Improving our rearview mirrors

[Runnor]

Another threads tonight reminds me of how badly our rearview mirrors obstruct our vision on my 10R1200RT. What are some of the tricks You guys are installing to improved your rear view vision. I mostly see my gloved hands.

John

[loboheritage]

Realize my solution of K1200RS mirrors on my 09 won't work on your 2010 bike, but will tell you it was the very best addition to my bike. Aux mirrors will absolutely amaze you. Honestly don't know how anybody gets along with only the stock mirrors. Still always look before changing lanes, but the aux mirrors allow you to keep constant situational awareness....

[kltk165]

GS mirror kits are readiy available for the 2010+ RT. Wunderlich sells a nice set of adjustable mirrors and the GS style brackets to mount them to the handlebars. The Wunderlich parts are a little cheaper than the BMW parts.

[PeterV]

Stock RT mirrors are not acceptable for me. My '08 has K style units installed. It is reassuring to be able to see behind me. This was my first Farkle.

 

[Kathy R]

GS mirror kits are readiy available for the 2010+ RT. Wunderlich sells a nice set of adjustable mirrors and the GS style brackets to mount them to the handlebars. The Wunderlich parts are a little cheaper than the BMW parts.

 

 

 

 

My old 1150RT with the stock and GS mirrors was the bomb. Best mirror coverage of any bike I've owned. I loved having two covering what was behind me and two looking a wee bit more outward and behind.

 

I thought of adding mirrors to the VStrom but was worried I'd get this effect

 

 

 

[BerndM]

I have an 05 RT so my handlebars have the mounting holes ready for just about any properly sized mirror I want.

My question though is this: what effect would additional GS type mirrors have on the aerodynamics of the otherwise smooth airflow my RT currently enjoys?

I would imagine that installing a set of standard mirrors would create noise and turbulence, right?

 

[billp]

I put GS mirrors in those holes. They are perfect! No issues.

 

[macx]

I saw these mirrors installed I think it may have been on an R1150 in a post somewhere some time ago, so looked into them. Had a heck of a time finding them, but finally did and took the plunge. Not a "straight bolt on" but I like to fiddle, anyway.

 

Long story short, I absolutely wouldn't be without them. (See the linked file - it either opens from the site or you can download it. It opens with the Excel file on your own computer, I've never heard of anyone complaining about security problems.) It looks like they might get in the way just a little for accessing the levers, but after just a few short rides I don't even think about it any more, and I have had to grab the brakes in more than one emergency and never have had a problem. Only when wearing extremely thick gloves do I have to consciously think about getting my fingers thru in the right spot. Around town or in a situation where I may have to stop often or quickly, I keep my index and middle finger lightly on the brake pedal and operate the throttle with the two outer fingers and the throttle. Instant brakes when I need.

 

As the write up says, I can now see what is directly behind me right up to the back of the bike out of either bar end mirror with no obstructions. I've adjusted the stock mirrors pretty much outward so they cover the blind spot on either side.

 

Now there's nothing I can't see behind me. I figure that can be considered a success!

 

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?b0ykn1jrti9r3on

 

If you would rather not open it from that website, send me your email and I'll send it to you from my computer.

 

macx351@yahoo.com

 

 

[Selden]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Multivex .

[SageRider]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Multivex .

Multivex work grest (I have a set), but suffer the same weakness as the stock mirrors: Being in the stock location, the mirrors are easily blocked by any wide cargo on the seat or rack.

[lkchris]

I rode an R100RS for 30 years.

 

My 1200RT mirrors are the best I've ever had.

 

Not adding more.

[Penforhire]

I added the Multivex. Not perfect but they help a lot, though they are a bit expensive for their workmanship.

[RoyTemple]

Here's my solution Link

 

Roy

[Runnor]

Do the multi vex work with a passenger? I checked the website and didn't find one to fit my 2010 RT.

John

[w2ge]

http://www.multivexmirror.net/Details.asp?ProdID=1127&category=0

 

for the R12RT

[Angel]

http://www.saeng.com/product.php?id=558&category=61

 

for the R12RT

[w2ge]

Angel, those Saeng mirrors, I guess they only fit the 09 and below? They don't look threaded on the bottom, as would be needed to fit the Wunderlich 2010+ adapters? Correct?

 

http://www.wunderlichamerica.com/motorcycle/R1200RT/4600055.html

[Runnor]

Thanks Phil,

I assumed the X05 number meant it was for a 2005 model.

 

John

[Runnor]

Macx could you please send the file to me at the following address? Tried the link and it did not open.

Runner@kc.rr.com.

Thanks,

John

[Fubar]

I rode an R100RS for 30 years.

 

My 1200RT mirrors are the best I've ever had.

 

Not adding more.

Can't say they are the best but with the angle I get I can at least drop my fingers and block the high beams shining me from behind.

[mwood7800]

I like the stock mirrors, if I wanted ugly id ride a gs

[Jack90210]

Barbacks help substantially.

[Redbrick]

I like the stock mirrors, if I wanted ugly id ride a gs

 

You mean like this?

05 Hexhead with GS mirror...

[black99S]

I like the stock mirrors, if I wanted ugly id ride a gs

+1

[BeemerLover]

+1 to the GS mirrors on a 07 RT. Couldn't live without them.

 

I also wanted to take something with me to install on a rental bike. Got some scooter mirrors which have the same diameter rod as the GS mirrors. Cost $25 for two. They don't stick up as high as the GS mirrors but worked well on the rental RT for a week.

[I812]

Here's my solution Link

 

Roy

Same for me. When loaded up with gear the stock mirrors are useless.

[BrianV]

RS Mirrors are the answer for me - Look good, somewhat aerodynamic looking - and gave me lots of vision around the camping gear, etc. on the back. If you go RS (not GS), don't forget to order the special nuts and the wave washers. GS mirrors look a bit too utilitarian for me - especially on an RT.

 

All the info is in the info thread at the top of this section.

 

-Brian

[Bullitt]

Hi all,

 

How about some pictures of these mirrors on an RT? I'm thinking of adding some to mine and would like to see examples of what other people have done.

 

Thanks,

Henry

[PDX Greg]

I added a $2, round, 'fish-eye' mirror stuck on the lower outside corner of the stock mirrors and am happy with the results. I think they're about 2" in diameter. They give a wider view side to side because of the parabolic surface and that allows me to turn the stock mirrors in a little more to give me a reasonable view behind me.

[mwsR1200RT]

Two things: I noticed much better visibility (hands not blocking) once I made and installed bar risers. And then I installed wedge style blind spot eliminators in the upper inside corners. But those do not help the wide load blind spot behind.

 

Great to see Napoleon mirrors are still around, and don't seem to have changed much. I used them on my "cafe racers" back in the early 80's! Might have to add those for loaded up trips. Quick and easy to remove when not needed. Great ideas! Thank you.

[I812]

Hi all,

 

How about some pictures of these mirrors on an RT? I'm thinking of adding some to mine and would like to see examples of what other people have done.

 

Thanks,

Henry

They are nice but don't work with the V-Stream screen. That is why I went with the bar end mirrors.

[Rapala 50]

I too looked at the bar end mirrors but thought about the vibration it would have so I ordered the k1200rs mirrors talk about a lot in this forum. Received them yesterday from www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com and put them on last night. They fit and look great as if the were made for it. I have a Cee Bailey windshield and don't seam to have and issue with them hitting. The cost was a little much ($ 194.11 with shipping) but I really needed something other then the stock ones and these ones looked the best from pictures I had seen. Part# 51167653773 left, 51167653774 right, 51162309607 (2) 51162328287 (2) washer & nut

[w2ge]

I added the Napoleon Baren AP-104 mirrors today on my RT. EZ-PEAZY. Tiny bit of grinding (5 seconds worth) cutting the tank bottom washer hole a bit larger, used the bolt included and BINGO, all done. and only $55.00 to my door for two of them. They do add a couple of inches width to the bars.. but I like that. It gives me a better judge of the width of my bike with the side hardbags (as they are now about the same width as the bars with mirrors)

[Runnor]

AL-F

Do you have any pictures of this install?

John

[Rapala 50]

Runnor, I Haven't taken any pictures yet but go here and scroll to the bottom of thread. This is what they look like on an rt

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59790

[mcollect]

I just bought a 2008 Rt and I hate the mirrors. I have the k1200 mirrors on my r1150 and wondered how hard of a swap it would be?

[Rapala 50]

They just slip right into the holes next to the brake fluid and clutch res. put washer and nut on from the underside and your done

[black99S]

Barbacks help substantially.

I'd like a bar lowering and peg raising kit. I'm 5'7" 150lb and the stock mirrors work fine for 2-up even with the 49L top case and bags.

[ExGMan]

Here is a photo on my RT:

 

 

Also note the small, movable convex mirrors on the upper/inside point of the OEM mirrors. I have all this to improve my vision. I use Wunderlich Vario handlebar fittings which move my hand position, up, back and out.

[SSTwin]

Another choice? Does any one know if F800 (oval mirrors) will mount to the 2005-2009 controls. Looking at a set of these as an alternative to GT or GS mirrors. Thanks for any guidance.

[Bernie]

Another choice? Does any one know if F800 (oval mirrors) will mount to the 2005-2009 controls. Looking at a set of these as an alternative to GT or GS mirrors. Thanks for any guidance.

Sorry Steve, the F800 mount with a clamb and will not fit the older RT models.

 

[SSTwin]

Thanks Bernie, I was afraid of that.

[I812]

Do the newer models have improved factory mirrors?

[simskid]

Just bought some cheap Billet bar ends for my 09 RT. 37 bucks. no vbrabation, clear site right behind me. Life is good.

 

JK

[SSTwin]

Just bought some cheap Billet bar ends for my 09 RT. 37 bucks. no vbrabation, clear site right behind me. Life is good.

 

JK

 

Tell me more, pics, link, etc. Thanks!

[simskid]

Hey Steve, here's the link to the product. To install i simply took a torx wrench to remove the bar ends on the bike and attached the mirrors with the the new bolt provided by Billet (15 minutes). I also put a dab of locktite to prevent any loosening. At least for me the mirrors are in a great place because you simply move your eye from the stock mirror to the the bar end. They not only give a view directly behind but give a wide angle as well. I was thinking of the GS mirros (169.00) but i was worried they would block some of my view to the stock mirrors. I left my phone in the office so tomorrow or monday I'll grab it and post a pix. Plus they are small and unobtrusive.

 

Time will tell but so far so good.

 

John

 

 

http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/billet_bar_end_mirrors/web1006842

 

 

[Rapala 50]

I just installed the GS mirrors on my RT and really like how I can now see really well behind me ( passing lanes that is ) but they do block the stock mirrors a bit, wish I could have the best of both worlds. I do like that there is no visible vibration with the GS mirrors.

[ully211]

would you mind posting a picture of your RT with the bar end mirrors installed?

 

thanks in advance.

[simskid]

I would but i'm a newbie and a bit of a tech dufus. i have the pictures but have no clue how to post it. Any direction would be appreciated.

 

jk

[SSTwin]

Thanks, looks good. I have a set of these on a Ducati Monster and they work great. Riding a GS also, I do like the "up" position of the aux mirrors along with the down position of the RT mirrors. Will give them a look.