Motorcycle Dash Cam Guide: Use Action Cameras for Safe Rides

When you are riding a bike, having a motorcycle dash cam can make a great difference. It can capture your own ride, providing visual evidence of speed, lane position, and even the behavior of the traffic to help you support your version of events if something happens.

Other than providing evidence, recordings can also allow you to identify your bad habits while on the road. This guide explains how action cameras fill this role. You will also know why riders prefer them and why they make them safe.

What Is a Motorcycle Dash Cam?

Motorcycle dash cameras are compact cameras designed for continuous recording. These devices are usually mounted on handlebars or a fairing to record a video while riding a bike.

Most of the dash cameras perform loop recording. They save the video as short clips, and when the storage is filled, the device deletes the oldest recording and records a new video in its place. These small cams also come with impact sensors, which automatically mark the ongoing recording to prevent deletion.

This function protects evidence during crashes or near misses, allowing riders to see clear records of events on the road.

Given below are a few key features to look for in dash cams for motorcycles:

Video Quality and Resolution

Clear video directly affects rider safety. So, when it comes to shopping for dash cams, look for cameras with high resolution. A higher resolution camera is enough to identify the signals, lane markers, and sudden situations. Higher resolutions can also capture clear video even in high-speed motion, which, in an incident, can help reduce confusion and fights.

Field of View

The field of view (FOV) is the maximum area that the dash cam can capture. A good dash cam should have an FOV between 140 and 160 degrees so it can capture videos with better details. This wider coverage reduces blind spots in recordings and provides a complete view of traffic flow.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Durability is important in dash cams, as during a ride, a camera faces constant vibration, dust, and heat. A strong and weather-resistant camera can continuously record even in poor conditions, when accidents are more likely to happen. This reliability during harsh rides can protect critical evidence.

Storage Capacity and Battery Life

Storage capacity affects how long the camera records before looping. Look for cameras with large memory cards for a better recording time. With this, you won’t have a chance to miss any footage during long rides. This is why battery life matters less for hardwired setups but remains critical for helmet-mounted units.

Advantages of Using an Action Camera as a Motorcycle Dash Cam

Below are the advantages of using action cameras as a dash cam for motorcycles:

Versatility and Multi-Functionality of Action Cameras

Action cameras can be efficient dash cams since they can be used in various ways. When riding a bike, you can use them to record your ride. Riders can also mount them on helmets, handlebars, or chest rigs without changing hardware. This way, when you get off the bike, the camera can capture your actions and your surroundings easily, reducing the need for separate devices.

High-Quality Video Recording Capabilities

One significant strength of action cameras is the quality of their video. Most of the action cameras record in 1080p, 2.7K, and 4K. The higher frame rates reduce motion blur during fast motion. This level of detail assists in finding the license plates, traffic lights, and even the road hazards clearly in the recording.

Compact and lightweight design for easy mounting

Because of their small size, action cameras are easy to install. Their weight is much less than that of conventional dash cam systems; thus, they do not exert much stress on the mount. Their small size also ensures that they can remain secure even at high speeds.

Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Dedicated Motorcycle Dash Cams

Specialized dash cams can sometimes require dual cameras, control units, and professional wiring. Action cameras, on the other hand, are simple to install, and some of them are even available at a lower price than regular cameras. The best part is that a single action camera device can cover all your recording needs without complicated installation.

How to Set Up and Use an Action Camera as a Motorcycle Dash Cam?

Below are the steps to set up and use an action camera as a dashcam for motorcycles.

Choosing the Right Action Camera for Motorcycle Use

There are various action cameras available online. Selecting one to use as a dash cam for motorcycles requires careful consideration, as riding exposes the camera to vibration, weather, and constant movement. A poor choice can lead to missed recordings or blurry evidence videos. For this reason, when selecting an action camera, make sure that:

• The camera has the loop recording feature
• It has built-in stabilization to minimize blur caused by vibration
• It records video at 1080p or higher resolution
• It can record clear videos even in darkness
• It supports external power or long recording sessions
• It is easy to control, so there are no distractions while riding

By taking these requirements into account, you will be able to find the right action camera to use as a dash cam. For your convenience, we recommend using the SJCAM SJ20. This camera met all the requirements mentioned above, and it is a lot cheaper than other action cameras.

SJ20 Motorcycling Kit

Turn the SJCAM SJ20 into your ultimate motorcycle dash cam! 6-axis gyro stabilization delivers shake-free footage on bumpy roads, while dual F/2.0/F/1.3 lenses capture crisp 4K day/night shots—even in low light. 8-hour-long battery life, loop recording & 5m body waterproofing keep you covered. Dual screens for easy framing and 5GHz WiFi for quick file sharing—your reliable ride companion!

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After choosing the right camera, the next step is to look for a good mounting and setup. 

Mounting Options and Best Practices

Mount stability directly affects video usefulness. A loose mount creates vibration, which blurs the video and weakens evidence. For this reason, we recommend using a motorcycle handlebar mount. This mount can firmly hold your dash cam and keep the camera steady even in harsh conditions. Just make sure that you properly align the camera so that it records what you see, not the sky or road surface.

After selecting the right mount, the next step is to configure your dash cam. 

Configuring Settings for Optimal Recording

For optimal recording, follow the instructions given below:

• Set your camera’s resolution to at least 1080P. Using a higher resolution can help you capture clear and detailed videos.
• Activate loop recording. This way, your camera can continuously save new videos by deleting old videos if the storage ever gets filled.
• Turn on impact detection so that important videos are locked automatically if something happens.
• Use a wide field of view for urban traffic and a medium view for highways to reduce blurry videos.

By following these instructions, you can clearly record your riding video and provide evidence in case something happens.

Tips for Maintaining and Protecting the Camera During Rides

During a ride, cameras can gather dust. Long-term exposure to dust, heat, and vibration can reduce camera lifespan. To prevent that, you can follow the tips given below:

• Clean the lens before and after each ride. A clean lens means everything stays visible in recordings.
• Check the mount’s tightness regularly. Tight mounts prevent the camera from changing directions due to vibrations or wind.
• Use waterproof covers during rain or dust exposure. This way, you can keep the recording active in harsh environments, when accident risk increases.
• Remove the camera when parked in direct sunlight for long periods to prevent any damage.

These steps extend camera life and keep recordings consistent.

Conclusion

Using action cameras as motorcycle dash cameras offers a cost-effective and versatile solution to the safety of a rider and captures some useful evidence in case of accidents. Riders can effectively record their journey using a camera with essential specifications like high video quality, loop recording, and impact detection. Periodic maintenance and protection against the weather will also ensure the longevity and reliability of the camera, thus making it a good investment for any motorcycle lover.