Motorcycle camera: why Insta360 is replacing GoPro amongst motorcyclists
Recording your motorbike ride presents a classic problem: where to position the camera. The helmet vibrates too much, the handlebars restrict the angle, and the rider’s body blocks half the shot. The solution that’s taking the motorcycling world by storm in 2026 is the Insta360 with its motorbike kit: a 360° camera captures everything, and you decide what to show when editing. This guide explains which motorbike camera you need, what accessories you’ll require and how to mount it.
The problem with filming motorbikes using a traditional camera
You’ve been using a GoPro on your motorbike for the past few years. You know the problems:
In the helmet: Shaking captured on video. Stabilisation helps but doesn’t eliminate it entirely. What’s more, wind noise ruins the audio even with an external microphone.
On the handlebars: a fixed forward angle. You miss the wing mirrors, the view to the side, the rider’s face, and what’s happening behind. For a scenic route, having just one perspective limits the editing options.
On the chest: low angle, body vibration, arms crossing the plane when you turn the handlebars.
On the sissy bar or luggage rack: a view of the rider from behind, but you lose sight of the road.
The traditional solution was to carry 2–3 GoPros simultaneously and edit in post by combining different angles. It works, but it’s heavy, drains the battery and increases the cost.
Why Insta360 is changing the game
A 360-degree camera captures all addresses simultaneously. During editing, you decide what to show at any given moment — the road ahead, the scenery to the side, the rider’s face as they react, the next motorbike in the group.
With just one device and one mount, you can replace 2–3 GoPros. The selfie stick or mount that holds the camera disappears automatically of the final video, thanks to 360° stitching.
The two Insta360 cameras most commonly used on motorbikes are:
- Insta360 X5 (the current model): 8K video at 30fps, larger sensor, PureVideo mode for tunnels and sunsets
- Insta360 X4 (the previous one): 8K video at 30fps, still on sale at a discount, excellent value for money
For use on a motorbike, the X4 is still a perfectly good choice if you can find it on offer. The X5 offers improved low-light performance, audio quality and durability.
Read the full review of the Insta360 X5
Basic setup: the bare essentials
To film a motorbike with Insta360, you need three things:
1. The camera
Insta360 X5 or the X4. The X5 costs €539 at Macy’s Digital Tenerife (can be reserved). The X4 is usually cheaper if you can find it.
2. A specialised motorbike stand
There are three riding positions on a motorbike:
Helmet chin strap (chin mount): The camera is attached to the front of the chin guard. It captures your view, the rider behind you in 360°, the scenery and the rear-view mirrors. It’s the most versatile position for motorbike vlogging.
Sissy bar / luggage rack with raised support: A rear mount with a pole that raises the camera 30–50 cm above the motorbike. It captures the rider, the motorbike, the road and the surroundings from a cinematic angle. This is the position that produces the most impressive «Instagram-style» videos.
Raised handlebar mount: It’s less common for the 360 because the handlebars block part of the view, but it works if you use it with an extension pole.
Insta360 sells an official motorbike kit — specific mounts compatible with the X4 and X5.
3. Lens protectors
This is non-negotiable. When riding a motorbike, any stone, insect or friction against your helmet or jacket can scratch the lenses. The 360 lenses are spherical, and any scratch is visible across the ENTIRE final image, not just in one area.
Macys Digital sells two options:
- Protectors Standard ~33€
- Protectors Premium ~€50 (recommended for motorbikes, greater impact resistance)
Buying the X5 without protective covers and mounting it on a motorbike is practically a sure-fire way of damaging the camera within the first month.
Advanced setup: adding audio and battery life
Decent audio: external microphone
The X5’s built-in audio with wind noise cancellation is good. For serious vlogging, consider:
Insta360 microphone adapter: ~€25–30. It allows you to connect an external 3.5 mm microphone via USB-C whilst the camera is recording (and charging). With a lavalier microphone costing €30–50, you get podcast-quality audio even at 100 km/h.
Simpler alternative: A Bluetooth microphone in the helmet, connected to an external recorder (Zoom H1, Tascam DR-05). You synchronise the audio in post-production.
Battery life: spare batteries
The X5’s battery lasts for ~185 minutes in 5.7K economy mode. At maximum 8K resolution, this drops to ~75 minutes. For a full-day trip, you’ll need at least 2 spare batteries.
Official Insta360 battery: €54.99 at Macys Digital.
Storage
One hour of 8K footage takes up around 25–30 GB. For a full day’s shoot recording everything, you’ll need microSD cards of 128–256 GB, Class V30 Minimum. Slower cards cause recording errors. Don’t skimp here.
Setup Pro: for creators who make a living from motorbikes
If you film motorbike content professionally (YouTube channel, monetised Instagram account), please add:
Insta360 Invisible Diving Case: ~€599. It’s not designed for submersion — you use it when it’s raining heavily or when you’re tackling off-road routes with thick mud. The camera remains fully protected without compromising the 360° image quality.
Multi-camera support: Two X5s running simultaneously – one on the chin strap and one on the tail. This gives you redundancy (if one fails, the other carries on recording) and impossible angles.
Advanced editing software: Insta360 Studio (free) covers 90% of the cases. For serious editing, use Adobe Premiere with 360 plugins or DaVinci Resolve Studio.
Real-world use cases in Tenerife
Tenerife is one of the world’s best destinations for motorbike riding on tarmac roads. The top routes for filming with an Insta360:
TF-21 Las Cañadas del Teide: 50 km of winding roads through ever-changing volcanic landscapes. The 360 captures the changes in altitude and biome simultaneously.
Anaga (TF-12): A winding road through a laurel forest. The constant bends and the green landscape are perfect material for 360-degree cinematic editing.
Masca and Buenavista (TF-436): One of the most spectacular motorbike routes in Europe. Cliffs, tight bends, sea views. For filming here, the 360 is clearly superior to a single GoPro.
North coast (TF-5 to Garachico): Coastal tourist routes. A simultaneous view of the sea from the side, the road and the countryside.
For tourists on hire motorbikes in Tenerife For those who want to capture the experience, buying an Insta360 X5 + motorbike kit from Macy’s Digital at the start of the trip and reselling it on your return (it retains its resale value) may work out cheaper than hiring filming equipment.
Insta360 X5 vs GoPro Hero 13 on a motorbike: a specific comparison
| Feature | Insta360 X5 (on a motorbike) | GoPro Hero 13 (on a motorbike) |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Simultaneous 360° | One address per camera |
| Cameras required | 1 | 2–3 for the same result |
| Total set-up cost | ~€700 (camera + mount + protective covers) | ~€900–1,200 (3 GoPros + mounts) |
| Edition | Slower but more flexible | Faster but less flexible |
| Built-in audio on a motorbike | Better (wind cancellation) | Acceptable |
| Stabilisation | FlowState (excellent) | HyperSmooth 6.0 (improved) |
| Front-facing pixel quality | Lower (divided between 2 lenses) | Top |
| Best for | Tourist routes, cinematic vlog, comprehensive coverage | Technical bends, races, maximum visibility at the front |
The simple rule
- Just one camera and you’re ready to film tourist routes: Insta360 X5
- Just one camera, and you’re ready to film a circuit or technical bends with clear direction: GoPro Hero 13
- You’re going to record professionally: both – one for a clear front view and the other for 360° coverage
The advantage of Tenerife
| Product | Price for mainland Spain | Price at Macy’s Tenerife |
|---|---|---|
| Insta360 X5 | ~599€ | 539€ |
| Insta360 X5 battery | ~64€ | 54,99€ |
| Premium X5 Protector | ~55€ | 49,99€ (offer) |
| GoPro Hero 13 Black | ~429€ | 389€ |
Basic kit at Macy’s Digital (Insta360 X5 + Premium protective covers + spare battery): approximately 644€. Compared with the equivalent set-up on the mainland (~€720), you save ~€75 thanks to the IGIC discount.
For motorbike tourists visiting Tenerife on a tour, buying their kit here rather than in their home country makes real financial sense.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Insta360 vibrate too much on a motorbike?
With FlowState + 360° horizon lock, vibrations are electronically compensated. The result is remarkably steady footage, even at motorway speeds. If the motorbike vibrates excessively (vintage bikes, low-rev custom bikes), mount the camera on dampers (silent blocks) rather than directly onto the frame.
Is it rainproof?
The X5 is IP68-certified. It can withstand normal rain without any problems. For heavy downpours or hail, consider the invisible diving case.
Can I film whilst wearing motorbike gloves?
Yes, the physical buttons work when wearing gloves. To start/stop recording, use the single button or the mobile app linked to the helmet’s intercom.
What about the wind? Will the recording be audible?
The X5 has improved wind noise cancellation compared to the X4. At speeds below 80 km/h, the built-in audio is usable. At higher speeds, consider using an external microphone inside the helmet or a separate recording device.
Is the X5 worth it if I’m only going to take one trip or go on a one-off journey?
If you’re only going to use it occasionally, consider hiring one. Some motorbike shops in Tenerife hire out GoPro and Insta360 equipment on a daily basis. If you’re going to use the camera for more than 5–10 days a year, it’s better value to buy one.
Is the audio quality in the chin strap any good?
Without an external microphone, the audio from the chin guard mainly picks up wind noise and engine roar. For vlogs where you want to speak, you’ll need a lavalier microphone inside the helmet, connected by cable or Bluetooth.
Is the Insta360 X4 just as good?
Yes, for use on a motorbike, the X4 does 90% of what the X5 does. If you can find it on offer for €350–400, it’s an excellent buy. The X5 offers improved low-light performance (useful in tunnels), audio quality and lens durability.
Recommended setup by budget
Minimum setup (~€700)
- Insta360 X5: €539
- Standard Protectors: €33
- Generic chin rest or sissy bar: ~€30
- 128 GB V30 microSD card: ~€25
- Total: ~€627
Balanced setup (~€850)
- Insta360 X5: €539
- Premium Protectors: €50
- Insta360 chin strap mount + sissy bar mount: ~€70
- Spare battery: €55
- 256 GB V30 microSD card: ~€50
- Insta360 microphone adapter: €25
- Total: ~€789
Setup Pro (~€1,500)
- 2x Insta360 X5: €1,078
- Premium protectors (2): €100
- Multiple mounts: €100
- 4 spare batteries: €220
- 2 x 512 GB microSD cards: ~€150
- Invisible diving case: €130 (check current price)
- Total: ~€1,778
Verdict
When it comes to filming motorbikes in 2026, the debate is no longer «GoPro or not». It is «GoPro, Insta360 or both». If you can only choose one and you’re using it for vlogging, sightseeing or cinematic content, Insta360 X5 with motorbike kit It’s the best choice.
It reduces the setup to a single camera, captures all angles simultaneously, and produces content that, with traditional GoPros, would require three cameras and extra hours of editing to synchronise the angles.
Insta360 X5, Insta360 X4, GoPro Hero 13 Black and all motorbike accessories (protective covers, mounts, batteries, cases) are available at Macys Digital, in the Parque Santiago 3 shopping centre (Playa de las Américas, Tenerife). Read also The Insta360 X5 review y The GoPro Hero 13 review to find out more about each model. For a comprehensive guide to cameras, see our Guide to the best value-for-money compact cameras in 2026.