Here is an overview of some of the most common used mounts for motorcycles, the RAM Mounts. RAM Mounts offers a very flexible way to mount items to your vehicles. For example GPSes, phones and cameras. Check the video description to find the exact type numbers for the mounts presented.
I had a ton of Ram mounts years ago, now I can't stand them. For most things I'd mount I find the 1" size excessively bulky and the arms heavier then they need to be. They also either slip over time, or the rubber on the ball gets slightly crushed/misshaped. It's enough of a probably they people need to put heat shrink over them or sand them to rough them up. But it's really the bulk that is main thing.
I have found that when this has happened to me it's because I always put way too much pressure on the ball. I'm from the school of tighten it until tight, then add a bit more just to ensure it doesn't move. But what I have discovered over time with RAM mounts is that you don't have to put so much pressure on them that they get crushed. They still stay, just not with so much pressure that it causes the ball out of round.
You make a good point, but also for many that is the issue. Tighten until tight then perhaps a part turn more, so it doesn't move. Except over time or with vibration is does move. So folks are forever tightening them. There is a thread below this on double take mirrors of people having problems with ram mounts slipping. For the 1" balls with rubber temperature and UV also play a part. I'd like to see less use of the 1" ball for some things and more use of the smaller sizes for lightweight gear to reduce the bulk and weight.
Thanks for your feedback. Yes it is a bit bulky but also very solid. I have not yet experienced that the balls get slippery. It may have something to do with temperature and as mentioned here, how hard you tighten the arms. But I really dont see any great alternatives yet with such great flexibility as the RAM Mounts. You may mount almost anything with that system. Until there is available another system with such large selection of different mounts with comparable quality I will stick to RAM Mounts I would appreciate feedback on comparable systems, is there any at all?
You guys you check out Tackform!!! They offer b ball / 1" mounts that are heads above Ram in terms of build and quality. Very Mil-spec type of construction. The balls themself don't don't deform, crack or slip like Ram. Their ball mounts and arms make Double Takes rock solid too. They are a newer company of young guys who wanted to build a higher spec Ram system...they succeeded. https://www.tackform.com/collections/enterprise-series-components-1-inch-25mm
+1 for the TackForm products. Have their phone holder on my Vstrom, has never let me down. Good stuff!!
I generally detest the RAM system because it moves. You’d think after all these years they’d have put some R&D into not letting it move. I’ll check out the tack form.
Looks like they have some decent products, I just spent a few bucks on new Ram mounts otherwise I'd try the tackform mounts.
Depends what for. GPS I switched to quad lock. It is easier to get the unit on and off, and allows it to sit lower and closer to my dash which is something I wanted. Also lighter and less bulky. Mirrors, since I changed bike I'm still using the stock. There are other options out there such as hand guard mirrors or folding mirrors. None quite as versatile as double take. I would like to see them try the smaller ram mount sizes or equivalent since they don't need the power of the 1". That would solve some of the bulk. Perhaps providing a rough super friction coating or notched surface to stop slippage. For cameras I'm using gopro mounts and/or 1/4" tripod mounts depends on the camera/mic. Again lighter, smaller, less bulk.
