Table of contents

• 6 smartphone and sat nav holder (2018) in the test Bracket for the motorcycle
• 1st place: Givi navigation bag
• 2nd place: Topeak Smartphone Drybag
• 3rd place: SW-Motech Universal Kit Navi Case Pro S
• 4th place: Moto-Detail media bag S.
• 5th place: Navgear all-weather GPS protection bag
• 6th place: Cellularline Uni Case Holder
• This is how MOTORRAD tests
• Final evaluation, table of points and conclusion
• Cell phone on the motorcycle – yes or no?

Photo: Thorsten Dentges

28 pictures

Dentges, mps photo studio

1/28
6 smartphone and GPS mounts tested.

Dentges, mps photo studio

2/28
Cellularline Uni Case Holder.

Dentges, mps photo studio

3/28
Additional security: the nylon strap prevents expensive losses.

Dentges, mps photo studio

4/28
Variable: various foam inserts, suitable for almost all devices.

Dentges, mps photo studio

5/28
Water ingress after just over a minute. MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory.

Dentges, mps photo studio

6/28
Givi navigation bag.

Dentges, mps photo studio

7/28
The handlebar bracket can be easily attached without tools…

Dentges, mps photo studio

8/28
…trigger the bag with a push of a finger. class!

Dentges, mps photo studio

9/28
Best equipment, high variability, handy assembly and quick release release. MOTORRAD verdict: very good.

Dentges, mps photo studio

10/28
Moto-Detail media bag S.

Dentges, mps photo studio

11/28
The massive premium GPS holder is stable like a column.

Dentges, mps photo studio

12/28
Theft protection: zipper with eyelets for a padlock.

Dentges, mps photo studio

13/28
The exemplary stable premium GPS holder. MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Dentges, mps photo studio

14/28
Navgear all-weather GPS protection bag.

Dentges, mps photo studio

15/28
Plastic handlebar bracket for lashing…

Dentges, mps photo studio

16/28
…secure flanging by means of tight screwing – cheap solution, but works fine!

Dentges, mps photo studio

17/28
Sensationally inexpensive, very decent value! MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Dentges, mps photo studio

18/28
SW-Motech Universal Kit Navi Case Pro S.

Dentges, mps photo studio

19/28
The generous sun visor is designed for vertical use of the smartphone.

Dentges, mps photo studio

20/28
Ultra solid: metal bracket with ball head.

Dentges, mps photo studio

21/28
In particular, the stable, easily adjustable metal clamp bracket is a testament to its high quality. MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Dentges, mps photo studio

22/28
Topeak smartphone drybag.

Dentges, mps photo studio

23/28
Comfortable clicking on the handlebars, but only poorly secured.

Dentges, mps photo studio

24/28
The roll closure, however, provides top protection against water ingress.

Dentges, mps photo studio

25/28
The uncomplicated and slim Topeak Drybag does not cost much, at least in the standard version. MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Dentges, mps photo studio

26/28
With full water bombardment, only very few pockets really hold tight permanently.

Dentges, mps photo studio

27/28
Service editor Thorsten Dentges, 46: “Why expensive navigation systems when you have a smartphone?”

Bjoern grams

28/28
Daniel Lengwenus, 55, chief tour guide at the MOTORRAD action team: “Get off your mobile phone!”

accesories

Navis, communication, apps

Smartphone, mobile phone, GPS mount motorcycle 2018 test

6 smartphone and sat nav holder (2018) in the test
Bracket for the motorcycle

Stop at every corner when the doorbell rings or to orientate yourself? Not necessary with a smartphone as an information center on the handlebars. But which holder is best suited for this?

Thorsten Dentges

October 12, 2017

Do you remember the PDA? the “Personal digital assistant” was all the rage among tech nerds a good 15 years ago. But these devices have been absolutely out since the appearance of the first iPhone, the first smartphone to be taken seriously. So for over ten years. But the first special holders and bags for electronic information devices come from the time of the aforementioned PDAs, which can be conveniently clamped, buckled, screwed or clicked on the motorcycle handlebar so that you do not miss any important message while driving. keyword “Miss message”: Some users of current smartphones, these digital jack-of-all-trades and pocket-sized information centers, panic in the face of e-mail, Facebook, Whatsapp, Snapchat and other digital services if they do not have their mobile phone screen in view for a few minutes.

Buy complete article

6 smartphone and sat nav holder (2018) in the test
Bracket for the motorcycle

4 pages) as PDF

€ 2.00

Buy now

Can happen while out and about on a motorcycle. Unless you put the phone in transparent pockets that are prominently positioned on tour. By the way, the bags are now called “Smartphone holder” or “Media pocket”, but are almost the same products as they were in the PDA days. However, these bag holder systems for installation on motorcycle handlebars have always had a problem: In the sun, the heat can build up excessively in the closed compartment and, depending on the indoor climate, then form steam and condensation – poison for many electronic devices. But to leave the church in the village, with short trips and most weather conditions, there are no problems for the device. On the many test kilometers through half of Europe, with one exception, there were no disruptions whatsoever.

1st place: Givi navigation bag

Providers: Givi Germany
Website: www.givi.de
Price: Bag 49 euros
Dimensions: 175 x 93 x 60 mm
Furnishing: Sun visor, cable duct, protective cover, rubberized zipper, safety tape, foam inserts, quick-release fastener for flange mounting, bracket for handlebars up to 35 mm

Dentges, mps photo studio

Givi navigation bag.

Positive: very easy to click on and off the bag (quick release), safety strap; Smartphone fits well, bag is available in various sizes and for various smartphone models; good adjustment through ball head; fixed handlebar mount; efficient sun visor; Protective cover also keeps out heavy rain well.

Negative: Bag quite bulky and heavy.

offers

Givi Navi / smartphone case universal holder black

Delivery time: 1-2 working days

€ 51.00
plus € 3.49 shipping

To the shop

Conclusion: Best equipment, high variability, handy assembly and quick release release, also good weather protection thanks to an extra protective cover. The high-quality Givi bag deserves to be the test winner.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

2nd place: Topeak Smartphone Drybag

Providers: RTI Sports
Website: www.rtisports.de
Price: 29.95 euros
Dimensions: 142 x 77 x 31 mm
Furnishing: Padding, roll closure with additional snap closure strip; Standard bicycle mount (adjustable); especially for handlebars 31.8 mm: extra bracket “Ridecase Center Mount” (+ 39.95 euros, not rated in the test)

Dentges, mps photo studio

Topeak smartphone drybag.

Positive: welded seams, absolutely waterproof TPU material with clever roll closure; variably adjustable handlebar bracket; slim like the usual mobile phone case, easy to stow in a jacket; available in various sizes.

Negative: only moderately stable holder (tip: put a piece of rubber tubing underneath!), just a simply secured plastic closure.

offers

Topeak smartphone case / cover QuickClick DryBag 5 black, 4-5 inch display

Delivery time: Ready for dispatch within one working day

€ 24.95
plus € 3.95 shipping

To the shop

Conclusion: The uncomplicated and slim Topeak Drybag does not cost much, at least in the standard version. The bracket is a bit weak, but the water resistance makes it an optimal solution for the smartphone.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

3rd place: SW-Motech Universal Kit Navi Case Pro S

Providers: SW-Motech
Website: www.sw-motech.com
Price: 59.95 euros
Dimensions: 146 x 83 x 38 mm
Furnishing: Sun visor, cable grommet, rubber zipper, foam inserts; Bracket for handlebars 22 and 28 mm and 1 inch; Mirror holder

Dentges, mps photo studio

SW-Motech Universal Kit Navi Case Pro S.

Positive: effective sun visor; Bag available in two other sizes, fits many devices well; good workmanship and equipment; Top quality metal brackets (RAM mount), very easy to adjust, very stable seat on the handlebar.

Negative: Bag very bulky and heavy, difficult to stow in a jacket; moderate weather protection, even in light rain water penetrates after a few minutes.

Conclusion: In particular, the sturdy, easily adjustable metal clamp bracket is a sign of high quality, and the bag also makes a good quality impression. However, water penetrates even with weak rain showers.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

4th place: Moto-Detail media bag S.

Providers: Detlev Louis
Website: www.louis.de
Price: Bag 17.99 euros, holder 49.99 euros
Dimensions: 150 x 105 x 40 mm
Furnishing: Sun visor, two cable feed-throughs, protective hood, rubberized zipper, screw set, foam inserts; Premium GPS holder for handlebars 22 and 25.4 mm

Dentges, mps photo studio

Moto-Detail media bag S.

Positive: Anti-theft zipper; Protective hood as rain protection, works properly in moderate rain; high-quality, multi-adjustable metal handlebar bracket.

Negative: Sun visor blocks a clear view of the display; somewhat complicated assembly, drill holes required, uncomfortable screwing and unscrewing of the bag; Bags quality moderate.

offers

FC-Moto Basic motorcycle tarpaulin, black, size S

Delivery time: immediate

€ 21.95
plus € 3.99 shipping

To the shop

GMS-Moto Taslan, safety vest – neon yellow – p

Delivery time: 1-3 working days

€ 29.90
plus € 5.90 shipping

To the shop

Givi mounting kit AL8202A for windshield 140A / S, 100AL / B on Moto

Delivery time: 1-2 working days

€ 38.00
plus € 3.49 shipping

To the shop

X-Bionic Moto Energizer 4.0 Light Shirt Long Sleeve coal / pearl gray (B025) S

Delivery time: Delivery time 4 – 6 working days

€ 92.55
plus € 4.95 shipping

To the shop

PYUA functional shorts Track-Y S Glued belt loops Natural Stretch 1 rain-repellent pocket 1 normal pocket S (48)

Delivery time: available in 5-8 working days

€ 149.95
plus € 2.95 shipping

To the shop

Liebeskind Berlin Mini Bag Paper Tote S, with contrasting details white women handbags

Delivery time: 2-3 working days

€ 149.90
plus € 5.95 shipping

To the shop

Motor Kit F65 S

Delivery time: 2-3 days

€ 374.00
plus € 4.95 shipping

To the shop

Conclusion: The exemplary stable premium GPS holder in combination with the rather cheap-looking, firmly screwed media bag form a stable, but inflexible unit for everyday use. Still a good overall package for touring riders.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

5th place: Navgear all-weather GPS protection bag

Providers: Pearl
Website: www.pearl.de
Price: 24.90 euros
Dimensions: 176 x 118 x 76 mm
Furnishing: Cable feed-through, rubber zipper, rubber inserts, integrated power bank for eight rechargeable batteries or AA batteries; Bracket for handlebars up to 30 mm

Dentges, mps photo studio

Navgear all-weather GPS protection bag.

Positive: practical power bank integrated as a charging station for the mobile phone; fixed screw connection between pocket and holder, easy to loosen without tools; easily adjustable loop handlebar mount, fits neatly.

Negative: bulky, very voluminous bag; rather cheap plastic bracket and zipper; in the wetness test with simulated moderate rain after only two minutes of water penetration.

Conclusion: Sensationally inexpensive, very decent value! For simple demands and fair weather tours, the lavishly equipped Navgear bag is definitely enough, the promise “All weather” however, it will not be redeemed.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

6th place: Cellularline Uni Case Holder

Providers: Technical parts
Website: www.technikparts.de
Price: 39.99 euros
Dimensions: 150 x 77 x 20 mm
Furnishing: rubberized zipper, securing tape, foam inserts; Bracket for handlebars up to 30 mm

Dentges, mps photo studio

Cellularline Uni Case Holder.

Positive: successful pocket fit, available in different sizes; stable handlebar bracket, easy to assemble; Ball head for good alignment depending on solar radiation and handlebar offset; light click on the pocket, additionally secured with a tape.

Negative: in the wetness test, water ingress after just over a minute; Zipper slider bent after a short period of use.

Conclusion: Robust plastic clamp bracket with easy assembly. The smartphone is firmly embedded and easy to use in the flat Cellularline pocket. Actually good, but the moderate weather protection is disappointing.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

This is how MOTORRAD tests

Always on tour: Provence, Liguria, Piedmont, Swiss Alps, Black Forest, Bavarian Lakes – illustrious travel destinations for your pockets. On the way, the smartphone / sat nav holder had to prove themselves in a practical test. Assembly, handiness, weather and glare protection, touchscreen operation, etc. – just a few of the requirements that the testers checked for the systems on tour. Incidentally, holders and bags were viewed and assessed separately because some test kits also offer the products separately from one another.

Dentges, mps photo studio

With full water bombardment, only very few pockets really hold tight permanently.

For a better and fairer assessment of the stability while driving, we have mounted all systems on our MOTORRAD test handlebars in order to create conditions that are as similar as possible. Equal opportunities also in the wetness test: The test candidates went through three simulated rain escalation stages (from drizzle to heavy thunderstorms). Depending on the level and duration, differences in moisture protection could be determined in this way. In addition, the quality of the material and workmanship were assessed.

Final evaluation, table of points and conclusion

Apart from general construction-related weaknesses such as an indoor climate that is tricky for electronic devices, all bags in the test embedded smartphones and non-weatherproof navigation devices similarly well. 

MOTORCYCLE

With 87 points, the Givi Navi bag won the comparison test.

The brackets are also consistently passable. The biggest differences are found in the moisture protection. Conclusion: low investment – decent practical benefits. In the end, the test win was won by the Givi Navi bag for 49.00 euros. Topeak’s solution has truly earned the title MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip. Despite its relatively cheap price, the bag comes in second with 77 points.

Cell phone on the motorcycle – yes or no?

Opinions differ less about the mounts for smartphones than more about the device itself. Because the diverse possibilities offered by modern smartphones can be both a curse and a blessing at the same time. Two opinions.

Dentges, mps photo studio

Service editor Thorsten Dentges, 46.

Opinion of service editor Thorsten Dentges: When I travel, I swear on paper maps. Because of the good overview and because I don’t have to worry about battery charging, software updates and so on. Keep it simple! – that’s my motto. However, I get annoyed, for example, when I’m lost in the Italian or French provinces. Or when I want to helplessly navigate to an address in the maze of urban streets. Then I perceive a smartphone as a beneficial invention because it quickly provides an overview again. If only it weren’t for that annoying digging out of your jacket pocket. With a well-functioning holder and the smartphone on the handlebar, my admittedly low navigation needs are satisfied because I am back in the picture in seconds. It’s also great when I can check at the red light in a traffic jam whether my loved one has sent me a shopping request via Whatsapp. Then I’m the hero because on the way back from work I quickly jumped into the supermarket. I have the smartphone anyway – and the manageable investment in a proper bracket for the handlebar quickly pays off with practical benefits.

Bjoern grams

Daniel Lengwenus, 55, chief tour guide at the MOTORRAD action team.

Opinion of Daniel Lengwenus (chief tour guide at the MOTORRAD action team): Obviously, the hype surrounding the smartphone just doesn’t want to end. Tour riders are already starting to want to navigate seriously with it. At least keep your hands off it on the motorcycle! These things don’t really stand a tough day of touring with all bettors. Also not embedded in supposedly travel-friendly, waterproof and padded bags that are supposed to withstand the heaviest rain. After all, due to system-related heating, condensation forms and thus a microclimate that is hell for electronic devices. In addition, smartphones are much more distracting while driving than just pioneering sat navs. What if I get a message from my girlfriend? Read quickly what it’s about? Don’t worry, I won’t condemn everything digital and come around the corner with a map and compass. Even the professionals drive with a GPS – but with a real one. One that is dust- and waterproof, can be operated with gloves and can withstand a fall. Because if you urgently need help after a take-off, the smartphone is a really useful tool – provided it is still in the right place after a fall and also works.

Related articles

• Test motorcycle goggles 2018

  Thorsten Dentges 25th pictures Thorsten Dentges 1/25 They are supposed to protect. Against airflow, UV radiation, flying insects and dangerous gravel…

• Sports motorcycle boots up to 250 euros in the test

  Dentges 24 pictures Jahn 1/24 In motorcycling, people still like real leather. Whether on the house route… mps photo studio 2/24 The testers didn’t…

• Ten motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth in the test (2018)

  mps studio 39 pictures mps photo studio 1/39 BMW System 7 carbon. mps photo studio 2/39 Backlight: While the sun visor is a little tight, the wind…

• 10 pairs of high-end motorcycle sports gloves 2018 test

  mps photo studio, Jorg Lohse, Thorsten Dentges 22nd pictures mps photo studio, Jorg Lohse, Thorsten Dentges 1/22 1st place: Hero Phantom II. mps photo…

• All-round motorcycle gloves under 100 euros in a comparison test

  Lohse 30th pictures Lohse 1/30 Open and close once and already … Ratsch: After the first test round, there is already a gap in the Sinisalo gripper….

• Nine motorcycle touring boots in the test

  Dentges 19th pictures mps photo studio 1/19 Alpinestars Gran Torino GTX, MOTORRAD rating: very good. Dentges 2/19 Stefan Rohrhirsch (20), an intern at…

• All-round motorcycle gloves up to 50 euros in the product test

  van der Ems 17th pictures mps photo studio 1/17 Picture gallery: All-round gloves up to 50 euros in the product test. mps photo studio 2/17 Probiker…

• Battery chargers motorcycle test

  fact 17th pictures fact 1/17 In a comparison test, 15 different battery chargers competed against each other. Which product won the test?? mps studio…

• 11 robust motorcycle boots for asphalt and gravel in the test

  Dentges 24 pictures mps studio 1/24 2nd place: Alpinestars Belize Oiled, from 259.95 euros, 82/100 points, MOTORRAD judgment “Good”. mps studio 2/24 7th…

• Sporty motorcycle leather jackets put to the test

  Dentges 25th pictures Dentges 1/25 It doesn’t have to be the leather one-piece for a short lap. We tested 13 sporty motorcycle leather jackets. Dentges…