Important Factors to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Mirrors

Although motorcycle mirrors are quite important, not all countries or states require them on street motorcycles. Different countries and states have their own rules about how many, or whether or not mirrors are required at all. Obviously, mirrors can be of huge help when you're trying to see on either side of you and behind you, even though you can easily turn around and see yourself, which isn't the case when driving a car. But regardless of everything, I'm a firm believer that everyone who's riding a motorcycle should have two mirrors on each side of the handlebar, simply because it's easier and quicker to check if someone is on your side or behind you without having to turn your head.

With that said, you can find many different types of motorcycle mirrors in motorcycle spare parts and accessories stores all over Australia, and even online. Mirrors can be located in one of three locations on the motorcycle - the hand control mounts, the fairing or at the end of the handlebar. Most dual sports, stock cruisers and standard motorcycle have their mirrors mounted to the hand controls. Touring bikes and sport bikes with fairings have the mirrors mounted on the fairings, and bar end mirrors are usually an aftermarket application and aren't found on stock motorcycles.

There are many reasons why people would want to change their stock mirror with an aftermarket unit. Stock mirrors don't take the size of the rider into consideration and they might not provide sufficient rearward vision. However, many people look for new mirrors just to clean up their motorcycle's look. Speaking of looks, when looking through motorcycle spare parts and accessories stores, you'll find mirrors in a wide range of styles. You can pick a style based on personal preference or the style of your bike.

After you've selected the style of mirror, you have to consider the glass type which can either be flat or convex, the size of the mirror, and whether you want the mirrors to incorporate LED lights. Convex glass mirrors make objects appear closer than they are, which may take some getting used to, but they provide a wider range of vision. The size of the mirror is up to personal preference, but if you prefer a smaller mirror, at least get a convex one for more vision. Lastly, whether you want LED lights is also up to personal preference. LED turning lights can be beneficial especially when driving in the dark.