I picked up the Hero HD (first GoPro capable of 1080 resolution) back in 2010 primarily for use in AutoX’ing. I ended up using it a few times on my R1200C in the AZ/CA mountains, but I was never pleased with the mounting options as I only had the suction cup and the supplied single application sticky mounts at the time (sticky mount on front fender, suction cup to tank, and suction cup to helmet). Most locations I tried provided footage with too much vibration (from the road or the engine), too much wind noise, or just a terrible perspective. Although it is fun sometimes to just review the video to remember a particular trip or road, I also wanted to be able to critique my own riding (chosen line, body position, lean…etc).
After picking up my BCR in 2011, I tried again with basically the exact same results. I did pick up the GoPro handle bar clamp though, which gave me a few additional options. On the S I had a sticky mount on the upper triple (which was pretty good until the windscreen accidently got hosed down with brake cleaner), clamp mount on the mirror stem (facing forwards and backwards), clamp mount on the passenger foot peg, and suction cup on the system bags. Some were better than others, but I still wasn’t really capturing anything all that helpful or enjoyable to go back and watch. The other issue was having the camera mounted in a location that I was unable to power it on/off, start/stop the recordings, and switching between video and camera (which with limited battery and storage was definitely an issue).
Last year for X-mas, my wife gifted me the new Hero 4 Silver (built in wifi/Bluetooth and touchscreen). Although I was super excited about the camera itself, I still hadn’t found a real good way to use it on the bike. I took it with me on my recent trip to the Pacific NW, and only used it once, but it rekindled my interest in using it and finding a new ways to mount it.
So I did a little reading, and found these 2 mounts on Amazon.
Knock-off “Chesty” made by Sametop - $13
Sametop
The mount is very well made, good materials, looks identical to the GoPro branded one ($40), and it comes with a J-hook mount. Fit and adjustability are also quite nice.
Helmet mount made by SoPro – $40
SoPro
I’ve seen people use the sticky mounts on helmets before, but due to the front vents they are always mounted off to one side of the helmet. I like the perspective, but didn’t like that the helmet blocked some of the view, had to stick a mount to the helmet, and the offset view. This one appealed to me since it straps on, it’s centrally mounted, and the foam not only isolates some vibration, but protects the helmet from getting scratched. The only downsides are that it blocks the vents and the straps can rub your chin if not tucked in really well (I was still able to close my visor).
I made this relatively short test video using both mounts on both the ‘C’ and the chest mount on the ‘S’ this past weekend.
Mount Test
On the ‘C’ the seating position is a tad too low to be able to see much outside of the tank/gauges with the chest mount, but I thought the helmet mount was really good (only issue was some shoulder contact when turning my head due to the high handle bars).
I only had enough daylight to use the chest mount on the ‘S’ and I had 0 scrub-in miles on the new rear tire (hence the very tame pace). If I shorten up the shoulder straps to get the camera up another inch or so, I think this is going to be very good (at least when I don’t have the tank bag mounted).
Just got my RAM mount (offset reservoir mount) and phone holder, as the new GoPro allows full camera control from the phone. So regardless of where I choose to mount it now, the issues stated above no longer are a problem. It will also allow me to use the phone for GPS (directions and speed) and route tracking (Rever or the Pirelli Diablo app).
I know there aren’t a bunch of us on Pelican that have/use a GoPro (or other action cam), but for those that do and have experienced similar frustrations, I hope this helps.