Triumphrat

Thatch

I thought I would post this here for those looking for different mirror options.

I received a set of chrome Napoleon Bar End Mirrors for Christmas. While not the typical choice for a cruiser they are a great addition to the bike. I can now see well and I've cleaned up the view from the saddle. After a slight modification of cutting the internal stem and using the bolt from the stock end caps and the lock washer from the original mirrors they went on well. I get no vibration at all on the clutch side mirror and just a slight image blurring on the throttle side (since it doesn't make contact with the grip on that side) but the blurring is only slight. I wouldn't notice it if I didn't have the word "triumph' running down both my forearms with which to compare each one.

I like the sporty look of the bar ends and since that is the direction I will be going with all future mods I think these are a keeper. I know this won't be the look that many go for but they work for me. I was never able to see past my shoulders before and now vision is fine. The unblocked view while riding is great and the shape of the mirrors match up well with the other items on the bike (same type of curves, similar mechanics).

If you've got any questions feel free to ask.

engage

Thanks for the post and the picture.

I feel I need to do something since I suffer the same issue. I can see behind me, but only if I move my body around. The result is that many times a car/bike will sneak up on me without me seeing them (which bugs me).

I saw your other post and wasn't sure I like them, but after seeing this picture, they are growing on me.

Rustopherh

I have a set of the bar end mirrors from a Thruxton, and I was looking to do the same thing, but I found the mirror won't sit flush since the handlebar diameter on the Thruxton is smaller than the T-Bird (and of course, the bolts from the T-Bird would not fit the mirror).

How did you cut the internal stem to get the hardware to work?

Thatch

I'm not sure how your's are but with the Napoleons they use a compression fitting (sandwich a rubber bit between the mirror and a nut, tighten and the rubber expands and pinches it inside the bar) As such it had a metal stem that ran about an inch or so into the bar and then the compression section. I just marked the stem to be flush, used a dremel to cut it off and then used the bolt from the original bar ends to bolt directly into the internal nut on the bird bars. (i used a lock washer to keep it tight). The passenger side looks great but the throttle side sits a bit proud. I need to trim that up just a bit more or use a locktite type solution to get rid or the washer to get it to snug up just a bit more. (have to be a bit careful on that side since I don't want the mirror causing friction on the throttle action)

Of course now I'm looking at replacing the handle bar so....

DOUBLEL

Thatch, are your bars and risers standard? From the angle in the picture, they looked more pulled back than mine. I did add the chrome risers when I bought the bike thinking they were longer than stock, but I believe they are just chrome and not any bigger.

Thatch

My bars and risers are all stock, must just be the angle.

Here is the bike from the opposite side.



I'm considering putting drag bars on the bike to reduce the pullback further. Hopefully I'll have some time this weekend to do some playing around with the bars and see what might work. Of course I'm a bit concerned about too much slack in the cables if I do.

antman

PHOTOS PLEASE!

While you're at it, I don't suppose you'd like to try blacking out the engine and transmission casings and the chain guard? That's not asking too much, is it?

I really like the T'bird but I'd prefer it to be more Speedmaster and less America. So far I haven't been able to find any photos where anyone has even fitted drag bars.

BTW, do you find that the bar-end mirrors make the bike feel noticeably wider? I like the way that bar-end mirrors clean up the look of the front end but one of the reasons I chose the Speedmaster over other cruisers was the narrower bar width which makes filtering/splitting easier.

Thatch

Will do on the photos. If I can find a local resource for a drag bar I might just fit one this weekend for fun. We'll see what the weekend brings.

As for the blackout.. well, that might take a while. I've been considering getting the chrome switch housings just to have them powder coated black as I like black controls but don't like the plastic. the rest of the chrome is relatively limited so it doesn't bother me.

I don't think I'd go to the trouble of blacking out the engine unless something went wrong with the chrome. Perhaps if Triumph offers a blacked out bird later I'll trade for a new one then (hell who am I kidding I'll probably keep the bird and get a rocket roadster or some other extra toy

On the issue of width. This was a real concern for me because of where I park. I keep the bird in the garage and to get out I have to go between my wife's SUV and my full size truck. Not a lot of room (and no matter what I say I can't seem to get my wife to part to the outside of the driveway...). The added width is negligible. I don't find it any more difficult to pull between the cars as I did before.

antman

I was only joking about the blacking-out. I'd like to see it but it's not the sort of thing that I would expect anyone to do just on a whim or to see what it looked like.

Thatch

Oh I know. I have thought about it but knew you were joking. I meant to reply in a bit more humorous way but managed to loose my way in the posting.