Bar End Mirrors And You

A motorcycle is more than a convenient, efficient, and powerful method of transportation; it’s a reflection of you and your need to explore. Sometimes, that exploration is less about driving through back roads and more about finding new customization options for your bike, like bar end mirrors. We here at East Bay Motorsports want you to have all the options on the table, so we’d like to go over bar end mirrors, their benefits, and more, below. If you have any questions, or you just want to see the motorcycles and parts we have for sale, contact our store in Hayward, California, today!

What Are They?

First, what exactly is a bar end mirror? In short, they’re mirrors that go on the ends of your handlebars, either replacing or supplementing the stock side view mirrors your motorcycle came with. Sometimes they’re placed just at the tip of the handlebar, while other models are just above or below the end of the handlebar. Some can even be mounted in multiple positions!

What Are They Good For?

You might be wondering why you should bother with these mirrors. One of the biggest and most important benefits here is that bar end mirrors might slim up your motorcycle more than normal side view mirrors, which are sometimes bulky. That makes all sorts of things easier. Whether you’re trying to navigate a narrow road or lane split where legal, or you just want to fit your motorcycle through a doorway, shaving a bit off the width can help a lot. 

Sometimes, it’s just a matter of aesthetics. However stylized side view mirrors get, they may not fit your vision for the perfect motorcycle. But you do need to be able to see behind you and into some blind spots, so getting rid of mirrors entirely isn’t an option. Grab a pair of bar end mirrors, though, and you can get the look you want without being unsafe.

Another good reason to get these is if you’re replacing the handlebars your motorcycle came with. In some cases, that might mean removing the mount that your stock mirrors are compatible with. Getting other handlebars that fit the mirrors limits your options severely, while bar end mirrors are much more versatile.

Considerations

Keep in mind that there are some trade-offs. The smaller size of the mirrors means you have a narrower field of view in each, which impacts your overall visibility. Bar end mirrors are smaller by default than normal side view mirrors, which can make it harder to stay aware of your surroundings. 

Some bar end mirrors are also less adjustable, so be sure you know what you’re getting into before you finalize a purchase. Cheaper models can also be less resistant to vibrations, making it even harder to see through them.

Finally, double-check with local laws to ensure the mirrors you’re considering meet all legal requirements. For more information, or to see the motorcycles and motorcycle parts we have available, contact us at East Bay Motorsports. We proudly serve the Bay Area in California—let us serve you today!