How Should I Mount My Action Camera to Motorcycle Helmet for Best Shots

Mount your action camera to the side or top of your motorcycle helmet using a secure adhesive or clamp mount for the most stable, dynamic shots. This positioning minimizes wind resistance while capturing a first-person perspective that’s immersive and cinematic. Avoid the chin mount unless aiming for aggressive, low-angle footage—it can strain your neck and reduce stability at high speeds.

Key Takeaways

• Choose a secure mount: Use adhesive or clamp mounts designed for helmets to prevent drops.
• Position for stability: Mount at the top or side for balanced, vibration-free footage.
• Angle it right: Tilt the camera slightly down to capture the road and handlebars.
• Check field of view: Test the frame to ensure no helmet parts block the shot.
• Use protective housing: Shield your camera from wind, rain, and debris during rides.
• Secure cables properly: Tuck and fasten wires to avoid wind noise and distractions.

Why Helmet Mounting Matters for Motorcycle Action Cameras

Let’s be honest—riding a motorcycle is one of the most exhilarating experiences out there. The wind in your face, the hum of the engine, the curves of the open road—it’s pure freedom. But what if you could capture that magic and share it with the world? That’s where mounting an action camera to your helmet comes in. Whether you’re a vlogger, a track day enthusiast, or just want to relive your weekend rides, a well-mounted camera can turn your helmet into a personal film studio.

I remember my first attempt at mounting a camera on my helmet. I slapped on a cheap adhesive mount, hit record, and took off. Five minutes later, the camera was dangling by its cable, having ripped off mid-corner. Lesson learned: a shaky, poorly mounted camera doesn’t just ruin your footage—it can be dangerous. That’s why choosing the right mounting method, location, and gear is essential. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to mount your action camera to your motorcycle helmet for the best shots, safely and securely.

Understanding Your Helmet and Camera Compatibility

Know Your Helmet Type and Shape

Not all helmets are built the same, and your mounting options depend heavily on the design. Full-face helmets offer the most surface area and stability, making them ideal for mounts. Modular (flip-up) helmets can work too, but the moving parts add complexity. Open-face or half helmets? You’ll have fewer options, but we’ll cover those later.

Take a close look at your helmet’s shape. Is it round, angular, or aerodynamic? A smooth, curved surface (like most full-face helmets) works best for adhesive mounts. If your helmet has ridges, vents, or a pronounced brow, you may need to adjust your mount placement or use a more flexible solution.

Action Camera Size and Weight

Your camera’s weight and size matter. A tiny GoPro Session or DJI Pocket 3 is light and easy to mount. But a bulky camera like the Insta360 X3 or a GoPro with a battery grip adds more mass. The heavier the camera, the more stress it puts on the mount—especially during high-speed turns or bumps.

For example, I once mounted a GoPro Hero 11 with a 3-way pivot arm on the side of my helmet. The added leverage from the arm made the camera wobble like crazy at 70 mph. I switched to a low-profile mount, and the difference was night and day. Always test your setup at lower speeds before hitting the highway.

Check Manufacturer Guidelines

Some helmet manufacturers discourage or even void warranties if you drill holes or use strong adhesives. Always check your helmet’s manual or website before modifying it. If you’re unsure, stick to non-permanent mounts like straps or adhesive pads designed for helmets.

For instance, Shoei and Arai helmets often recommend avoiding glue-on mounts on the chin bar due to safety concerns. Instead, they suggest top or side mounts that don’t interfere with impact absorption zones.

Best Mounting Locations on Your Helmet

Top Mount (Crown of the Helmet)

The top mount is one of the most popular choices—and for good reason. It gives you a wide, unobstructed view of the road ahead. It’s also less likely to catch wind or debris, reducing vibration. Plus, it looks cinematic, like a first-person view from a drone.

Pros:

• Stable and aerodynamic
• Minimal wind noise
• Great for vlogging or scenic rides

Cons:

• Can make the helmet top-heavy if the camera is large
• May interfere with sun visors or vents on some helmets

Tip: Use a low-profile mount (like a GoPro “Jaws” clamp or adhesive base) to keep the camera close to the helmet. Avoid tall arms unless you’re shooting for a specific angle.

Chin Mount (Front of the Helmet)

The chin mount is a favorite among track riders and vloggers. It sits just below the visor, capturing a natural POV that mimics your eye level. This is perfect for showing hand movements, throttle control, or your reaction to a close pass.

Pros:

• Natural, immersive perspective
• Great for showing rider input
• Low center of gravity (less wobble)

Cons:

• Can block airflow if poorly placed
• Risk of fogging the visor (camera body may warm up)
• Some helmets have sharp chin edges that make mounting tricky

Tip: Clean the chin area with isopropyl alcohol before applying an adhesive mount. Use a mount with a slight upward angle (10–15 degrees) to capture the road without cutting off your hands.

Side Mount (Temple or Ear Area)

Side mounts are great for capturing lateral action—like leaning into a turn or passing another rider. They’re also useful if your helmet has a sun visor or if you want to avoid the top or chin areas.

Pros:

• Unique side-angle shots
• Less likely to interfere with visors
• Good for dual-camera setups (side + top)

Cons:

• Can catch wind at high speeds (causing vibration)
• May interfere with earbuds or comms systems

Tip: Use a flexible arm mount to adjust the angle. Position it just behind the temple to avoid blocking your peripheral vision.

Rear or Back Mount (For Tail Shots)

Want to capture your bike’s rear wheel or the road behind you? A rear mount is your go-to. It’s also great for group rides—show off your friends following behind.

Pros:

• Unique rear POV
• Low risk of wind interference

Cons:

• Limited field of view (mostly behind you)
• Hard to adjust once mounted

Tip: Use this for specific shots, not long-term recording. A small adhesive mount on the back of the helmet works well.

Choosing the Right Mount Type and Accessories

Adhesive Mounts (3M VHB Pads)

Adhesive mounts are the most common. They use high-strength 3M VHB tape to stick to your helmet. They’re lightweight, low-profile, and don’t require drilling.

When to use: For permanent or semi-permanent setups on smooth helmet surfaces. Ideal for top and chin mounts.

How to apply:

• Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol (no residue!)
• Apply the adhesive pad and press firmly for 30 seconds
• Wait 24 hours before using (for full bond strength)

Warning: Don’t use adhesive mounts on textured or matte finishes. The bond won’t hold, and you’ll risk losing your camera. If your helmet has a matte finish, use a strap mount instead.

Strap Mounts (Rubber or Nylon)

Strap mounts use rubber or nylon bands to secure the camera. They’re removable, adjustable, and work on any helmet—even those with vents or ridges.

When to use: For temporary setups, rental helmets, or if you’re unsure about adhesives.

Best for: Side or rear mounts, open-face helmets, or helmets with irregular shapes.

Tip: Look for mounts with anti-slip silicone lining. I once used a cheap strap mount that shifted during a ride, and my camera ended up facing sideways—not ideal for a vlog.

Clamp Mounts (Jaws or Pincer Style)

Clamp mounts grip the helmet’s edge or visor frame. They’re common for chin mounts and work well on helmets with a pronounced lip.

When to use: For full-face helmets with a solid chin bar. Avoid on modular helmets where the chin bar moves.

Pros:

• Secure grip (won’t fall off)
• No adhesive needed

Cons:

• May leave marks on the helmet
• Not suitable for all helmet designs

DIY and 3D-Printed Mounts

If you’re handy with tools or have access to a 3D printer, custom mounts can solve tricky placement issues. For example, I once designed a 3D-printed chin mount for my modular helmet because standard mounts didn’t fit the hinge area.

Pros:

• Custom fit for your helmet
• Can integrate with comms or lights

Cons:

• Requires design and printing time
• May not be as durable as commercial mounts

Tip: Use flexible filament (like TPU) for mounts that need to absorb vibration.

Stabilizing Your Footage and Reducing Vibration

Use a Low-Profile Mount

The longer the mount arm, the more it acts like a lever. This amplifies vibrations from the road. For smooth footage, keep the camera as close to the helmet as possible. A low-profile adhesive base or a short arm is best.

I tested a GoPro on a 6-inch arm vs. a 1-inch base. The long arm footage looked like a rollercoaster—unwatchable. The short base? Crisp and stable.

Enable Image Stabilization

Most action cameras have built-in stabilization (like GoPro’s HyperSmooth or DJI’s RockSteady). Turn it on! Even with a good mount, some micro-vibrations are inevitable. Stabilization software smooths them out in real time.

Tip: Use “Boost” or “High” stabilization modes for bumpy roads, but note it crops the frame slightly.

Add a Wind Screen

Wind noise can ruin audio. A foam windscreen over the camera’s mic (or a deadcat furry cover) cuts down on roar. It won’t eliminate all noise, but it makes a big difference.

For example, my GoPro’s audio was unusable on the highway until I added a deadcat. Now, I can hear engine sounds and even my voice clearly.

Check for Loose Parts

Vibration often comes from loose screws or wobbly mounts. Tighten all bolts and check the mount regularly. I carry a tiny multi-tool on long rides for quick adjustments.

Data Table: Mounting Methods Compared

Mount Type	Best For	Durability	Ease of Use	Wind Resistance	Removability
Adhesive (3M VHB)	Top, chin, smooth surfaces	High (if applied correctly)	Medium (24-hour cure time)	Excellent	Permanent (requires heat to remove)
Strap (Rubber/Nylon)	Side, rear, textured helmets	Medium (straps can degrade)	High	Good	Fully removable
Clamp (Jaws)	Chin bar, solid edges	High	High	Excellent	Removable (may leave marks)
DIY/3D-Printed	Custom solutions	Variable (depends on material)	Low (requires design)	Good (if well-designed)	Depends on design

Final Tips for the Best Shots and Safe Riding

Mounting your action camera to your motorcycle helmet is more than just slapping on a piece of gear. It’s about balancing best shots with safety, stability, and comfort. Here are my final tips from years of trial and error:

• Test before you ride: Do a 10-minute test ride at low speed. Check for wobble, wind noise, and visibility.
• Keep it simple: The best footage often comes from the simplest setup. Don’t overcomplicate it with multiple arms or gimbals.
• Respect the helmet’s integrity: Avoid drilling or modifying impact zones. Your helmet’s job is to protect you—don’t compromise that.
• Use a safety tether: Even with a perfect mount, accidents happen. A wrist strap or lanyard ensures your camera doesn’t become a projectile.
• Clean and inspect regularly: Dirt, sweat, and UV exposure can degrade adhesives and straps. Check your mount every few rides.
• Angle it right: Aim the camera slightly downward (5–10 degrees) to capture the road without cutting off your hands.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to record your ride—it’s to tell a story. Whether you’re chasing mountain roads, commuting through the city, or racing on track, your camera should enhance the experience, not distract from it. With the right mount, the right location, and a little patience, you’ll capture footage that’s as thrilling as the ride itself.

So go ahead—grab your camera, pick your mount, and hit the road. Just don’t forget to enjoy the ride, camera rolling or not. After all, the best moments aren’t always the ones you record. Sometimes, they’re the ones you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I mount my action camera to a motorcycle helmet for the best shots?

For the best footage, mount your action camera on the side or top of your motorcycle helmet using a secure adhesive or clamp mount. This positioning reduces wind resistance while capturing a first-person perspective that’s immersive and stable.

What type of mount works best for a motorcycle helmet?

A low-profile adhesive mount or a chin mount designed for helmets is ideal, as they minimize vibration and stay secure at high speeds. Look for mounts compatible with your action camera model and helmet shape for optimal stability.

Can I mount my action camera on the top of my helmet without it wobbling?

Yes, using a sturdy adhesive mount with a curved base that matches your helmet’s contour helps prevent wobbling. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying, and allow the adhesive to cure fully for maximum hold.

Is it safe to mount an action camera on my motorcycle helmet?

When properly installed, mounting an action camera is generally safe and doesn’t compromise helmet integrity. Avoid drilling holes, and choose mounts that don’t obstruct your vision or interfere with the helmet’s safety certification.

How do I reduce wind noise when mounting my action camera to my helmet?

Use a wind-resistant housing or a foam windshield on your camera’s microphone, and position the camera close to the helmet surface to reduce buffeting. Side or chin mounts typically capture less wind noise than top mounts.

Should I use a chin mount or side mount for my action camera on a motorcycle helmet?

A chin mount often provides a more dynamic, forward-facing view that mimics your line of sight, while side mounts offer a traditional profile shot. Choose based on your preferred angle and the type of footage you want to capture.