| Author | Message | ||
     Erinate |
I know that mirrors have been discussed before however I continue to look for the "right" mirror setup for an 2005 XB9SX. All I can see is my elbows. Anybody have a recommondations? Considering the bar end mirrors from americansportbike. Would I need to remove the handguards? I prefer to keep the guards but I need mirrors in this LA traffic. Thanks | ||
| Reepicheep |
I doubt you have to remove the handguards, just drill a hole right through the center of the bar end plugs the covers snap onto. That's what I did with the 3rd Eye mountian bike mirrors, works great and is about a 5 minute job. There is even a pilot hole already inside the plugs. Read up and down this thread: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=32777&post=326757#POS T326757 I have pictures of my install there as well. Somebody posted a link to a nice set of similar bars here a couple days ago, they were cheap and at nashbar. The mirrors Al sells are worth every penny, but if you want a cheap but functional alternative, you can kludge up something pretty nice. (Message edited by reepicheep on February 20, 2005) | ||
| Dtx |
Reep, I got the bar end mirrors on yesterday. The only problem I had was finding a longer bolt like you had in your picture. I went to every hardware store in town and I could not find one long enough with the small hex head. You need the small hex head to keep the mirror from rotating too freely. I finally found one a little longer than what came with the 3rd Eye mirror and made it work. I'll have to go ride when it gets nice to see if it moves much. Other than that, it was a slick setup. I wish I didn't damage the air gaurd plug so much when I was yanking it our with the pliers. It's pretty soft plastic! | ||
| Ejiii |
I have a new XB9SX I also picked up in January. I use Bug-Eye helmet mirrors. I dumped the XB mirrors right away. With no mirrors at all on the bike lane splitting is easier than ever. I have been using Bug-Eyes for over a year now. Once you are used to them you won't switch back to any conventional mirror. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Got a link Ejiii? Those mirrors sound interesting. | ||
| Builtbyted |
Reepicheep, I just found the site: http://www.bugeyes.com | ||
| Ejiii |
OBTW Bug-Eyes will have a new version of the mirror out in 2-3 weeks. The arm is longer than the current version. The guys there sent me a prototype unit about 9mos ago. I like it better than the standard version because I wear glasses. The mirror is inside the field of view of my lens. If you don't wear glasses then either version will be fine. I even have one on my off-road helmet so I don't have to keep turning around looking for my wife & kids! Good Luck. | ||
| Wambo |
Ejiii, The Bug-eyes look pretty interesting! I do wonder about a couple of things. How do the Bug-eyes effect the aerodynamics of the helmet at speed? I would think you would have more pressure against the helmet on the highway, and how does it effect you when you turn your head to look behind before moving over a lane at ~70-80mph? | ||
| Ejiii |
No problem to both questions. They are small (even the "big" ones) and they weigh nothing. You won't even know they are there. Also, you really won't need to turn around to see if anyone is in your blind spot. You turn your head in the opposite direction while looking in the mirror and "sweep" the whole lane you are interested in viewing. Very cool! | ||
| Barkandbite |
Dude... With the Bug-eyes...I mean...don't you look like a catfish... Buhahahahahaaa.... Bugeyes helmet mirrors...$20 Arai Corsair Helmet...$500 Looking like a catfish who can see in his blindspots...priceless!  | ||
| Wambo |
Ejiii, I tried emailing the manufacturers for Bug-eyes but both times the emails were returned, with the address as "not being found." Are they still in business? I couldn't find a phone number to call on there web site so I hope you may be able to help. | ||
| Ejiii |
I'm not sure what would be wrong. Anyway, all their contact info is on their home page. Here is their # 1-800-273-9887. I spoke to Terry, the owner, one or two weeks ago with no problems. Good Luck. | ||
| Wambo |
Anyway, all their contact info is on their home page Man, do I hate trifocals!!  Yep, right in front of me!!! | ||
| Ejiii |
Wambo, you are a candidate for the long version of the bug-eye. Works much better with the glasses. | ||
| Wambo |
Finally got a hold of someone at Turnco-no answer at the 1-800 number so I tried the local number and after several rings got someone. He had just come in (older, more crotchety than me at 50!). Apparently, Terry was going to be in Wednesday but he didn't know anything about the longer stalked version! I just went with the regular one for now. Tried telling him about the email not working but I don't think he was that interested. I may try back in the future and talk to Terry. Too bad they don't have an answering machine to leave a message for someone like Terry who would know whats going on and is not there. Oh well, still looking forward to trying it. | ||
| Ejiii |
Yes, I have spoken with that old guy before. I'm not sure why they let him answer the phone but it is what it is. Terry is the owner , I have spoken with him a number of times. He knows what is going on. He told me the longer version would be available sometime in March. Anyway, the standard version will work fine. Give us a report after you have used them a bit. There is some time required to get used to them so don't worry if they are not instantly wonderful. |
