In this guide
Riders are more exposed than anyone else on the road, and when something happens the other driver's word often carries as much weight as yours. A motorcycle dash cam records what really happened, front and rear. Here is how they differ from car dash cams and what to look for.
Why a car dash cam will not do
A car dash cam lives behind a windscreen. On a bike, the cameras are out in the rain, spray and vibration, so they need to be weatherproof and securely mounted. A motorcycle dash cam splits the job: two small weatherproof camera modules on the outside of the bike, and a recorder unit tucked away under the seat or in a fairing.
Front and rear recording
Incidents involving bikes often happen from behind or from the side at junctions, so recording both directions matters. A dual-channel system records the road ahead and the traffic behind at the same time, with the footage saved to one memory card.
Power and control
A bike dash cam is wired to the 12V supply, usually through an ignition-switched feed so it starts and stops with the bike. Because you cannot reach for buttons while riding, a remote mounted within reach lets you save a clip with your glove on, and a G-sensor locks footage automatically if it detects an impact.
Our pick: the Viofo MT1
The Viofo MT1 is a dual-channel 1080p motorcycle dash cam with Sony STARVIS sensors and 170° lenses on both cameras. The camera modules are weatherproof, and it has built-in Wi-Fi to view and download clips on your phone, GPS to log speed and location, and a Bluetooth remote. It comes with a 32GB card and takes cards up to 256GB, and we also sell it in bundles with 128GB and 256GB cards so it is ready to ride.
Choosing a memory card
Use a high-endurance microSD card designed for continuous recording, because ordinary cards wear out quickly in a dash cam. Our dash cam SD card guide explains why.
Fitting
Fitting involves mounting the two cameras, routing the cables under the tank or bodywork, and connecting power to the bike's wiring. It is a manageable job for a confident home mechanic, or ask us about fitting at our Nottingham workshop.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a car dash cam on a motorbike?
It is not recommended. Car dash cams are not built to be exposed to rain and vibration, and they only record in one place. A motorcycle dash cam uses separate weatherproof cameras front and rear.
Where does the recorder go on a motorbike?
Usually under the seat or inside a fairing, where it is protected from the weather. Only the small camera modules sit on the outside.
Does a motorcycle dash cam drain the battery?
Wired to an ignition-switched feed, it only runs while the bike is on, so it will not drain the battery when parked.
Does the Viofo MT1 record audio?
Yes. It has a built-in microphone.
Can I use footage as evidence?
Yes. Clear dash cam footage can support an insurance claim or a police report. See our guide on sending dash cam footage to the police.
Written by the CEN team in Nottingham. Questions? Contact us or call 0115 924 0666.
