Topic: Cant decide which mirrors to buy.

[Saml01]

I accidentally broke one of the mirrors on my CB360. I shouldnt have touched it, but I did, and I broke it.

I have the long step mirrors, which are nice, but I am debating how much visibility I would lose if I get a shorter stem.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370119426587&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190269342497&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I am torn between these two, the second set is like my factory mirrors. The first set would probably look nicer.

What do you guys think? Can I get away with the first one and not be blind?

Edit: Just read carefully and the first pair has a plastic housing on the mirror.

[tomkimberly]

With only a $ 2.00 difference, I would go with set # 2.

Tom

[Saml01]

Its not really about the money.

I am most likely gonna go with number two because of the all metal construction, but if I could find set one in all metal I am curious if the shorter stalk would hurt visibility.

I am also going to stop by an autoglass place on my way to the gym tomorrow and see if they can put a new mirror in mine. They are original and in really nice shape, it would be a shame to toss it.

[OakBehringer]

It's not really the stem height as much as it is the diameter of the glass, convex-ness of the glass, and (mostly) how far they stick out.

[kirkn]

That first set would suck.  They hardly stick out at all.  Look at the picture of 'em installed on a bike - they don't even extend to the end of the grip.  You'd have a swell view of your shoulder and the inside of your elbow.

The second set would be better, but even they don't look like the stick OUT that far.  It's like the bend in the stem isn't quite enough.  They aim more UP than OUT.

The most important aspect, IMO, is the concave-ness of the mirror.  Most 'inexpensive' mirrors are made with plain flat glass, and they universally suck no matter how far they stick out.  All OEM mirrors had a bit of concave-ness to 'em for a wider rear view.  Check before you buy and stay away from flat glass, or any 'marketing-speak' like "TRU-VISION" or "Flat, for a distortion-free view", etc.

Just my two cents.

Kirk

[Saml01]

You bring up a very good point.

I saw an ebay auction selling mirrors that were concave, but sadly they were for another honda with an 8mm thread.

The mirrors I have now, are not concave so I figured if I stick to that id be OK.

What are my option to get a new set of mirrors and have concave glass?

[kirkn]

oops - not concave, I meant convex!   

Well, it's a matter of taste/opinion, really.  Some don't mind flat glass at all.  I don't like it.  You get a better, wider view with a slightly convex lens.  In an exaggerated case, you can get those super-convex mirrors that just stick on your normal mirror.  To me, those are TOO much.

JCWhitney has a few mirrors that are specified as convex.  Most of their collection is flat-glass, and specifically marketed as such.  Ugh.  Unfortunately, the convex mirrors they offer aren't stock-looking at all.  Black plastic, rectangular case.  However, I've used them on two or three different bikes and I really like the long-stem version they sell.  But, it was on bikes were I wasn't concerned about trying to look stock.

But, it's just my own preference.  The flat-glass mirrors work, and certainly are better than NO mirror.  If you are / have been happy with flat, go for it.

 

Kirk

[Saml01]

I was fine with flat glass, what bothers me more is no rear view mirror on a motorcycle.

With the side views, I can see the sides, but sometimes, entire cars hide right behind me.

I checked out JCwhitneys site, and sadly what they offer is still not as nice as the stock mirror in terms of design .

[Saml01]

Score.


Found a glass place a few blocks away from my house that cuts custom mirrors and windows, guy said he can make me a mirror for it.

15 bucks. puuuuuurfect.

[rchrdms]

Does anyone know if they made a 2nd mirror for Honda twins. I have a CL 350 with one mirror on the throttle side. I'm
thinking two would be safer, but I suppose it would be an after market item?

[Saml01]

Im surprised you only have one.

Do you have a hole in the clutch lever to take a mirror?

[rchrdms]

No, no hole there. But I'm not that sure.

[kirkn]

...pretty sure all the twins came with the capability to wear two mirrors.  Whether they HAD 'em or not might be more a factor of year and state originally sold in.  The "safety" laws were a bit flexible back in those early years.

If you don't even HAVE the mirror mount either on the clutch perch or part of the switch housing, I'm betting that one or the other was swapped out for aftermarket some time in it's life.  Most likely the clutch perch since that kind of thing was vulnerable in a tip-over.

Along those lines, JCWhitney sells clutch and brake perches, and I'm pretty sure you can get 'em with integral mirror mounts.  Particularly if your model has a drum front brake so you don't have to futz about with master cylinders, etc.

Kirk

[rchrdms]

Thanks,

I'll try it.

[sineti8]

These did the trick for me, http://www.vipcycle.com/black-motocross-motorcycle-handlebar-mirrors-for-honda-cb350-cb360-cb400/

I'd just be careful about buying on ebay-a lot of cheap chinese junk on there.