Motorcycling is a symbol of individualism, but also gives me a sense of community. I have been riding a motorcycle since I was 18 and regularly go on motorcycle tours in many countries.
While taking a motorcycle tour can be both challenging and rewarding, there’s nothing like filming your journey.
Every year I ride my motorbike for at least 2,000 kilometers. I love taking stills and sharing short films of my expeditions with friends, family, and the internet. I always notice things I missed, so I appreciate the chance to relive each ride. To do this, I need a reliable action camera that can help me capture all the best moments.
I tested dozens of products and found GoPro Hero 10 is the best camera for motorcycle touring. It’s easy to use but will capture footage with fantastic accuracy. GoPro is a trusted brand for capturing action, and the Hero 10 takes quality photos and video. You can even get quality footage from low-light locations.
I especially appreciate the cloud connection on this camera. I often get sidetracked with other things after a ride and forget to upload footage. The GoPro Hero 10 makes this oversight impossible. As soon as I plug in the camera to charge, the footage backs up to the cloud.
While I find the GoPro Hero 10 to be the best camera for motorcycle touring, many other cameras are on the market. Some riders prefer a helmet camera, while others want a dash option. There are also rear-facing cameras and those that pick up voice commands. Of course, budget always plays a part in what camera suits your needs.
With those features in mind, I created a list of the top ten cameras for motorcycle touring. There’s something for everyone on this list, so you’re sure to find one that captures every thrill of your ride.
Read on to find out more about the top ten motorcycle touring cameras.
List of Top 10 Cameras for Motorcycle Touring
Here’s a quick overview of my top ten cameras for motorcycle touring:
- Overall Best Motorcycle Camera: GoPro Hero 10
- Best Budget Motorcycle Camera: Akaso V50
- Best Action Camera for Motorcycles: Akaso V50X
- Best Budget Action Camera for Motorcycles: Akaso EK7000
- Best Budget Motorcycle Helmet Camera: INNOVV C5 Motorcycle Helmet Bullet Cam
- Best Motorcycle Dash Camera: INNOVV K2 Dual Channel Motocam
- Best Rear Facing Motorcycle Camera: Innovv K3 Motorcycle Camera
- Best Motorcycle Camera With Voice Commands: Sena 10C Evo
- Best Motorcycle Camera for Track Days: GoPro Hero 9 Black
- Best 360 Camera for Motorcycles: Insta360 One X2
10 Best Cameras for Motorcycle Touring Reviewed
Whatever type of camera you’re looking for, there’s something available. After testing dozens of cameras for motorcycle touring, I found that these ten options offer something special for every rider.
1. Overall Best Motorcycle Camera: GoPro Hero 10
Riding a motorcycle brings me a sense of freedom and independence. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment. I found that GoPro Hero 10 is the overall best camera for motorcycling tours.
GoPro is a significant player in action cameras. The official apps allow users to edit and post videos on social media and YouTube. I can do this without spending hours working on a computer. For that reason alone, I love what GoPro offers and am always excited to try their latest releases.
I also love that the GoPro Hero 10 can take 23 Mp photos. While many digital cameras top out at 10 to 20 Mp, this resolution in a portable GoPro is impressive.
I love watching footage of my rides. I have been awestruck by landscape visuals, especially on sunrise and sunset rides. With the Hero 10, I can take a photo of all the natural beauty I witness and make prints to hang.
The video footage is high-definition and has image stabilization, so no one gets nauseous watching my clips. The video stays clear, even if I’m biking over a rocky forest trail.
I often re-watch footage just to catch things I missed since my vision was shaky then. With such high-resolution video, I can take a screenshot and have a 15.8 Mp image on my hands.
Additionally, high-resolution footage offers more context and details for the viewers, which makes my motorcycle videos more immersive and engaging.
I also like the GoPro Hero 10 is waterproof. It has a coating to eliminate lens flare, so riding in bright sunlight won’t obstruct your footage. It also performs well in low light conditions, so I can still film early morning rides and have a clear view of the journey.
One of the coolest things I love about the GoPro Hero 10 is the ability to live stream. I usually record my rides, review the footage later, and then edit clips to share on social media and YouTube.
However, it’s fun to live stream while you’re in the moment. I was thrilled that I got a lot of interaction when I went live on Instagram with a ride, making my trip even more exhilarating.
Conclusion
Motorcycling is a form of self-expression, and a unique way to experience the world. Anyone who wants a versatile camera will appreciate the GoPro Hero 10. The company has an excellent reputation for its action cameras, so you know your investment will last for years.
With such high photo and video resolution, the final footage is a work of art. The waterproof design and lens coating keeps images crystal clear in any riding conditions.
2. Best Budget Motorcycle Camera: Akaso V50
Taking a motorcycle tour can be expensive. For riders new to filming each trip, there’s a budget option that gives you a taste of the possibility. There’s no need to go all-in with a professional-level camera for people dipping their toes in the water. The Akaso V50 gives you incredible footage without breaking the bank.
I especially appreciate the time-lapse feature on the Akaso V50. It’s fascinating to watch my two-hour journey elapse within minutes. When I film normally, I’ll get a 4K video suitable for showing on the big-screen TV. It even has an HDMI port on the body to connect it to the screen. I don’t need to download and send footage wirelessly.
One more aspect I love about this camera is the 20 Mp photos, which puts this camera’s resolution in the same range as most professional digital SLR cameras.
I also like the remote control attaches to my wrist. With that, I can easily click the shutter to take photos while in motion, making things convenient.
I didn’t expect such an affordable camera to have all the features the Akaso V50 does. Its image stabilization is on-par with more expensive options, which is excellent value for money.
The camera has a six-axis gyroscope that detects position changes at the moment, stabilizing the footage to make it look flawless.
Another feature I love about this camera is its several view angles. Some budget cameras I tried stayed fixed in one place, giving a limited view of your ride. But the Akaso V50 has narrow, medium, wide, and super wide options. I can choose the super wide option and still get video and photos without distortion. The camera automatically adjusts to all the specifications to deliver the highest-quality results. With this feature, I can be more creative with my videos and photos.
I am glad I downloaded the Akaso Go app to link with the camera. This approach lets me conveniently upload video clips and photos to social media. I can do this without transferring them across devices, which is handy when I’m on a deadline.
Conclusion
Budget motorcycle touring is about seeing how much you can do with your money. Riders on a budget will appreciate the beginner-friendliness of the Akaso V50. It’s also a great option if you are just starting your photography journey.
It’s affordable enough to suit anyone’s budget. It doesn’t cut corners regarding camera durability and output quality. It will have you fully realizing the capabilities of the camera and your bike. It’s also a great introductory camera.
3. Best Action Camera for Motorcycles: Akaso V50X
Action cameras are ideal for capturing high-quality videos and photos of motorcycle expeditions. Akaso is such a high-quality camera brand that I wanted to try out other offerings from the company. The Akaso V50X is a step up from the budget V50, making it a logical upgrade for riders who are a bit more experienced in filming their motorcycle journeys.
The camera isn’t waterproof, but the manufacturer includes a clear case to protect it from weather and impact. The case can protect the camera on a dive as deep as 131 feet, keeping it safe on rainy rides and when I roll through puddles.
Though the camera has a basic, compact design, the accessories make it one of the most versatile action cameras on the market. Many accessories come in the box, which helps me improve the video quality. These include:
- Bike stand
- Helmet mount
- Remote control
- Tethers
Right out of the box, I could format an SD memory card (though that did not come with the camera) and start filming. The remote control has a wristband to wear, so I mounted the camera on my dash and then controlled it all from the remote. It seems difficult, but the touch screen makes it easy to lean forward and tap to take a photo.
I love that the video footage is in full HD. It includes a timelapse option to create unique, engaging content for social media. Moreover, I can download the Akaso Go app and link the camera. From there, I can easily upload clips and images to my profiles without transferring data to my computer.
Another feature I love about this camera is the video stabilization, which is crucial for an action camera. Even as I mounted the camera to my dash, I knew that a bumpy trail could throw off the footage. I was pleasantly surprised to review my video later and realize the camera compensated to eliminate the shake.
Conclusion
Action cameras are compact, lightweight, and easy to operate, making them easy to record high-quality videos and photos of motorcycle trips.
Anyone who wants to push the limits of their Akaso V50 will appreciate this upgraded camera. There are more features, but you’re not breaking the bank with the purchase. It’s a great way to explore new camera angles, video footage options, and shareable content.
4. Best Budget Action Camera for Motorcycles: Akaso EK7000
With Akaso coming in as the best budget action camera, it’s no surprise they also manufacture the best budget action camera. The Akaso EK7000 is an underwater action camera with a 170-degree lens that won’t miss a thing, even on the speediest motorcycle rides.
The first thing I love about this camera is the 4k video footage and the 16 Mp photos, which is impressive for a budget option. You won’t go beyond your budget to snag this camera; in fact, you get dozens of accessories in the box.
The camera has a remote control, an extra battery, and a waterproof case. Some of my favorite mounting options include:
- Bicycle stand
- Helmet mount
- Tethers
- Various mounts
Waterproofing isn’t crucial for a motorcycle camera, but it’s a helpful feature. The EK7000 includes a waterproof case that can go 100 feet into the water, which makes me feel conveniently secure, given that I often ride my motorcycle in the rain. However, if you go on diving trips, note that the remote isn’t waterproof. The camera and remote can handle rain on a bike ride, however.
I found the remote is a convenient accessory. I wear it on my wrist and press a button to take a photo. I can also remotely start and stop taking video footage. It’s something simple I can do even as I’m driving. I won’t risk my safety to do so or even need to take my eyes off the road. Since I wanted a simple motorcycle camera, this feature was incredibly efficient, adding a level of safety to my ride.
Akaso also ranks highly for battery life. Each rechargeable battery lasts 90 minutes, and two come in the box. I always charge them up after a ride so they’re ready for my next motorcycle adventure. I don’t have to risk seeing something awe-inspiring without capturing it on film.
When it comes to taking footage, the Akaso EK7000 has plenty of options, such as:
- Burst photos
- Time-lapse photos and video
- Loop recording
- Remote control photos
Conclusion
Filming a motorcycle trip combines challenge, relaxation, and joy. Users who want to buy a durable action camera without spending too much will appreciate the Akaso EK7000.
This affordable camera can handle rocky terrain and 100 feet of water submersion without missing a second of the action. Whether you attach it to your dash or your chest harness, you’ll love the impressive 4K footage and 16 Mp images.
5. Best Motorcycle Helmet Camera: INNOVV C5 Motorcycle Helmet Bullet Cam
Motorcycle helmet cameras are convenient, durable, and offer a first-person perspective, making them easy to capture and share videos and photos of motorcycle adventures.
INNOVV specializes in dashcams, so you know you’re getting high quality from their devices. Their helmet cams, like the INNOVV C5 Motorcycle Helmet Bullet Cam, give riders a different perspective on their rides. I found this better than having a limited view from lower on the bike.
I love this helmet camera because it makes people feel like they’re experiencing my ride when they watch my footage. It’s more immersive and engaging and builds my followers.
The INNOVV app also streamlines setup and angles because I can use my phone’s touchscreen. I found this much easier than trying to configure everything on the camera. The app also lets me download files over WiFi. With that, I don’t need to connect the device to my computer with a cable.
I had the option of mounting the camera anywhere on the helmet. I appreciate how mounting it parallel to my viewfinder makes the footage more natural. I’ve seen riders with top-mounted cameras to get a unique angle of the journey, but I worry that I’d forget about it and knock it against a doorframe, so side-mounting is best for me.
You can choose the resolution for your video footage, which is a great feature because I use lower resolution for longer rides to ensure I capture everything. The lens captures almost everything, too, due to its wide 120-degree field of vision.
Since the camera is specifically for helmet mounts, it only includes the pieces for that mount. If you buy this option, ensure you want the camera on your helmet. While the Akaso options include several different mounts, the INNOVV is helmet-only.
Most importantly, the camera is waterproof. Since a helmet cam is always in the elements, this feature matters more than it does with dash cams or chest mounts.
All the wires are securely inside an aluminum case, so I didn’t worry about ruining the power supply when I got caught in a rainstorm.
Conclusion
Motorcycle helmet cameras provide an immersive, personal, and unique point of view for viewers.
Riders who want a helmet-mounted camera to showcase interactive footage will love the INNOVV C5. The company manufactures quality dash cams, and now you can get that impressive footage as a helmet camera.
6. Best Motorcycle Dash Camera: INNOVV K2 Dual Channel Motocam
Motorcycle dashcam offers good protection for riders. It also captures the fun and memorable moments of motorcycle adventures.
The INNOVV K2 Dual Channel Motocam is a reliable option for people who love the INNOVV brand but don’t want to mount a camera to their helmets. I love that the box includes both front-facing and rear-facing cameras with 120-degree lenses, giving me a complete picture of everything going on around the bike.
While I initially wanted a camera to capture my adventurous rides, I quickly realized that they’re ideal for safety, too. I keep thinking of how cars now have backup cameras and realize the INNOVV K2 provides that for motorcycles. I can see cars two lanes behind and in front of me, giving me a complete picture of what’s going on before I move.
I parked my bike and went into the store. I don’t need to worry about security because the INNOVV K2 continuously records. I can watch the footage through the app on my phone and see if anyone is tampering with my bike. This feature gives me peace of mind, and I think it’s worth the cost alone.
Though the dash camera can protect you in case of accidents, it’s also an excellent option for fun rides. The video footage is 1080p HD, less than the 4K offering of other cameras. It still provides clear files to share online.
I also like the camera’s loop recording, so I use the biggest memory card available. The extra space ensures it won’t overwrite footage. I can review and upload what I want to keep. However, the loop feature is nice because you’ll never risk losing footage due to old video taking up storage. That aspect alone makes the INNOVV K2 a low-maintenance camera I can depend on.
INNOVV made the K2 a camera you install on your bike and leave, so weatherproofing is crucial. I’ve ridden my bike through muddy puddles and parked it in a rainstorm. The good thing is the camera didn’t glitch for a second. INNOVV gets points for durability.
Conclusion
Riders who want a camera without worries will want to try the INNOVV K2 Dual Channel Motocam. Once you install the front and rear cameras on your bike, you can essentially forget all about it. You can review the footage through the smartphone app and know the loop recording will keep going, so your memory card is never full.
7. Best Rear-Facing Motorcycle Camera: INNOVV K3 Motorcycle Camera
A rear-facing camera provides an extra layer of security for your ride. Another INNOVV camera makes the list because this brand is one of the best. One thing I like best about the INNOVV K3 Motorcycle Camera is how it hardwires into the bike. I don’t have to worry about charging the batteries. I also don’t miss out on any part of my ride due to a lack of power.
Just as I don’t have to think about battery life, I also never worry about my memory card getting full. The K3 has loop recording like the K2, meaning I can review and save footage from the app, but the camera will keep recording the footage as needed. It’s always on, so I’ll never miss a cool thing seen on a motorcycle adventure.
The camera can keep 19 hours of footage at any time. I never feel pressured to look over footage right when I get home from a ride. I know I can travel for several days or a week before the INNOVV K3 starts recording over older material.
To install the INNOVV K3, I installed the central unit on the bike, put one camera facing forward, and one on the back of my bike. The good thing is each camera has a 120-degree view. With the wide field of vision, I can see almost everything around me with these installation locations.
I like the cameras are waterproof, so I can leave them out in the rain or splash through a stream without causing them to short out.
One of my favorite features on the INNOVV K3 is the external map with GPS tracking. It’s fun to watch footage of my ride and remember where I drove. The GPS clarifies each journey so I can pinpoint specific scenes and revisit them in the future.
Conclusion
Riders who don’t want to control the angles of their motorcycle camera will want the INNOVV K3. With this camera, you can install and forget about while recording stunning footage of each journey. Since there are two cameras, you can have the front- and rear-facing views from the INNOVV app.
8. Best Motorcycle Camera With Voice Commands: Sena 10C Evo
The motorcycle camera with voice commands allows riders to control the device hands-free without being distracted.
The Sena 10C Evo is a Bluetooth camera with HD speakers to streamline the filming process. The wrist remotes are handy compared to leaning over the mounted camera and changing the settings, but even that seems like a lot of work when using voice commands.
I love the chance to tell the camera to start or stop recording without interrupting my ride, but the speaker offers more than that.
If you ride with friends who also have the Sena 10C Evo, you can use the camera like an intercom with up to three other riders. It’s convenient to be able to tell them about an unplanned stop or just check in to ensure everyone’s okay.
One reason I film my rides is to share footage online. I like showing my social media followers short clips of special places around my town. It’s also fun to share my adventures when I travel. With the Sena 10C Evo, I can do that easily. The speaker lets me narrate what’s going on as the camera records, which cuts down on the editing necessary for a cohesive video.
Moreover, the Sena app lets me review footage, but I can also use it to change the camera’s angles.
I love having the chance to change camera features. I can do this without taking off my helmet and fussing with the device. I can even download footage from the app to clear up more memory space, if necessary, though the camera accepts up to 128 Gb cards.
Conclusion
Riders who want to film and share their expeditions without hours of editing need the Sena 10C Evo. Voice commands and an intuitive app simplify finding the right angle for your journey. The ability to speak right into the mic and record narration for videos means it’s easier than ever to post your adventures online.
9. Best Motorcycle Camera for Track Days: GoPro Hero 9 Black
I’m a huge GoPro fan, so of course, there’s another option for riders who didn’t fall in love with the Hero 10 as I did.
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is the perfect camera for my days at the track. It has Bluetooth connectivity that allows some voice commands. I like the option of telling the GoPro to turn on. This way, I don’t need to film my entire time at the track.
The voice commands come in handy. The touchscreen of this model doesn’t live up to the expectations of the Hero 10. I’ll tap the screen to change settings or take a picture and experience a few seconds of lag. This delay can be the difference between the ideal image and a swatch of blank space.
However, if you use voice commands or leave the Hero 9 Black recording while you’re biking, the results are impressive. I haven’t seen much better than this GoPro’s hyper-smooth stabilization. It takes 5K video and 20 Mp still images, which puts it above many other cameras.
Conclusion
GoPro fans who don’t want to invest in the Hero 10 will benefit from the Hero 9 Black. The voice commands and ability to schedule recordings simplify the process, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time at the track.
10. Best 360 Camera for Motorcycles: Insta360 One X2
360 cameras provide a unique and immersive point of view, giving the viewers the feeling of being present at motorcycle touring.
You may have noticed that most cameras I included on the list have a compact design, but the Insta360 One X2 is much larger. However, there’s a big difference in the features, which explains the size.
The camera’s touchscreen is big. It’s easy for me to change settings without bumbling the controls. When I mount the camera, I can use voice commands instead of the touchscreen. It’s very versatile.
I love that the 360-degree lens records in 5.7K resolution. It takes 18 Mp photos. The camera is waterproof up to 33 feet. It also comes with a waterproof case for additional protection.
The accessories include several mounting options, including:
- Head strap
- Handlebar mount
- Mini tripod
- Suction cup
- Wrist mount
Conclusion
360 Camera offers an amazing perspective when recording motorcycle trips. Many bikers want to capture unique angles. A 360-degree lens, like the Insta360 One X2, can help you capture these. The camera has the highest-quality footage of any device on this list. It also comes with an impressive range of accessories.
7 Things To Consider When Buying a Camera for Motorcycle Touring
These top ten cameras for motorcycle touring all have their perks, but you may still want to look around for other options. I tried several different cameras before settling on the GoPro Hero 10. I wanted to ensure that model would meet all my needs. These were the seven considerations I researched for each camera.
1. Price
I’ll be honest; price is one of my most significant considerations before investing in a piece of technology. I balance the features I need with the price, and any other options are pure bonuses.
I found the best way to stay on budget is to make a ranked list of what I want from a motorcycle camera. I look at devices that offer those features and see if they’re within my budget. If they’re too expensive, I knock off the feature I care about the least, then search again. This approach helped me find the perfect camera within my price range with almost everything I wanted.
2. Camera Types
You’ll want to look into different camera types before deciding which is right. Some types of cameras include:
- Action Cameras: Resistant to mud, water, and impact, and perform well in extreme temperatures
- Dash Cameras: Mount in one location with clamps or screws for stability
- Helmet Cameras: Allow for a first-person perspective by attaching to your helmet and capturing footage at your eye line
- On-Body Cameras: Mount to your chest harness for an immersive view of the ride
- 360 Cameras: Captures unique footage by taking in a full-circle view of your surroundings
Each type of camera has its advantages and drawbacks. Think about what kind of riding you plan on doing, and choose your camera based on your needs.
3. In-Image Stabilization
In-image stabilization keeps footage steady, so the viewers don’t see shakiness or blurs in your photos and video. Standard photographers can use a tripod to keep a camera steady, but since bikers are on the move, choosing a camera with in-image stabilization makes a huge difference in image quality.
4. Image Quality
I often bounce around on trails and feel scrambled after taking a tight turn, but I don’t want any of this to show up in my footage.
Buying a camera with high image quality makes a huge difference. I don’t waste battery power and can continue capturing footage everyone wants to see. Full HD is the best option, especially if the camera has a wide-angle lens.
5. 4K Video Footage
4K video footage has four times the resolution of 1080p cameras. When I use a 4K camera to record my ride, I have a high-definition video to show others. The image is clear, and you can show it on a big-screen TV without losing details. This footage needs more memory, though, so make sure your memory card can hold hours of 4K film.
6. Weatherproof
Some riders only venture out on sunny days, but I love to ride in the rain and splash through puddles without worrying about damaging my camera. A weatherproof camera means I’m not restricted to a particular road. There are waterproof cases for cameras, too, so you can always pick your favorite device and protect it with the additional accessory.
7. Battery Life
Choosing a camera with the longest battery life is crucial. I hate cutting a ride short because my camera dies. Rechargeable batteries are best. I plug them in after each ride and know they’re ready to go for my next outing. I keep a few spares in my bag to ensure I’m covered.
Conclusion
Though there are ten high-quality cameras for motorcycle touring on this list, GoPro Hero 10 stands out as the best. Even after trying each camera, I couldn’t find one that was easier to use. After a ride, I see high-quality videos and photos uploaded automatically to the cloud. I can also use the GoPro app on my phone to post clips to my social media profiles without extra steps.
My early morning rides with low-light conditions still look fantastic on the GoPro Hero 10. This camera is worth the investment. It can last for years of rough rides due to its waterproof exterior and in-image stabilization. GoPro is among the best action camera manufacturers. The Hero 10 is no exception to its excellent products.
I can’t recommend the GoPro Hero 10 enough. If you’re in the market for the best camera for motorcycle touring, you should give it a try. Buy one here and start filming your epic rides so that you can share them with the world. I can’t wait to see the footage you capture.
