RAM X-Grip Gas Tank Base vs U-Bolt: Motorcycle Phone Setup

Pick the base by where you can mount, not by the cradle

Both RAM X-Grip setups in this guide use the same X-Grip cradle concept, but they attach to your motorcycle in different places. The gas tank base mounts to the fuel fill port on listed compatible motorcycles. The U-Bolt base clamps around a handlebar or rail from 0.5" to 1.25" in diameter. Your bike's available mounting surface decides which one you can install before phone size or vibration protection enters the picture.

The gas tank version is a low-profile aluminum base that puts the phone where you can reach it quickly. The U-Bolt version is a short-arm handlebar mount that includes RAM Vibe-Safe vibration damping. Neither is universally better; they solve different mounting problems.

What the gas tank base actually mounts to

• RAM® X-Grip® Phone Mount with Large Gas Tank Base: The powder-coated aluminum base mounts directly to the stock gas tank of listed compatible motorcycles, and the hardware to mount to the fill port is included. This is a fill-port mount, not a generic tank clamp. Check your motorcycle against the compatibility list before buying.

  

• RAM® X-Grip® Phone Mount with Large Gas Tank Base: The X-Grip cradle fits handheld devices within the listed dimensions, and you should verify your phone's size with its case, sleeve, or skin installed. A large phone in a thick case can exceed the cradle opening even if the bare phone fits.

Gas tank base install: what the supplied instructions cover

The supplied product information confirms the mounting location and included fill-port hardware, but it does not provide a full torque sequence or step-by-step tightening order. Use the hardware supplied with the kit and follow your motorcycle's service information for the fill-port fasteners.

1. Confirm your motorcycle is on the listed compatible models: The base is designed for the stock gas tank of listed compatible motorcycles. If your bike is not listed, this base is not confirmed to fit.
2. Check your phone with its case against the cradle dimensions: Measure the overall size of your handheld device with its case, sleeve, or skin before installing. The cradle is compatible only with devices that fit the listed dimensions.
3. Mount the base to the fill port using the included hardware: The kit includes the hardware needed to mount to the fill port. The supplied information does not specify a torque value, so consult your motorcycle's service data.
4. Attach the device tether for outdoor use: The X-Grip includes a device tether that RAM recommends for outdoor applications. Use it on a motorcycle.

What the U-Bolt kit adds: rail fit and Vibe-Safe

• RAM® X-Grip® Large Phone Mount with Vibe-Safe™ & U-Bolt Base - Short: The kit includes one short B-size arm and one U-Bolt base that accommodates rails from 0.5" to 1.25" in diameter. Measure your handlebar or rail diameter before ordering. A rail outside that range is not supported by this base.

  

• RAM® X-Grip® Large Phone Mount with Vibe-Safe™ & U-Bolt Base - Short: The mount combines the X-Grip phone holder with RAM Vibe-Safe, a vibration-damping accessory designed to protect electronic devices from a wide range of vibration frequencies. If vibration exposure is your main concern, this kit addresses it directly; the gas tank base listing does not include Vibe-Safe.
• RAM® X-Grip® Large Phone Mount with Vibe-Safe™ & U-Bolt Base - Short: The product comes pre-assembled with the device tether recommended for outdoor applications, and the X-Grip can rotate between portrait and landscape by loosening the center screw. You can change orientation without removing the mount, and the tether is already fitted.

U-Bolt install: rail fit first, then cradle size

The supplied information does not include a full U-Bolt installation procedure, bolt torque, or step-by-step tightening order. The steps below cover only what the product record confirms.

1. Measure the rail you intend to clamp: The U-Bolt base accommodates rails from 0.5" to 1.25" in diameter. If your handlebar or rail falls outside that range, this base is not confirmed to fit.
2. Verify your phone size with its case: The holder is compatible with handheld devices that fit the listed dimensions. Check the overall size with your case, sleeve, or skin installed.
3. Clamp the U-Bolt base to the rail: The kit includes the U-Bolt base and short B-size arm. The supplied information does not state a torque specification; follow the motorcycle manufacturer's guidance for handlebar accessories.
4. Set portrait or landscape orientation: Loosen the center screw on the X-Grip to rotate between portrait and landscape, then retighten.
5. Use the pre-assembled tether: The tether is already fitted and recommended for outdoor applications.

Gas tank base vs U-Bolt: the decision points

• Mounting surface: Gas tank base: stock fuel fill port on listed compatible motorcycles. U-Bolt: handlebar or rail from 0.5" to 1.25" in diameter.
• Vibration damping: U-Bolt kit includes RAM Vibe-Safe. The gas tank base listing does not mention Vibe-Safe.
• Included arm: U-Bolt kit includes one short B-size arm. The gas tank base listing does not specify an arm length.
• Orientation change: U-Bolt X-Grip rotates between portrait and landscape by loosening the center screw. The gas tank listing does not describe this adjustment.
• Hardware included: Gas tank base includes fill-port mounting hardware. U-Bolt kit includes the U-Bolt base and short arm; the supplied record does not list additional hardware.

When the supplied information is not enough

Neither product record includes torque values, a complete step-by-step tightening sequence, or a compatibility list for specific motorcycle models beyond the gas tank base's reference to listed compatible motorcycles. If you need those details, check the full product documentation or your motorcycle's service manual before installing.

The gas tank base record also does not confirm whether it includes Vibe-Safe or an arm. If vibration protection is a priority, the U-Bolt kit is the one with documented Vibe-Safe inclusion.