Bar End Mirrors and Turn Signals

[tjfischer]

This is how I spent my father day. I installed some bar end mirrors and turn signals. I was never really fond of the mirror extensions. So, I thought I would try this route. Personally I like the looks. I don't know if I am going to keep the stock mirrors or not at this point. I will leave them on for a little while just to see. I might change them into running lights. Who knows?

Here are some picts, please excuse the messy garage

[Lamonster]

When I was looking for mirrors I looked at a bunch of those but I've never used them and wasn't sure if I would like them or not but those look pretty good.

[tjfischer]

After the first ride this morning going to work. After a few adjustments on the freeway, I found that these mirrors in conjunction with the stock mirrors, give me good visibility with what is around me. I can see vehicles right next to me without looking over my shoulder.

[nater1]

Those look nice on your bike, I rarely use mirrors when I ride. I was always taught to use the corner of your eye as you turn your head to get a clear honest view of what is around you. I teach anyone that rides with me to do the same thing.

[Neez]

Those look nice on your bike, I rarely use mirrors when I ride. I was always taught to use the corner of your eye as you turn your head to get a clear honest view of what is around you. I teach anyone that rides with me to do the same thing.

Nater, I am not questioning what works for you, but if I was to do it your way I would want a neck like that possessed girl in " The Exorcist". I would like 360 degree visibility all the time if I could get it. I find tjfishers mod to be promising, actually.

[bone crusher]

The kewlmetal extensions are great...they make your stock mirrors functional...meaning, if you have shoulders, you can see behind you.

I found the stock mirrors to be useless unless you are as skinny as a 4x4....argh!

Kewlmetal fixed this....darn things should be on when you get your Spyder...

[NancysToy]

The kewlmetal extensions are great...they make your stock mirrors functional...meaning, if you have shoulders, you can see behind you.

I found the stock mirrors to be useless unless you are as skinny as a 4x4....argh!

Kewlmetal fixed this....darn things should be on when you get your Spyder...

Blame the endless list of government regulations. The manufacturer's hands are tied. The only thing they could havve done within the regulatory limits is move them closer...but where wiould they have stuck them, and would you have liked how the Spyder looked that way?
-Scotty

[Magic Man]

Blame the endless list of government regulations. The manufacturer's hands are tied. The only thing they could havve done within the regulatory limits is move them closer...but where wiould they have stuck them, and would you have liked how the Spyder looked that way?
-Scotty

Scotty

What makes you say this? Our T-Rex is a 3 wheeled reverse trike motorcycle as well, and it's mirriors are so much wider than the spyder it is not even funny.

So, if there is some limit on how wide motorcycle mirrors can be, than I would think it would be closer to the width of our T-rex and not the Spyder.

Also as the mirrors are not outside the widest part of the Spyder's body (the front wheels are way wider) what would it matter if the mirrors were 2 inches wider as they are still miles inside the wheels?

Or, what if the cowl were made 2 inches wider too? Then with the same mirror stalk length it would have the mirrors out 2 inches as well.

I am all for not letting "big brother" run our lives, but this time I don't think it's the Goverments fault.

MM

[NancysToy]

Scotty

What makes you say this? Our T-Rex is a 3 wheeled reverse trike motorcycle as well, and it's mirriors are so much wider than the spyder it is not even funny.

So, if there is some limit on how wide motorcycle mirrors can be, than I would think it would be closer to the width of our T-rex and not the Spyder.

Also as the mirrors are not outside the widest part of the Spyder's body (the front wheels are way wider) what would it matter if the mirrors were 2 inches wider as they are still miles inside the wheels?

Or, what if the cowl were made 2 inches wider too? Then with the same mirror stalk length it would have the mirrors out 2 inches as well.

I am all for not letting "big brother" run our lives, but this time I don't think it's the Goverments fault.

MM

Well, never trust anything you read on the Internet. I spent a lot of this morning wading through 605 pages of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards looking for the specific reg. It was reported here that there was a maximum distance at which the mirrors or other objects could project from the vehicle body. That may well be, but I cannot find it, only a minimum distance from the centerline of 11 inches for mirrors.

If there is a maximum projection rule, in the US or elsewhere, placing the mirrors lower on the body might help, or widening the console. If not, it was probably strictly a styling issue. I must say that the mirrors, being placed as far forward as they are, are variable in their effectiveness for different people. Both Nancy and I see a bit of our hands, but that doesn't really obstruct our view of traffic. No better or worse than the mirrors on any of my bikes...plus these don't seem to vibrate as long as the mirrors are tight. Others see their bodies, lots of their hands, or their shoulders. Not so good for those people who are taller, shorter, or wider. It's an individual thing, accentuated by the long distance to the mirrors. I'm sure nobody sees much when riding double, as on most motorcycles.

I think more of the dissatisfaction comes from not being able to have an unobstructed view behind. To me, this is a bit of an unrealistic expectation. I find most motorcycles obstruct the view to the rear to some degree. I find I have to move my head slightly on any of them to see directly behind me, especially close-up. This is an absolute must when riding double. Not difficult, in my estimation, but probably bothersome to many. Of course I harken back to a time when motorcycles didn't even have mirrors. No side mirrors on cars, either. How spoiled we have become.

I agree that there are ways the mirrors could have been made better with different placement. Would the aesthetics have pleased us as well...who knows? Other manufacturers have let styling get ahead of function, too. The BMW R11xxRT models had great mirrors, low so you could see under your arms. Best I have ever ridden with. The revised R1200RT has them higher, and they tend to obstruct the view, just like the Spyder. The revised fairing shape determined the location. The aftermarket has come to the rescue of those Spyder owners who need a better mirror position. The rest of us are satisfied. I don't think this is such a big deal...or that unusual.
-Scotty

[tjfischer]

I didn't mean to start a big debate about mirrors. I just want to show my remedy for the visibilty issue that some folks have with the stock mirrors. As I already stated the mirror extensions aren't one of my favorite mods. So, I simply looked for another. This alternative may not be for everyone. but its alway nice to know you have choices.

[Firefly]

I'm more confused than ever -- but I don't much care what the regulations say or don't say - I just want to see well.

The kewlmetal extensions work well---- but I must say that after installing my NMN risers - my hands are right in the mirror.

Someone needs to come out with a replacement or longer extension to move the mirrors out further and maybe up a few inches.

Might as well make it an LED kit while they are at it (hint hint).

Mine vibrate alot BTW - and if I make them any tighter something is gonna break.

[BillGargan]

I'm more confused than ever -- but I don't much care what the regulations say or don't say - I just want to see well.

The kewlmetal extensions work well---- but I must say that after installing my NMN risers - my hands are right in the mirror.

Someone needs to come out with a replacement or longer extension to move the mirrors out further and maybe up a few inches.

Might as well make it an LED kit while they are at it (hint hint).

Mine vibrate alot BTW - and if I make them any tighter something is gonna break.

I put in the HeliBar riser and the KewlMetal extenders. GREAT combination!
Bill Gargan

[Smylinacha]

This is how I spent my father day. I installed some bar end mirrors and turn signals. I was never really fond of the mirror extensions. So, I thought I would try this route. Personally I like the looks. I don't know if I am going to keep the stock mirrors or not at this point. I will leave them on for a little while just to see. I might change them into running lights. Who knows?

Here are some picts, please excuse the messy garage

Nice! I'd definitely dump the stock mirrors!

[tjfischer]

Nice! I'd definitely dump the stock mirrors!

I just need to figure out a good way to patch the three holes that are left after the brackets are removed. Or figure out something to mount in thier place, to cover up the three mounting holes

[wyliec]

I just need to figure out a good way to patch the three holes that are left after the brackets are removed. Or figure out something to mount in thier place, to cover up the three mounting holes

Lamonster did something; but, based on the pictures he showed of his aftermarket mirrors I couldn't figure it out.

[Dyno824]

Nice job.Where did you come across all that extra bar lenght ?

[tjfischer]

Nice job.Where did you come across all that extra bar lenght ?

No extra bar length. The turn signals mount inside the bars and the mirrors mount on the turn signals with and adapter. Here is a link to the manufacturers web site: http://www.oberon-performance.co.uk/...d-Weights.html,

I got mine of e-bay, (saved a little bit of money)

[trikester]

Here are some picts, please excuse the messy garage

A clean garage is a sign of a sick mind (or a determined wife)

[NancysToy]

A clean garage is a sign of a sick mind (or a determined wife)

Amen, brother amen!
-Scotty