Ducati Monster Forum

Hi

Just wanted to know what your opinion of bar end mirrors verses standard handle bar mounted mirrors is? Those that have used both – which one gave you a better rear view? Which do you prefer now?

Simon

Hmmm.. well there's bar-end mirrors and then there's bar-end mirrors.....

Best mirrors I have ever used for the quality of your actual rearwards visibility is Rizoma's Class Retros.

I use conventionally mounted mirrors now - coz I'm vain and shallow and like the look better  ;D - but as functional mirrors the Class Retro bar-ends take some beating IMO.

http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/BS144/Mirrors/BS144.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/BS144/Mirrors/BS144.html)

I put on CRG bar-end mirror on Rizoma weighted bar ends on the 796.
Much better view and zero viberations in the mirrors and the handle bars.

Thanks guys. I think I might get a pair of the Rizoma Circuit 851's   [thumbsup]

I've been running Rizoma Reverse Retro's (bar end) mirrors for years now and love them.  Unlike Ung, I prefer the look.  The view is probably not as good as the original mirrors, but at least it stays still (no vibration).  You get used to ducking your head a little and tucking your elbow in but what you then see is lovely and clear.

redsc1, all three of us who responded so far, seem to agree that good bar-end mirrors (and we're all reporting from FHE) offer better rearward vision than standard mount mirrors.  I have to tuck my elbows in to see what's behind me now..... no big deal, but it wasn't an issue at all when I had the bar-ends.

I like the look of Rizoma Reverse Retro bar-ends that StephenC is running better than the Rizoma Class Retros which I once had.   But they're smaller, so the rearward view has gotta be lessened too.

Form vs function...... have fun deciding which means more to you  8) [thumbsup]

It is also worth noting that I have mine pointing in but they could easily be flipped the other way and would likely negate all the angle of view issues (albeit minor) that I mentioned.  This suits me as 1. I'm all about form and stuff function and 2. I lane split and want a narrow bike!
(https://sconnor1.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Modifications/ArmourBodies-Tank/i-2dBPH86/0/M/0V3A0009-M.jpg)

^^ Looking good  [drool]

CRG lanesplitters 3" convex glass so you get a great rear view, folding so you can tuck them in when lane splitting and the quality of them is exceptional. i've used them for years and couldn't go back to mickey mouse ears on a naked bike, no vibrations and they look very cool.

Thank you. The new seat should arrive soon and I'm done (for now!).

"for now"  [laugh]

Done is never  ;)

But where to go next...?

I may have to replace my fluid reservoirs as the ones I have seem to be leaking - I need the bike back on the road (no seat at present) to check them.  I guess I will be due a chain and sprocket replacement soon.  I'd love to do a Motogadget instrument upgrade, but that sounds like far to much work!

I think bar ends provide a much better view ... but I have only used ones that are mounted on the end, sitting out. They are clear of your body so they provide an unobstructed view + with the right curvature of the glass you can see a lot more ... the Boss now uses them after much resistance and loves them. I still use (rather expensive) handlebar mounted mirrors ... the vision provided is OK which typically gives me a clear view of some part of my jacket.

The bar ends don't need to be expensive to be effective either. You can probably still buy a cheap set from China delivered to your door for less than the cost of delivery alone for a 'quality set' of name brand mirrors. It is probably even worth the minimal expense as a trial - I know some people that have kept their cheap trial set for years ... still solid and providing a great view. Plus they are cheaper to replace if something unexpected happens.

Folding bar end mirrors will allow you to tuck them in to narrow the width of the bike and push straight back to their previous position when clear of obstructions, but your bike will likely be wider regardless (depending on the bar end arrangement before/after).

Bar ends are good for bars that are higher but ifnyou have a lower bar or clipons its too much head movement. I foundnwith stock bar and clipons i had to move head toonmuchband actually was unsafe. Now with higher bars they work great.

Some people run token mirrors on their clip-ons, more their to satisfy the law than to actually see behind you.  Personally I like to know what's going on around me.