It might not seem like a motorcycle cup holder is a necessary part of your gear, but it does make all the difference. The convenience it brings giving you a space for your drink is something you’ll appreciate sooner than later.
However, there are many models as you’ll notice in the article below. Choosing one isn’t always as simple although they all have a generally same simple role. There are a few factors you should consider to get the one that fits your needs and your bike’s specifications.
Continue reading to learn about great motorcycle cup holders. We’ve also included a little Buyer’s Guide below to help you make the final decision.
10 Top-Rated Motorcycle Drink Holders
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
Barefoot Willies Cool Rider  | Barefoot Willies Cool Rider Handlebar size: 7/8", 1", 1 1/4" Material: Polycarbonate Color: Black | Check Price |
Kruzer Kaddy Chrome Skull  | Kruzer Kaddy Chrome Skull Handlebar size: 7/8", 1", 1 1/4" Material: Chrome Color: Silver | Check Price |
Kemimoto  | Kemimoto Handlebar size: 7/8", 1", 1 1/4" Material: NIP Color: Silver and Black | Check Price |
Ciro for Harley  | Ciro for Harley Handlebar size: Fits control perch mount Material: Neoprene rubber Color: Black | Check Price |
Kruzer Kaddy Chrome Mount  | Kruzer Kaddy Chrome Mount Handlebar size: 7/8", 1 1/4" Material: Chrome Color: Silver | Check Price |
Accmor Universal  | Accmor Universal Handlebar size: 0.59"-1.57" Material: Plastic Color: Black | Check Price |
Accmor 360 Tools-Free  | Accmor 360 Tools-Free Handlebar size: 0.6"-1.7" Material: Plastic-steel Color: Black | Check Price |
Bearclaw Passenger Grab Rail  | Bearclaw Passenger Grab Rail Handlebar size: Not for handlebar mounting Material: Nylon Color: Black | Check Price |
XMT-Moto for Harley Davidson  | XMT-Moto for Harley Davidson Handlebar size: 7/8", 1" Material: Chrome Color: Silver and black | Check Price |
Ciro (Chrome Plated)  | Ciro (Chrome Plated) Handlebar size: Fits control perch mount Material: Rubber Color: Silver and black | Check Price |
Barefoot Willies Cool Rider
This is one of the first cup holders on the market since it’s been around for fifteen years. It’s still among the best-selling and most popular models that can hold fast food cup and bottled water.
The reason why it’s still so popular among bikers is its sturdiness. The holder is securely fitted onto your bike which means it won’t rotate or shift down the handlebar. It stays in place with your drink safely kept.
It’s made of polycarbonate and is now larger than it was before. This allows more versatility allowing you to fit different drinkware. It comes with a can and a bottle koozie.
The 1 ¼’’ holder fits newer Harleys and other larger bikes. It’s also available for 7/8’’ and 1’’ bars so make sure to measure yours well.
PROS
- Fits different bikes
- Secured into place
- Unnoticeable on the bike
CONS
- Might be too large for some
Kruzer Kaddy Chrome Skull
If you don’t want a classic holder but something fierce and different, you should consider the Kruzer Kaddy Chrome Skull. It’s a shape of a skull which means people probably won’t even notice it’s a cup holder at first glance.
It’s quite large as it fits Yeti cups, 16oz water bottles, 12oz soda cans, and 20oz bottles. Still, you can use it to store other items such as cell phones, sunglasses, radios, keys, etc.
This one will attach to any 7/8’’, 1’’, and 1 ¼’’ handlebar depending on the bike you have. It has a reversible mounting stud which allows a more rigid and sturdy mount.
Another thing worth noting is the fact that it comes with Chrome spring clip with rubber drink retainer. It allows easier and more convenient use.
PROS
- Fits most bikes
- Holds different drinks, bottles, and items
- Fierce design
CONS
- Inside isn’t chrome
Kemimoto Motorcycle Cup Holder
This one comes with an additional mirror mount allowing you to install it on the mirror as opposed to on the handle. You can choose between the two options depending on what fits your needs the best.
It mostly fits only 7/8’’ and 1’’ handlebars, Harleys, Triumph, Yamaha, Ducati, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, and others. You should measure the handles nonetheless before you place an order.
The mount it comes with is sturdy and rigid so it can withstand different rough and bumpy roads. It won’t pup out or break on bumpy a track, which often happens with many models.
It’s a unique mesh design made to keep your drinks securely into place. It’s durable and looks very high-class meaning it will go with the rest of your bike perfectly.
PROS
- Lightweight design
- Comes with a mirror mount
- Fits most bikes and cups
CONS
- Not the best for cans
Ciro for Harley
This one is a bit different than others since it comes with a perch mount. Ciro is a well-known name in the industry, so you won’t be wrong in considering this holder for your Harley. The cup itself is made from neoprene rubber that’s tough, durable and resistant to weather conditions.
Overall, it’s a versatile item that fits most drinks, bottled water, cans, and other items. It features a somewhat mesh design, but the holes are rather large allowing you to store your sunglasses and other bigger things.
Another thing this one is known for is its CIRO ball mounting system. It allows easy installation and quick detaching which means you won’t ever have to spend hours on your cup holder.
Still, it’s available with different mounts through the perch mount is the most popular option.
PROS
- Black
- Tough rubber
- Different mounts available
CONS
- You’ll need wrenches/hex for installation
Kruzer Kaddy Chrome Mount
This chrome holder was made by bikers who don’t like stopping on the side of the road to have a sip of water. It allows certain convenience while also being sturdy and well-made for durability.
It features two insulated liners which is an excellent way of securing small-sized drinks. It also comes with a handlebar mount and all the tools required for the installation. It takes a few minutes to set it up before you can enjoy having your drink within hands reach.
Its reversible mounting stud allows you to choose between a rigid and pivotal position. The holder is made of metal, so it’s quite durable and hard to break.
Since it’s also easy to pop off, you can take it inside when you’re done riding.
PROS
- Corrosion-resistant
- Doesn’t move
- Sturdy mount
CONS
- Fits only small water bottles
Accmor Universal Anti-Slip Cup Holder
This one looks a bit unusual and old-school. It resembles those bottle holders we all had on our bicycles a while ago.
It’s compatible with most motorcycles, bicycles, wheelchairs, baby strollers, etc. It’s also designed to keep most cups and water bottles as long as it’s a somewhat standard size.
You can rotate it for 360 degrees allowing you to fit it anywhere. It allows you to mount it on anything from handlebars, under the seat, down tube, front pipe, fork, and other components.
The holder is quite lightweight and easy to install. It requires no tools for the installation, and the entire process takes only a few minutes.
It’s designed to fit most bikes, but make sure to stay on the road when carrying a drink. Off the road and bumpy tracks will cause your drink to spill almost every time.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Ideal for baby strollers and wheelchair
- Lightweight design
CONS
- It slides on bumpy roads
Accmor 360 Tools-Free Cup Holder
The extended size of this holder fits most standard water bottles with max 27 oz. It has a quick-release bottle cage made of advanced plastic steel that’s quite durable and resistant.
It’s fully adjustable allowing you to rotate for 360 degrees until you find the best position. The best thing is that it requires no tools for the installation since the clamp is so easy to use. You can install and remove it with ease and within minutes in both vertical and horizontal position.
All the parts are high-quality and made of plastic steel and metal. The entire construction is quite durable and suitable even for bumpy roads.
Its versatility allows you to install it virtually anywhere on your bike though it also fits baby strollers, wheelchairs, umbrella cars, etc.
PROS
- Durable construction
- Easy installation
- Keeps drinks securely into place
CONS
- You cannot adjust it to be tighter
Bearclaw Passenger Grab Rail
Bearclaw cup holder is unique since you cannot mount it on a handlebar. It’s designed for passenger grab rails on different motorcycles.
The mounting process is quite simple and takes only a few minutes. It requires no tools since you just have to slip the holder on. The anodized hardware won’t rust over time which is always important. Overall, it’s completely black with a satin finish, so it matches your bike better.
It has a cam locking lever that allows one-handed operation which is great for when you’re in traffic.
Its maximum diameter is 3 1/8 or 80mm, so it fits most standard cups and cans from 12 to 20 ounces. It also fits bottles from ½ to 1 liter. Still, it doesn’t fit Yeti double-walled tumblers.
PROS
- Anodized hardware
- Fits most cups
- Requires no tools for installation
CONS
- Doesn’t fit Yeti tumblers
XMT-Moto for Harley Davidson Handlebar
If you want something that’s out of your way when you’re not using it, you should consider the XMT-Moto cup holder. This one is a combination of different materials allowing durability, great performance, and convenience.
It features an adjustable clamp that makes it easy to attach to different bikes. In most cases, it fits bikes with 7/8’’ and 1’’ handlebars with rubber adapters.
It’s a mesh holder that pulls out when you place a cup in it, but otherwise, it’s folded and out of your way. It has flexible fingers on the inside to keep the bottles into place and prevent it from bouncing.
You’ll require some tools that you already have for the installation. Other than that, it’s quite a simple product that’s easy to use and will last you a long time.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Fits larger handlebars
- Soft plastic fingers
CONS
- Rubber fingers make it a bit hard to remove bottles
Ciro (Chrome Plated)
Ciro is a well-known brand with quite a few different cup holders to offer. This chrome plated beauty is among the most popular options for those looking for a perch mount.
It fits all ’82-up Harley model break or clutch perch mounts. Still, the manufacturer stated that it wouldn’t fit the 14-up street models.
It’s a combination of different materials allowing durability, convenience, and ease of use at all times. It keeps all your drinks tightly into place even if you’re riding on bumpy tracks.
There’s a contoured rubber for some extra safety of your drink.
The soft rubber is gentle and won’t damage or scratch the bike’s paint or your water bottle. The chrome finish gives it a more sophisticated and modern look that matches most motorcycles.
PROS
- Gentle yet durable materials
- Perch mounting
- Easy to install
CONS
- Empty bottles will fly out of it
Buyer’s Guide
Why You Should Have One
Having a cup holder allows the convenience of having your drink within hand’s reach. This means you won’t have to stop by the side of the road in order to have a sip of water. It’s especially convenient in high traffic areas where you can’t stop wherever you want.
Consider What It’s Made Of
There are different cup holders on the market that feature different shapes, forms, and materials. In most cases, you’ll find plastic, stainless steel, mesh, and rubber as the most common choices.
While choosing one of the above is entirely up to you, there are a few things you should know about these materials. First of all, some are more durable than others. On the other hand, some models weight significantly more than others which could also present a problem in the long run.
Plastic is usually the best choice since it’s lightweight and easy to use. However, make sure it’s not cheap and flimsy plastic since that will break sooner that you make use of it.
If you opt for metal or anything featuring a chrome finish, keep in mind it should also have rubber protection. These could be all-metal, although they often weigh quite a lot. If not, opt for a combination of metal and mesh material.
Consider the Design
Essentially, cup holders tend to have a pretty basic design in order to fulfill their primary purpose. The most common design is the shape of a larger cup that can fit your water bottle or takeaway coffee/tea cups.
However, there are several other things to consider apart from the main compartment. What’s the installation system? Is it designed to use without any tools or you’ll need extra help to attach it to the handlebar?
Also, think about how big your holder should be. Most of the time, they have a somewhat standard size that fits most bottles, cans, and cups. Still, make sure to double-check this.
Some holders are designed to fold when there’s no cup in them. This makes them less noticeable when they’re not in use which is especially useful if they’re big.
You can also consider one of the clamp system holders. They aren’t in the usual shape of a cup but feature two or three clamps that hold your drink in place.
Do You Want Detachable?
Detachable cup holds have their benefits and perks you might like. In most cases, they’re suitable for the riders who don’t carry drinks that often. So, if you’re a commuter that only rides far away a few times a year, you might appreciate a cup holder you can remove.
It’s also suitable for people who live in all-season areas where you might need a water bottle only in the summer. When the winter comes (more on how to winterize here), you have an option of removing the holder, so it’s not in your way.
You should think about this beforehand because many holders are trickier to install and removing them each time it rains isn’t as simple. If you think you’ll want to bring it inside each time you’re done riding, you want to make sure that it wouldn’t take you too much time.
Additional Features
Thought their primary function is to hold drinks in place, these handy items have a few other functions to offer. Here’s what you can get from your cup holder:
- Safe-spot for drinks – as we said, this is their primary function. They hold your water bottle, can, or cup safely into place while you ride. In most cases, they hold regular water bottles, travel mugs, takeaway cups, cans, and other containers.
The drinks hold well as long as you’re smart about how you’re using it. In other words, don’t place open mugs if you’re riding off-road. For this reason, we suggest you use only sealed containers, bottles and mugs. This way, you’re sure all the contents will remain inside even if you come across a bump.
- Safe-spot for food – the same way these hold drinks, they can hold food as well. It acts like a little snack compartment where you can store candy, gum sticks, energy bars, mints and whatever else you like to snack on while riding. You can also use it to hold your wrap or a burrito.
- A little trash can – a cup holder can double as a little can for your disposables. If it’s meshed, you can leave the used cup in there. This is great for gum, wrappers and other small objects you shouldn’t throw in the street. Throw the contents out when you stop the next time, and there’s a trash can.
- Container for small items – unless it’s a mesh design, you can use your holder to store sunglasses, keys and other small items. It’s a great way of having them at hands reach while also keeping them out of your pockets. Still, this isn’t always recommended since some items might fly out of the cup holder.
Extra Features
These items don’t usually have many features. They’re designed to hold cups and bottles, and there isn’t a need for any features other than that.
Still, if you opt for one of those that have clamps, you should consider the adjustable ones. Those allow you better customization and a better-secured fit.
Also, look for the one that features a rubber ring inside. These protect the cup from vibrations and scratches which is especially useful if you’re using a reusable bottle. Another feature you might want to consider is insulation although only a few models come with it.
Helpful Tricks
Your drink holder will get dirty and stained, and there’s no way you can prevent this. Roads are full of surprises, and you’ll probably spill your drink more than once. For this reason, you should add a cupcake wrapper or some paper towels inside to make the cleaning easier.
Also, if it doesn’t feature any rubber, you can simply add a rubber band to your cup. This will prevent it from flying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they have universal fit?
Some do, but even those have limits of their own. The best way is to choose the one that’s compatible with your bike and supports the cups sizes that you use most often. Some clamp models are more adjustable fitting a wider range of different cups.
Is installation challenging?
In most cases, it’s not. These are simple items that usually don’t require any tools for installation. Even if they do, those are the tools you probably already have if they didn’t come included in the package.
Conclusion
As you can see, cup holders aren’t a necessity but a great way to boost the overall convenience of your bike. It’s an excellent addition if you like enjoying a drink on your way across town.
Luckily, there are models on the market as these items are becoming more popular nowadays. They come in different shapes and styles, some of which are easier to use than others.
Whatever you opt for, make sure it’s compatible with your bike and the type of beverage container you carry around. If you can’t imagine riding without a large water bottle, make sure the holder of your choice can actually fit it.
