[Beginner] The Complete Guide to Installing a Dashcam on Your Motorcycle! A Detailed Explanation for DIY and Professional Installation

Can you install a dash cam on a motorcycle yourself?

 

 

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/93-4187586/
While you can install a dash cam on a motorcycle yourself, it requires a certain level of knowledge and the difficulty is moderate.

 

The three reasons for this are as follows:

 

1. Wiring work (ACC power extraction) is required.
2. Wiring needs to be routed neatly.
3. The difficulty varies greatly depending on the motorcycle's structure.

 

Handheld and USB-powered dash cams are relatively easy to install, making them suitable for beginners.

 

Even beginners can install full-fledged front and rear dash cams (ACC power), but the difficulty is moderate, requiring careful work such as ensuring secure wiring.

 

However, it is not recommended for those who do not regularly maintain their motorcycles themselves or are not confident with disassembly and assembly. In such cases, it is advisable to ask a motorcycle shop to do the installation.

 

Those most likely to be able to install it themselves

 

People most likely to be able to install a dash cam on their motorcycle themselves are those who have previously installed a smartphone holder or performed simple customizations.

 

Since dash cam installation involves wiring, it's also important not to be intimidated by wiring diagrams. People who don't mind reading instruction manuals or enjoy DIY projects are also highly likely to be able to install it themselves.

 

It's not just about connecting wires; careful work is required, such as taking measures to prevent water damage and proper cable routing to avoid problems. Therefore, people who can take their time and work meticulously are also likely to be able to install it themselves.

 

Those who should have it installed by a professional

 

Conversely, those who should have it installed by a professional at a motorcycle shop are people who don't understand the positive and negative terminals of wiring, or who have no experience with electrical systems.

 

Generally, positive and negative wires are distinguished by color, but if you don't know the difference or have no experience with electrical systems and don't know how to connect wires, it's safer to leave it to a professional to avoid problems.

 

Furthermore, if you are worried about accidentally draining the battery, want to minimize the risk of malfunctions or problems, or don't have enough time for the installation (which typically takes 1 to 3 hours), it's safer to have it installed by a professional.

 

When asking a shop or professional to install a dash cam on your motorcycle

 

 

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/85-6703378/
When asking a shop or professional to install a dash cam on your motorcycle, what are the advantages compared to installing it yourself?

 

Let's look at the advantages of having a motorcycle dash cam installed by a shop or professional.

 

Advantages of entrusting it to a shop or professional

 

When entrusting a motorcycle dash cam installation to a shop or professional, the main advantage is that you can be sure of a reliable installation, provided you pay the fee.

 

There are also the following advantages, which directly lead to safety, reliability, and long-term benefits:

 

1. Eliminates the risk of wiring problems
2. Neat wiring and high visual finish
3. Optimization of viewing angle and mounting position
4. No disadvantages for vehicle inspections, insurance, or warranty

 

Eliminates the risk of wiring problems

 

The biggest advantage of entrusting motorcycle dash cam installation to a shop or professional is the safety and reliability of the wiring.

 

Unlike cars, motorcycles have limited space for wiring, so there isn't much leeway for electrical systems. However, professionals can route the wiring to avoid disconnections and water damage from rain, ensuring an electrically sound installation.

 

The greatest advantage of hiring a professional is the high level of security, eliminating problems such as battery drain, incorrect ACC power connection, or the camera not working when needed.

 

Neat wiring and high visual finish

 

When a professional installs a dash cam, they ensure that the wiring is not stressed, resulting in a neat appearance and a high-quality finish.

 

Sloppy wiring can obstruct steering or come loose during driving, but professionals adjust the length optimally and protect it from vibration and water damage.

 

They route cables behind fairings or inside the vehicle, minimizing visible wiring and choosing locations that avoid stress on the wires and exposure to heat, thus ensuring high durability.

 

Optimization of viewing angle and mounting position

 

Another advantage of having a professional install your dash cam is that they optimize the viewing angle and mounting position.

 

Dash cams serve as evidence in case of accidents or violations, so simply having one "installed" is meaningless if license plates, signals, and the movements of other vehicles are not clearly captured.

 

Professionals make fine adjustments to the angle and height of the front and rear cameras while checking the monitor, significantly increasing the likelihood of obtaining "usable video evidence" in the event of an accident or violation.

 

No disadvantages for vehicle inspections, insurance, or warranty

 

Having a dash cam professionally installed also offers the advantage of not negatively affecting vehicle inspections, insurance, or the motorcycle's warranty.

 

Incorrect wiring or mounting methods can obstruct steering, prevent the vehicle from passing inspection, and may even invalidate the motorcycle manufacturer's warranty (for electrical systems).

 

When you have a professional do the installation, you don't have to worry about these issues, as they will not perform any work that could obstruct operation or cause the vehicle to fail inspection.

 

Estimated installation cost

 

When asking a shop or professional to install a motorcycle dash cam, the estimated installation costs are as follows:

 

Service Estimated Cost
Front camera only ¥10,000–¥15,000
Front and rear camera type ¥15,000–¥30,000
Additional work (e.g., fairing removal/attachment) +¥3,000–¥12,000
Bring-your-own dash cam fee +¥2,500–¥8,000

 

For a front-only dash cam installation, the average cost ranges from ¥10,000 to ¥15,000, depending on the motorcycle model and mounting location. For front and rear installation, the cost is roughly 1.5 to 2 times higher.

 

Full-faired motorcycles require the removal and attachment of fairings during wiring, incurring an additional fairing removal/attachment fee. If you purchase a dash cam online and have a shop install it, a separate持ち込み料金 (bring-your-own-item fee) is often charged.

 

Installation fees are calculated based on the time required for the work, so larger motorcycles, full-faired motorcycles, and imported motorcycles that require special tools or techniques tend to have higher costs.

 

Where should you ask for installation?

 

When entrusting dash cam installation to a shop or professional, options include motorcycle shops that sell motorcycles and parts shops that sell motorcycle parts.

 

We will explain the places where you can request a dash cam installation for your motorcycle, their characteristics, and points to note. Please refer to this if you are considering requesting a dash cam installation.

 

Motorcycle Specialty Stores (Red Baron, Bike Kan, Bike O, etc.)

 

Motorcycle dealerships such as Red Baron, Bike Kan, and Bike O are places where you can request dash cam installation for your motorcycle.

 

They often have extensive knowledge of model-specific power extraction and interference with genuine options, and a significant advantage is that installation can be done simultaneously when purchasing a motorcycle.

 

They often allow customers to bring their own devices, and the installation process is standardized, so you can expect a finish of a certain standard or higher in terms of mounting position, wiring, and waterproofing.

 

Motorcycle Accessory Stores (Ricoland, Naps, 2Rinkan, etc.)

 

Motorcycle accessory stores like Ricoland and Naps also install dash cams purchased at their stores.

 

Since dash cam installation menus are established, pricing is clear, and many stores also accommodate installations of customer-brought devices for a carry-in fee.

 

Fairing removal and attachment fees vary by store, so it's best to confirm the "total installation cost," including any additional fairing fees, in advance to avoid problems.

 

Individual Motorcycle Shops

 

Many individually owned motorcycle shops also install dash cams, but the experience and skill level of installation can vary greatly by shop, so it's necessary to check reviews and other information.

 

Independently owned motorcycle shops are often easier to consult with, and their prices tend to be more reasonable compared to larger shops.

 

Since the skill level varies among shops, it's advisable to ask, "How much experience do you have with dash cam installations?" before making a decision.

 

Electrical System Specialists / Mobile Installation Services

 

Electrical system specialists and mobile installation services are professionals who specialize in installing dash cams and ETC devices, and they are proficient in complex system configurations (such as continuous recording + parking surveillance).

 

It's easy to request their services even on weekdays, and they perform installations at your home, eliminating the hassle of riding your motorcycle to a shop.

 

Some companies may have limited experience with motorcycle dash cam installations, and their waterproofing measures might be insufficient. Therefore, it's a good idea to inquire about their "motorcycle installation track record" and "waterproofing and vibration-damping methods" in advance.

 

Correct mounting position for a motorcycle dash cam

 

 

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/b8-7006472/
When installing a dash cam on your motorcycle yourself, the mounting position is crucial.

 

An incorrect mounting position can obstruct steering or put undue stress on the wiring, leading to problems. Therefore, it's essential to mount it in the correct position.

 

Conditions for the correct mounting position

 

The correct mounting position for a dash cam is one that can "clearly capture and save the situation in the event of an accident or other incident."

 

The five conditions for a correct mounting position to ensure proper recording of circumstantial evidence are as follows:

 

1. Low vibration (stable footage)
2. Minimizes direct exposure to rainwater
3. Allows safe cable routing (does not interfere with moving parts)
4. Ensures clear visibility (minimizes blind spots)
5. Position where it is less likely to be stolen or damaged

 

Let's take a closer look at the conditions for the correct mounting position to avoid problems.

 

Low vibration (stable footage)

 

It is very important to mount a motorcycle dash cam in a position with low vibration to ensure stable footage.

 

If the dash cam vibrates excessively, even pre-accident recordings may be blurry, making it difficult to ascertain the situation.

 

It is common to mount dash cams around the handlebars, but avoid the tip of the fairing or thin stays, as these tend to cause the dash cam screen to shake.

 

Minimizes direct exposure to rainwater

 

Even if a motorcycle dash cam is waterproof, mounting it in a position where it is less exposed to direct rainwater can reduce the risk of malfunction.

 

Prolonged direct exposure to rainwater increases the risk of malfunction. It is also safer to avoid locations where water is forcefully sprayed during riding or where it is susceptible to water splashed up by tires.

 

A position where it is less exposed to direct rainwater and less affected by water during riding is suitable for mounting a dash cam on a motorcycle.

 

Allows safe cable routing (does not interfere with moving parts)

 

When installing a dash cam, it is crucial not only to secure the camera itself but also to route the cables safely to prevent disconnection or excessive stress.

 

Areas affected by steering angle, near suspension movement, or around the engine and radiator (heat-generating areas) should be avoided as they are prone to problems like disconnections or melting wire insulation.

 

Route the cables safely, ensuring they do not touch moving parts or heat-generating areas to prevent problems.

 

Ensures clear visibility (minimizes blind spots)

 

To maximize the dash cam's function (recording situations), it is necessary to ensure clear visibility that can accurately record driving conditions.

 

If installed in an extremely low position or off-center from the vehicle, the fairing or fender may appear in the frame, obstructing the forward view.

 

Check that no motorcycle parts are visible in the dash cam's field of view and install it in a position that minimizes blind spots (unrecorded areas) in the desired direction.

 

Position where it is less likely to be stolen or damaged

 

Motorcycles are often visible to people when parked, and dash cams can be targets for theft or vandalism.

 

It's important to install it in a position that is not easily noticeable from the outside and out of easy reach. However, installing it in a position that protrudes from the vehicle body makes it more susceptible to damage in case of impact or a fall.

 

Choosing a mounting method that requires special bolts or tools for removal is recommended as it increases the deterrent effect against dash cam theft.

 

Recommended mounting positions

 

Ideally, a motorcycle dash cam should be installed in a location with low vibration and minimal direct exposure to rainwater. But what are the specific recommended locations?

 

The recommended mounting positions for motorcycle dash cams are as follows:

 

1. Mirror stay (base of the mirror)
2. Handlebar (near the center of the handlebar)
3. Inside the front cowl (common on scooters)
4. Behind the screen (motorcycles with large screens)

 

Let's take a closer look at the recommended mounting positions for motorcycle dash cams.

 

1. Mirror stay (base of the mirror)

 

The mirror stay is a classic mounting position for motorcycle dash cams, offering a good balance between ensuring clear visibility and ease of installation. It also facilitates maintenance such as tightening screws and cleaning.

 

Due to low vibration, the camera remains stable, allowing for natural viewing angles of forward traffic conditions, which is advantageous for recording accident situations.

 

It's less exposed to rain and easily accessible for cleaning, but wiring tends to be exposed, making waterproofing and cable management crucial.

 

However, since it is a conspicuous position from the outside, choosing a compact camera can balance aesthetics with theft risk.

 

2. Handlebar (near the center of the handlebar)

 

The handlebar (near the center of the handlebar) is an easy-to-install position that allows for easy adjustment.

 

A wide variety of commercially available mounts (universal stays) are available, making position and angle adjustments easy. Being close to the center of the vehicle also allows for good left-right balance in recordings.

 

When installing, it is necessary to consider avoiding interference with brake hoses and meters, and not obstructing key operation. Due to significant vibration and movement from steering during riding, footage tends to be more prone to blurring compared to mounting on the mirror stay.

 

3. Inside the front cowl (common on scooters)

 

Installing inside the front cowl is a mounting position that protects the dash cam from rain and road debris, and provides a clean, unobtrusive look, especially effective for scooters.

 

Utilizing internal space allows for safe wiring along the original harness, and it also reduces the risk of theft and vandalism.

 

However, if the mounting position is too deep, the cowl might appear in the frame, or the field of view might narrow. Therefore, it's crucial to temporarily secure it and check the footage before final installation.

 

4. Behind the screen (motorcycles with large screens)

 

For motorcycles equipped with large screens, behind the screen is an excellent mounting position.

 

The lens is less likely to get dirty as it's protected from wind and rain, and shooting from a high position allows for wide, stable footage of distant situations.

 

When shooting through the screen, care must be taken to avoid screen reflections or nighttime glare, but these can be avoided with position adjustments. The camera is also less conspicuous externally, reducing theft risk, which is another advantage.

 

However, it often requires removing and attaching the screen, making the installation process slightly less efficient compared to other mounting positions.

 

How to choose a motorcycle dash cam and recommended products

 

 

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/a9-2186589/
Motorcycle dash cams come in various types with different shooting directions (front only, front and rear), image quality, and waterproofing capabilities.

 

We will introduce the criteria for choosing a dash cam and recommended products, so please refer to this for guidance.

 

Motorcycle dash cams are broadly divided into two types.

 

Motorcycle dash cams are divided into two types based on their power supply method: those that draw power from the motorcycle's battery and those with an internal battery.

 

The recommended type is one that draws power from the motorcycle's battery, as this prevents recording interruptions due to battery drain.

 

Also, since the dash cam activates in conjunction with the engine start, you can avoid forgetting to turn on the dash cam.

 

Important considerations when choosing a motorcycle dash cam

 

Here are the key points to check when choosing a motorcycle dash cam:

 

Item Important Reason/View
① Number of cameras (front only, front & rear, 360°, etc.) Accidents and problems can occur not only from the front but also from the rear or sides. Front and rear cameras are recommended for recording rear-end collisions and road rage.
② Image Quality (Resolution) For detailed information like license plates and night evidence, at least "Full HD (1,920x1,080)" is the benchmark.
③ Field of View/Lens Angle A wider angle is desirable to capture intersections, sudden jumps from the side, and side impacts. (Wide-angle lens, etc.)
④ Waterproof, Dustproof, and Vibration Resistance Motorcycles are exposed to harsh conditions like wind, rain, vibration, and dust, so waterproof, dustproof, and vibration-resistant designs are essential.
⑤ Night and Low-Light Video Performance It's reassuring if it can record well in poor conditions like night driving, in and out of tunnels, and at dusk. Features like HDR, WDR, and brightness compensation are beneficial.
⑥ Power Supply Method & Automatic Recording Battery-powered or direct connection to vehicle power. An engine-linked automatic recording type is convenient. (Prevents forgetting to record)
⑦ Unit Size & Ease of Installation Motorcycles have limited space, so confirm if it's small, easy to install, can be wired, and the mounting position is appropriate.
⑧ Reliability, Brand, and Support System Check for waterproofing and vibration reliability, long-term use, warranty, and repair support. Japanese brands and reputable manufacturers offer peace of mind.

 

The number of dash cams (front only, front and rear) changes the range that can be recorded. However, accidents don't only occur from the front; they can also happen from the rear or side. Considering potential problems (like road rage), a dash cam with both front and rear cameras is recommended.

 

Image quality affects the clarity of the recording. For clearly capturing details like license plates and the surrounding environment of an accident, a resolution of Full HD (1,920x1,080) or higher is recommended.

 

If it has video performance that can record even at night or in dark places, you can record regardless of the time of day. Choosing one with solid waterproofing, dustproofing, and vibration resistance provides peace of mind.

 

Choosing the right dash cam "by purpose"

 

Depending on the motorcycle's use (city riding, touring, etc.), the types of problems that can occur and the dash cam features to prioritize also differ.

 

Choosing a dash cam based on its intended use is recommended, as it prevents paying for unnecessary features and reduces the risk of failing to provide accident evidence due to an unsuitable dash cam.

 

Let's look at how to choose a dash cam suitable for different motorcycle uses.

 

Commuting/School or Primarily City Riding

 

If you primarily use your motorcycle for commuting or city riding, you'll be using it almost daily, so it's recommended to prioritize durability and ease of maintenance.

 

Rather than flashy features, choose a dash cam with stable basic performance, such as stable power supply, compact size for easy installation, and excellent waterproofing and dustproofing.

 

Common accidents at signalized intersections are right-turn and left-turn accidents. What's important is not ultra-high image quality or long recording times, but quick startup and stable image quality that can read the other party's license plate.

 

Choosing one with front and rear cameras and automatic recording can also capture rear-end collisions and road rage incidents, providing valuable evidence.

 

Safety and Evidence Purposes (Accident/Road Rage Prevention)

 

If safety and evidence (for accidents or road rage) are your primary concerns, prioritize choosing a dash cam that can reliably capture footage in any situation and record enough information to be used as evidence later.

 

It should have high image quality (Full HD or higher) with a sufficient field of view. Front and rear cameras can also record rear-end collisions and road rage incidents.

 

Choosing a model equipped with HDR/WDR (backlight compensation function) ensures stable recording even in situations with changing brightness, such as entering and exiting tunnels. Furthermore, a model that captures clear footage at night is recommended for safe nighttime riding.

 

Touring, Long-Distance, Record-Oriented

 

For touring, rather than recording accidents or incidents, a dash cam suitable for creating memories, such as saving ride logs or capturing the surrounding environment during the ride, is recommended.

 

It requires stable long-duration continuous recording, high waterproofing and vibration resistance, and heat resistance that won't fail even in mid-summer.

 

A touring-向けの dash cam is convenient with high image quality, wide-angle shooting capability, support for large-capacity SD cards, and GPS and Wi-Fi functions.

 

Recommended Motorcycle Dash Cams

 

There are many different types of motorcycle dash cams, and it can be difficult to choose the right one.

 

To help you choose, here are 5 recommended dash cams for motorcycles. Please use them as a reference.

 

D-RIDE Mirror Integrated Dash Cam Plot

 

 

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/plot-dr-05bp

 

 

The PLOT "D-RIDE Mirror Integrated Dash Cam" is a dash cam with a built-in camera in a hexagonal rearview mirror, eliminating the need to worry about installation location.

 

It is the world's first dash cam to support front and rear recording, and its high impact resistance and waterproof/dustproof performance enhance its durability.

 

• Product Name: D-RIDE Mirror Integrated Dash Cam
• Manufacturer: PLOT
• Power: Battery powered
• Number of Cameras: Front and rear recording (built into the mirror)
• Field of View: Wide angle horizontal 150°, diagonal 183°
• Effective Pixels: 1080P/2 million pixels
• Recording Media: microSD card (32GB included)
• Sales Price (tax included): 36,271 yen

 

Motorcycle Dash Cam Carplay/Android Auto Compatible Changer

 

 

Source: https://amzn.asia/d/4nxw08J
The Changer "Motorcycle Dash Cam" is a dash cam with front and rear cameras, offering a wide recording range.

 

Both front and rear cameras capture a wide 130° field of view, covering a wide range to significantly reduce blind spots. With its high-sensitivity sensor and advanced image processing technology, it records clear video even in various environments such as at night or in tunnels.

 

• Product Name: Motorcycle Dash Cam Carplay/Android Auto Compatible
• Manufacturer: Changer
• Power: Battery powered
• Field of View: Front and rear 130° wide angle
• Effective Pixels: 1080P
• Recording Media: microSD card (64GB included)
• Sales Price (tax included): 28,599 yen

 

SRS-001 Smart Ride Monitor AIO-5 Lite Tanax

 

 

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/tn-srs-001

 

 

The Tanax "SRS-001 Smart Ride Monitor AIO-5 Lite" is a smart monitor with a built-in dash cam.

 

You can instantly check recorded videos on the monitor, and even when parked, it records for about 60 seconds if it detects an impact to the vehicle, allowing you to record hit-and-runs or vandalism.

 

• Product Name: SRS-001 Smart Ride Monitor AIO-5 Lite
• Manufacturer: Tanax
• Power: Battery powered
• Number of Cameras: 2 for front and rear
• Field of View: 136° wide-angle lens
• Effective Pixels: 1080P
• Recording Media: Built-in EMMC 32GB (approximately 4 hours of recording at FHD)
• Sales Price (tax included): 72,400 yen

 

Mio Motorcycle Dash Cam Front and Rear 2 Cameras Daytona

 

 

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-40860

 

 

The Daytona "Mio Motorcycle Dash Cam Front and Rear 2 Cameras" is a dash cam that uses a Sony STARVIS CMOS image sensor to record clearly even at night.

 

It can record hit-and-runs by detecting impacts while parked, and if an impact occurs while driving, it automatically records 20 seconds before and after the impact and prevents it from being overwritten.

 

• Product Name: Mio Motorcycle Dash Cam Front and Rear 2 Cameras
• Manufacturer: Daytona
• Power: Battery powered
• Number of Cameras: 2 for front and rear
• Field of View: Wide angle horizontal 150°, diagonal 183°
• Effective Pixels: Full HD 1080P/58fps・2 million pixels
• Recording Media: microSD card (64GB included)
• Sales Price (tax included): 39,974 yen

 

Motorcycle Dash Cam Full HD 2 Million Pixels Mitsuba Sankowa

 

 

Source: https://amzn.asia/d/gDVT8nC
The MITSUBA Sankowa "Motorcycle Dash Cam Full HD 2 Million Pixels" is a front and rear dash cam that can record a wide area.

 

It has a wide 162° field of view, and with a SONY CMOS image sensor and WDR, it records high-quality video with excellent texture and beautiful image quality even when shooting at night.

 

• Product Name: Motorcycle Dash Cam Full HD 2 Million Pixels
• Manufacturer: MITSUBA Sankowa
• Power: Battery powered
• Number of Cameras: 2 for front and rear
• Field of View: Wide angle 162°
• Effective Pixels: Full HD 1080P/2 million pixels
• Recording Media: microSD card (32GB included)
• Sales Price (tax included): 35,990 yen