How to Mount GoPro to Motorcycle Helmet?

Looking to elevate your motorcycle adventure by capturing every twist and turn? Mounting a GoPro on your helmet is a game changer for documenting your rides, but safety is paramount. Without a secure setup, even the best footage isn't worth the risk.

This guide provides detailed steps to mount your GoPro safely, using key tools such as chin mounts with 3M adhesive for a reliable hold. Whether you're aiming for an eye-level perspective or testing out side mounts, you'll learn how to choose the perfect spot and avoid legal pitfalls.

Get ready to create stunning ride logs, without compromising safety.

Tools and Accessories Needed for Mounting a GoPro

Mounting a GoPro on a motorcycle helmet requires specific tools and accessories to secure the camera effectively. A well-executed setup ensures that the camera remains stable during rides, capturing high-quality footage. Several items are essential for a successful GoPro helmet mount, each playing a crucial role in the stability and security of the camera.

• Helmet Mounts: Designed specifically for various helmet types, such as Chin Mounts tailored for models like Harley-Davidson HD h31.

• 3M Adhesive Pads: Provide a strong bond between the mount and the helmet surface.

• Safety Tethers: Add an extra layer of security, preventing the camera from detaching during rides.

• Swivel Mount Assembly: Allows for easy angle adjustments to get the perfect shot.

• Hair Dryer or Heat Gun: Used to warm the adhesive, ensuring a firm attachment.

Each item in the list serves a specific purpose in the GoPro helmet setup. Helmet mounts and 3M adhesive pads form the backbone of the attachment, ensuring a solid base for the camera. Safety tethers act as a precautionary measure, safeguarding against accidental dislodgment.

Swivel mount assemblies provide flexibility in filming angles, enhancing the recording experience. Finally, warming the adhesive with a hair dryer helps in achieving a secure bond, crucial for maintaining the integrity of the setup through varied riding conditions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Mounting a GoPro on Your Helmet

Mounting a GoPro on a motorcycle helmet safely involves a precise process to ensure the camera remains secure and functional throughout your ride. Following each step meticulously is crucial for achieving a stable setup, allowing you to capture clear and uninterrupted footage. Below is a detailed guide to help you mount your GoPro effectively.

1. Select the Ideal Mounting Location:

Which position offers the best perspective and stability for a GoPro on a helmet? Chin mounts are often favored for their eye-level viewpoint and stability, while top or side mounts can provide varied angles.

2. Clean the Helmet Surface:

Why is cleaning the helmet surface necessary? A clean surface ensures better adhesion. Use a mild alcohol solution to remove any dust, oils, or debris that could compromise the adhesive's grip.

3. Test Fit the Mount:

How should you test fit the mount? Before applying adhesive, position the mount on the helmet to determine the best angle and ensure it aligns with your desired field of view.

4. Warm the Adhesive Pad:

How does warming the adhesive pad help? Use a hair dryer to slightly warm the 3M adhesive pad, enhancing its bonding capability. This step is crucial for a firm attachment.

5. Apply Pressure to Secure the Mount:

How long should pressure be applied? Press the mount onto the helmet and hold for 30 to 60 seconds. This ensures there are no gaps between the adhesive and the helmet.

6. Allow Adhesive to Cure:

How long should adhesive curing take? For optimal results, allow the adhesive to cure for at least 24 hours before mounting the camera. A 48-hour cure time is recommended for enhanced security.

7. Attach and Secure the Camera:

What additional step can enhance security? After securing the camera, use a safety tether as an additional precaution to prevent accidental detachment.

Allowing the adhesive ample curing time is essential for a robust setup. This patience ensures that the camera remains secure during rides, even under challenging conditions. Once fully cured, make any final adjustments to the camera angle for the best recording experience.

Different Mounting Positions for Optimal Recording

Mounting a GoPro on a motorcycle helmet offers different perspectives depending on the chosen position. Popular mounting locations include the chin, side, and top of the helmet. The chin mount is favored for its eye-level perspective, mimicking the rider's view and providing a stable recording scenario.

Side mounting is commonly used by those wearing open-face helmets and can be attached to either side. Top mounting offers an elevated viewpoint that captures a broader field of vision, often favored for scenic rides.

Each mounting position has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The chin mount provides a natural and immersive perspective, enhancing the viewing experience by aligning the camera closely with the rider's line of sight. Its stability is excellent, but it may slightly hinder ventilation.

Side mounts offer a unique angle and are less intrusive, but they can be less stable and more susceptible to wind drag. Top mounting captures more of the surrounding environment but can increase wind resistance, potentially affecting helmet balance and stability.

Choosing the right mounting position depends largely on personal preference and the recording objectives. Riders seeking an immersive first-person view might opt for a chin mount. Those interested in capturing more of the surrounding scenery might prefer the top mount.

For a balanced approach that provides a distinct angle without excessive wind interference, a side mount could be ideal. Ultimately, the decision should align with the rider's intended purpose for the footage and comfort during rides.

Safety Considerations and Legal Aspects of Helmet Mounting

Mounting a GoPro on a motorcycle helmet raises important legal considerations. It is permissible to attach a camera to a full-face helmet provided that the helmet's structural integrity remains uncompromised. This means avoiding modifications such as drilling holes, which could weaken the helmet and jeopardize safety.

Compliance with safety standards is crucial, as these ensure the helmet provides sufficient protection in the event of an accident. Key safety standards include SNELL, DOT, ECE, SHARP, and FIM, each offering varying degrees of certification based on rigorous testing.

From a safety perspective, employing secure attachment methods is paramount. Using a safety tether can prevent the camera from detaching during a ride, adding an extra layer of security. It's essential to avoid any modifications that could undermine the helmet's protective capabilities, such as altering its shell or internal padding.

Ensuring that the setup does not interfere with helmet performance is vital. This means the camera should not obstruct the rider's vision or balance, and the mounting should not compromise the helmet's ability to absorb impact efficiently during an accident.

Enhancing Your Riding Experience with Proper GoPro Setup

Capturing high-quality footage with a GoPro not only allows riders to share their thrilling rides but also provides an opportunity to analyze riding techniques and improve skills. With GoPro's durability, powerful lenses, and high frame rates, capturing stunning visuals of stunts and scenic routes becomes more accessible.

The preferred first-person view setup used by many motovloggers enhances the immersive experience, making viewers feel as if they are part of the ride. Optimizing this setup can significantly enrich the quality of the recordings, ensuring each ride is documented in the best possible way.

• Adjust the camera angle to align with your riding perspective for an authentic view.

• Set the GoPro to the highest resolution and frame rate for crisp and smooth footage.

• Use an external microphone for superior audio quality, reducing wind noise.

• Periodically check and clean the camera lens to prevent smudges and ensure clarity.

These tips help in achieving optimal video capture, transforming each ride into a visually engaging story that can be shared and enjoyed time and again.

Final Words

Mastering how to mount a GoPro to a motorcycle helmet elevates the overall riding experience.
Essential tools, precise steps, and awareness of optimal positions ensure a solid setup.

Understanding legalities and safety considerations guarantees a secure attachment method. Embrace these insights to record your adventures confidently and safely. With proper setup, every ride turns into a cinematic journey, enriching your motorcycling ventures.

FAQ

How to mount a GoPro on a motorcycle helmet?

Mounting a GoPro on a motorcycle helmet involves choosing the ideal location, cleaning the surface, and securing it with adhesive or mounts. Popular positions include the chin, side, and top, each offering different perspectives.

Is it illegal to mount a GoPro on a motorcycle helmet?

Mounting a GoPro on a motorcycle helmet is legal if the helmet's structural integrity remains unharmed. Avoid drilling holes and adhere to SNELL, DOT, ECE, SHARP, or FIM safety standards.

What tools and accessories are needed for mounting a GoPro?

You'll need a helmet mount kit, 3M adhesive, a tether for security, a plastic adapter, and a cleaning cloth to ensure a strong and stable GoPro setup on your helmet.

Where is the best place to mount a GoPro on a helmet or motorcycle?

The best place to mount a GoPro depends on the desired video angle. Chin and top mounts offer rider-perspective views, while side mounts provide unique angles, mainly for non-full-face helmets.

How to attach a GoPro to a helmet without adhesive?

Using a helmet-specific mount kit with straps or clips can secure a GoPro without adhesive, offering flexibility while maintaining a reliable hold.

Why are GoPros sometimes considered illegal on motorcycle helmets?

GoPros are considered illegal if mounting them compromises helmet integrity, such as by drilling, which violates safety standards and may lead to fines or compromised protection during accidents.

What is the price range of GoPro helmet cameras?

GoPro cameras, suitable for helmet mounting, vary in price based on models and features, such as the HERO12 Black or HERO10 Black, ranging approximately from $300 to $450.

How can a GoPro enhance the riding experience?

GoPro cameras capture high-definition videos for sharing rides or skill analysis. Adjusting camera settings and angles optimizes video quality, enhancing the riding and viewing experience.