Triumphrat

pommiebiker · 04-28-2006, 04:45 PM

I really would like to install bar end mirrors - the simple, circular ones -
like this one on my Bonneville, but have a coupla questions:

1. Logic suggests that they will improve visibility around my elbows but is this true?

2. What's the cleanest way to fill the threaded hole left by removal of stock mirrors?

jsdc2005 · 04-28-2006, 05:02 PM

How about a disadvantage: vibration.

Get the Yamaha v-star mirrors. They look good, see past your elbows, don't vibrate, and cost WAY less than these guys.

d2mini · 04-28-2006, 05:53 PM

The problem i had with ones like those is that you have to physically move your head to look at them, unlike the stock ones where you just glance over. The napoleon bar end mirrors like newbonneville.com sells are much better because they are not as far out to the side and a little higher. So you can still just glance over. And since they are farther out, no problem seeing around your arms. There is a little vibration though.

DrEnglish · 04-28-2006, 06:45 PM

I have the Napoleons. They look cool enough. They work VERY well--mine are mounted in the "up" position, with the wide end of the mirror away from the center of the bike. There are lots of variations on how they can be mounted, but I find that this gives the best visibility.

The difference from stock is night and day. I ride a lot of miles commuting on California freeways, and it's a huge advantage to really be able to see what's behind you. They vibrate very little.

They are slightly convex. There's minimal distortion, but much wider field of view. I think one Napoleon gives better coverage than the two stock mirrors combined. With two, you have probably 160 degrees of view--if you can't see something in the mirror it's either next to you or in front of you.

I totally recommend the Napoleons, and they are not expensive.

BTW, the easiest way to deal with the stock mounts once you go to bar-ends is just to flip them over so the threaded hole faces downward. Or you could mount a GPS, RPG, or similar item on there... :hammer:

[ This message was edited by: DrEnglish on 2006-04-28 16:48 ]

Sheepdog · 04-28-2006, 07:03 PM

One more vote for the Napolean Bar-Ends. I have used them for the last fifteen years and have found them to be the best by a mile. They give much better visability, can be adjusted to a multitude of positions, and have a cool retro look. They lend some weight to the handlebar ends, which actually helps control vibration. As for dealing with the handlebars...if you buy the Napoleans over the ones shown you'll save enough money to buy a set of aftermarket bars. See mine here:

Jerkyboy · 04-28-2006, 09:39 PM

I have a pair of the CRG , constructors racing group mirrors, I purchased thru NB and I couldn't be happier. They don't vibrate, they were easy to install, and I have had no problems with visibilty being limited in any way. Without insulting anyone's taste, and while it's true some people only have taste in their mouths, I like them 10x better than the Mickey Mouse ears I had before. I don't have to move my head any more than normal, IE: if I'm about to change lanes, or wonder if that was a cop I just blew by, they work just fine. Yeah they're expensive, they work for me because I can get my cover closer to the ground and I'm not distracted by 2 huge fairy wands parked in a major line of sight. To each his own and that includes wives. Page Title
The holes I filled with Chrome plugs, I think 5/16 from Lowes and a little silicone adhesive.

Jerkyboy · 04-28-2006, 09:52 PM

The plugs may have been 5/8, anyway, the Lowes' stock number from my receipt is:
139389 Hole Plugs Chrome $ 1.04 Each. Good luck.BTW I ride an 01w/ 6700 miles with Raask, pipes and mufflers, NB Bar end mirrors, and a Triumph fly screen, a K&Q seat, and 3 hours worth of labor from FrederickTown Yamaha, Jerry & Steve are the bomb, with state inspection I have a total of $5500 in the bike. Value beyond.

Brooksie · 04-28-2006, 10:57 PM

I got the good stuff from newbonneville and vibration is minimal. Nice Napoleon rubber dampers help. All mirrors vibrate on the bike, even the stockers. I think the Napoleons are actually better than stock

bbrovold · 04-28-2006, 11:49 PM

Quote:

On 2006-04-28 19:39, Jerkyboy wrote:
I have a pair of the CRG , constructors racing group mirrors, I purchased thru NB and I couldn't be happier. They don't vibrate, they were easy to install, and I have had no problems with visibilty being limited in any way.

I also have a single CRG only mounted on a Speedmaster! Wonderfull change for a very clean look without the Mickey Mouse ears and I have a true view behind to my left and some to my right as well. No vibration whatsoever. I made an adapter out of a bar-end weight and just screwed it on in place of the standard endcap. Works well and looks trick.

06-11-2006, 10:12 AM

Go the small circular CRG type mirrors. No bad vibes , heaps of vision, not large enough to be a bother when cutting up traffic. Clean lines...all good!!