Sometimes, no matter how hard they try, manufacturers can’t get everything right. And something that can be completely dependent on the size and shape of the rider is how well the mirrors work.
Normally placed so that they offer a good view of the road behind for a given size of test rider, they also have to work with the bike’s overall aerodynamics and not contribute to increasing noise at the rider’s helmet, for example. But sometimes, they can’t do it all.
I’ve ridden bikes where the mirrors generate such turbulence and noise that it makes riding it uncomfortable and not something I look forward to.
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I’ve also ridden bikes where the mirrors are so badly positioned and designed that I simply can’t see what is directly behind me without performing Olympic-standard gymnastics. And don’t get me started on mirrors that pick up vibrations from the handlebars.
Luckily, there are plenty of options out there to improve things, whether it is the look and feel of the bike, your vision or the aerodynamic effects. Here are a few of the options...
1. Mirror Risers
Description
These machined aluminium brackets are designed to relocate your standard bikeu2019s mirrors higher
They are available with either an M8 or an M10 thread depending on what your mirrors are and raise the mirrors around 30mm and move them 40mm further out. I used these on a 2017 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 - renowned for mirror-induced wind noise – and they made a massive difference.
Pros:
Cheap
Easy to fit
Effective
Cons:
May not work for all bikes
2. Bike It Adapters
Description
This range of mirror adapters from Bike It allows you to fit almost any mirror u2013 whether
Pros:
Adapt mirrors to bikes
Most common threads offered
Bar clamp version available
Cons:
None we can think of
3. Myklops Wrist Mirror
Description
Perhaps not the most elegant or permanent solution but this wrist mirror, intended primarily for
Pros:
Universal fit
Easy alternative if necessary
Portable – use on any bike
Cons:
Not very elegant
4. Bike It OEM Replacements
Description
If you need to replace your standard mirrors for whatever reason u2013 they are corroded or
They are available for a huge range of bikes (the example shown is for the BMW F650 and F800 GSs and the R1200GS) but there is no reason that they can’t be changed over for another bike’s for a different style and feel.
Pros:
Direct replacement for OEM
Great value
Fit another bike with adapters
Cons:
None
5. Dreamizer Replacements
Description
There is a huge range of replacement aftermarket mirrors available, depending on both your bike
This particular design isn’t huge – the glass is 45mm x 115mm but it will give the bike a sleek, streamlined look and feel. The mirrors are adjustable through 360° and are fitted with flat glass.
Pros:
Fit most bikes
Reduce glare
Streamlined look
Cons:
May be small for some
6. Oxford Bar-End Mirrors
Description
A common problem with poorly positioned mirrors is as a rider, you can only see your elbows.
These mirrors replace your bar-end weights and are available in black or silver and are designed for 7/8in/22mm bars. The company also produces different sized versions to give your bike a modern or classic feel.
Pros:
Relocate mirror for better vision
Change look and feel of the bike
Fit most bikes
Cons:
Means losing bar-end weights
7. Double Take Adventure
Description
These mirrors from Doubletake are not cheap - £135 is a huge amount of money for two mirrors u2013
They mount using familiar adjustable RAM mount arms with a ball replacing the original mirror and the arm offering a massive range of adjustment, including out of the way for tight off-road trails. The ultimate in visibility and durability.
Pros:
Indestructible
Huge range of adjustment
Large glass area
Cons:
Expensive
8. Bike It Indicator Mirrors
Description
Another offering from Bike It, this time a universal replacement mirror but with an LED indicator
They feature an M10 thread, so you may need an adapter depending on your bike and the short arm may not suit all but a neat solution to achieve two objectives in one.
Pros:
Built-in indicator
Universal fit
Great value
Cons:
Short arm