I love working at Solid Signal. We get such interesting questions. This one comes straight from our 100% US-based call center. Our rep wrote me,
A customer just called and said they want a cell booster for a motorcycle. I’m not sure how that would work. Are you?
I have to admit, it took me a minute to think about it.
Here’s why you would want a cell booster in a motorcycle
Look, bad cell service happens to everyone. It’s actually at its worst in a car, where tinted windows and a big metal cage conspire to block out as much signal as possible. A motorcycle is going to do a lot better pulling in signal, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy ride.
After all, motorcycles go through areas with bad cell service too. There’s every reason to expect that you’ll need a booster on that motorcyle. Then again maybe you shouldn’t be talking on the phone, since motorcycles are already about 6 times more likely to get in a serious accident than cars. Maybe paying a little more attention to the road is really merited in a situation like that. But hey, what do I know. If you choose to use a cell phone on your ride, the least I can do is help you make the best of it. After all, you might need strong signal if you’re reporting that you’ve been in an accident.
What cell booster is best?
I would think a cradle booster would be out since the phone might just fly away. I am not sure how you would attach it, but perhaps the weBoost Drive Reach might be the best possible choice. It’s solid and industrial-strength, and to me that means it’s going to do the best while out on the open road. It’s not really designed for the elements though… none of them are.
The limitations
Here are some things I’m thinking about when it comes to cell boosters on motorcycles. First of all you would have to figure out how to mount it. You’d want to put the booster itself in a weatherproof enclosure but also make sure it’s large enough for adequate heat dissipation. You’d want to mount it somewhere away from the engine, because engines get hot. Perhaps you could put it in the “saddlebags” of a cruiser type bike like a Gold Wing. That would certainly work.
Then, you’d want the antennas to be as far apart as possible. The booster will automatically lower its power if the two antennas are too close. So I’d imagine the outdoor antenna would have to be near the rear license plate and the “indoor” antenna would have to be on the handlebar or something.
Of course you’d be on your own as to how all of this mounts because none of it is designed for an application like that. The last thing you would want would be an antenna flying off and hitting someone else. Let’s be honest, no one wind in that situation.
Has anyone out there done this?
If we have any of the Solid Signal Blog faithful who have actually mounted a cell booster to a motorcycle, I’d love to feature you in an article. Even if it’s a booster we don’t sell, it would be great to see proof that it could be done.
If you’re interested in being featured for your bike-modding prowess, leave a comment below or use the “Contact the Editor” link at the bottom of every page.
I ride, I ride a lot. The cradle would fine. Take it out when you need it. I can assure you that there are far more accidents with cars texting and calling than motorcycles. The helmets of today have absolute hands free communication. I don’t have one of those new helmets, I’m old school. I do use my phone when I stop, letting family know where you are and that you’re OK. You comments of a booster on a scooter, surely you know nothing about riding. With your attitude I can assure you I wouldn’t buy anything from you.
You also have to remember while yes we can use bluetooth headsets for phone calls, in today’s world on a motorcycle, the cell phone is 90% used for navigation and music streaming while out in the country side. Most bikes have a motorcycle cell phone holder put on from Ram Mount or some other company. Definitly a large market for them.
Due to past experiences, I’m looking into cell boosters for when I ride right now & came across this article. I’m thinking it would’ve been a good idea to actually talk to multiple bikers before posting this to ensure it made sense. Even without that, just from working with technology you should know that cell phones are not just for talking… they’re multi-faceted, so I use mine to play music, for directions on my cross country trips, to send a quick text that I’m okay, post to social media & share my location with my family all especially as I’m a 5′ 1″ female that takes them alone. Since none of that was taken into account & you wrote this article with a holier than thou attitude at that, I immediately disregarded the rest and any chance you had to redeem yourself. You would think an editor-in-chief would know better. Good job Stuart!
Actually I think the most people that would use it are for off-roading overlander trips.
Actually I think the most people that would use it are for off-roading overlander trips.
The reason a cell booster would be good for a motorcycle is mostly for breakdown situations to me. I once broke down out of cell range and had to hike up a ridge to get service to call a tow. It could have been way worse if I had been injured. Sure would be nice to have a viable option for cell phone range extenders on my bike.