Only bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts can truly understand the feeling of excitement as they race past the asphalt on their high-end machines. The adrenaline rush that comes from this sport can be hard to put into words. But don’t worry, there’s an easy way for you to share your jaw-dropping race sequences with your audience- 360 Action Cameras for your motorcycle.
Amateur racing enthusiasts and pro-riders alike can use these nimble cameras to capture immersive 4K video footage of their daring stunts and highspeed race sequences. Capturing 360-degree footage adds an extra element of adventure for your audience to explore.
360 Camera Footage From A Motorcycle
Your two-wheeled adventures can be recorded from a number of perspectives, depending on where you mount the camera. 360 cameras like the GoPro Max and Insta360 models allow versatile shooting with helmets, bikes, or body mounts.
With so many good options available for purchase, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of reviews and recommendations online. In this article, we’ll help you narrow down a 360-action camera that lets you record your auto-racing adventures while meeting your budget needs. So kick the stand and get ready to race into the world of the best 360 cameras for motorcycles!
1. Insta360 X3:
With its ½ inch sensors, the Insta360 X3 lets you shoot 5.7K 360 video through its dual lenses and is our top pick for this list. This camera is also extremely versatile and can switch back to a single lens mode that allows for regular use as a 4K resolution action cam!
The Insta360 X3 is compatible with the separately available Motorcycle bundle, which includes several peel-and-stick 3M adhesive mounting stickers, a handlebar clamp, and a heavy-duty double ball mount. This lets you mount it anywhere on your motorcycle or helmet.
It also has a 170° ultra-wide FOV shooting mode, and all the 5.7K 360 riding footage can be reframed while editing to regular ‘flat’ photos and videos. You can also choose your favorite angle after recording with easy reframing tools in the AI-powered Insta360 app.
The Insta360 X3 camera also lets you shoot super high-quality 72MP spherical images, perfect to wow your Instagram audience. With the ONE X companion app, users can also gain access to a host of tools, shooting modes, and other customizable settings. This is especially useful for bikers, as track conditions are variable with weather conditions and time.
One of the coolest features of this action camera is the Bullet Time mode, which allows you to spin the camera around for a slow-mo 360 matrix-style video! This can help you film some impressive slow-mo racing sequences on your motorcycle. It is also IPX8 waterproof-rated for up to 10 meters underwater and is weather-proof to endure all kinds of outdoor abuse.
Impossible Third-Person POV with Invisible Selfie Stick
The proprietary FlowState Stabilization and horizon leveling algorithms come together to deliver incredibly smooth videos, no matter how fast you’re driving. The Invisible Selfie Stick totally disappears from your shots for impossible drone-like footage and third-person perspectives!
Insta360 cameras support both 360 Live and Animation Live, which you can use on social platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Periscope, and Weibo. You can also use an RTMP link to live-stream your motorbike adventures to a live audience!
With a slim design, a great companion app, and a host of biking accessories, this is a versatile action camera perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts. If you primarily use your camera for immersive 360 video footage but would like the option to shoot regular 4K video, the Insta360 X3 is a perfect choice and our top pick for motorcyclists.
FEATURES | DETAILS |
$449.99 | |
178g | |
4K at 60fps | |
1800mAh | |
MicroSD |
The Good:
- Has a large bright touch screen display with good battery life
- Can shoot both 360 videos as well as 4K single-lens video, and can be used to capture 72MP stills
- Motorcycle bundle that comes with tons of accessories is affordable
The Bad:
- Cropping or reframing to other formats reduces the 5.7K resolution to 1080p
- Needs accessories for features like Bullet Time and is also on the pricier side
Brief Setup Guide For The Insta360 X3:
Once you’ve purchased the Insta360 X3, you can begin by pairing it with the eponymous companion mobile app. After you’ve turned your camera on by pressing the power button, you can follow the instructions on the app to pair them.
You can now switch between shooting modes in the settings or press the power button to start QuickCapture. The touchscreen is intuitively designed to allow you to access all settings with ease.
You can mount the Insta360 X3 camera onto your desired compatible mount. A good supplementary purchase for motorcyclists would be the Motorcycle Bundle, which comes with a host of accessories, mounts, and adhesive stickers.
Insta360 Motorcycle Bundle
You can use these to get fluid shots of your racing adventures through all different perspectives, whether it’s a tail view or a helmet view. Once you’ve finished recording your footage, simply upload them to your desktop via WiFi or through the mobile app, and start editing with the Insta360 Studio software.
This application contains powerful AI editing tools that automatically remove the selfie stick and mounts from your footage, giving them a surreal drone-like perspective!
Other 360 Cameras For Motorcycles:
2. Ricoh Theta X:
The Ricoh Theta X is a powerful 360-action cam that packs high-quality video into a compact, pocket-sized camera. With a large 2.25-inch touchscreen display, this action camera also sports a powerful sensor capable of shooting 5.7K 360-degree video and capturing impressive 60MP stills.
Ricoh Theta X
Although the battery life is rather poor, allowing for just 30 minutes of shooting, the Ricoh Theta X comes with a battery that can be recharged through the USB-C port. The camera also comes with 46GB of internal storage and has a slot for a MicroSD card.
The camera has enhanced image stabilization software that realizes vivid and smooth shooting for 360-degree videos while riding. Perfect for shooting all your motorcycle videos, the Theta X can also be hooked up to your PC and used as a webcam. It can also be used for live streaming in 4K with a wired connection.
A cool feature exclusive to the Theta X is the “Time Shift”, which allows you to remove people from 360 photos and videos easily. You can also connect your device to your camera through two apps, Theta and Theta+. These allow 360 video footage editing as well as give you hands-off camera control and a live preview on your phone. This feature is supremely useful for bikers and makes shooting while riding a breeze.
One of the first action cameras to implement 360 videos, Ricoh has done a great job with the Theta X. This camera is definitely pricey but does what it advertises itself as very well. If you want to invest in a great action camera primarily for capturing rich 360-degree footage and capture high-res stills from your rides, go for this one.
FEATURES | DETAILS |
$700 | |
178g | |
5.7k at 30fps, 4K at 60fps | |
1350mAh | |
MicroSD, 46GB internal storage |
The Good:
- Has a Time Shift mode to make you disappear from photos and videos
- Can shoot 5.7K video as well as take high quality 60MP images
- Features a large touch-screen display with good UI
The Bad:
- Cannot be used to capture RAW footage
- Short battery life while shooting high-resolution video, and stitching lines are sometimes visible
3. Insta360 One X2:
The predecessor to the X3, the Insta360 One X2 still holds its own in today’s market and is an excellent 360 camera option for shooting motorcycle content. The variable lens system in this pocket-sized cam allows you to capture vivid 5.7K video and choose your favorite angle later.
Insta360 One X2
This compact 360-cum-action camera uses dual wide-angle fisheye lenses. You can preview all your captures live on the spherical touchscreen display. You can also use it to capture 18.4MP photos in 360º, and it boasts many creative modes like HDR, Burst, Interval, Night Shot, and PureShot. You can also capture your stunts and races in the raw DNG format for flexible editing!
If you wish, you can choose a single lens with the Steady Cam mode for ultra-stable wide-angle footage. This essentially turns the X2 into a regular action camera. The new and improved FlowState Stabilization technology and horizon leveling algorithms guarantee smooth and steady shots, even if you’re flooring the accelerator on your ride.
The X2 has a sturdy build, is weatherproof for outdoor use, and is rated IPX8 waterproof up to 10 meters. The Invisible Selfie Stick attachment lets you capture drone-like angles and impossible third-person perspectives with the flick of your wrist.
Just like the X3, the X2 is also fully compatible with the Motorcycle bundle, which contains all the useful accessories and mounts you’ll ever need for an elaborate bike setup. The mounts and adhesive stickers in this biker-exclusive bundle let you mount the X2 at whichever angle you prefer, whether it’s on your helmet, handlebar, or any other motorcycle surface.
The last thing to mention is the companion editing software, Insta360 Studio. With the help of this software, users can create endless creative formats for their videos, like slow-motion, time-lapses, and clone trails.
Overall, this is an excellent 360 camera that is lightweight and compact and allows crisp 5.7K video capture of all your biking adventures. Combined with the powerful editing software and impressive camera specs, the Insta360 One X2 is the perfect choice for beginners and pro-motorcycle enthusiasts alike.
FEATURES | DETAILS |
$429.99 | |
149g | |
5.7k at 30fps, 4K at 60fps | |
1630mAh | |
MicroSD |
The Good:
- Capture up to 5.7K resolution 360 videos, and can also be used in single-lens mode
- Excellent FlowState Stabilization, and horizon leveling provides in-built gimbal-like stabilization
- Compatible with the Motorcycle bundle that has all the necessary tools for filming production quality bike videos
The Bad:
- Is on the pricier side of 360 action cameras and requires additional accessories to be purchased for using many features
4. Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition:
The Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition is a modular action camera that lets you shoot both 4K single-lens video and 360-degree video in 5.7K resolution. So whether you want to experiment with new shooting styles or stick to crisp 4K racing footage, this action cam has you covered.
The Twin Edition features three different modules, which rest atop the base battery mod. These include the 4K lens mod, the 360 video mod, and the core. The core module houses the power and record buttons, MicroSD slot, and touchscreen display. All these fit snugly onto a battery base that holds the mods while fully assembled.
Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition
You can also purchase a bulky battery booster mod for doubling the battery life or a 4K wide-angle mod with a Leica lens sensor for wide-FOV footage. The battery booster greatly helps if you’re out on the race track for long hours.
Bike over hills and ramps or perform crazy car stunts, the proprietary FlowState stabilization technology ensures smooth footage no matter the content you shoot. The companion app also has one of the simplest yet most powerful editing tools to help your edit and post on the go. The AI-tracking software also allows for automatic subject tracking in post-production footage.
The camera is super durable and can be used to shoot up to 5 meters underwater. It also features Active HDR for shooting fast-paced outdoor action with FlowState stabilization enabled. The in-camera settings also allow you to swipe through various modes like Slow Motion, Timelapse, TimeShift, Loop Recording, and 6K Widescreen. All of these will let you take your racing footage to the next level
With its powerful 1-inch sensor and 5K video resolution, along with all the mods, this camera has it all. With great support for mounts that’ll let you shoot while riding, this camera also lets you shoot stabilized 4K action video. If you’re looking for an all-in-one package with interchangeable lenses for all shooting modes, this action camera is your best bet.
Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition With Its Mods
FEATURES | DETAILS |
$549.99 | |
125g-135g (depends on attached mod lens) | |
6k widescreen at 25fps, 5.7K 360 video at 30fps, 4K at 60fps | |
1445mAh (2380mAh with the boosted battery mod) | |
MicroSD |
The Good:
- The 360 lens mod makes the selfie stick invisible, giving you impossible drone-like footage and third-person perspectives for racing
- AI-powered auto-editing and stitching are very intuitive and easy to use, and so is the UI of the mobile companion app
The Bad:
- Mods cannot be swapped easily, and sometimes requires removing the outer case
5. GoPro Max:
One of the best 360 cameras on the market, this nifty GoPro model features 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensors that let you capture incredible 5.6K 360-degree photos and videos. This versatile camera has a unique two-in-one setup that lets you shoot first and point later!
GoPro Max
What do we mean by this? In 360 Mode, the camera uses both its lenses to capture crisp 6K 360-footage and then stitches them together as you like! It also has a Hero Mode that lets you use a single lens that works like a regular action camera and lets you film.
The Max supports multiple modes for creative video and photos, such as the PowerPano mode, which can take ultra-wide 270° still photos without distortion. TimeWarp mode allows you to record in the Hero mode with a variable speed function; you can slow down and then speed up your footage in real-time with one tap.
You can choose from four lens sizes to get the right angle: Narrow, Linear, Wide, and Max SuperView for those extremely wide race track shots. GoPro’s proprietary HyperSmooth stabilization provides super-steady footage with horizon leveling in both shooting modes.
You can use this camera with GoPro Quik, the companion mobile app that lets you seamlessly sync up files and allows for easy video transfers. You can also edit your photos and videos on the app. It also supports the HEVC video format, which records very small files while preserving image quality, saving you precious memory space.
To complement the camera’s spherical video, spherical audio is also recorded with six microphones that create an immersive 360° surround-sound video playback experience. And, of course, this versatile 360 cam is compatible with GoPro’s endless list of accessories, including several bike and motorcycle attachments and mods.
This camera does it all and offers endless creative video modes, along with great 3D audio and excellent stabilization. If you’re a fan of the GoPro series and have the budget for a versatile 360-action camera, the GoPro Max is a great choice.
FEATURES | DETAILS |
$499.99 | |
154g | |
5.6K 360 videos at 30fps | |
1600mAh | |
MicroSD |
The Good:
- Features dual modes that allow versatile shooting in both 360 and regular action camera 4K
- Highly customizable settings for endless creativity and new video formats for your motorcycle videos
The Bad:
- Overkill for most beginner enthusiasts and amateur bike riders
- Pricier than other options and lowlight performance isn’t the best either
6. Garmin VIRB 360:
The VIRB 360 by Garmin is a compact and lightweight 360-action camera that uses dual wide-angle lenses to capture high-resolution 5.7K 360 videos of your motorcycle endeavors. This impressive spherical footage is complemented by 4 built-in microphones that capture 360-degree spatial audio to create a truly immersive experience.
Garmin VIRB 360
Up to 15MP spherical photos can also be captured in high quality.
Garmin’s proprietary HyperFrame Director Mode gives you the editing power to reframe content easily after filming. So you can be assured of capturing smooth camera pans and incredibly wide angles all the same! The spherical stabilization software ensures smooth video regardless of camera movement during your motorcycle rides.
Its rugged design sports a shockproof body that is lightweight and waterproof up to 10 meters. The VIRB 360 also has a built-in LCD display that displays useful information like battery status, storage, and connectivity.
This camera is compatible with its free companion mobile and desktop VIRB applications that can be used to offload, share, process, and even restabilize your footage. Videos stitched in-camera can be streamed live with the VIRB applications to wow your audience in real-time!
Perhaps the best feature of this camera is its exhaustive range of precise geo telemetries instruments like a built-in barometer, accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass sensors, as well as GPS and GLONASS positioning. These instruments provide real-time data for the G-Metrix overlays and are supremely useful for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Using the G-Metrix data, you can capture and overlay information like altitude, coordinates, and speed.
The camera also has other useful features like full voice command functionality for a hands-free experience. If you’re looking for a high-end, feature-packed 360 camera for capturing your rides in crisp quality, the Garmin VIRB 360 is a perfect choice.
FEATURES | DETAILS |
$899.99 | |
160g | |
5.7K at 30fps unstitched, 4K at 30fps stitched | |
1250mAh | |
MicroSD |
The Good:
- Captures detailed geo telemetry data that can be overlaid onto your 360 videos
- Features auto-stitching tools and excellent spherical stabilization for capturing smooth footage even during action
The Bad:
- Very pricy compared to other options and discontinued in some regions
7. Insta360 One RS 1-inch Edition:
The original 360 camera in the One RS series, the 1-inch edition, boasts dual 1-inch CMOS sensors to capture stunning 6K 360-degree video in up to 30 fps. This allows for a superb dynamic range and great low-light performance when compared to other 360 cams.
Insta360 One RS 1-inch Edition
This camera also lets you take 21MP stills and seamlessly stitch them into 360 photos. The PureShot HDR mode allows for a higher dynamic range powered by AI. Insta360’s proprietary FlowState Stabilization and 360 Horizon Lock offer 6-axis stabilization and horizon leveling algorithms that come together to deliver incredibly smooth videos.
The One RS Core module features a 1-inch display that helps you preview your footage or frame the perfect shot for rides. The modular design has a vertical form factor that is both lightweight and durable. With the other lens mods, you can easily swap out the 360 lenses for regular 4K widescreen shooting. Other modules include the 4K boost lens and audio module that allow you to supercharge this nifty camera’s capabilities.
The camera also has wireless connectivity through WiFi and Bluetooth, which allows for easy transfers and uploads. Furthermore, the 1-inch edition is compatible with the Invisible Selfie Stick to let you capture surreal third-person videos and drone-like POVs. Although most riders would be satisfied with the mounting bracket and 3-prong mount that lets you attach the camera onto your motorcycle or helmet.
With a powerful Leica co-engineered lens, this compact 360 camera has a tough build that can handle all your motorcycle adventures. If you’re willing to shell out a bit extra for a powerful 360 camera that is perfect for riding and recording on the go, the Insta360 One RS 1-inch edition is for you.
FEATURES | DETAILS |
$799.99 | |
239g | |
6k 360 videos at 30fps | |
1350mAh | |
MicroSD |
The Good:
- Contains dual 1-inch sensors co-engineered by Leica that can shoot crisp 6k 360-degree motorcycling footage
- AI-powered auto-editing and stitching are very intuitive and useful, and so is the UI of the mobile companion app
- FlowState Stabilization and low light performance offer smooth video regardless of motion while riding
The Bad:
- Expensive 360 camera option for most people and not a budget-friendly option for beginners or amateur motorcycle enthusiasts
- Has a small display that can be hard to see clearly in outdoor environments
8. Trisio Lite 2:
The Trisio Lite 2 360 camera uses an aspheric lens design to achieve minimal distortion while providing a more realistic visual experience for your motoring photos. This motorized panoramic camera captures high-quality 32MP 360 stills. This incredible gadget takes about 30 seconds per shot and produces a clean, stitch-free image.
Trisio Lite 2
The Lite 2 also features remote controlling, one-click shooting, and automatic splicing using the Trisio360Camera mobile app. The nodeRotate technology and anyScene full-scene adaptive imaging system let you use the built-in precision motor for acquiring exposure parameters from multiple angles like a professional photographer.
This 360 stills cam effectively solves the brightness suppression and darkness compensation problems and accommodates panoramic shooting of complex light environments. It also ships with a powerful battery which is rated to last for nearly 200 minutes of use.
It also has a built-in storage of 8GB EMMC flash memory to store your photos on the go. It is, however, missing a MicroSD slot that would’ve been a great addition for added memory expandability.
On the assembly side of things, the Trisio Lite 2 features an easy plug-and-play design. Once it’s plugged into the tripod through the quick plug-in, you can press the capture button to start capturing your HDR 360 image in the environment of your choice.
While it cannot capture 360 videos, this nifty camera can take jaw-dropping 360 stills in virtually any environment thanks to the proprietary nodeRotate and anyScene technology. If you’re looking to take spectacular spherical photos of your motorbike on the track, this is an excellent purchase.
FEATURES | DETAILS |
$399 | |
157g | |
- | |
2480mAh | |
Built in |
The Good:
- Captures detailed 32MP HDR images with excellent contrast
- Seamless automatic stitching with no stitch marks
The Bad:
- Does not capture 360 videos, only spherical photos
- Cannot be used to capture RAW data, and lacks manually customizable settings
9. Kodak PixPro SP360:
The Kodak PixPro SP360 is a 360 video camera that captures 4K video through its 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensors. You can also capture 12MP stills and 360 VR video with variable angles, thanks to the ultra-wide 235° lens.
Kodak PixPro SP360
The SP360’s CMOS sensor lets you capture video in a variety of resolutions and frame rates for maximum versatility. An included burst mode shoots up to 10 frames per second, ensuring you never miss that perfect moment of biking action. The SP360 is also equipped with a motion sensor that automatically triggers video recording when it detects movement and can help you frame your POV shots with ease.
The included Explorer Pack provides a standard housing and a variety of mounting accessories to get you started and take your shots to the next level. These consist of two curved and flat adhesive mounts, a bar mount, vented helmet straps, and two extended arms.
This camera also has WiFi and NFC connectivity for wireless control. Other hands-free options include a remote control with a handy wrist strap. The kit includes a dual base camera mount for easy compatibility with most tripods and mounts, and it comes with a selfie stick and suction cup mount. All these accessories make shooting on the track a real breeze.
To top things off, the camera has a hardy exterior that can survive a nearly 7-foot drop! This rugged action cam is also freezeproof down to 14°F, shockproof, dustproof, and water resistant. No matter what outdoor activity you choose to record, this camera has you covered.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option to shoot immersive, ultra-wide track videos of your motorcycle escapades, the Kodak PixPro is for you.
FEATURES | DETAILS |
$244.99 | |
103g | |
4K at 30fps | |
2480mAh | |
Built in |
The Good:
- Captures 4K equivalent 360 video and 12MP stills through a wide-angle fixed lens
- Offers various POVs by ‘unfolding’ the spherical video capture in post
- Tough outer body that is shockproof, freezeproof and splash resistant
The Bad:
- Large dome lens cover is hard to keep clean from dust and fingerprints
- UI of onboard menu controls and WiFi settings isn’t the most intuitive
- Unfolding recorded 360 videos to other formats reduces quality