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Those of us who ride motorcycles know it’s possible to someday be involved in a crash. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how well you ride, as bad drivers are plentiful. A motorcycle dash cam can’t protect you from that, but it can come in handy by providing visual evidence should an accident occur. These devices can also document the scenery on a road trip and aren’t phased by extreme weather conditions. Don’t let your insurance premium take a hit because of a dangerous driver. Get one of the best motorcycle dash cams today.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Insta360 X3
- Best Value: Vsysto No-Screen Motorcycle Dash Cam
- Honorable Mention: Blueskysea Motorcycle Dash Cam
- Best Viewing Angle: Viofo MT1 Motorcycle Dash Cam
Our Methodology
I’ve been riding for nearly 20 years, and thankfully, I’ve only ever been involved in one accident on the road. Although I escaped with a few bruises, the real problems came when dealing with the insurance companies, and I know having a dash cam would’ve made my life much, much easier. And that’s when I started researching them.
So, although I didn’t get to test the products on this list, I know what separates the good from the irritating. I reserve the right to change my mind, my answers, and this buying guide as new products come on the market and/or I get the opportunity to do some hands-on testing. As always, everything is up for debate.
Best Motorcycle Dash Cams: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Insta360 X3
Pros
- Loop recording
- 360-degree footage
- Easy to use and install
- Doubles as an action camera
Cons
- Pricier than conventional motorcycle dash camera
Yes, there are dedicated motorcycle dash cameras, and you’ll see plenty of them on this list, but the reality is that most motorcyclists aren’t using them. They’re using an Insta360 X3. I’m using an Insta360 X3. Once upon a time, GoPros were the go-to makeshift motorcycle dash cams, but the X3’s ability to record 360 footage continuously makes it a far superior dash cam. You could opt for the cheaper X2 model, but you’d miss out on loop recording, which is a must if you want to use it as a dash cam. Loop recording allows you to set a loop duration of 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 minutes and will delete footage in your chosen period unless something happens and you decide to save it.
The battery lasts up to 81 minutes, which should be plenty for most commuters. But if your bike has a USB outlet, you can theoretically record infinity. The X3 records in 1080p, which is perfect when you’re using it as a dash cam, but the beauty of this model is that it doubles as an action camera and captures up to 5.7K/30. To get the X3 in the best possible position, you should pick up the Insta360 motorcycle kit. If you don’t mind manually deleting footage after each ride, you could save some money and get the X2.
Best Value: Vsysto No-Screen Motorcycle Dash Cam
Pros
- Affordable
- Straightforward and easy to use
- No cumbersome display monitor
Cons
- Must use smartphone to monitor footage
For the budget-conscious consumer or those of us who don’t want to add another distracting display to the motorcycle’s dashboard, check out the Vsysto No-Screen Motorcycle Dash Cam. This convenient and compact dual-camera system comes with one of the lowest price tags around. Each camera features a durable, six-layer lens with 1080p HD clarity. You also get a reasonable 130-degree viewing angle that allows you to see a wider area surrounding you and your bike. Unlike most other motorcycle dash cams on the list, this one doesn’t have a display monitor, so there’s no extra distractions while you’re riding.
It includes many features you’ll find in some higher priced models, including a loop recording feature that gives you the option of one-, two-, three-, or five-minute increments. It also includes a built-in G-sensor that automatically senses a collision or crash and locks videos from being accidentally overwritten. Where this camera system falls short is in the customer service and long-term durability category. It’s also not compatible with all smartphones and can be a bit of a pain to figure out how to upload footage.
Honorable Mention: Blueskysea Motorcycle Dash Cam
Pros
- Sizeable display
- 140 degrees of viewing angle on both cameras
- Rugged and durable
Cons
- Large monitor
The Blueskysea Motorcycle Dash Cam deserves a nod for being a well-priced and well-constructed camera that offers a lot of the same functionality found in higher-priced models. This setup includes two 1080p cameras that offer an impressive 140 degrees of viewing angle. It also has the largest IPS touchscreen display on the list, measuring four inches. The cameras and monitor are enclosed in a seriously durable, waterproof housing that is able to hold up against serious weather and temperature conditions.
Unlike most motorcycle dash cams, this one includes a 32-GB SD memory card, although it does have the capacity to hold up to 256 GB of memory if you want to upgrade. Safe driving mode, a G-sensor, and loop recording are standard on this camera system as well. This display monitor might be too large for some motorcyclists and can lead to distraction while driving that may not occur with other models. This system also seems to cause some frustration when trying to connect the feed to certain smartphones.
Best Viewing Angle: Viofo MT1 Motorcycle Dash Cam
Pros
- Extra-wide viewing angle
- Remote operation
- Holds up to 256 GB of memory
Cons
- Pricey
- Cables may not be long enough
The Viofo MT1 Motorcycle Dash Cam offers a whopping 170 degrees of panoramic viewing angles on both cameras, making it the option with the greatest amount of coverage on this list. This is good news for those who want to drastically reduce the blind spot and expand coverage to capture the most details while riding. With no display monitor, there are even fewer distractions while trying to navigate busy roads. Just use the built-in Wi-Fi to connect to the free app so you can view and download video footage and check your GPS route and location. The app does lose some love for not being the most user-friendly, however.
This unit is also able to be instantly operated by remote control and even features a built-in microphone so you can operate it with voice prompts. If that’s not your thing, the system can also be activated automatically whenever you start your motorcycle. While it’s a little on the pricey side, this is a reliable and well-functioning motorcycle dash cam. However, the included cables may not be long enough for proper installation on bigger motorcycles.
Our Verdict on the Best Motorcycle Dash Cams
If you want a user-friendly model, which captures 360-degree footage, and doubles as an amazing action camera, you can’t go wrong with the Insta360 X3. For the budget-conscious consumer, check out the Vsysto No Screen Motorcycle Dash Cam. This convenient and compact dual-camera system comes with one of the lowest prices around.
What to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Dash Cams
Here’s everything you need to consider before buying motorcycle dash cameras.
Display Monitor Included
These are the most commonly seen motorcycle dash cams. They come equipped with an LCD display that lets you instantly and in real time monitor footage that’s being recorded while you ride. Display sizes typically range from two to four inches and should be selected based on how much space you have in your desired mounting location and how easily you want to be able to view that footage.
Monitorless Dash Cams
For those who don’t want to have to deal with the hassle of mounting a display monitor or are concerned about the distraction it might cause while riding, a motorcycle dash cam without a monitor is the ideal solution. These systems come with two cameras and a GPS/Wi-Fi unit that can be mounted virtually anywhere on your bike. The drawback to these is that in order to view footage, you have to link the camera to your smartphone or compatible device, which can sometimes be a pain.
Motorcycle Dash Cam Key Features
Video Quality
Most of today’s motorcycle dash cams come equipped with 1080p HD cameras. Some still offer the outdated 720p technology. If you do a lot of night riding, be sure to look for a motorcycle dash cam with sensitive and accurate night-vision capabilities, such as the Sony Starvis, which will capture clear video details even on the darkest nights.
Memory Capacity
If you’re interested in recording more footage before it’s overwritten by new footage, consider getting a motorcycle dash cam that is capable of holding up to 256 GB of data. Many cameras on the market offer 32 or 64 GB capacities, which is plenty for most riders, but if you like longer rides and want uninterrupted recording, bigger is definitely better. Some dash cams come equipped with a memory card, but most don’t, so be prepared to purchase one separately.
Loop Recording and G-Sensor
Continuous loop recording is offered on all modern motorcycle dash cams. Some of the better ones will give you the option of selecting the duration of the loop, in increments anywhere from one, two, three, or five minutes.
A G-sensor is an important feature in the event of a crash or accident. It automatically activates recording and then will lock footage so it can’t be accidentally overwritten.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: While this may be tempting, especially in areas known for higher crime rates, you should not leave your motorcycle dash cam on all the time. It can quickly drain your battery and leave you stranded. Who’s got time for that?
A: On a 1080p HD motorcycle dash cam, 32 GB of memory will typically last for three or four hours of uninterrupted recording, which is plenty for most short-distance riders. If you’re a serious road warrior who enjoys long, scenic rides or frequent cross-country treks, consider bumping up your memory to 64, 128, or even 256 GB.
A: Many motorcycle dash cams start recording as soon as the engine starts. If recording isn’t activated, there will be either an audible alarm or a visual alert on your display monitor to warn you that footage isn’t being recorded.
A: Yes. You’ll need to hook most motorcycle dash cameras up to your bike’s battery.
A: At the rear, it’s good to mount your camera just above your license plate, as long as there’s no obstruction. If you have a fairing, you can mount the front camera on the underside of the fairing. Just make sure there’s enough clearance for the camera when the forks compress.
