$5 Motorcycle Camera Mount

Make a camera mount for your motorcycle for $5!
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Watch the video for an overview.

Step 1: Collect parts

In order to complete this project you only need a few items that you probably already have around the house.
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(1) 3/4" PVC "T" Coupling threaded on one end.
(1) 3/4" PVC threaded cap
(2) Hose clamps big enough to fit around handlebars
(1) 1/4" X 20 X 1" hex bolt with nut and washer.
That's it!
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It might be helpful to have a short length of hose to act as a spacer between the pipe and handlebars.
Also, it might be helpful to attach a piece of foam over the camera's microphone to reduce wind noise.

Comments

[chip123]

Great idea :) What bike are you on in the video?

[pwhipps]

I tried this on an '09 GS500 and as soon as you go over 3k RPM you can't even see the image due to vibration.
I tried cutting an inner tube and placing it between the PVC tee and handlebars to try and dampen it, but it has made little difference.
I've also tried teflon tape and extra washers to no avail.
Any thoughts on how to fix this problem?

[thekatr2]

bravo simple cheap effective

[MOTO-D]

www.motodracing.com

[nixFixr]

This is a great option for some bikes, but it only works for bike that have a top triple clamp exposed (e.g. most sport bike models.) For the bike used in this instructable - or any with handle bar risers - this style wont work. Would be nice to see a mod for this so it can be clamped to handle bars... : )

[GONE EVIL]

Great!!! Thanks!

[heyvoon]

Stole my idea! And made it worse!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgVFw7owPSY

[shwat]

Yours isn't in English..

[roadadf]

Nice video, heyvoon. This one differs from yours in that it can be constructed for under $5USD. Both are good ideas. One is less expensive.

[mtrevino57]

 Seems like you could also use a piece of threaded PVC pipe to extend the camera up higher, above the speedometer,  if you are shooting through a windshield, and then you would use a threaded cap on the end which you would then drill for the screw post.

[Prophet_based]

Okay, I really like this instructable. But I have too ask, why add a camera? I myself also have a bike. But I can't see the usefulness here. Is it for security?

[jonathonbarton]

Because this happens...all too often.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0eootaHR0Q

[pidroelpirata]

i will be using mine for fun, but also if you commute often it's smart to have a camera on in case you get in an accident and need to prove what happened to establish fault for the insurance company

[shylock]

No it's so you can take sweet vids of you riding awesome roads with friends.

[Prophet_based]

ah. Cool, thanks.

[loudWater]

I used this nice instructable to make one for my '07 GS500F:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY7fqmfqssI

I am a little worried about the handlebar vibration and its effects on my camera's autofocus mechanism, but hopefully the Casio EX-Z850 is a tough trooper.

[r0wsd0w3r]

I made one for my 05 GS500F just a few days ago and tried it out yesterday. I used an RCA EZ300HD to record and the video turned out pretty shaky. I'm trying to think of ways to reduce the vibration and some post processing image stabilization might help too. Good luck with yours!

[bbulkow]

Regrettably, my motorcycle - like many modern motorcycles - has "clip on" style grips instead of the one-piece "bar" shown in the picture. Thus a hose clamp won't work safely. You should update the instructible to include a step about checking the style of handlebar you have.

[gtmalone]

great idea - modified it a bit to mount to the side and behind the windshield on a Harley. Trial and error to get it done, used combinations of 3/4 and 1 inch PVC pieces. Comes straight back from the bars then 90 elbow. I used a screw on cap to make it easier to remove the video camera and adjust the direction. Used soft PVC plastic sheet under the T. Also put a hard plastic light switch plate between the cap and the camera to make it more solid. Thanks!

[arcticfox]

That's very simple yet very nice.

[Kirk G]

I was so impressed by the simplicity, that I tried this one myself.
I made a few improvements: I used a hack saw instead of a dremel to cut the T length-wise. I used half the 3/4" T and half the 1" T to make my handlebar holder. I also found pipe clamps with yellow wing nut thumbscrews for $1.26 at Odd Lots so I can easily remove or reposition this. I thought 1" T would be better, so I started with that but also tried a 3/4" T and a carriage bolt. I think I need longer than just 1" to get above my speedometer, but don't want a spike to impale myself in an accident. And, I used a "patch" of bicycle inner tube from an old flat to use as a cushion under the PVD T 'clamp' and protected my finish.

[spoonyfork]

I just made this DIY mount and it works great! I had to put 3 layers of rubber tubing to get a snug fit and the bonus was very little vibrating motion. I can't wait to use it on my next trip. Thanks for sharing a great idea!

[bastardon]

Gr8 work!!!

[toekneebullard]

There's so many of these on here, it's nice to see the same idea from so many perspectives. Using the rubber between the PVC and the bike seems like a good way to reduce shake. Nice idea!

[fosho4]

Thats pretty sweet. I would suggest using a pop filter to help get rid of some of the wind noise. You can just get some pantyhose and put it over the microphone. Probably won't completely fix the problem but would help a lot.

[joejoerowley]

Great instructable/ video!! Love it! where are you riding? thanks joe

[dbond]

Glad you enjoyed it. I was riding down in southern california.

[joejoerowley]

thought I recognized it. Cool

[frollard]

Great instructable - two things I'll add...if you put a 1/4" wing nut upside down (flat face up) on the threads, you can use it to tighten against the camera, preventing it from coming loose. Second, I think it's important to mention that its a 1/4" COARSE thread, not fine - the bolts come in both. Other than that, great project, and good writeup!

[dbond]

I agree. The wing nut would have helped. Didn't think of it til after the fact.

[frollard]

ignore the part about coarse thread - that was in regards to the video, which doesnt mention it. The instructable has x20 ;) Good stuff!

[GorillazMiko]

ahh cool! my friend rides motorcycles FAST.. but he made a mount similar to this i think, and it works good! great instructable!