How to Install a Motorcycle Cup Holder | Secure Mounting Steps

A motorcycle cup holder installs by replacing existing handlebar or fender bolts with the included mounting hardware, using thread locker and hand tools for a vibration-proof fit.

The process is straightforward — swap a few factory bolts, add the included spacers, and lock everything with thread locker. But the exact sequence changes depending on whether your bike has a downtube fender, and skipping the spacers guarantees a wobbly ride. Here’s how to get it right on the first try.

Tools and Hardware You’ll Need

Most cup holder kits ship with the bracket, spacers, longer bolts, and a nyloc locking nut. You supply the hand tools and thread locker. Gather these before starting:

• 4mm Allen wrench — for the mounting bracket bolts
• 8mm wrench — for the nyloc nut on SUPER73 fender-mounted setups
• Medium-strength thread locker (blue Loctite) — prevents bolts from vibrating loose
• Protective cloth or towel — drapes over the fuel tank to catch dropped hardware and prevent scratches
• Zip tie — secures the hand control while you work so it doesn’t rotate and make bolt removal harder

Installation Steps by Bike Type

The core process is the same across most motorcycles, electric bikes, and scooters — loosen the factory bolts, insert the mount bracket with spacers, and torque everything down. The major exception is SUPER73 electric bikes with a downtube fender, which needs a slightly different sequence.

Traditional Motorcycles (Harley-Davidson, Honda Goldwing, cruisers, and scooters):

1. Cover the fuel tank with a protective cloth.
2. Remove the existing bolts holding the clutch or brake lever clamp to the handlebar. Keep the original hardware in a safe spot.
3. Place the provided spacers between the clamp and the new mount bracket. Do not skip this step — missing spacers prevent the bracket from sitting flush and cause instability.
4. Apply a drop of blue Loctite to the longer bolts included in the kit, then re-insert them through the clamp and bracket.
5. Tighten by hand with the 4mm Allen wrench until snug. Do not use power tools — they strip threads easily.
6. Attach the cup holder to the ball perch on the bracket and tighten the plastic nut by hand until the angle locks. Cross-threading the plastic nut here is the most common assembly mistake; align it straight before twisting.

SUPER73 Electric Bikes (without downtube fender):

1. Align the cup holder’s mounting holes with the bracket on the downtube.
2. Insert the largest washer onto the smallest bolt, then pass it through both holes and tighten with the 4mm Allen wrench. The nyloc nut is not used in this setup.
3. Repeat for the second mounting point.

SUPER73 Electric Bikes (with downtube fender):

1. Remove the downtube fender using the 4mm Allen wrench. Store the original bolts.
2. Add a washer to each of the two longer bolts provided in the kit, then replace the fender in its original position. Hand-tighten these bolts.
3. Position the cup holder inside the frame of the downtube, add a large washer, and secure it with the nyloc nut using the 8mm wrench.

You’ll find a curated selection of top-rated holders in our guide to the best motorcycle cup holders, tested for fit on different bike types.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Each is easy to prevent:

• Over-tightening — Clamp mounts do not need maximum force. Snug is sufficient. Over-tightening cracks the bracket or dents the handlebar.
• Missing the thread locker —
• Cross-threading the ball-perch nut — The plastic nut must start straight. If it resists turning, back it off and realign rather than forcing it.
• Not securing the hand control — A loose clutch lever rotates when you loosen its bolts, making reinstallation difficult. A simple zip tie around the grip and lever holds it steady.
• Skipping the tank cover — One old towel prevents the damage.

Safety and Fit Checks Before Riding

Before heading out, confirm three things. The cup holder must not block your view of the road or any instrument cluster. It must not interfere with the throttle, brake lever, or clutch action when you turn the handlebars lock-to-lock. And on bikes with fairings, check that the mount clears the plastic at full steering lock — a holder that hits the fairing during a sharp turn can snap off.

If the holder feels loose after a short test ride, remove it and re-torque all bolts. Vibration during the first few miles sometimes settles the hardware enough to reveal a gap that wasn’t visible on the workbench.