7 Best Motorcycle Tank Phone Mounts for Secure, Convenient Navigation

When I want navigation where I can glance at it without looking down toward the bars, a tank-mounted phone setup can make sense. But the words “magnetic phone holder” cover two different things: a holder that magnetically sticks to a metal tank, and a magnetic tank bag with a pocket for a phone. I treat those as separate solutions, because the right choice depends on my motorcycle, phone, and riding conditions.

In this guide, I compare recognizable products and explain what I would use each one for. I also point out an important limitation: a magnet cannot attach securely to every tank, and a clear pocket is not automatically waterproof or easy to use with every touchscreen.

How I choose a tank-mounted phone setup

My first check is the tank surface. A direct magnetic mount needs a ferrous metal surface that gives its base enough flat contact; plastic, aluminum, and some shaped or covered tanks will not work as expected. I test the intended spot carefully and follow the product maker’s instructions rather than assuming that a tank that looks metallic is magnetic.

Next, I think about what I actually need on the road. A direct holder keeps the phone exposed and quick to view, while a tank bag can carry small items and place the phone behind a clear panel. I also consider vibration, rain, glare, and whether I can operate the screen safely while stopped.

1. Freakmount Original — Best for a direct magnetic attachment

The Freakmount Original is the option I’d look at first when I specifically want a phone holder that attaches directly to a compatible motorcycle tank. Its design uses magnets in a coated base and an adjustable phone-gripping holder, rather than asking me to fit a conventional handlebar clamp. That makes it a different kind of product from a magnetic tank bag.

I like the simple idea: position the base on a suitable metal surface, secure the phone in the holder, and remove the assembly when I park. It can be a clean solution on a motorcycle with a flat, steel area in the right location. I would still check that the phone doesn’t interfere with the bars, tank movement, or my view of the instruments before riding.

What I’d check before using it

A magnetic base is only as reliable as its contact with the tank. I’d inspect the mounting spot for curves, seams, decals, loose debris, or a protective cover that reduces contact, and I’d confirm the magnet is suitable for the tank material. I’d also check the holder’s phone-size range and use a tether if the manufacturer recommends one.

My main reservation is that a direct mount leaves the phone exposed to weather and vibration. For a long trip, I’d weigh those drawbacks against the convenience and compare it with the protected-pocket options below.

2. Freakmount Billet — Best for a more substantial direct-mount design

The Freakmount Billet is another model I’d consider if I want the direct-to-tank approach but prefer its more substantial billet-style holder construction. Like the Original, it is intended for magnetic attachment to an appropriate metal surface; it is not a universal solution for plastic or aluminum tanks. I’d verify the current product specifications and fit with my exact phone before ordering.

What appeals to me is the streamlined setup: there’s no need to install a permanent bar clamp if my tank provides a safe, compatible mounting area. I would make sure the phone sits securely in the holder and that the position remains usable with my riding posture, gloves, and tank shape. A convenient viewing angle is not worth much if I have to crane my neck to see it.

My practical caution

I don’t treat any magnetic mount as a substitute for checking its installation. Before moving off, I’d confirm that the base is firmly seated, the phone is locked in place, and nothing shifts when I gently test it by hand. If the tank is curved or the surface is nonmagnetic, I’d skip this direct-mount style rather than try to make it work.

3. GIVI EA138B — Best magnetic bag with a smartphone holder

The GIVI EA138B Easy-T is the model I’d shortlist when I want a magnetic tank bag and a place for my phone in the same setup. It is a compact tank bag, commonly listed with a 6-litre capacity, and its product design includes a smartphone holder. That gives it a practical advantage over a plain magnetic bag that only offers general storage.

I’d choose the EA138B for day rides when I want navigation visible while keeping small essentials close at hand. A bag-based holder also avoids relying on a phone-gripping mount stuck directly to the tank. Before buying, I’d confirm the current version’s exact pocket dimensions, attachment method, and compatibility with my bike’s tank shape.

Where it works best for me

I see this as a useful middle ground between a bare phone mount and a larger touring bag. The phone holder is convenient, but I would not assume that every touchscreen responds perfectly through a cover or that the pocket is fully waterproof. I’d test screen visibility and touch response while parked, and keep the phone protected if the weather turns rough.

For riders comparing navigation options beyond a phone, I’d also browse this guide to best gps for adventure motorcycle touring. I find a dedicated GPS worth considering when I’m planning longer routes or want a device designed specifically for motorcycle use.

4. Oxford M2R Mini Tankbag — Best compact bag for everyday rides

The Oxford M2R Mini Tankbag is a small magnetic tank-bag option I’d consider when I want a compact setup rather than a large touring bag. Oxford’s M-series magnetic bags are designed to attach to compatible tanks, and a bag’s top pocket can be useful for viewing a phone or route notes, depending on the specific version and layout. I’d check the current product listing closely before treating it as a dedicated phone holder.

What I like about a mini bag is that it can carry more than a phone without overwhelming a small motorcycle. I’d use it for a short commute or day ride when I want to keep a few essentials together. Its smaller size also means I’d pay particular attention to the phone pocket’s measurements; modern phones can be too large for older or compact designs.

My fit and usability checks

I’d place the bag on the tank before a ride and check that it does not obstruct the fuel cap, steering, or my view of the dash. I’d also test the magnets on the actual tank surface and make sure the contact points are clean. Even a well-made bag can move if it is poorly positioned or incompatible with the motorcycle’s shape.

If I’m planning a longer overland trip, I’d want to compare this compact setup with dedicated navigation gear. This overview of the best gps for round the world on motorcycle is a useful place to weigh phone navigation against a standalone device.

5. Oxford M1R Micro Tankbag — Best for the smallest footprint

The Oxford M1R Micro Tankbag is the one I’d look at when minimizing bulk matters more than carrying lots of gear. It is a compact magnetic tank bag from a known motorcycle luggage brand, so it can offer a phone-friendly place to stow or view a device while keeping the overall setup small. I’d confirm the exact pocket design for the version currently on sale, since layouts and availability can vary by market.

I would not buy the M1R on the assumption that every phone will fit or that the top surface is a purpose-built, fully weatherproof phone case. Instead, I’d measure my phone with its case, check the clear-panel area, and test the viewing angle on my bike. Those few checks can prevent a frustrating return or an awkward riding position.

Why I’d pick a micro bag

For short rides, a small bag can be more useful than a direct phone mount because it gives me a place for a key, payment card, or earplugs too. The trade-off is that a bag adds material between the screen and my hand, and a plastic window can create glare or affect touch control. I’d treat it as a navigation display, not a screen I plan to operate while moving.

6. GIVI EA106B — Best simple magnetic bag for phone-and-map viewing

The GIVI EA106B is a magnetic tank bag that I’d consider as a straightforward alternative to a dedicated clamp-style phone holder. It is a compact model often described with a 6-litre capacity, and its top layout is intended to make route information accessible. Depending on the version, a map-style clear pocket may be more suitable for viewing a phone than for using its touchscreen, so I’d verify the product details before purchase.

I like the flexibility of a tank bag for day-to-day riding: I can carry small items alongside the phone rather than mounting the phone alone. I’d check the EA106B’s magnetic attachment against my tank, inspect the clear panel for glare, and make sure the bag leaves the fuel filler accessible. I’d also use any supplied rain cover as directed rather than assuming the pocket seals against heavy rain.

For a BMW adventure-bike setup, I’d compare the bag’s placement with the cockpit and luggage I already use. I’d also consult this focused guide to the best motorcycle gps for bmw r1200gsa if I were deciding between a phone in a tank bag and a dedicated GPS mounted in the rider’s line of sight.

7. Cortech Super 2.0 12L Tank Bag — Best for more storage around the phone

The Cortech Super 2.0 12L Tank Bag is a larger magnetic tank-bag choice I’d consider when I need more carrying capacity than a micro bag provides. Its 12-litre size makes it more suitable for day-trip essentials, and the tank-bag format can give me a top area for route viewing alongside the storage. I’d confirm the current version’s phone or map-pocket layout rather than assuming every configuration includes a touchscreen-friendly holder.

For me, the main appeal is versatility: I can carry more than a phone and still keep navigation up front. The downside is that a larger bag takes up more tank space and may affect how I move around on the bike. I’d check clearance at full steering lock and make sure the bag doesn’t interfere when I stand on the pegs or shift my weight.

When I’d choose it over a direct mount

I’d pick the Cortech when storage matters as much as phone visibility, especially for a day ride where I want easy access to small items. I would not pick it solely because it is magnetic; a larger footprint needs a secure, compatible tank surface and careful positioning. If I want a purpose-built navigation unit instead, I’d compare options in this overview of the best garmin gps for motorcycle.

What I check before I ride

Before trusting any tank-mounted setup, I check the surface, attachment, and phone fit. For direct magnetic holders, I confirm that the tank material works with the magnets and that the base sits flat. For magnetic bags, I check every contact point, confirm the bag stays clear of the fuel cap and controls, and follow the maker’s instructions for any straps or supplemental retention.

I also take vibration seriously. Some motorcycle vibration can affect phone cameras, and a magnetic connection by itself does not provide vibration isolation. If I’m using a phone regularly for navigation, I’d consider a system with suitable vibration-damping provisions or use a separate GPS; I’d avoid assuming that a clear bag pocket protects the phone from vibration damage.

Finally, I set the phone up before moving. I download offline maps when useful, secure the device, choose a readable screen layout, and stop somewhere safe if I need to change a route. I never want the convenience of a tank-mounted screen to become a reason to interact with my phone while riding.

My final picks

For a direct magnetic attachment, I’d start with the Freakmount Original or Freakmount Billet, provided my tank offers the right material and contact area. If I want storage and a phone-viewing position together, I’d look first at the GIVI EA138B, then compare compact Oxford and GIVI bags based on their exact pocket dimensions and attachment fit.

My biggest piece of advice is to choose for the motorcycle you actually ride, not just the product photo. A magnetic holder can be wonderfully simple on a compatible tank, but a magnetic tank bag or another mounting system is the smarter choice when the tank is nonmagnetic, unusually shaped, or too crowded for a safe placement.

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