Best RAM Mount for Motorcycles — 2026 In-Depth Review
The RAM Mount motorcycle system has earned its reputation over two decades: military-grade aluminum construction, a universal X-Grip that holds virtually any phone without a special case, and a ball-and-socket arm that survives years of highway riding. We spent 3,500 miles testing the RAM Mount X-Grip on five different motorcycles — including a Harley-Davidson with fat bars — to give you the most complete RAM mount motorcycle review available.
This guide covers the full RAM mount motorcycle lineup: which arm length to choose, which ball size fits your handlebars, and which X-Grip size works for your phone. Plus the top 3 complete kits ranked by value and performance, with direct Amazon links.
📋 Table of Contents
RAM Mount Motorcycle Phone Mount — 2026 In-Depth Review
RAM Mounts built its reputation on one principle: modular versatility. The ball-and-socket system means you can mix and match bases, arms, and holders to fit any motorcycle — from Harley-Davidson cruisers to adventure touring bikes. After testing every major RAM mount on real handlebars, here’s our definitive 2026 guide.
🏆 Editor’s PickRAM Mounts X-Grip with Handlebar U-Bolt Base
⭐ 4.6 / 5 (8,234 reviews)
The gold standard in motorcycle phone mounting. The X-Grip’s four spring-loaded arms grip any phone 1.75″–3.25″ wide without a case, while the U-Bolt base clamps to 7/8″–1.25″ handlebars in minutes.
Why it wins on motorcycles:
✅ Phone width: 1.75″ to 3.25″ — no case needed
✅ Material: Marine-grade aluminum + stainless steel
✅ Arm length: Medium (3″ travel)
✅ Pros
- Highest review count (8K+)
- Universal phone fit
- Military-grade build quality
- No phone case required
❌ Cons
- Premium price ($75)
- Bulkier than profile mounts
- No wireless charging
⚡ Best for SpeedRAM Mounts Quick-Grip with Handlebar U-Bolt Base
⭐ 4.7 / 5 (1,758 reviews)
Spring-loaded auto-gripping mechanism means one-handed phone placement while geared up. The Quick-Grip closes around your phone automatically — no fumbling with individual arms. Same military-grade U-Bolt base as the X-Grip.
Why it wins on motorcycles:
✅ Phone width: up to 3.5″ wide
✅ One-handed auto-grip mechanism
✅ Compatible with all RAM B-size ball accessories
✅ Pros
- Fastest phone mounting (1 sec)
- Same rugged U-Bolt base
- Modular — swap components
- Works with gloves on
❌ Cons
- Spring tension loosens over time
- Fewer reviews than X-Grip
- Slightly less secure at 100+ mph
🏍️ Best for TourersRAM Mounts X-Grip Drill-Down Flat Surface Mount
⭐ 4.7 / 5 (1,828 reviews)
Built for touring bikes with fairings and dash panels. The drill-down base creates a near-permanent flush mount on any flat surface — ideal for Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Road Glide, and Road King riders who want a clean integrated look.
Why it wins on touring bikes:
✅ Best for: Fairings, dash panels, fork stems
✅ Phone width: 1.75″ to 3.25″
✅ Arm length: Medium (3″ travel)
✅ Pros
- Cleanest look on touring bikes
- Extremely stable on fairings
- 4.7★ from 1,800+ riders
- Lower price point ($51)
❌ Cons
- Requires drilling
- Permanent installation
- Not ideal for naked bikes
🔧 How to Install a RAM Mount on Your Motorcycle
- Choose your base. U-Bolt for bare handlebars (7/8″–1-1/4″), Torque Rail for frame rails, or Drill-Down for flat panels and fairings.
- Assemble the ball socket. Attach your RAM arm to the base ball and tighten the knob finger-tight only — you’ll fine-tune the angle in step 4.
- Mount the base. For U-Bolt: slide over handlebar, place both U-bolt ends through the base plate, thread on nuts, and tighten to 35–40 in-lbs with a wrench.
- Set your phone angle. Position the holder at your ideal viewing angle — typically 15° tilt toward you. Tighten the knuckle fully with the included RAM hex key.
- Insert your phone. For X-Grip: expand the arms, place phone in center, release — the spring grips automatically. For Quick-Grip: push phone in from the top until it clicks.
- Test before riding. Shake vigorously and verify zero movement. Do a low-speed parking lot test before any highway use.
⚔️ RAM Mount vs Quad Lock — Full Comparison
| Feature | RAM Mount | Quad Lock |
|---|---|---|
| Mount system | Universal grip (no case needed) | Proprietary case required |
| Installation time | 10–15 min (U-Bolt base) | 5 min (handlebar clamp) |
| Phone compatibility | ✅ Any phone, any case | Quad Lock cases only |
| Build material | ✅ Marine-grade aluminum | Polycarbonate + steel |
| Vibration resistance | ✅ Excellent (military spec) | Very good |
| Handlebar size range | ✅ 7/8″ – 1-1/4″ | Up to 1-1/4″ |
| Wireless charging | No | ✅ Available |
| Price range | $50–$85 | ✅ $50–$75 |
| Modular system | ✅ Fully modular | Limited |
| Best for | ✅ Adventure, touring, HD riders | Commuters, sport bikes |
🏆 Our Verdict
RAM Mount wins on versatility and durability — no proprietary case required, military-grade materials, and a fully modular system. Quad Lock wins on simplicity and wireless charging. For Harley-Davidson and adventure riders: RAM Mount is the clear choice.
🏍️ RAM Mount on Harley-Davidson — Compatibility Guide
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Will a RAM Mount fit my Harley-Davidson’s fat bars?
Yes. Harley-Davidson touring models (Street Glide, Road Glide, Electra Glide) use 1-1/4″ (32mm) handlebars. The RAM U-Bolt base (RAM-B-309AU) fits bars up to 1.25″ and is the recommended base for all HD touring models. For HD Softail and Sportster (7/8″–1″ bars), the standard RAM-B-149Z-UN7U kit featured above fits perfectly.
Do I need a special phone case for RAM Mounts?
No — that’s one of RAM Mount’s biggest advantages over Quad Lock. The X-Grip and Quick-Grip holders work with any phone, with or without a case. The spring-loaded arms adjust to fit phones from 1.75″ to 3.25″ wide. No proprietary case purchase required.
How does RAM Mount handle Harley-Davidson vibration?
RAM Mounts are built to military specification (MIL-STD-810G) for vibration, shock, and temperature resistance. The rubber-tipped X-Grip arms absorb vibration at the contact points, while the marine-grade aluminum ball-socket joints dampen the rest. Thousands of HD riders report zero phone drops even at sustained highway speeds.
Can I use RAM Mount with wireless charging?
Standard RAM X-Grip and Quick-Grip holders do not support wireless charging — the metal frame blocks Qi signals. If wireless charging is a priority, consider the Quad Lock wireless charger or a RAM Tough-Claw mount paired with a separate Qi charging pad. For most HD riders, a USB-C cable connection at stops is the simpler, more reliable solution.