Handlebar Mount vs. Handlebar Clamp Bolt Mount: Which Fits Your Bike Better?

A reliable handlebar phone mount makes every ride more convenient, whether you're commuting to work, exploring scenic roads, or following GPS on a weekend adventure. With your smartphone securely mounted, it's easier to view directions, control music, or keep important information within sight without stopping every few miles.

 But choosing a motorcycle phone mount isn't just about finding one that holds your phone. It also needs to match your motorcycle's design. Two of the most popular options are traditional handlebar mounts and handlebar clamp bolt mounts. While both offer excellent stability and convenience, they install differently and suit different motorcycles.

 In this guide, we'll compare both mounting styles, explain where each one performs best, and help you decide whether the GRxplore MT11 or GRxplore MT13 is the better choice for your bike.

Why Choosing the Right Handlebar Phone Mount Matters

Not every motorcycle has the same cockpit layout, which means the best mounting solution can vary from one bike to another. Choosing the right handlebar phone mount improves visibility, keeps your controls accessible, and creates a cleaner riding experience. Before comparing the two mounting styles, let's look at why the right choice makes such a difference.

Stability Makes Every Ride More Comfortable

Your phone experiences constant movement while riding. Engine vibration, rough roads, and sudden braking can all affect how stable your mount feels. A well-designed motorcycle phone mount minimizes unnecessary movement while keeping your device firmly locked in place.

 Whether you're commuting every day or heading out on longer rides, stability improves confidence. You spend less time checking your phone and more time enjoying the road ahead.

Visibility Should Never Be Overlooked

A good mounting position allows you to glance at navigation without taking your eyes off the road for more than a moment. At the same time, it shouldn't block your instrument cluster or interfere with your riding position.

 That's why choosing the right handlebar phone mount isn't only about compatibility. It's also about creating a setup that feels natural every time you ride.

What Is a Traditional Handlebar Phone Mount?

A traditional handlebar phone mount is one of the most common solutions available for motorcycles. Instead of attaching to bolts or other mounting points, it clamps directly around the handlebars using adapters that match different handlebar diameters.

 This simple design makes it popular among riders who want an easy installation and broad compatibility across different motorcycles.

How It Works

The GRxplore MT11 fits 22 mm, 25.4 mm, 28.6 mm, and 32 mm handlebars using the included adapter inserts. Once installed, it provides a secure mounting point while keeping your phone within easy reach.

 Like other GRxplore mounts, the MT11 features a 1-second quick-release system, N54 magnetic alignment, mechanical twist-to-lock security, 360-degree rotation, and up to 140 degrees of vertical adjustment. It also incorporates a metal vibration-dampening system to help reduce vibration transferred to your phone.

Best Motorcycles for This Style

The MT11 is an excellent choice for motorcycles with exposed handlebars, including many naked bikes, standard motorcycles, touring models, and some adventure bikes. Because it clamps directly around the handlebars, installation is straightforward without requiring threaded mounting holes.

 However, while this style is versatile, some riders prefer an even cleaner cockpit. That's where a

handlebar clamp bolt mount becomes an attractive alternative.

What Is a Handlebar Clamp Bolt Mount?

If your motorcycle has exposed handlebar clamp bolts, a clamp bolt mount offers a clean and integrated alternative to a traditional handlebar phone mount. Instead of wrapping around the handlebars, this design replaces one of the existing clamp bolts with a dedicated mounting base.

 The result is a setup that looks factory-installed while keeping your phone securely positioned.

For riders who value a minimalist cockpit, this mounting style is often the preferred choice.

How It Works

The GRxplore MT13 is designed to attach directly to your motorcycle's handlebar clamp using a threaded mounting point. It is available in M6, M8, and M10 versions, allowing riders to choose the correct model based on their bike's specifications.

 Like the MT11, the MT13 includes GRxplore's 1-second quick-release system, making it easy to attach or remove your phone with one hand. N54 high-performance magnets guide your phone into place, while the twist-to-lock mechanism provides an extra layer of security for confident riding.

 The mount also supports 360-degree rotation and up to 140 degrees of vertical adjustment, allowing you to find a comfortable viewing angle whether you're navigating through traffic or enjoying a long weekend ride.

Which Bikes Benefit Most?

A handlebar clamp bolt mount works best on motorcycles with accessible clamp bolts near the center of the handlebars. Many naked bikes, streetfighters, and touring motorcycles use this layout, making the MT13 an excellent option for riders who want a clean, low-profile installation.

 Because the mount attaches directly to the clamp rather than wrapping around the handlebars, it also leaves more room for other accessories and creates a less cluttered cockpit.

 So, how does it compare to a traditional handlebar phone mount? Let's look at the differences side by side.

Handlebar Phone Mount vs. Handlebar Clamp Bolt Mount

Both mounting styles are reliable, secure, and designed for everyday riding. The biggest differences come down to installation, appearance, compatibility, and personal preference. Understanding these differences makes it much easier to choose the right setup for your motorcycle.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which One Looks Better?

Appearance often comes down to personal preference. Riders who enjoy a simple installation usually appreciate the MT11 because it blends naturally with exposed handlebars.

 The MT13, however, creates a more integrated look by mounting directly to the handlebar clamp. If you prefer a cockpit with fewer visible accessories, the clamp bolt design delivers a cleaner finish that complements modern motorcycles.

Which One Offers Better Stability?

Both the MT11 and MT13 are designed to keep your phone secure throughout everyday riding. They feature CNC-machined aluminum construction, GRxplore's magnetic alignment system, and a mechanical locking mechanism that keeps your device firmly attached.

 Since both models also include metal vibration dampening, you'll enjoy excellent stability whether you're riding through city traffic or cruising on the highway. Rather than one being more stable than the other, the better choice depends on your motorcycle's mounting points.

Which One Is Easier to Install?

If your motorcycle has exposed handlebars, the MT11 is typically the quicker installation. Simply select the correct adapter insert for your handlebar diameter, secure the mount, and adjust your preferred viewing angle.

 The MT13 requires matching the correct threaded version to your motorcycle's clamp bolts, but once installed, it provides a very clean and secure setup. Neither installation is especially difficult, provided you choose the correct fitment for your bike.

MT11 vs. MT13: Which One Should You Choose?

Now that you've seen how both mounting styles compare, the decision becomes much simpler. Both products deliver the same premium GRxplore experience, but each serves a slightly different type of rider.

Choose the MT11 If...

The MT11 is an excellent option if your motorcycle has exposed handlebars and you want a versatile handlebar phone mount that's easy to install. Its included adapter inserts fit multiple handlebar sizes, making it a flexible choice for riders who value simplicity and broad compatibility.

 It's also a great option if you regularly switch motorcycles with similar handlebar sizes or prefer a mounting system that doesn't rely on threaded clamp bolts.

Choose the MT13 If...

The MT13 is ideal if your motorcycle has M6, M8, or M10 handlebar clamp bolts and you want the cleanest possible installation. By mounting directly to the clamp, it creates a sleek cockpit while leaving more room around the handlebars for other accessories.

 It's a popular choice among riders who appreciate factory-style integration without sacrificing convenience or adjustability.

 No matter which model you choose, remember that both require a GRxplore phone case or a universal adhesive adapter to securely connect your smartphone to the mount.

Installation Tips Before Your First Ride

Choosing the right mount is only half the job. Installing it correctly ensures your handlebar phone mount performs as expected every time you ride. Taking a few extra minutes during installation can improve stability, visibility, and overall convenience.

Choose the Correct Mounting Option

Before installing your mount, confirm which setup matches your motorcycle.

 If you're using the MT11, measure your handlebar diameter and select the correct adapter insert for 22 mm, 25.4 mm, 28.6 mm, or 32 mm handlebars. A properly fitted adapter helps create a secure connection while preventing unnecessary movement.

 If you've chosen the MT13, check whether your motorcycle uses M6, M8, or M10 handlebar clamp bolts. Selecting the correct version before installation is essential for a proper fit.

 Both mounts also require a GRxplore phone case or a universal adhesive adapter, so make sure you have the appropriate accessory before your first ride.

Adjust Your Viewing Angle

Once the mount is installed, spend a few minutes adjusting its position.

 Both the MT11 and MT13 support 360-degree rotation and up to 140 degrees of vertical adjustment, allowing you to position your phone exactly where it's most comfortable to view.

 Aim to place your phone where navigation is easy to read without blocking your speedometer or warning lights. Before riding in traffic, test the quick-release mechanism several times and take a short ride to confirm everything remains secure.

 A properly adjusted motorcycle phone mount should feel like a natural part of your cockpit rather than an added accessory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a handlebar phone mount or a clamp bolt mount more secure?

Both are designed to provide excellent stability when installed correctly. The MT11 securely clamps around the handlebars, while the MT13 mounts directly to the handlebar clamp bolts. Since both feature GRxplore's mechanical locking system and vibration dampening, the best choice depends on your motorcycle's design rather than overall security.

Which motorcycles are best suited for the MT11?

The MT11 is ideal for motorcycles with exposed handlebars measuring 22 mm, 25.4 mm, 28.6 mm, or 32 mm. It works well on many standard motorcycles, naked bikes, touring models, and some adventure motorcycles.

When should I choose the MT13?

Choose the MT13 if your motorcycle has accessible M6, M8, or M10 handlebar clamp bolts and you prefer a cleaner, more integrated installation. It's an excellent solution for riders who want to maximize handlebar space while maintaining a factory-style appearance.

Can I rotate my phone while it's mounted?

Yes. Both the MT11 and MT13 support 360-degree rotation, allowing you to quickly switch between portrait and landscape orientation depending on your preferred navigation app.

Do I need a special phone case?

Yes. Both mounts require a GRxplore phone case or a universal adhesive adapter to create a secure connection between your phone and the mounting system.

Conclusion

The best handlebar phone mount isn't necessarily the one with the most features—it's the one that fits your motorcycle and the way you ride. While the MT11 offers outstanding versatility for motorcycles with exposed handlebars, the MT13 provides a sleek, integrated solution for bikes equipped with handlebar clamp bolts.

 Both mounts share the same premium GRxplore experience, including a one-second quick-release system, magnetic alignment, mechanical twist-to-lock security, vibration dampening, and flexible viewing adjustments. The real difference lies in how they install and which cockpit design they complement best.

 Whether you prioritize simple installation or a cleaner factory-style appearance, choosing the right mount will make navigation easier, keep your phone secure, and help create a more organized riding experience.

 Still deciding between the MT11 and MT13? Contact the GRxplore team what motorcycle you ride, and they'll help you choose the mounting option that fits your bike and your riding style so you can spend less time comparing and more time enjoying the ride.