Motovlogging is one of YouTube's fastest-growing niches: a combination of travel, personality, and the visceral experience of riding. But it has very different gear requirements from standard vlogging. The two biggest challenges are wind noise (the enemy of on-bike audio) and vibration (which kills image stability and can damage cameras over time).
Best Cameras for Motovlogging
Solving Wind Noise: Motovlogging Audio
Wind noise is the biggest audio problem in motovlogging. At 60 mph, the wind sound can completely drown out your voice and make footage unwatchable. There are three main approaches, and the best motovloggers often combine two or three of them.
Audio Tips for Motovloggers
- Position microphones as far from direct airflow as possible: inside the helmet, under the chin guard
- Use a windscreen/deadcat on any exposed microphone
- Record audio separately from the GoPro's built-in mic and sync in post: the GoPro's wind noise reduction is helpful but not sufficient at high speeds
- Enable GoPro's Wind Noise Reduction mode for on-camera audio as a backup track
- In DaVinci Resolve, use Dialogue Isolation (under the Voice AI module) to remove wind noise in post
Helmet Mounts and Camera Positions
Camera position dramatically affects the look and feel of motovlogging footage. Each position has trade-offs:
- Chin mount: The most popular position. Gives a rider's-eye-view that includes the road and your face peripherally. Brands: MotoVlog, GoPro, Rokform.
- Top mount: Classic "helmet cam" look looking straight ahead at the road. Less personal but classic for touring content.
- Side mount: Shows your face and the road beside you. Good for commentary but unnatural-looking to some viewers.
- Chest mount: Shows the road from a chest perspective: great for showing controls and hand positions. Less immersive.
- Tank/bike mount: Shows the rider from in front of the bike. Cinematic look but requires a separate camera and careful cable management.
Essential Accessories
Complete Motovlogging Setups by Budget
- GoPro Hero 12 (refurb) or DJI Osmo Action 3
- GoPro chin helmet mount
- GoPro wind noise reduction (built-in)
- Power bank for extended rides
- DaVinci Resolve (free editing)
- GoPro Hero 13 Black
- Sena 30K or 50S intercom + mic
- Pro Moto chin helmet mount
- Anti-vibration mount (bike position)
- Spare batteries + power bank
- GoPro Hero 13 (helmet) + Sony ZV-E10 II (bike)
- Sena 50S with HD intercom audio
- Multiple mounting positions
- External recorder (Zoom H1n) for backup
- DJI Mini 4 Pro drone for aerial B-roll
Editing Motovlogging Footage
- Sync audio: Use the clap method or an audio spike (revving engine) to sync your intercom audio with camera footage
- Wind noise removal: DaVinci Resolve's Voice Isolation or Adobe Audition's Adaptive Noise Reduction are the best tools
- Speed ramping: Motovlog footage benefits from speed changes: slow motion on corners, fast cuts on straight sections
- Colour grade: GoPro footage benefits from pulling back saturation and adding contrast: GoPro colour tends to oversaturate
- Music selection: Road sounds + commentary + music is the motovlog audio mix. Keep music at -20 to -18dB to sit under dialogue
- Chapter markers: Long rides benefit from YouTube chapter markers so viewers can jump to locations or moments
For editing software recommendations, see our best vlog editing software guide. For royalty-free music to use under your motovlogging footage, see our guide to finding music for YouTube vlogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camera do most motovloggers use?
The GoPro Hero series is by far the most popular choice among motovloggers. The Hero 13 Black is the current top pick due to its HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilisation, compact size, waterproofing, and compatibility with chin helmet mounts. The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a strong alternative with a larger sensor and better low-light performance.
How do motovloggers record audio without wind noise?
The most effective solution is a Sena or Cardo helmet intercom with a microphone positioned inside the helmet, close to the mouth. This keeps the microphone sheltered from direct airflow. Recording audio separately from the camera and syncing it in post-production gives much cleaner results than relying on the action camera's built-in microphone.
Is a chin mount or top mount better for motovlogging?
Chin mounts are preferred by most motovloggers. They provide a natural rider's-eye-view that includes the road ahead and a sense of the rider's perspective, and they're less susceptible to rotational instability that can occur with top mounts as your head turns. Top mounts give a classic helmet-cam look but can feel more static and less immersive.
How do I reduce vibration damage to my camera when bike-mounted?
Use an anti-vibration mount between the bike (typically the handlebars) and the camera. These use rubber or spring-based dampeners to absorb high-frequency engine vibrations before they reach the camera sensor. Over time, sustained vibration without dampening can damage camera sensors and cause image quality degradation.
Do I need to use GoPro for motovlogging, or can I use a mirrorless camera?
You can use a mirrorless camera, though it requires more complex setup. Many experienced motovloggers mount a mirrorless (such as the Sony ZV-E10 II) on the bike's tank or bodywork for a more cinematic look, while still using an action camera on the helmet. Action cameras remain the practical primary choice due to their compact size, waterproofing, and mounting system flexibility.