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What is a Napoleon mirror? A comprehensive guide to its origins, features, compatible car models, and recommendations!
What kind of mirrors are Napoleon Mirrors? Explaining their appearance and practicality
Image source: Pixabay
If you enjoy customizing motorcycles, you've probably heard of TANAX's Napoleon Mirrors (Napomira).
Napoleon Mirrors are a brand of mirrors released by the Japanese company TANAX, characterized by their stylish design and the ability to be installed on almost any motorcycle model. The name is derived from Napoleon Bonaparte, the French emperor who famously said, "Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools."
Originally developed as replacement mirrors for cars, Napoleon Mirrors were designed with Napoleon's famous quote in mind, aiming to be installable on any car. Today's Napoleon Mirrors are also designed to fit most motorcycles when combined with an adapter.
Furthermore, there are various types of mirrors available, including different mirror arm materials, mirror shapes, and blue or purple reflective surfaces. This means that not only are they designed to be compatible with almost any motorcycle, but you can also choose the optimal mirror for your bike from a diverse lineup of designs. This is another characteristic of Napoleon Mirrors.
The mounting holes for mirrors are either 8mm or 10mm in diameter, and they come with either standard threads or reverse threads. Standard threads tighten when turned right, and reverse threads tighten when turned left. Reverse threads are designed to loosen upon impact to reduce shock.
Sometimes, the specifications of your favorite Napoleon Mirror might not match the mounting holes on your bike. In such cases, an adapter can be used. The adapter is installed into the vehicle's mounting hole, allowing the Napoleon Mirror to be attached. Adapters can also prevent interference between the mirror and the cowl, or provide a little extra height if desired.
Compared to genuine mirrors, Napoleon Mirrors offer a more distinct and stylish design, and with color options like chrome plating and black, there's a joy in choosing. Napoleon Mirrors also have the advantage of easy angle adjustment, with some models offering 5-stage angle changes up to 180 degrees. The operating force increases as you tighten the spring and bolt combination, allowing for complete fixation.
Napoleon Mirrors employ lenses such as "Ray Save mirrors" which reduce glare for better visibility, and "blue mirrors" or "white mirrors" which offer a wider field of view compared to genuine mirrors, making rear visibility easier.
Additionally, they feature a "turner mechanism" which can mitigate the risk of damage in the event of a fall, as well as reduce harm to pedestrians.
Another attractive feature of Napoleon Mirrors is their wide variety, including bar-end mirrors, cowling mirrors, bar-end mirrors, and Shark Mirrors. This makes them suitable for a wide range of motorcycles, from scooters to superbikes, allowing for worry-free customization.
Moreover, they fundamentally comply with Japanese safety standards, so there's no need to switch back to genuine mirrors for vehicle inspections, allowing for continuous use.
What types of bikes do they suit? Introducing custom examples with Napoleon Mirrors
VFR800X × Napoleon Shark Mirror 3
The Napoleon Shark Mirror 3 can be installed on the VFR800X without any interference. Rear visibility is said to be superior to genuine mirrors, and almost no vibration blur is felt during riding. While genuine mirrors might feel cheap, the Napoleon Shark Mirror 3 has a substantial feel and high quality, earning excellent reviews.
YZF-R25 × Napoleon Cowling Mirror 8
The Napoleon Cowling Mirror 8 is highly praised for offering better rear visibility than the YZF-R25's genuine mirrors. Action cameras can be securely attached, which is a reassuring feature. Its design also perfectly complements the YZF-R25, making it a recommended choice.
ZRX400 × Napoleon Cross 2 Mirror
While the stay part of the ZRX400's genuine mirror might feel flimsy, the Napoleon Cross 2 Mirror, with its joint boot, has a solid and luxurious feel. The angular design of the Napoleon Cross 2 Mirror perfectly suits the ZRX400.
"This article introduces even more examples. Please take a look for reference."
Please link to the article about Napoleon Mirror reviews in this format.
Recommended Napoleon Mirrors available for online purchase!
Napoleon Shark Mirror 3
The Napoleon Shark Mirror 3 features Ray Save mirrors, which enhance anti-glare performance to reduce the dazzling effect of HID and LED headlights. The new base ensures compatibility with a wide range of vehicle models. Its black body matches any motorcycle, from naked bikes to superbikes. The housing and stay are made of lightweight die-cast aluminum, while the base is made of die-cast zinc, allowing for precise and intricate processing.
Napoleon Cowling Mirror 8
The Napoleon Cowling Mirror 8 uses R1000 & Ray Save mirrors, which provide a wide field of view and suppress glare, making rearward visibility easier. The housing can be moved 30mm by reconfiguring the joint plate. The shock-through joint is adopted, which can mitigate impact in the event of contact with an obstacle. The housing can be widely adjusted in all four directions (front, back, left, and right).
Napoleon Cross 2 Mirror
The Napoleon Cross 2 Mirror features a joint boot to prevent rain and dust from entering the movable parts. It is also equipped with a safety mechanism, the Turner, which absorbs impact.
Tanax Napoleon Bar End Classic
Quote: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=7019
The Bar End Classic is recommended for scooter types.
It features a foldable stay, allowing the mirror to be folded back towards the bike with a single touch. This is convenient when navigating narrow alleys where the mirror might scrape or when parking the bike.
With its luxurious chrome-plated exterior and high functionality for storage, it's a cost-effective mirror.
Tanax Napoleon Cross 3 Mirror
https://bikeman.jp/
The stylish Cross 3 Mirror, with its attractive blue mirror surface, is a great match for naked bikes.
The blue mirror surface, featuring the Napoleon logo, cuts down glare, yet visibility is hardly compromised at night compared to regular mirrors.
In the event of a bike fall, the Turner mechanism is designed to absorb impact, making the mirror resistant to breaking, which provides peace of mind.
Tanax Napoleon Ballend Neo Mirror C
Quote: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=7019
The Napoleon mirror that mounts to the bar end is the Ballend Neo Mirror C.
The circular Ballend Neo Mirror suits cafe-style motorcycles.
Its base is made of die-cast zinc and its body of aluminum, giving it a luxurious, stylish look and high rigidity.
As it's a bar-end type, it minimizes reflections of your body in the mirror.
Napoleon Mirrors can significantly change the impression of your motorcycle!
We have introduced the types and appeal of Napoleon Mirrors.
Napoleon Mirrors are named after the historical figure Napoleon, and they boast high versatility, being attachable to most vehicle models. Moreover, not only can they be attached to various vehicle types, but a wide array of mirror types are also available, making the selection process enjoyable.
Mirrors may be small parts, but replacing them can significantly change the impression of your beloved motorcycle.
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