Quad Lock 360 Knuckle Adaptor: Angled Mounting Explained

By Quad Lock USA® - Official Store | Published: 2026-11-04

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how the Quad Lock 360 Arm - Knuckle Adaptor adds height and angle adjustment to your motorcycle mount, with a step-by-step installation process and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick answer

Install the Quad Lock 360 Arm - Knuckle Adaptor between your mount and the index head to gain extra height and a second pivot point for dialing in your phone's viewing angle. Tighten it only after you've set the final position, and check clearance before riding.

When the knuckle adaptor makes sense

The knuckle adaptor is most useful when your handlebar, fork stem, or mirror mount sits low or at an awkward angle. By adding a joint between the mount and the index head, you can raise the phone and tilt it toward you without swapping the whole mount. It is also helpful on bikes with crowded bars where the mount must sit off to one side but the screen still needs to face the rider.

If your current mount already gives you a comfortable viewing angle and enough height, the adaptor adds an extra connection point you don't need. Keep the setup simpler in that case.

Trade-offs to weigh before adding a joint

Every additional joint is a potential point of movement if not tightened properly. The knuckle adaptor increases height, which can slightly raise the phone's center of gravity and expose it to more wind buffeting at highway speeds. It also adds a small amount of installation time and one more component to check during routine maintenance.

That said, for many riders the improved line of sight and reduced neck strain outweigh these minor drawbacks. The key is to tighten the joint firmly and recheck it after the first few rides.

Step-by-step knuckle adaptor installation

Remove the index head from your mount: Loosen the existing screw or bolt that secures the index head to the mount arm, then set the index head aside. Keep the original hardware in a safe place. Check that the mount surface is clean and free of debris before adding the adaptor.
Position the knuckle adaptor: Place the knuckle adaptor onto the mount arm, aligning the mounting holes. The adaptor can be rotated to your preferred angle before tightening. Do not fully tighten yet; you'll need movement to adjust the angle later.
Reattach the index head: Secure the index head to the top of the knuckle adaptor using the provided hardware. Hand-tighten only at this stage. Make sure the index head sits flush against the adaptor with no gap.
Adjust height and angle: With the hardware loose, pivot the knuckle adaptor and index head to set the desired phone height and viewing angle. Sit on the bike in your normal riding position to judge the angle accurately. Aim for the phone screen to be roughly perpendicular to your line of sight, not tilted too far up or down.
Tighten all fasteners: Once satisfied with the position, tighten the knuckle adaptor and index head hardware firmly. Use the correct tools and avoid over-tightening, which can damage threads. Give the mount a firm wiggle test; there should be no play in any joint.
Check clearance and cable routing: Turn the handlebars fully left and right to ensure the phone and adaptor do not contact the tank, fairing, or cables. Also verify that charging cables (if used) are not pinched. Recheck clearance after your first ride, as components may settle slightly.

Product facts

Quad Lock 360 Arm - Knuckle Adaptor: The Quad Lock Motorcycle Knuckle Adaptor integrates between the mount and the index head to provide extra height and another level of adjustability. This means you can fine-tune both height and tilt without replacing your existing mount, making it a low-cost way to improve ergonomics.
Quad Lock 360 Arm - Knuckle Adaptor