Can you use a cell booster with a motorcycle?

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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.

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.