Buying Guide for the Best Motorcycle Mirrors
Choosing the right motorcycle mirrors is important for safety, comfort, and the overall riding experience. Good mirrors allow you to clearly see what’s happening behind you while riding, help with lane changes, and can also affect the look and aerodynamics of your bike. To pick the best mirrors for your motorcycle, it’s helpful to understand the main features and specifications that affect their performance, reliability, and appearance. By focusing on your riding style, the type of motorcycle you have, and your personal preferences, you can find mirrors that not only look good but also help you ride safely and with confidence.Mirror Size and ShapeThe size and shape of your mirrors directly affect how much you can see behind you. Larger mirrors generally offer a wider field of vision, which is essential for safety, especially in heavy traffic or when riding at high speeds. Small mirrors or those with unique shapes may look stylish but could reduce visibility. Classic round or rectangular mirrors usually provide the best viewing area. If you mainly ride in busy areas or on highways, prioritize larger mirrors. If aesthetics are more important for you and you ride in low-traffic areas, smaller or uniquely shaped mirrors might be suitable.
Mounting StyleMotorcycle mirrors can be mounted on the handlebars, bar ends, or fairings. Handlebar-mounted mirrors are common and work for most bikes, offering a high position for better visibility. Bar-end mirrors are popular for custom or sport bikes and can reduce vibration, but sometimes sit lower or wider. Fairing-mounted mirrors are often found on sportbikes and fully-faired motorcycles and match the bike’s design. To choose, look at your bike’s handlebar or fairing design and think about how you ride—commuters and touring riders may prefer handlebar or fairing mounts for best visibility, while custom builders or sport riders might like bar-end styles for a sleeker look.
AdjustabilityAdjustability means how much you can move the mirror to change your view. Some mirrors move up and down, side to side, or even fold in when parked. Greater adjustability lets you find the best angle for your height and seating position. If you share your bike, ride with gear that changes your posture, or need to store your bike in tight spaces, look for mirrors with broad adjustment options. If you prefer a fixed, streamlined setup and don’t need to change the angle often, you might be happy with less adjustable models.
Visibility FeaturesVisibility features include anti-glare coatings, blue-tinted glass, or convex (curved) mirrors that widen your field of view. Anti-glare or blue-tinted mirrors can be very helpful if you often ride at night or in bright sunlight, reducing reflection from headlights or the sun. Convex mirrors help you see more of the area behind and beside you, which is important for safety. If safety and comfort are your top priorities, opt for mirrors with these enhanced visibility features.
Build Material and DurabilityMirrors are made from materials like plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel. Good build quality means your mirrors can withstand vibration, weather, and occasional bumps. Metal mirrors tend to last longer and resist vibration better, while plastic ones are often lighter and can be more affordable. Consider your riding conditions: for regular or rough riding, choose durable metal or high-quality plastic; for occasional, gentle riding, lighter materials might be sufficient.
Vibration ResistanceVibration resistance refers to how well the mirrors stay stable when the bike is running. Some bikes produce a lot of engine or road vibration, which can make the mirror image blurry. Mirrors with proper mounts or damping features are better at resisting this shaking, keeping your view clear. If your motorcycle is known for vibrations or you often ride on rough roads, look for mirrors specifically described as vibration-resistant.
Style and AestheticsStyle is about how the mirrors look on your bike—classic, sporty, modern, or custom. While aesthetics don’t affect function, a mirror that matches your bike enhances its overall appearance. Some riders prefer mirrors that blend in, while others like bold, standout designs. Think about your personal taste and how you want your motorcycle to look, but always make sure stylish mirrors still offer good visibility and adjustability.