Updated: 13 August 2024
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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 and accessories work.
Normally placed so that they offer a good view of the road behind for a given size of test rider, mirrors and accessories 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 options for mirrors and accessories…
These machined aluminium brackets are designed to relocate your standard bikes mirrors higher and farther out to not only give you an easier view of what's behind but also, move the mirrors from a potentially disruptive position.
Pros
- Cheap
- Easy to fit
- Effective
Cons
- May not work for all bikes
Price: £1.64 and up
Price: £1.64 and up
This range of mirror adapters from Bike It allows you to fit almost any mirror whether aftermarket or from another bike 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
Perhaps not the most elegant or permanent mirrors and accessories 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
Price: £19.54 and up
Price: £19.54 and up
If you need to replace your standard mirrors for whatever reason, they are corroded or you've broken one off, these OEM original direct replacements from Bike It are just the job.
Pros
- Direct replacement for OEM
- Great value
- Fit another bike with adapters
Cons
- None
There is a huge range of replacement aftermarket mirrors available, depending on both your bike and your own style. These are Amazon's Choice for Universal motorbike mirrors and feature blued glass to cut down glare and the shape should work on most bikes.
Pros
- Fit most bikes
- Reduce glare
- Streamlined look
Cons
- May be small for some
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 what's behind and alongside you but also, what's directly behind you.
Pros
- Relocate mirror for better vision
- Change look and feel of the bike
- Fit most bikes
Cons
- Means losing bar-end weights
These mirrors from Doubletake are not cheap - £135 is a huge amount of money for two mirrors, but they are indestructible and you will find them on a huge number of off-road bikes.
Pros
- Indestructible
- Huge range of adjustment
- Large glass area
Cons
- Expensive
Price: £49.99
Price: £49.99
Another mirrors and accessories 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 bikes look and feel.
Pros
- Built-in indicator
- Universal fit
- Great value
Cons
- Short arm
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By Jim Blackstock
Product Tester for MCN and sister publication RiDE Magazine - Jim began riding motorcycles in the late 1980s while working in an automotive repair garage after earning a Mechanical Engineering degree. Initially, he used bikes for practical purposes but later shifted to cars, starting a publishing career in the early 1990s focused on car modifications and product testing. After a stint in PR and Marketing for major motorsport teams and events, Jim returned to publishing and joined RiDE Magazine in 2017 as a Production Editor. His expertise in product testing soon led him to oversee the magazine’s product content. Rediscovering his love for motorcycles, Jim earned his license through the Direct Access process and now enjoys riding his KTM 790 Adventure across various terrains.
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