This is pertaining to a motorcycle, but I asked here because you all have probably more experience with this stuff mounting GoPros in your cars.
My 06 BMW K1200LT came with a factory GPS mounted on a Ram ball and socket thing. The seller did not include the GPS, just the mount. The mount was broken, and the power wire was damaged, so off it came.
I'm looking for some system (or mixture thereof) of components to make a charging phone mount. Keep in mind, it's a motorcycle, so I can't just get a magsafe and expect it to hold.
One system I found was Quadlock. Looks fantastic, but it means getting a proprietary phone case that A) isn't yet made for my Pixel 9 Pro, and B) isn't a case with features I like.
I figured you guys might know of some way of putting together a charging phone mount. Should be adhesive base. I would consider a bolt on base, but I need to make sure there is nothing behind where it will live. Should be low profile.
I love love love my quadlock across the motorcycles/bicycles/cars. Haven't found a better option yet.
I was wondering 'maybe Ram has wireless chargers... they do, but like $225 😮
My son has quadlocks on his car, moto and MTBs and loves it. Multiple mtb crashes and hasn't lost a phone yet.
I just looked on their site and they do list cases for the Pixel 9s now, actually I was surprised they have them for even my old Note10!
Are tank bags still a thing? They were always handy for carrying stuff and didn't affect the balance of the motorcycle, and typically had a clear plastic pocket on top for carrying maps. I'd think if you bought one today it would have a phone pocket instead.
Tank bags are a thing, but my tank is covered with a glove box and buttons. I have one "pad" behind the forks about 6" wide and 4" front/back. I can't even use a handlebar mount because the bars are encased in a plastic fairing of an odd shape.
The goal is to have the phone accessible for navigation and to see who texted or is calling. I'll have it paired through my intercom which has voice commands, so I don't ever have to touch the phone or take my eyes off the road, except for a glance at nav.
Pic for clarity.
Wow, that's some serious spaceship cockpit there! Looks amazing, but I see why your options are limited. Maybe a really short Ram mount arm and keep it in landscape mode?
The ST1300 has a couple options for dash mounts over the gauges. Here's mine as an example, that's a cheap Android Auto head unit. (Ignore dust/pollen- it hasnt moved all year 😔 I actually just excavated it this week and started working on it abit)
I think Ram might be the way to go. I'm having trouble finding a wireless charger to go on it that isn't just a magnet/automotive mount.
I did find Peak Designs with a super-elegant click mount, but they don't do a charging mount, and I'm not too keen on their proprietary phone case. It has a fabric back, and in my line of work that will become a greasy, paint-smeared, glue-infused mess in a matter of days.
Peak Designs stuff
Ok, still on the struggle bus here.
I found Peak Designs, Quad Lock, and Ram stuff, all of which I like.
... but none of them have a locking wireless charging head. I can get one of the magnet charging heads, but I don't trust just a magnet holding my phone on a motorcycle.
On a trip down through colombia last year the rental bike had a cheap chinese charging mount (four corners that spring in to grab the corners of the phone). There's a dozen brands on amazon and they all look like the same stuff. It worked on an abused rental bike for $35. Use any case you like on your phone, as long as you can wirelessly charge through it.
In reply to the_machina :
I did find those and I'm trying to say nice things about them, but I can't. I may end up having to do that.
Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) said:
In reply to the_machina :
I did find those and I'm trying to say nice things about them, but I can't. I may end up having to do that.
Oh, they're rattly garbage plastic that feels cheap and awful every time you touch it. I also have a RAM x-grip mount which feels much better built, but the four-corner chinese cheapy works better.
No experience with these, but though they were an interesting way to get CarPlay/Android auto without changing head units: Android Auto
edit to complete the thought: Something like this might allow the phone to be placed in a compartment or other location to keep secure and charge with a wired charger.
Actually that's exactly my phone solution; that one looks very similar to the one I got. I added a dual USB plug in each glovebox and the display head uses a 1" ball Ram mount. I haven't been able to ride with it, but it seems to work fine in the garage. Pic for reference with a ruler:
It seems like Curtis' problem is where to mount anything given the amount of tupperware in the cockpit.
I did find this similar solution for the K1200, but it looks to be a Dutch company.
So here is what I finally came up with to try:
First, I needed a new adhesive ball mount. This one has an aluminum shaft and it said it was super sturdy.
Then I ordered this to go on it. It was well-reviewed, but still not exactly a simple and elegant mounting like the Peak Design would have been. We'll see what it's like.
