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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Connecticut
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My mirror modification
Hi Guys,
After suffering with the mirror issues this summer, I came up with a fix that's cheap, easy to do and improves visibility. First, remove the mirrors from their handle bar mounts. Then, using a hacksaw, cut the mirror stalk at the bend so that you leave a straight section (about 2-3 inches). Take a .266 drill bit and drill to a depth of about 1 inch. Get a start and finish (bottoming) tap (M8-1.25) and tap the hole. Use WD40 as a lube when tapping-it works great on alum.
Now you have to get two longish (1.5-2 inch) M8- 1.25 studs or bolts (cut head off). Screw them into the threaded boss on the stalk you just tapped, use thread lock (permanent) and thread it all the way down, so when you screw this into the handlebar end it wont spin. Set the bar weight in place, screw the stalk on using thread lock and tighten as much as you can by hand, then tape it on a section and snug it up with channel locks.
The mirror can now be rotated into position and vision is superb! These are el-cheapo bar end mirrors that will work and are pretty aerodynamic.
Cheers!
After suffering with the mirror issues this summer, I came up with a fix that's cheap, easy to do and improves visibility. First, remove the mirrors from their handle bar mounts. Then, using a hacksaw, cut the mirror stalk at the bend so that you leave a straight section (about 2-3 inches). Take a .266 drill bit and drill to a depth of about 1 inch. Get a start and finish (bottoming) tap (M8-1.25) and tap the hole. Use WD40 as a lube when tapping-it works great on alum.
Now you have to get two longish (1.5-2 inch) M8- 1.25 studs or bolts (cut head off). Screw them into the threaded boss on the stalk you just tapped, use thread lock (permanent) and thread it all the way down, so when you screw this into the handlebar end it wont spin. Set the bar weight in place, screw the stalk on using thread lock and tighten as much as you can by hand, then tape it on a section and snug it up with channel locks.
The mirror can now be rotated into position and vision is superb! These are el-cheapo bar end mirrors that will work and are pretty aerodynamic.
Cheers!
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Columbia Missouri
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Very ingenious!!!
Looks great!
Looks great!
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Fishing and riding,doesn't get any better!!
2009 Lime green Versys
Baldwin reg. saddle w/lime grn. thread and gel insert
Hepco & Becker crash bars
Givi side carriers w/ E21's
Fenda Extenda
Motowerk foot peg lowering blocks & mirror extenders
cut tail fender
black lower panels
Mikesshields Gran Touring, clear
Alaskan Leather Pillion 1 buttpad (trip use only)
Sw-Motech 20mm riser
Versys gone..replace with Victory Hammer
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Belmont, California
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I love you inventor types...Nice job 
If I new what I was doing, I wouldn't still be working
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Henderson, cty, TX
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Clever, might be a bit wide for lane splitting????
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Connecticut
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I thought that might be the case too, but after I had already drilled and tapped, I said screw it...I wasnt about to re-do the process. You can always cut the stalk shorter initially so it sits deeper into the bar weight.
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Madmonkey. Smart mod.
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Ride safe,
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Belmont, California
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I thought California was the only state you could "lane split" 
Legally that is
Legally that is
If I new what I was doing, I wouldn't still be working
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Left Coast ---Canada
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I am fed up with modding mirrors on my bikes , I have tried everything short of painting it black ............no matter what I do , I am still as ugly as always .............stupid mirror 
** This space for rent **
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackHammer
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I am fed up with modding mirrors on my bikes , I have tried everything short of painting it black ............no matter what I do , I am still as ugly as always .............stupid mirror
Thanks for the positive comments guys, the mod works well. Blackhammer- give this a try, it will probably solve your problems!
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Join Date: Oct 2008
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I would think that with the weight of the mirror and it's arm you could do away with the bar end weight completely making it narrower...check visibility first.
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Join Date: Jul 2008
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sorry mates, but this looks a bit ridiculous to me. too wide to drive properly.
Versys 08 - black + Kappa 49l topcase + H&B crashbar + Xenon HID kit
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Join Date: Jul 2009
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I like the creativity and the do-it-yourself nature of this mod.
However, I would not do this mod myself for three reasons;
1. I already have enough bar clearance issues in my garage with 2 bikes and a car taking up space. I would constantly be bumping into these mirrors.
2. When stopped beside a friend's bike at stoplights, I'm pretty sure these could make contact with the other bike.
3. I'm not too fond of the aesthetics.
However, I would not do this mod myself for three reasons;
1. I already have enough bar clearance issues in my garage with 2 bikes and a car taking up space. I would constantly be bumping into these mirrors.
2. When stopped beside a friend's bike at stoplights, I'm pretty sure these could make contact with the other bike.
3. I'm not too fond of the aesthetics.
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Tulsa, Ok USA
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I like the way it looks but what happens when you drop the bike? No more mirror.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jungmann1
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I like the way it looks but what happens when you drop the bike? No more mirror.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by madmonkey
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Don't drop bike...! I admit it takes some getting used to, but it certainly doesn't hinder "driving properly" or whatever. You definitely get a great view. Also, if you don't like the straight look, put a "U" bend in and sweep them up.
I appreciate the DIY attitude and solution, but they are a bit wide for my taste too.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretbek
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Naw man, keep 'em wide, you can angle the mirrors for more downforce on the front wheel in the twisties, then turn them back for less drag on the freeway.
I appreciate the DIY attitude and solution, but they are a bit wide for my taste too.
I appreciate the DIY attitude and solution, but they are a bit wide for my taste too.
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Join Date: Dec 2009
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Does the mod reduce mirror vibration? Give a clearer picture?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottyNeal
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Does the mod reduce mirror vibration? Give a clearer picture?
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What's your tip to tip wingspan?
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Ride safe,
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good topic, interesting solution but methinks before long you will determin the downside.
I have been considering options to achieve a better rear view and whilst pondering and riding I have come up with a solution which is improving the view big time.
I became aware that as winter gear went on and more bulk the view gets worse. Big warm jacket with fleece under.
No I am not going to sugest riding with less gear on just try this and tell me if it works for you.
As you go for your rear view tuck your elbow as close to your body as the circumstances allow and (bobs your uncle. an englishism) perfect, or at least a vast improvement.
If you want the mutts nuts get a cheap rear view camera, that would be a laugh.
Good luck out there and stay safe.
I have been considering options to achieve a better rear view and whilst pondering and riding I have come up with a solution which is improving the view big time.
I became aware that as winter gear went on and more bulk the view gets worse. Big warm jacket with fleece under.
No I am not going to sugest riding with less gear on just try this and tell me if it works for you.
As you go for your rear view tuck your elbow as close to your body as the circumstances allow and (bobs your uncle. an englishism) perfect, or at least a vast improvement.
If you want the mutts nuts get a cheap rear view camera, that would be a laugh.
Good luck out there and stay safe.
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