I can't see!!!

Just got back from my first REAL ride on my
restored 86 model. I must admit, the mirrors are almost worthless.
There is no way I can see behind me at all.....What do you guys do
about that? Is there a good aftermarket set that works better? I don't
feel comfortable not seeing....Please Help!

 

I had the same issue w/ my '87. I stuck a couple adjustable convex mirrors on - the $2 stick on type from your local auto store. I adjusted the stock mirrors to allow me to see under my elbows (directly behind) and rotated the stick on mirrors to let me see laterally. Crude, but effective.

 

I don't know if this would upset the VFR gods but I am planning on putting on a set of Buell bar end mirrors on my 86' after the restoration over the winter. I can see my shoulders & the shoulders of the road in the stock location. I figure the bar ends would work well for me & it will also let me mount a couple of PIAA lights where the stock mirrors go( I do a lot of night riding in deer country )

 

Old Dog is right!

Get a couple of stick-ons like Old Dog says.This post reminds me of when all you could see on any sportbike mirrors were your own elbows!:biggrin:

 

Hey I got's some sexy elbows let me tell you....:smile:

 

Hey Dean, My first VFR was an '86, can you post some pics of your ride. It still is one of my favorite model. Kenji

 

Bar End Mirrors

I would try the bar end mirrors. I have them on my Ducati GT750 and plan to put them on my 86 VFR. A very cost effective source is
http://stores.ebay.com/commandospecialties

They even fold out of the way when you park your bike.

 

Yup, some of the worst mirrors I've ever experienced. I put up with them for 16 years riding that bike. I learned to lift my elbows and look underneath, and be religious about shoulder checks. It also helps to ride really fast so there won't be anything coming up behind you :smile:

DonS

 

Mine are worthless also but I can get them sorted to where
they point between my body and my elbow and let me see
if anyone is back there. However, I couldn't see more than
a light or part of a grill.

 

Okay maybe I'm in a bad mode cuz I can't ride, but hell man. Who worrys about whats behind you, cep for now and then. haha you'll find most bikes have lousy mirror locations to some degree, some not so bad others are a total waste of space. I say get use to it, I did. I had a 87 VFR, know what you're talking about, wasn't that big a deal. To tell ya the truth, when I need to make sure whats what behind me I don't use a mirror as they don't tell you the big picture. a quick glance looking over your shoulder will though., just make sure your pointing in the right direction as easy as that is to do you'd be surprised how many have ran off the road doing that. still it works for me.

 

As Enzo Ferrari once said "that which is behind you is of little consequence"

 

I only want better mirrors so I can see if the State Patrol is behind me, before they can get my plate number. It doesn't pay to run once they have that info; they'll just be @ your house waiting for you. If I can see them turn around or pull out I have a chance to disappear due to the hilly terrian I ride through everyday, if I can get close to a mile ahead or better I can turn into a ghost very easily, with all the county forest & logging roads @ my disposal

 

The only REAL time I use the little dink things is when I am at a red
light to make sure I'm not about to be plowed. Then again I can
just look between my body and arm the way I have mine set up.

Other than that they are pretty much useless.

 

Stick on convex mirrors work well on my 2003 as well. I recently saw some great mirrors on a Ducati ST3--two mirrors stuck side by side with the outer one convex. Very sexy and usable. Anyone know if there's anything like that for the VFR