Effjay Posted July 19, 2008 Posted July 19, 2008 I'm a believer in convex spot mirrors to be more aware of vehicles outside of normal mirror range. I previously installed a pair of 1.25" round spots purchased at the local BMW shop but they were of marginal use. I could see something behind but could not distinguish the potential threat. Too small a spot which actually pushed the image away (smaller). Earlier this week while visiting the local 4x4 shop to get a farkle for my Jeep TJ and saw the pictured set made for certain GM trucks. The shape looked quite close to the RT's mirror so I bought 'em. Well, not only does the outside lower corner perfectly match the glass profile, the image is significantly larger plus provides a much wider perspective! Check out the before (LH) and after (RH). The CIPA P/N is: 08101. You can buy 'em online here: 4wheelparts.com for Blind Spotz Jeff
Nevets Posted July 19, 2008 Posted July 19, 2008 I see them at $16.22 for two of them ($1.90 UPS ground shipping!?!?). Sold.
Effjay Posted July 19, 2008 Author Posted July 19, 2008 I see them at $16.22 for two of them ($1.90 UPS ground shipping!?!?). Sold. Nope, cheaper than that! P/N 08101 is packaged as a pair for $7.16 net plus shipping.
Nevets Posted July 19, 2008 Posted July 19, 2008 dang it....that's the second order oneline I've messed up lately. ...but I went back to see if I could change the order, and I don't see a package of two?!? ..unless I just ordered two packages of two..
stubble! Posted July 19, 2008 Posted July 19, 2008 You can get these rectangular mirrors at Kragen / Pep Boys / whatever too. I swear by them, they only contain the portion of a convex sphere that helps the blind spots, no space wasted on the other parts, and they fit most auto mirrors well. I have them on the outer dash panels of the K12S, they work great for merging and lane changing. Mine are mounted opposite from Jeff's pics (with the thinner edge out) for more peripheral view.
Effjay Posted July 19, 2008 Author Posted July 19, 2008 Mine are mounted opposite from Jeff's pics (with the thinner edge out) for more peripheral view. Hey, Sebastian - I agree! I reversed the RH Spotz (LH was already narrower edge out) and peripheral vision is at least as good plus symmetry on the RT's mirror is better balanced. Spotz does nicely match the mirror profile although my camera angle doesn't show it. Compare this new LH mirror picture to the one with 1.25" round - what a difference!
Effjay Posted July 22, 2008 Author Posted July 22, 2008 This thread slipped to the 2nd page, so I'll reply to myself to tell you time is running out (only 3 hrs more) to save $.79 on a pair of these fine convex mirrors! I tested 'em yesterday on a short 50 mile freeway traffic loop and was 100% delighted with field of vision and clarity of objects. As shown mounted to the lower outside corner, they don't block normal mirror perspective. Buy 'em or not, I'll shut up now! Jeff
beammeup Posted July 24, 2008 Posted July 24, 2008 Take a look at the picture in the previous post..... The upper, inside portion of the stock mirror is wasted on reflecting the rider - that's the best place to mount these mirrors! The lower, outside segment of the stock mirrors still provides 'useful' information. I have been using these mirrors on the RT and have been happy with the results. Stick 'em in the upper inside corner - parallel to the top of the mirror housing, with the thicker portion towards the middle of the bike. Your blind spot will be covered and the remainder of the mirror is still usable.
Silver Surfer/AKAButters Posted July 24, 2008 Posted July 24, 2008 These loook very cool, but I prefer larger roundies in the otherwise useless inner upper corner. Rich
ckatopodis Posted July 24, 2008 Posted July 24, 2008 I just got a pair of these today. I used double sided tape to temporarily position them. I found I preferred effjay's mounting place. Looking forward to trying them out tomorrow to and from work.
tpg Posted July 25, 2008 Posted July 25, 2008 Put someone on the pillion seat or a large luggage bag and your vision is impaired. I have used a second set of mirrors on my R1150RT, K1200LT and now my new (3 days) R1200RT. It makes a big difference.
bmwdude Posted July 25, 2008 Posted July 25, 2008 I agree. I had those same convex mirrors in the lower, outside portion of the mirror for about a year then the thought came to me about placing them in the upper, inside portion....so I rode for a couple of days with convex mirrors placed in both of these positions at the same time----a total of four convex mirrors. I quickly found that, for me, upper/inside was the most efficient. I used different mirrors for the inside position...bought them at Pep Boys. They have a blu-ish tinge to the mirror which took some getting-used-to. Just my .02.
Effjay Posted July 25, 2008 Author Posted July 25, 2008 The original point of this thread was a "cheap farkle" that works... and it does. Where you position is less important than an increaased level of awareness and safety - still no substitute for a head check before changing lanes. Some RT buds have a second set of "normal" mirrors installed in the clutch/brake reservoir castings but I found no need for those. The Spotz size and shape provides a superior field of vision without noticible distortion or discoloration and the price is right. They work well (for me) as positioned, although I do have Suburban risers which moves the arms up a bit and provides greater visibility in the mirrors with less elbows. OK, I'll shut up (again)... Jeff
Nevets Posted July 29, 2008 Posted July 29, 2008 Got mine yesterday. Put 'em on today. They're great. Thanks for the tip Jeff. By the way, I did get two sets for $16.22. Guess I'll have to get a second bike to put them on....
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