Benefits of Motorcycle Dash Cams
Record accidents.
Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes aren't uncommon, and they usually happen when you least expect it. The best dash cam for motorcycles will record footage of an accident, which may help you determine whether you or someone else was negligent.
Provide evidence.
If you are required to go to court following an accident, a biker's dash cam can provide some of the evidence you need to prove what occurred. The footage can also be helpful to insurance companies.
Identify other vehicles.
If you’re the victim of a hit and run, you may be able to gather information using the motorcycle camera. Some devices are so good that they can provide license plate numbers.
Document a road trip.
Action cameras are also a great way to document your travels. If you're riding down a scenic road, you may want to capture some footage to watch later or share with others.
Types of Motorcycle Dash Cams
Single Channel
The word "channel" refers to the number of cameras featured in a motorcycle dash cam. For years, consumers only had access to single-channel dash cams in the form of a front-facing dash camera. This type of dash cam has one forward-facing lens that is only able to record footage in one direction: the front of the motorcycle.
Dual-Channel
A dual-channel dash cam has a forward-facing camera as well as a secondary camera that can record footage from the rear of the bike. A rearview camera is useful if someone hits you from behind. When you have two cameras in your setup, you have extra footage to provide as evidence in case of an accident.
Top Brands
Garmin
Garmin was founded in 1989 in Kansas and currently has its headquarters in Olathe, Kansas. The company aims to create navigation and communication devices that make life easier for its customers. One of its popular dash cams is the
Garmin Dash Cam 65
.
SYKIK
SYKIK was founded in 2009 after a biker was almost killed by a hit-and-run driver. The incident compelled him to launch Sykik Riders, so he could give people everyday-essential electronics that don't cost a lot of money. The company is based in Los Angeles, California. One popular product is the
Sykik Rider CR1, Dual Camera System for Motorcycles and Scooters
.
Motorcycle Dash Cam Pricing
$150-$250:
The best cheap motorcycle dash cam won't have as many features as its more expensive counterparts. For example, it may not work with iOS or may have a narrower field of view compared to more expensive units.
$250-$500:
The more money you spend on a motorbike dash cam, the more features you will get. GPS tagging will likely come standard, and it will probably feature speed and locati
on data. These cameras are usually compatible with both Android and Apple devices.Key Features
Construction
This is one area in which you should not pinch pennies. The best dash camera systems are constructed of high-quality materials. Low-quality materials can affect durability. You want a camera that is solidly built so it can last for several years. Otherwise, you will have to spend more money on replacing it.
Waterproof
When you buy a dash cam for your car, it stays inside the vehicle and isn't exposed to the elements. Motorcycle dash cams, however, are susceptible to rain, snow, and varying temperatures. Be sure to check if the camera is water-resistant or waterproof. Some have waterproof elements, but the head unit itself may not be 100 percent waterproof.
Video Quality
Some cameras are better than others when it comes to their resolution, but typically top-end dash cams are either 1440P or 1080P. Try to avoid cameras that are 720P (HD) because the resolution will not be not very good. The higher the resolution, the clearer the footage will be.
Auto On and Off
This is a great feature to have, and most dash video recording devices have it. Essentially, when you turn the ignition on, the camera will start recording. Conversely, when you turn the ignition off, the camera stops recording. This is helpful because you don't have to fiddle with the device every time you get on your bike.
Other Considerations
Loop Recording:
If you ride frequently, you will capture a lot of footage. With loop recording, you don't have to think about changing your SD card. What loop recording does is overwrite the recording once it reaches its limit. This makes things much more convenient and prevents you from worrying about when you need to swap out your memory card.
Size:
It's better to have a smaller dash cam than a larger one because you don't want to draw too much attention to your device. They are not cheap, and a thief could easily steal it off your bike. When possible, look for motorcycle dash cams that are on the smaller side so they're more discrete.
Simple Controls:
It's harder to see the recording status on a motorcycle dash cam than on one that you use in a car. Fortunately, modern technology enables users to more easily control and track the footage they capture. Some even have remotes for easier access.
Additional Features:
Other things to consider when you're shopping for the best motorcycle dash cam is a wide-angle camera of at least 120 degrees, the ability to record on microSD cards, g-sensors that detect vibration, GPS tracking, night vision, and software apps that connect to your phone or computer.
Best Motorcycle Dash Cam Reviews & Recommendations 2020
