News

How to Waterproof Your Phone

Our phones have become an extension of us. We don’t go anywhere without them, we use them for everything - from surfing the internet to taking photos to keeping track of our schedule to updating our Facebook profile. We often have our entire contact lists in them. I sometimes joke that my entire life is in my phone!

So it goes without saying that getting your phone wet is a bad thing. Besides the inconvenience, these mini-computers are no longer cheap to replace!

So how do you protect your phone while using on the motorcycle? Here are some ideas for waterproofing your phone.

Aftermarket Cases

Nowadays there are many waterproof phone cases to choose from; Otterbox and Lifeproof are two better-known waterproof phone case brands.

If you have something like that on your phone, it adds bulk and weight. So when you consider mounting the phone on your motorcycle, it helps to know the total dimensions (width, height AND depth) of your phone in its case. Then you can choose a mount that accommodates that.

Here are a few examples:

• The eCaddy SLIDE can adjust at all dimensions (width, height AND depth)
• The X-Grip Adaptor is good for those who want to be able to reach plug-ins easily
• The Swivel-Clip was made specifically for the Otterbox Defender case

If you don’t want to spend the money on an Otterbox or similar (because they do generally cost more), here are several suggestions for keeping your phone dry. (BTW these apply nicely to iPod Classic or Touch as well.)

Low-tech approach

Zip-lock baggie! Keep a few of these in your saddlebag (or pocket) and simply slip it on over your phone, iPod or satellite radio. Make sure you get a high-quality brand so the ‘zip’ really ‘locks’!

Mid-tech approach

The eCaddy Ultra waterproof case is made of a vinyl material with a harder ‘backing’ sewn in for support. It has a slim, unobtrusive profile and the clear cover allows you to operate your touch screen. The back side features a swivel mechanism to you can tilt/angle the phone, with both vertical and horizontal options.

The Ultra was made for ‘standard’ size phones, so it’s best for phones with an maximum width of 3-⅞ inches and no taller than about 6 inches. You can run wires out of it either at the top edge (it has a velcro closure) or by snipping a tiny hole in the exact place you need it.

High-tech approach

If you’ve got a large phone (iPhone 6/6+ or Samsung Note for example) - or you have a thick case or cover on your phone that you don’t want to have to remove - the eCaddy Hydra may be of interest to you.

The Hydra is basically a soft-sided case with a zipper running on three edges. It has a special waterproof ‘plug’ to run wires out if needed and is available in several sizes. Because it has a thicker vinyl front, I don’t recommend trying to use the touch screen. The Hydra is a bit bulkier than other options, but it’s 100 percent waterproof!

GPS "Ball" Mount - Why Size Matters

A motorcycle GPS “ball mount” seems like it should be straightforward, doesn’t it? And it is – for the most part. The complication comes in the fact that different GPS manufacturers make their ball parts in different sizes. Why? We can only speculate: perhaps it’s related to patent issues with competitors, or they simply want to make the products ‘theirs’ or streamline it within their product line.

At any rate, it can be frustrating if you order, say, an  eCaddy Ball Mount from us and find that the ball size is not right for you. So here’s a quick overview of the various ball sizes:

• 17mm: common to Garmin GPS and most Magellan GPS
• 15.6mm: this is TomTom GPS size
• 1-inch: this ball can be used with RAM Mount components to give your mount a nicer look

For the visual folks out there, the video below shows you these differences.

Mounting Big-Ass Phones on a Motorcycle

The eCaddy SLIDE Phone Mount was designed to accommodate all makes/models of phones - AND the case or cover the phone is in.

Now we've extended the eCaddy SLIDE to accommodate up to 7-3/8 inch!

The eCaddy SLIDE is available in two sizes:

• Medium (ideal for vertical orientation) - min 2-3/8" / max width 3-5/8"
• Long (ideal for horizontal orientation) - min 4-3/4" / max width 7-3/8"

In addition, the side arms are available in three 'depths' to accommodate different thicknesses of phone cases/covers. These arms "slide" along the base bar (thus the product name) to wherever you need them.


More features:

• Patent-pending Ultra-Swivel feature gives you even more options for left/right or up/down angles.
• Mount your phone vertically or horizontally - it's up to you!
• All components all stainless steel (the side arms are made of Delrin) so they don't wear and will never rust.

You really can't find another phone mount with this much flexibility AND classic good looks! Retail starts at $59.99.  Read more here!

Five Places to Mount a Gadget on your Motorcycle

So you want to mount a GPS, phone, camera or other gadget on your motorcycle.

The question is: Where? You might be amazed at the choices available to you these days!

With the variety of motorcycles (from cruiser to scooter), what works for one may not be best for another – which is why we offer multiple mounting points.

On a round bar (usually a Handlebar but could be an engine guard bar or other)

If your motorcycle has a handlebar with a round diameter (not square or extruded), this is an extremely flexible way to mount. The clamp can be placed anywhere on the handlebar, from way ‘out’ near the grips to as near to center as your motorcycle allows. Because of the built-in features of our design, you can mount it horizontally or vertically and your gadget won’t fall out! See round bar mounts. 

Brake or Clutch Reservoir

This is a common way to mount gadgets on motorcycles without a lot of room on or near the handlebar (or that don’t have a round handlebar). These types of mounts usually utilize the two bolts that hold your brake or clutch assembly together.

On our mounts, you simply remove the stock bolts and replace with (longer) bolts and spacers. See our  Universal Reservoir Mounts that work on all motorcycle types (cruiser, dual-sport/touring, sport bike, etc). as well as brake/clutch mounts specific to the Goldwing and Harley-Davidson. 

Windshield

This is a great option for almost any motorcycle make or model; it just requires that you have a windshield, preferably with a brace that runs across it. Leader Windshield Mounts attach to any of the bolts on that brace, or you can drill a hole anywhere you want (our mounting bracket includes a ‘back’ bolt)

Mirror Stem

This is one of our favorite options because it works on all kinds of motorcycles, from the cruiser-style motorcycles to scooters like the Vespa. If you have a mirror STEM (as opposed to some space-age-lookin ‘formed’ mirror), this mount will work. It’s gorgeous and it’s out of the way yet right at eye level. Check ‘em out here.

Specialty Mount: Can-Am Spyder

In some cases, you can find mounts that are specific to a particular model motorcycle. For example, our Can-Am Spyder Mount is made for the area in the center of the handlebars.

BONUS! To see videos of ALL of our mounts, visit Bracket Videos Page.

New Garmin Nuvi Mounts

Garmin’s new GPS models (Nuvi 50 through Nuvi 58 series) are popular biker GPS units. And now the equally popular  eCaddy Diamond Mount is available for these new Garmins!

The eCaddy Diamond is the cleanest-looking, most versatile way to mount a Nuvi on a motorcycle:

• Form-Fitted Cradle: Specifically designed for the Garmin Nuvi GPS units, the cradle ensures the GPS will never fall out. It even has cut-outs for buttons and plug-ins.

• Ultra-Swivel: Provides unlimited positioning ability but is so slim and unobtrusive, you’ll hardly know it’s there.

• Diamond-Shaped Mounting Plate: The perfect fit to the back of the Garmin cradle, giving it a clean, classic look that is unmatched.

• Ultra-Security and Anti-Vibration: Built into every Leader Legacy mount, this ensures you get the best view of your Garmin.

• Classic Look & Manufacture: Stainless steel, aluminum and chrome-plated parts are rust-proof and machined in the USA.

• Mount Everywhere: Pick from our extensive mounting options: handlebar, brake/clutch, mirror stem, windshield, steering column and more

Note: The eCaddy Diamond is available for most Garmin Nuvi models, as well as some TomTom models.  See them all here.

Now Shipping: Universal Mounts for a Universe of Motorcycles!

We call it the eCaddy Universal Mount (because anything else would just be too dang long!).

It works on any bike with brake assembly, clutch assembly, reservoir, switch housing - basically anywhere you have two bolts that have screw spacing between 25mm and 40mm (1 to 1.5 inch).

This includes cruisers, dual-sport, touring/adventure bikes and even sport bikes. BMW, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson - you name it!

So if you’ve been looking for an out-of-the-way place to mount a phone, GPS, camera or other gadget, this could be it! You owe it to yourself to at least  check it out here!

Available in chrome or black - and shipping NOW!