Motorcycle smartphone charging situations are pretty complicated, aren’t they?
Whether it’s price or design, honestly, it’s probably just price. In terms of charging capability, they’re all the same. But something that allows quick attachment/detachment and fine adjustments with a simple design barely exists.
Since motorcycles are my hobby, I install things that meet my requirements as much as possible.
Smartphone attachment/detachment is easy
Smartphone holder attachment/detachment is also easy
Viewing angle and position adjustment is easy
Design and wiring are simple
I’ve looked at various options, but I believe Quad Lock is the best. However, when I configure it the way I think is best, it becomes “somewhat pricey,” so I think only people with the same mindset choose it.
This is a blog where I enthusiastically talk about how excellent Quad Lock is.
Please buy the marine version! The marine version is incredibly convenient (*´ω｀*)
“Eliminate annoying things thoroughly”—efficiency creates comfort
Basically, I’m frugal by nature, so I always want to unify configurations like this as much as possible.
I can’t install a smartphone charger for each motorcycle I own. It would be great if I could unify everything with one unit. Basically, I’ve always been the type who doesn’t charge while riding, using Quad Lock from way back. However, when I researched more carefully, I discovered that interesting products were in the lineup. Nowadays, almost all smartphones support wireless charging (Qi charging). I found that a somewhat unusual product compatible with this had been released.
If you don’t do the work yourself, you’ll think “I have no idea what this is, I don’t need it.”
Basically, “USB output” → “cable” → “smartphone” this entire flow becomes unnecessary. In my current configuration, I just mount the Quad Lock, so it’s extremely smart.
5V USB output is unnecessary
Even when installing and removing, cables basically get in the way and look bad
Stress on the smartphone charging port is significant
Hmm? Still not getting it?
First, you need to install a “USB output port” on the bike frame. Then you connect a cable to that “USB output port” and connect it to the smartphone. That’s the flow.
With my configuration, these two points become unnecessary.
The Quad Lock mount converts to 5 volts inside, so “just connect to 12V ignition and ground” it’s incredibly simple.
“This is really groundbreaking,” the wiring is incredibly clean, and attachment and removal are easy. Only people who’ve installed it themselves might understand this feeling. You don’t need to install a “USB output port” on each bike.
Still not getting it? Check out the “installation example”
The typical installation method until now . Install a USB port, connect a cable, and route it to the smartphone mount area.
The hassle of cables from the USB port to the smartphone makes things messy because you can’t easily find a cable of just the right length.
Connection is done with just one 110 connector. “Just connect to 12V ignition and ground,” so it’s very simple and efficient. You could also draw power from a Daytona D-unit or similar.
The downside of Quad Lock is that a smartphone case is required
Quad Lock requires you to buy a smartphone case, which is definitely a high hurdle. Plus, for less common smartphones, there might not be a case available, which is a bit tough.
You have to make your own Quad Lock adhesive mount.
This Quad Lock case is extremely durable, and I’ve dropped my iPhone many times but it’s never cracked. Since I use my iPhone for work photos, I use it pretty hard, but it’s a sturdy case. I think it’s a wonderful smartphone case that combines convenience and durability.
For new Quad Lock users, about 5 items for around 25,000 yen
Adjustable angles are important. Even when removed, it stays simple
A smartphone holder without much freedom of adjustment becomes really annoying.
“Hard to see the angle,” “can’t see the speedometer or tachometer,” “key removal is a pain,” “can’t see the indicators.” There are so many things you don’t understand until you actually install it. Many parts can’t be mounted in your ideal position, so be careful. People who bought inexpensive ones that only move front-to-back often regret it. *Most people just accept it and use it anyway.
The angled arm mounted on the mirror is also key, and the EC-MOUNTS arm with grooves on all four sides further expands your adjustment options.
I’ve bought so many different mounts and finally reached this point. Don’t think all ball mount types are the same—that’s a big mistake. They seem to have freedom but actually have surprisingly little.
You should definitely attach a high-end smartphone damper these days
I basically use a knockoff damper and restrict movement with cable ties to get my preferred amount of vibration.
Depending on the smartphone you use, larger phones can vibrate quite a bit. If you’re not mounting it to shoot video, it doesn’t matter, but if you want to shoot video, restricting it a bit will improve the quality.
Tired from the long story? It costs money but it’s simple
The mount itself is very simple and doesn’t compromise the bike’s appearance. If you’re concerned about the look, you can remove it instantly.
Just turn the arm lever and pull the connector to remove it instantly. If you’re not using it, you can easily take it off, and if you have other bikes, you can use it on those too.
For people with multiple motorcycles, Quad Lock is definitely better price-wise and has nothing but advantages. Plus, if you change bikes, you can reuse it, which is great.
Once you use Qi charging, you can’t go back to anything else
Basically, I was the type who didn’t want to install a USB port on my bike. I tried it once a long time ago, but I just couldn’t get over the look of the cables.
Basically, plugging and unplugging cables is a hassle, and of course vibration damages the connector. After experiencing cables coming loose from vibration (like old Type-A), I thought, why not just charge with a power bank during breaks? That was my thinking for a while.
But with this Quad Lock Qi charging, I really think it’s not just nice to have—it’s essential. In my case, I use the mount as a monitor while shooting video, and I also shoot video directly with it. That consumes a lot of battery, so charging during breaks isn’t nearly enough. But since I got this charging capability, I stay at 100% and feel much more secure.
The cost is considerable, so it’s hard to take that first step. But I think there are very few disappointments. It’s a simple choice between two options: “cheap, hard to see, poor design” vs. “expensive, comfortable, great design.” I hope this helps with your smartphone charging situation.
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