The first is obvious: running it from its own power. But have you ever wondered if your phone would run out of power just when you need it most? If you’ve been searching for a way to avoid this, read on!

Battery Harness (Wired)

This method ensures you’ll never lose power – but only as long as the motorcycle has power! The drawback is that – yes – you have to run wires. It’s actually not complicated (even I can do it and that’s saying a lot) if you use a simple battery harness kit.

The battery harness kits we carry have a plug on one end (more about that in a moment), 48 inches of wire (enough for ANY application), and the battery connectors (plus/minus or red/black) on the other end. These battery harness kits include a regulator built right into the wire, because you can’t have full volts coming from your battery unless you want to blow out your phone!

Now a note about the “plug” end. There are several common connectors. I much prefer the clean, streamlined look of the battery harness for “micro” USB or “mini” USB. All you need to know is which connector your phone has.

No-Wire Solar Power

There’s another option if you’re the type of person who hates wiring (like me) or you just don’t want those wires showing: The Ultra-SOL USB Charger/Solar Panel.

This kit includes a rugged mini solar panel that collects and stores power from the sun (or electrical outlet, vehicle or computer), then transfers it to electronic devices as needed. It can be mounted right on your handlebar, switch housing or reservoir, so you can position it close to your phone. It accommodates all standard electronic plug types.

• Cases such as the Otterbox are nice for both water and shock absorption (for you who are prone to dropping your phone). Some of the Otterbox cases (Defender Series in particular) have built-in belt clips that can be attached to a mount. If you have something like this, it can be clipped to the eCaddy Ultra.

• More “boxy” options like AquaBox or Arkon’s waterproof case. The drawbacks? They add a lot of bulk, and you usually can’t use a touch screen through the cover. You’ll also need to find the proper way to connect them to your motorcycle.

• Ultra Buddy pouch: What could be easier than slipping your phone into a flat waterproof pouch with a clear cover that lets you operate a touch screen with no problem? Our eCaddy Ultra even has our popular Ultra-swivel feature. (See more details here.)

• And, of course, there’s always the low-tech, low-cost option: ziplock baggie!

If you’ve been following along with me and reading about mounting a phone on a motorcycle, you might be very interested in watching our brand-new demo videos, which we just posted on our web site, YouTube Channel and Facebook.

eCaddy Deluxe Universal Phone Mount Video: This installation video shows how almost any model or brand of phone can be easily mounted to a motorcycle. You don’t need any special tools, and the video shows it with and without the UltraTilt feature.

eCaddy Ultra Waterproof Phone Mount Video: This installation video shows how our waterproof case can be used (including how you can use the touchscreen through it) with almost any model or brand of phone. The waterproof cover has a completely updated fastening system that ensures it will never fall off your motorcycle. It even includes the Ultra-Swivel feature!

We’ve also completely updated our Motorcycle Phone Mount Guide. It now contains much of what I’ve been discussing in my blog series (and more). You can also view the above demo videos as well as videos of different mounting brackets.

The next best thing is a “universal” cradle/holder for your phone.

There are a number of “universal” cradles – and we’ve tested many of them. Unfortunately, most are not made with the vibration of a motorcycle on today’s road surfaces in mind, and just won’t hold up more than a season or two.

But we found one that does. We call it the eCaddy Deluxe Universal Cradle. It has padded arms that ratchet in and tightly squeeze the phone (you can even keep your protective cover). It has a soft no-slip foam pad on the surface, and movable feet. You can also add the UltraTilt option.

Apple iPhone: Because of the popularity of the Apple iPhone, you can get a form-fitted cradle that you snap your phone into. The cradle attaches to our eCaddy Diamond hardware for a slim, streamlined look. However, if you have a case/cover for your iPhone that you refuse to part with when riding, then this option will not work for you (then it’s back to the “universal” options for you!). See iPhone Mounting Guide.

Do you ever worry about your phone getting wet in the rain? Want to waterproof your phone? My next post will tell you how to do just that!

There are quite a few options these days:

• Handlebar Mounts: this is probably the most flexible option, because you can position a round-bar clamp anywhere along the entire length of the handlebar, from center all the way to the grip. You also have more brands/styles of mounts to choose from, ranging from plastic to stainless steel to ours, which is aluminum (then chrome plated or anodized black). In our experience with phone mounts, you get what you pay for. So if your phone is important to you, my recommendation is: don’t skimp!
• Windshield mounts: this option usually involves a suction cup of some sort. First drawback: suction cup mounts do not provide as many angles as you might want. But in my mind, an even bigger drawback is the potential for the suction to become loose and disengage with all that road vibration…goodbye, phone! For that matter, vibration may make the phone difficult to read.
• Tank mounts: I think we all know about tank BAGS, so I won’t spend any time on this except to note that it is always an option. Tank mounts can utilize suction cups, as well (and you already know how I feel about those!). There are also phone holders with strong magnets sewn in that you can slap on your tank (drawback: potential scratching of your tank).
• Switch housing/reservoir mounts: This type of mount is popular on Harley-Davidson and Goldwing motorcycles, and can be mounted to many of the metric motorcycle reservoirs as well. It utilizes the two bolts that hold your brake reservoir and/or your clutch reservoir. This is a great option for those bikes with very little handlebar space available. Just keep in mind that this option puts the phone pretty far away from your eyeballs. Having a tilt/swivel capability (so you can aim that small phone screen at your eyes) can become very important.

Well, that’s enough for today… next up: “Picking your Gripper”!

Mounting a phone on a motorcycle doesn’t have to be complicated. (In fact, it’s less complicated than learning how to USE some of these new phones!) For the next few posts, I’ll talk about what you might want to consider when mounting a phone on your motorcycle.

First: Some Planning

It’s a good idea to decide what functions of the phone you are most likely to use when riding. This can help you narrow down your mounting preferences.

• Do you use the phone to see who is calling? Or do you wait until you’ve stopped to check?
• Do you play music via your phone?
• Do you want to be able to take pictures with your phone as you ride?
• Do you use a GPS (navigation) feature on your phone?

How often do you need to touch the phone’s screen? If you need to touch it often, you’ll want to make sure whatever mount you use makes it easy (and safe) to do so.

Do you prefer to mount your phone in the ‘typical’ vertical fashion? Or is it easier for you to view features (such as GPS) in a more horizontal position? Will you need to be able to change it from vertical to horizontal depending on how you’re using it that day? Would you like to be able to tilt or turn your phone if you get sun glare?

In the next post, I’ll cover considerations for where to mount…

On – you guessed it – the Desert Dawgs Rain & Wind Guards.

All stock styles are up to $20 OFF per pair. That means you can get a set (or your friend can!) for UNDER $100 (custom items are the exception).

If you like bling on your bike, you can add chrome studs. You can even add Fog light cut-outs if you want ‘em. It’ll still be up to $20 LESS than you’d normally pay.

That makes NOW a great time to buy a set, don’t you think?

WHY DESERT DAWGS?

Desert Dawgs rain guards eliminate road spray and keep the rider warmer without a bulky motorcycle fairing.

• minimize cold updrafts
• repel road spray from front wheel and flared front fender
• keep bug juice off motorcycle chrome (and legs!)
• allow engine cooling – NO temperature restriction!
• easy on-and-off
• does not affect bike handling
• MADE IN THE USA!

Desert Dawgs are available in over 40 fitments for Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Honda motorcycle models. All fitments can be found here: http://www.leadermotorcycle.com/desert-dawgs-rain-guards/

What can the average biker do about it? The problems are so big, and the challenges so great, that you might feel powerless.

Let me introduce you to AmericasGotProduct.com. This organization breaks the problem down into numbers that anyone can understand. It rates every product based on the economic footprint that each purchase leaves on this country with zero to four stars.

Four stars means the product is good for America, while zero means a negative economic footprint – money flowing out of the USA. [editor’s note: Leader Motorcycle rates 4 stars]

“We the people can reward the companies investing in our economy with our purchases, reduce our trade deficit and put Americans back to work,” says founder Christopher Kilcullin. “Washington clearly cannot fix this alone, and it is time that we all put an oar in the water and start rowing in the same direction.”

But now this organization needs YOUR help to get the word out. They are looking to raise money to take their message to a bigger, broader platform.

You can be a part of the solution! By utilizing Kickstarter’s ‘crowdfunding’ approach, anyone can pledge money – even as little as $5!

We’ve pledged. Will you?

The Ultra takes the BEST ideas from our experience with phone mounts and goes one step farther: it makes your phone (or ipod) waterproof! It is extremely versatile, has a slim, clean look and yet still allows you to operate the touch screen when needed.

Features include:

• Ultra-Swivel

The cornerstone of the eCaddy™ Ultra is the Ultra-Swivel feature, which gives the rider unlimited positioning ability in three ways. So you’ll never have trouble seeing your phone or iPod! (It also means you can mount vertically or horizontally to accommodate functions like GPS/navigation.)

• Ultra Buddy

The Ultra Buddy waterproof cover (3-3/8” x 5-1/4”) has a clear vinyl front that keeps your phone safe from water but also allows you to use the touchscreen. Simply slide your phone (or iPod) in and close the velcro flap (wires can be run out the edge if desired).

• Ultra Plate

The Ultra Plate is what holds everything together. It contains four holes that “mate” to the back of the Ultra Buddy waterproof cover, ensuring that the phone will never come loose from the mount. The other side connects to the Ultra-Swivel.

All eCaddy™ Ultra parts are MADE IN THE USA. For more details about all our motorcycle phone mount options, check out the Motorcycle Phone Mounting Guide: http://www.leadermotorcycle.com/phoneguide.html.

Why are companies that have been manufacturing overseas (China and Japan in particular) now making an effort to manufacture in the USA?

Simple: the cost savings are not as great as they used to be. The Chinese and Japanese workers have figured out that they’re worth more than what US companies paid them, and they are demanding better pay. That makes those parts more expensive to manufacture overseas … which makes the cost of manufacturing in the US start to look more competitive. It’s simple economics, really.

A year ago Gerbing (maker of heated motorcycle vests) announced the opening of a new factory in North Carolina. I admit, I was skeptical (and just so I’m on the up-and-up, I own and ride with Gerbing gear myself). After all, many companies say “Made in the USA” (including Harley-Davidson, by the way) when in fact, many components are made elsewhere and then assembled in the USA. Big distinction!

This week brings more news from Gerbing. The company has committed to sourcing all raw materials in the U.S. “When I say we’re going to make a product in America, that means top to bottom,” Gerbing said. “Every piece of cloth, every zipper, every plug, every wire, every thread is going to be sourced from American companies.” {my note: some items are just no longer available in the US} … “That means we’re helping to employ Americans at those supplier companies as well. It’s win/win for us and for our country.” 

While I applaud companies for doing what they should have been doing all along, I feel a little ripped off.

Here are Leader, we’ve ALWAYS made our parts in America. Even when it was hard (and it can be!). Even when was cheaper to do it elsewhere. Even when it would have been easier to “give in” to the price pressure and competition in the marketplace.

Why? Because, all along, to us it hasn’t just been about the money. It’s been about pride, and about supporting the country that has given us the opportunity to do what we love and make a living at it.

Gerbing’s CEO is quoted as saying, “It’s about time we started thinking of our country first, instead of just who’s got the cheapest prices.” Wouldn’t it be nice if we knew WHICH companies had done that all along??