[DakotaMK]

Another discussion (on helmets and visability) reminded me that I had wanted to get some feedback on mirrors. I have handlebar mounted mirrors- and I'm fine with them, not looking to get fairing mounted ones- but I was thinking of getting the shock-absorbing mirror mounts like these http://www.jcwhitney.com/shock-absorbing-chromed-mirror-mount/p2002273.jcwx?filterid=j3

Another idea I had was to install one or two of the convex mirrors. Has anybody else installed them? General success?

 

[LRCXed]

Those shock absorbers are for the handlebar mounted type. If you get the fairing mount mirrors be sure you get a stock OEM style. The aftermarket ones have flat mirrors and are no good for seeing a full view behind you.

 

[DakotaMK]

Right. I know they're for handlebar mounted mirrors- that's what I have. Have you used those shock absorbers?

 

[kingston73]

I've never used them but I've read from others that those shocks absorb vibration for a while but wear out.  As for the convex mirrors, the ones I have on came with the bike and I do use them occasionally, but they're so small they are limited in use and difficult to glance at in a hurry.

 

[richnct]

I tried them a few years ago, and they sort of worked, reduced the vibration, or at least lowered the frequency of the "buzz". They're not a total ripoff, but also not a perfect solution. Like many things. I ran handlebar mirrors for years on a GL650 with a Vetter fairing, and my current bike, a GL650I with fairing mount OEM mirrors is much better. Mirror position, field of view, little to no vibration, good on all counts. Well synced carbs, balanced tires, etc. can help too. Aftermarket fairing mount mirrors are often reported as being inferior on several counts.

 

[Stubby]

Aftermarket fairing mount mirrors are often reported as being inferior on several counts.

I used a set of aftermarket fairing mirrors until I broke one. They were a waste of $22.00. I could never get them adjusted so I could actually see anything behind me.

 

[Blindstitch]

I questioned using them but in the end I didn't. The best thing you can do is get real motorcycle mirrors. None of that aftermarket crap. Only stock mirrors seem to have stock quality. Everything else vibrates like crazy.





I like my mirrors. They are from a Kawasaki Mean Streak 1600. I figure if they are good enough for 1600 then they are good enough for a 500.

 

[jayhanig]

I questioned using them but in the end I didn't. The best thing you can do is get real motorcycle mirrors. None of that aftermarket crap. Only stock mirrors seem to have stock quality. Everything else vibrates like crazy.





I like my mirrors. They are from a Kawasaki Mean Streak 1600. I figure if they are good enough for 1600 then they are good enough for a 500.

Where'd you get yours? I looked on EPray but it looked like even the crap sold for Kawasaki bikes were aftermarket.

 

[Stubby]

I questioned using them but in the end I didn't. The best thing you can do is get real motorcycle mirrors. None of that aftermarket crap. Only stock mirrors seem to have stock quality. Everything else vibrates like crazy.

I agree. Aftermarket mirrors seem to have one thing in common, they are all cheap. Cheap in price and cheap in quality. I have spent more money on lousy mirrors than I would have on one good set from the manufacturer.