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An adventurous motorcycle ride is less fun if you can’t share your moments and stunning sights. You can capture all of your memorable rides with an action camera.
But not all cameras are created equal. This guide will show you some of the best GoPro devices for creating amazing footage.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best GoPros For Motorcycles
- OUR TOP PICK: GoPro Hero7 Black
- RUNNER-UP: GoPro HERO6 Black
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: GoPro Hero5 Black
Comparison of the Best GoPros for Motorcycles
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What Are the Benefits of GoPros to Motorcycle Riders?
Operating a camera during a ride is illegal and unsafe, but not when it is a hands-free model such as a GoPro. Here are some advantages of action cams.
Video Capture During Rides
GoPros attach to your motorbike’s handlebars or onto your helmet. This lets you effortlessly record videos of your travels while focusing on the road. It lets your family and friends share in your beautiful moments while you relive the experience.
Share Footage
Some GoPro models have live-streaming capabilities, allowing you to share live footage of your adventures, events, and sceneries. The cameras also let you quickly post your photos and videos to social media.
Improve Your Riding Techniques
Recording your motorcycle rides is not just for fun; it can also enhance your riding skills. You can watch and analyze your performance after a riding session to see what areas need improvement. You can also share the videos with your buddies for tips and tricks of the trade.
Serves as Evidence
In case of an accident, your footage can serve as clear evidence of what happened. It is not your word against someone else’s because you have concrete proof of the entire event in living color.
How to Choose a GoPro
There are a plethora of bells and whistles when it comes to action cameras, but you want to give preference to the following considerations when choosing a GoPro for your motorcycle:
Size
Bulky cameras will affect your motorcycle riding experience, especially if you plan to mount the device on your helmet. Go for compact models, as this can fit nicely on your body, bike, or helmet.
Resolution
A footage shot in low-res might look good on smaller devices but poor on larger screens such as computers and TV. Thankfully, most GoPro options feature a 1080p camera resolution. You can choose these models or even go for 4K Ultra-HD types, but anything less than 1080p will defeat the purpose of sharing crystal clear footage.
Ease of Use
The last thing you want is to grope around with your device during a ride. It is illegal and highly risky. Look for models with voice commands, touch-screen, or options with one-button operation.
Durability
Motorcycle riding exposes your camera to adverse conditions, which is why it is advisable to choose one with durable construction. It is best to choose a dustproof and waterproof model, to avoid shopping for another product in the next couple of months.
Review of the Best GoPros for Motorcycles
Here are some of the best GoPros suitable for your motorcycle adventures. Be sure to note the pros and cons of each model.
Best Overall:
GoPro Hero7 Black
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product is popular among motorcycle enthusiasts and other users, and for good reason. First, buyers love the ultra-smooth stabilization function. Plus, the menus allow users to operate the camera without jumping through hoops. The major complaint with this model is the slow firmware update with some mobile platforms.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What’s there not to love about this action camera? From crystal-clear still photos to high-definition 4K video recording, and live streaming capability, the Hero7 Black has it all.
While some GoPros have similar qualities, this device can playback your videos in slow motion up to eight times slower. If you have a lengthy recording, you can speed up the video up to 30 times faster to make it shareable.
This product is totally waterproof, making it suitable for capturing and sharing your moments even in wet conditions.
You can also control the device using voice commands for convenient hands-free operation.
Bottom Line
Hero7 Black is one of the best all-around action cameras available. Its remarkable range of features, excellent video quality, and usability make it worth buying. You’ll want to get a strong external battery if you must record in 4K.
Runner-up:
GoPro HERO6 Black
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers don’t just like this product; they recommend it for both professionals and enthusiasts alike. It has an incredible stabilization in HD resolution, according to avid users. However, some buyers are not quite impressed with the low light performance, especially since the action camera has a relatively large lens.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This model made our list because of its amazing video capture quality. It also delivers super-smooth footage whether used as a hand-held device or when it mounts on your helmet or motorcycle.
It records in 1080p 240fps and 4K 60fps, so you can expect awesome images and videos. Like our best overall product, this model also features voice controls that enable you to capture your moments on the go.
Hero6 Black can transform your moments into awesome stories using the QuickStories function on your app. With incredibly fast Wi-Fi, transferring files from the device to your phone is a breeze.
Bottom Line
You won’t be able to live stream with this camera; other than that, it is an excellent option. Also, make sure to get a SanDisk SD card of at least 64GB. The Hero6 Black won’t work well with other cards.
Best for the Money:
GoPro Hero5 Black
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many recent buyers are happy with this product. Users praise the Hero5 Black for its excellent wide shots and how easy it is to pair with phones for wireless shots over Wi-Fi. The recurring complaint is its poor battery performance, especially in cold weather. Otherwise, it is a fantastic camera.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Hero5 Black is one of GoPros’ sturdiest action cameras constructed with durable materials. Unlike previous models, this one doesn’t require a polycarbonate casing that distorts audio quality. It can withstand dust and water up to 33 feet.
It features a 2-inch touch-screen that lets you easily select functions in addition to a shutter button for quick start/stop recordings.
It can record in 4K at 30fps along with other options, including 1440p and 1080p. If you prefer snapshots during rides, the action camera delivers stunning images with its 12MP lens. You can even capture in a burst, time-lapse, and single modes.
Bottom Line
We recommend the Hero5 Black for riders who want to capture their moments on difficult terrains. Besides its superb image stabilization, the device is rugged enough to withstand adverse conditions. Plus, it is one of the most affordable GoPros.
Editor's Pick:
GoPro HERO8 Black
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many users appreciate the several upgrades, capture quality, and ease of use of this model, especially those familiar with the Hero7. Buyers say the battery puts up a decent performance during extended use, but many people are not satisfied with the battery door because it can come off rather too easily.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Hero8 includes all the amazing features of the Hero7 plus more. That means it records in 4K resolutions at 60fps to produce high-quality footage.
But what makes it outstanding is the LiveBurst feature. It allows you to capture moments 1.5 seconds before and after your shot, making it possible to select your preferred frame for a sharable video or perfect photo.
While it also has the live-streaming capability, it does so at a much higher 1080p resolution and simultaneously saves your recording to the SD card.
It comes with an upgraded TimeWarp function that auto-adjusts capture speed to suit motion and lighting.
Bottom Line
If you liked the Hero7, you’d probably love its successor. Whether for helmet or motorcycle mount, the outstanding stabilization delivers the smoothest footage. This action camera has a huge following, giving you access to lots of tips, tricks, and support.
Honorable Mention:
GoPro MAX
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Judging from verified customer reviews on multiple online stores, this is a great product for capturing wide angles. However, buyers expect more from the model, especially because it is a 3-in-1 camera. While it does a pretty good job of stabilizing shots, many users will prefer the inclusion of 4K capability.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Vlogging doesn’t get any better than using the GoPro MAX. You can shoot photos and videos using four different digital lenses, including linear, narrow, wide, and Max SuperView, to capture nearly everything around you.
You don’t need to pan to snap a 270o panoramic shot; all it takes is point and tap. GoPro’s premium 360 audio uses six different built-in microphones to capture the best sound quality along with your videos.
But the major highlight of this model is its three powerful cameras that offer the flexibility of shooting just the way you want it with front and back-facing lenses.
Bottom Line
The GoPro MAX is best suited for 360 filmmakers due to its layout. It produces decent videos and photos, especially in the daytime. You may need to work on the exposure level if you want stunning videos and photos.
Types of GoPros
GoPros come in a wide range of mount options. These include:
Helmet Mount
This is a popular mount that attaches to your helmet at different angles, including the top, the chin, and the sides of the helmet.
Some mounting systems have swivel adapters that let you adjust the camera angle in almost 360o instead of only up/down and left/right positions.
There is also the GoPro Low Profile Helmet Swivel Mount specifically engineered for the HERO Session. This type attaches to the side of the helmet.
Handlebar Mount
This is a tube that mounts on handlebars, poles, and seat posts. This is an excellent choice for mounting GoPros on your motorcycle handlebar because it fits nicely into small spaces. You can use this for handlebars that are up to 2.5 inches wide.
Strap Mount
A strap mount is your best bet if you plan to mount your action camera directly on your body. This type of GoPro mount can attach to your wrist, leg, or hand and works well for off-road motorbike racing.
Clamp Mount
This type of GoPro mount works similarly to pliers. It firmly grips thick objects on your motorcycle and doesn’t easily come off.
GoPro Comparison Chart
The GoPro brand has come a long way with a handful of impressive camera models. Here is a quick comparison of the various GoPro models on this list. It shows the different essential features of each type at a glance to help you decide what product best suits your purpose.
How to Mount GoPro to Motorcycle Helmet
Mounting a GoPro to your motorcycle helmet is a pretty straightforward process. Here’s a simple procedure for attaching your camera using an adhesive mount.
First, you need to assemble the following:
- GoPro adhesive mount
- Vibration-resistant locking plug
- Measuring tape
- Clamping tool (optional)
- GoPro quick-release buckle
Now, follow these steps.
1. Decide where you want to place the camera. Your choices are at the top, front, and sides of the helmet.
2. Determine whether a flat or adhesive mount is best for your helmet. A curved option is most suitable for placement on curved parts of a helmet, such as the chin or front.
3. Clean the surface of the helmet where you plan to attach the adhesive.
4. Peel off the seal on the adhesive and blow hot air on it using a hairdryer or other heating device.
5. Stick the adhesive to your preferred position on the helmet. Apply pressure on the adhesive mount using your hand. You can also use a clamping tool for better results.
6. Attach your GoPro action camera to the mounting joint. Use the anti-vibration locking plug to prevent or minimize shakes.
We’ve included the video below for more clarity.
Conclusion
Choosing the best GoPro for your specific purpose is more important than buying one with features that are not useful to you. While 4K is a great option, it is usually not necessary in many cases. Consider the camera’s size, ease of use, and ruggedness when shopping for a GoPro.
People Also Ask
Still, have questions about your GoPro? You’re not alone. This section answers some of the most common questions many people ask, especially first-time users. It will help you better understand how your motorcycle action camera works, what to expect in terms of battery performance, and a few other vital information.
What is a Gopro?
A GoPro is a compact action camera that captures videos and photos in extreme conditions. The device is a combination of a wide-angle lens, image sensor, multiple mics, and processor for recording high-res visuals and superb audio qualities in different conditions. It also features a user interface with buttons and a touch-screen.
How Does a Gopro Work?
Like other cameras, a GoPro is a hand-held device but typically mounts on helmets, motorcycles, or the body during capture. The action camera uses an ultra-wide lens to capture more scenery per frame. Most recent models record videos in 4K at 60 frames per second and other high-definition modes.
How Much is a Gopro?
The price of GoPros varies widely between models. You can expect to pay anywhere from $160 to as much as $499. The cheapest GoPro is Hero7 White. It doesn’t have 4K capability, but it comes with a touch-screen and other great features. GoPro MAX is the most expensive.
How Long Does a Gopro Battery Last?
Several factors can affect battery life. These include the features you use, the weather condition, the battery’s charge level, the age of the battery, and the video setting. On average, the battery should last for approximately 90 minutes. The batteries won’t last long if you capture video at 4K quality.
Why Do Motorcyclists Wear GoPros?
There are quite a several good reasons to wear a GoPro as a motorcyclist. Beyond capturing stunning photos and videos, these small devices can provide compelling evidence in case of road crashes or road rage. It proves who’s at fault because the footage is admissible in court as evidence.
Is it Legal to Mount a Gopro on a Motorcycle Helmet?
There are arguments about the legality of attaching a camera to a motorcycle helmet. In many places, it is legal to mount a GoPro on your helmet, provided it doesn’t alter the head protective gear. It is best to check with your local laws to be on the safe side.
How Long Does a Gopro Record?
Recording time depends on the video setting and the size of your SD card. For example, on a full charge, the GoPro Hero8 Black can record up to 35 minutes on 4K Ultra-HD with a 32GB SD card. Some models can record four hours of footage with standard HD resolution.
Where Do I Put My Gopro on My Motorcycle?
There are different locations to mount a GoPro on your bike. This comes down to personal preference, the type of footage you want to make, and the frames on your motorcycle model. Possible places for a good mount include the suspension, handlebar, crash bar, and tail of your motorbike.
