Topic: CB400F Mirrors

[bggann]

I know som will consider this blasphemy -  - but anybody have recommendation for other mirrors for my CB400F.  The stock ones show me a great view of my arms/shoulders and really don't help much - even for lane change.  Don't recall that on my CB350F - but it has been 20 years since I had that bike.

I read one review where somebody replaced them with "end of handlebar" mirrors - they looked pretty good actually.

Suggestions - I have a paranoia about being rearended (again).

BG

[Bodi]

There don't seem to be many mirrors with the old (10mm?) thread on the 400F. I have the same fine view of my shoulders, and I've tried a few different mirrors with different arm angles etc. No luck.
I've filled my handlebars with tungsten slugs to try and tame the vibration, so bar ends are not an option for me... plus my bike shed has a relatively narrow door (36") and I don't think I could get in with double bar end mirrors... anyway with solidly filled bar ends I haven't had a chance to try them. Bar end mirrors should work fine though, getting further out and "looking" past your hips.
I have used a convex mirror for a while, and it gives a much better - although "smaller" view of traffic. I can't see directly behind me (I'm still in the way) but I can see to the side well for lane changes and there's enough view behind to guess if a car is there, leaning myself a bit will show behind me. Vibration doesn't affect the picture as much as with a flat mirror, probably just because of the smaller images maybe but it does help.

[heffay]

if you really want to see out of your mirrors then i recommend the napoleon bar end mirrors.
i have them on the 350f and i don't have to move out of my own way!   
minimal shake and sturdy construction available in black or chrome... black on mine.

for reference:


p.s.  they can also be turned over to be positioned below the bars... i think it looks odd but some really like it... personal taste.

[Senna27]

The whole mirror dilemma has been bothering me for a while. I had a pair bar-end mirrors on my bike but they were really crappy. They'd never stay put and would vibrate like hell.

I found another pair of bar-end mirrors but they were $200.00 a pair. Thanks for the info on the Napoleons, I think I'll try a set.

Here's a review on them.

http://www.canyonchasers.net/reviews/accessories/napoleon.php

[bggann]

Thanks heffay - Sold!.  They look nice and solve the problem.  I'll be a orderin' them.

Bob

[heffay]

that review is spot on.
mine have faded a bit... try the wax thing occasionally if you get the black.  but, honestly, mine still look black and they still look cool.   

enjoy your new hindsight.   

[bggann]

They are on the way  - even sprung for 2 day shipping - maybe this week....  Now if I can just make the thing run right.  Will the mirrors or the carb kits come first?

[dave400]

It will run fine with time and patience. 

Cheers

[Senna27]

They are on the way  - even sprung for 2 day shipping - maybe this week....  Now if I can just make the thing run right.  Will the mirrors or the carb kits come first?

I hear ya... Mirrors and carbs! I just ordered a set of Chrome ones from a local dealer here in Toronto. The black ones are back ordered and won't be in until December. Now for the carbs. I'm on to my third mechanic. Hopefully this guy will sort them out. Even if it doesn't run right I'll be able to see behind me!

[bggann]

   Yeah - I'll be able to see the guy who is about to rear end me while I madly try to get neutral so I can kick start it cause it died idling at an intersection (my starter button fried too... that's on order).
Mirrors, accorging to Fedex - left the Denver sort area out for delivery tomorrow.  Whooee.  Plus I'm actually getting the bike close - ran pretty good today - good enough I enjoyed it rather than gritted my teeth. 

BG

[Joel]

Any good online places to order the chrome Napoleons?  All I've been able to find with Google is the black ones.  Does the chrome finish hold up better than the black or about the same?

[Dave-and-his-550]

I'd like to order a pair of the chrome ones also. I got one mirror, the other one shattered when my bike fell over in the trailer 

[Ecosse]

Try these links. I'm thinking of going with the chrome Napoleons too.

http://www.newbonneville.com/html/napoleon_barend_mirrors.html


http://www.oldbritts.com/70_201001.html

[bggann]

I got mine (black) from www.motosports.com (be sure to click on "street" in the upper right - it defaults to dirt bike).  The order says "Napoleon Mirrors BLK/CHR" but I do not see a way to choose Chrome.  You may want to give them a call or email and see.  They were very quick.
BG

[Joel]

There are pretty nice looking mirrors:



Anyone know what they are?  I didn't see them listed anywhere on the site.

[Ecosse]

There are pretty nice looking mirrors:



Anyone know what they are?  I didn't see them listed anywhere on the site.

Those are nice. I'd like to see more of the bike too. Do you have any info or know where the image came from?

[Joel]

The photo is off of http://www.newbonneville.com.  I e-mailed their sales department and the gentleman said they're made by an Italian company called Roadracing.  I tried looking them up in Google but didn't find anything.  He also said they're rather expensive.

[bggann]

 
They are on the bike - rode this morning - minimal vibration.  What vibration is there is high frequency and just 'blurs' things a little - not at all an issue.  I'd rather have a slight blur than not see anything.


Before

After - upright position. 
I like how this looks, but I like how they work when riding better when the are set as below.


Which do you like?

Also - here is a before and after view of what I see


Bgann again

[Ecosse]

Both positions look cool. But more importantly whichever is most functional is the way to go.

Black suits your ride too.

[super pasty white guy]

I went looking for the chrome bar ends earlier this summer.  Old Brits let me know that Napoleons in chrome are backordered with no estimated delivery date available.  So... chrome may be an issue if that's what you want.

Some good info in this thread as well
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=33899.0

I'm fond of the Halcyon mirrors.  I just like the round look better.  Maybe when I get finished getting my wife's bike on the road...

spwg

[bggann]

Went for another ride up a rough dirt road (2.4 mi - have to feed a horse).  The mirrors tolerated it very well - even when I'm up on pegs pretending to be riding a dirt bike over washboard and big bumps/rocks.  No movement, no loosening - and I saw that big Ford truck barreling down the road behind me!

I'm going with the 45 degree out position - particularly for the throttle hand - it just works better. 

Installation was very easy - though I did have to move my brake handle and throttle mount in a little - the sleeve on the throttle was out past the end of the bar so the mirror wanted to attache to it.  Trivial - took me maybe 15 minutes total.

Very happy with them - and yep - black looks good - better than chrome on this bike I think.

The bike is running pretty well today too (hmmm - wonder why better today than yesterday - temp?) - just love the sound of those 4 little cylinders humming along - even just at cruise.  And with my "H" logo and no model decal, people at stoplights are asking me "what is that?"

 

[Trevor from Warragul]

I quite like these on my CB350F. Mainly because they look nice but they work pretty good too:

http://www.mcas.com.au:80/_product.php?section=1&prodid=3840

(the bike is my Kawasaki H1A)