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...
Mirror Risers
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These machined aluminium brackets are designed to relocate your standard bikeu2019s mirrors higher and farther out to not only give you an easier view of whatu2019s behind but also, move the mirrors from a potentially disruptive position.
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
Bike It Adapters
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This range of mirror adapters from Bike It allows you to fit almost any mirror u2013 whether aftermarket or from another bike u2013 to your bike by either changing the thread using an adapter post or using one of these circular handlebar mounts. A variety of finishes are available, including chrome, alloy and black.
Pros:
Adapt mirrors to bikes
Most common threads offered
Bar clamp version available
Cons:
None we can think of
Myklops Wrist Mirror
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Perhaps not the most elegant or permanent solution but this wrist mirror, intended primarily for cycles but equally useful for motorbikes as a quick-fix for mirrors that donu2019t do what they are meant to. The convex mirror sits on a plastic arm that extends from the boss fitted to the wrist strap. It all folds up for storage if you need it to.
Pros:
Universal fit
Easy alternative if necessary
Portable – use on any bike
Cons:
Not very elegant
Bike It OEM Replacements
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If you need to replace your standard mirrors for whatever reason u2013 they are corroded or youu2019ve broken one in an off u2013 these OEM original direct replacements from Bike It are just the job.
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
Dreamizer Replacements
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There is a huge range of replacement aftermarket mirrors available, depending on both your bike and your own style. These are Amazonu2019s Choice for u2018Universal motorbike mirrorsu2019 and feature blueu2019d glass to cut down glare and the shape should work on most bikes.
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
Oxford Bar-End Mirrors
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A common problem with poorly positioned mirrors is as a rider, you can only see your elbows. However, a pair of bar-end mirrors can locate the glass further out and in a position that will not only show whatu2019s behind and alongside you but also, whatu2019s directly behind you.
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
Double Take Adventure
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These mirrors from Doubletake are not cheap - £135 is a huge amount of money for two mirrors u2013 but they are indestructible and you will find them on a huge number of off-road bikes.
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
Bike It Indicator Mirrors
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Another offering from Bike It, this time a universal replacement mirror but with an LED indicator built-in to the front so you may be able to remove your standard indicators to clean up the bikeu2019s look and feel.
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