well to certain plastics.

And sticky tape, per #3, can't be relied upon either; it tends to work right up until the moment it doesn't.

Always have a backup in place. Personally, I like mechanical fasteners--clamps, bolts, clips, wires, etc.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Mar 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
I've used a suction cup mount on the windscreen of my GoldWing to carry a GoPro but I was so worried about it I used two safety wires just in case. Just as well really as it came off after a couple of hours over a bumpy section of road. I still use it like that but only for short periods and with loads of safety backup. I'd never consider it for a 'long term' (= more than a day or so) fixing. A different suction mount on my sat nav keeps falling off the windscreen of my car at random intervals. A temporary fix only for me.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Apr 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 48
Good quality ones usually lasts for a few years, depends on how much you're willing to spend on this thing. But great idea on the wire support. That will help for sure.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 3 May 2019
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,103
The OEM GoPro suction cup was surprisingly good (stayed on at high speeds), but yes, always tether them.

That said, I would not want to mount a phone to my windscreen... it's likely to vibrate a lot more than the handlebars at speed.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 May 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Quote:
Originally Posted by AnTyx View Post
The OEM GoPro suction cup was surprisingly good (stayed on at high speeds), but yes, always tether them.

That said, I would not want to mount a phone to my windscreen... it's likely to vibrate a lot more than the handlebars at speed.
There’s windscreens and windscreens .... The windscreen on my Goldwing is a really stable platform and I’ve got some very good footage from cameras suction mounted onto it. On the other hand the windscreen on my little 125 Suzuki is totally useless as a platform. The screen itself doesn’t move but cameras vibrate and shake to the point where the footage is useless. I couldn’t predict either of those outcomes, it had to be trial and error.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27 Jul 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 48
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
There’s windscreens and windscreens .... The windscreen on my Goldwing is a really stable platform and I’ve got some very good footage from cameras suction mounted onto it. On the other hand the windscreen on my little 125 Suzuki is totally useless as a platform. The screen itself doesn’t move but cameras vibrate and shake to the point where the footage is useless. I couldn’t predict either of those outcomes, it had to be trial and error.
Agree on the trial and error part. When it comes to footage, it's harder to get a more stable mount. It's easier to mount other stuff like cb radios, for instance (recently bought one for my dad and found a good one from RRD.org). There are sturdy options for this but of course it doesn't need to have a stabilizer effect. I have yet to try a camera mount that will capture smooth videos... and if I do, I'll make sure to come back to this thread.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
VISA FOR RUSSIA: Putin Gives World Cup Fans Visa-Free Russia Entry All Year 2018 fernandosanchezfalcon Trip Paperwork 1 16 Jul 2018 14:09
alu-cast foot pegs mounts??? tremens Tech 0 14 May 2017 00:16
Garmin GPSMAP 278 (Boxed) + Touratech Mounts x 2 - For sale UK Jerome TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 4 28 Aug 2013 09:30
wtb motor mounts fadeyt Yamaha Tech 0 1 May 2013 04:53
Wanted: Garmin 60CSX mounts + cable electro TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 5 Nov 2012 23:11

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:16.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top