I was a bit skeptical when I first started considering installing a Quad Lock to my Triumph motorbike, Lucy. Yet, my desire to free my iPhone from my motorcycle jacket pocket, and use navigation and music apps during rides, only created a strong desire to improve my riding experience. Lucy does not have a internal nav system, so why not use Google Maps to help me explore more of the Lowcountry that I love. But would mounting a Quad Lock system to the handlebars of my new Triumph remove the retro aesthetic I love, and a major reason why I purchased this particular model. After a few rides, I am not only surprised how well the Quad Lock works, but marvel at the doors of possibility it is opening for me.
For those that are unfamiliar with Quad Lock, it is an Australian based company that designs mounting solutions for motorcycles and a whole host of other applications that I will not describe. This review is focused on what got Quad Lock going, developing a great product for motorcyclists. I was a bit aware of Quad Lock from all the YouTubers promoting it on their channels devoted to motorcycles. Not a single one of them had a bad thing to say. What is great, is Quad Lock fits almost every type of motorcycle. The mounting solutions are endless. From the picture above, my mounting solution was the most popular, mounting the Quad Lock to my handlebar. I choose the left side of the handlebar on Lucy because I would have more freedom with my left hand, as my right hand is occupied by the throttle. I decided to add an arm, and a vibration dampener to the mix. iPhones a very intelligent devices and I thought that the roads of Charleston would knock around my iPhone silly. Plus, repeated bumps without the vibration dampener might create internal damage to the iPhone. Best to be safe.
When I went to the Quad Lock website, you are provided with so many opinions. What is important is to pick the right case for you phone. My iPhone is an XR, and old model. And sure enough Quad Lock had a case for my specific phone. Next you choose your mounting head with two opinions, the original, which is a blue plastic release tab, or a metal one that includes a stronger head. Considering Quad Lock started with the blue plastic release tab, I went with this opinion. Next, I added an arm to give my iPhone a better view angle. That was one of main concerns I had, would I be able to view my iPhone while it was on the Quad Lock during a ride. I am happy to report that viewing directions while riding is very intuitive. Aside from my early user error of orienteering my Google Maps to true North, I was able to pull into a parking lot and quickly reset my Google Maps navigation icon to follow my path of travel. Quick heads up, DON’T TRY TO TWEAK SHIT while riding. I could adjust the volume, but that is about it. Make your decisions before hitting the road. Make adjustments when you come to a stop. I did have my Bluetooth earbuds in during my ride, and I could have had voice assist with my directions, but instead opted for music. When I travel to a new location, I will activate voice assist and see how that goes. But for now, I followed the blue line to my destination of Folly Beach without trouble. I do wish Google Maps had a motorcycle icon instead of just cars and trucks.
My final attachment for my Quad Lock setup was the “Poncho”. A plastic cover that sides over your phone during travels. Heads up, if you do plan to purchase the Poncho, the touch screen on your phone is completely useless. My work around, was to setup everything I needed, music, directions, and then add the Poncho as a final layer before departing. The Poncho is a great layer of protection for your phone while traveling. Remember the Quad Lock case doesn’t protect the screen. Sure your screen protector might do well while walking and talking, but the Poncho does a wonderful job and reducing harm while riding road or dirt. Just don’t expect to answer a call with your motorcycle gloves on.
In conclusion, I am very impressed with the Quad Lock. Once you get one, Quad Lock makes all types of products for your home/work, automobile, sporting activities, and of course motorcycles. The possibilities are really endless. Head over to Quad Lock’s website today and get quad locking y’all.