First-time motorcycle mirror replacement guide! Customization tips, from costs to installation methods!

Preparing to Replace Your Motorcycle Mirrors

Source: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=1065
You've probably seen motorcycles around town with aftermarket mirrors or auxiliary mirrors installed.
So, why do people bother replacing their stock motorcycle mirrors with non-OEM ones?
One reason is personal satisfaction. Rearview mirrors are a significant customization point; changing them can dramatically alter your bike's appearance and help differentiate it from others.
Another reason is practicality, allowing you to adjust the mirrors to suit your physique. Stock mirrors are designed based on the manufacturer's assumed rider height, so the adjustable range of stock mirrors may not always be suitable for your practical use.
The benefits of changing your mirrors are the ability to differentiate your bike through customization and the ability to make fine adjustments to suit your body type.
Since replacing motorcycle mirrors offers both of these advantages and is relatively easy with little effort, the benefits of replacement are significant.

How much does it cost to replace?

While customization and practicality are the benefits of replacing motorcycle mirrors, the cost of replacement is only the cost of the mirrors if you do it yourself. If you have a motorcycle dealership or similar service do it, you'll incur labor costs in addition to the mirror cost.
The labor cost for mirror replacement typically involves about 15 minutes of work, usually around 1,500 yen plus consumption tax.
Labor costs are generally charged hourly, so the more time and effort involved in the replacement, the higher the labor cost tends to be.
Some places set labor costs based on the specific task, such as a fixed price for mirror replacement, so there may be some variation in labor costs depending on where you get the mirrors replaced.
If you want to keep costs to a minimum, it's best to replace them yourself.

What you'll need / Tools

・Spanner (box-end) wrench 『10mm/12mm』
・New replacement mirrors
These are basically all you need for the replacement.
To remove motorcycle mirrors, you will need two spanners. Most motorcycles use 8mm to 14mm nuts, but be sure to check before replacing.
A monkey wrench can also be used, but a larger one might be difficult to use in confined spaces, so it's better to choose a type with a smaller head. Also, while spanners are sold at 100-yen stores, cheap tools often have low precision and can strip the nuts (damage the threads), so caution is needed.
Furthermore, motorcycles are often exposed to the elements outdoors, so the nuts and mirror threads can rust, or vibrations can cause them to tighten and become difficult to remove. In such cases, it's best not to force the removal and instead leave it to professional mechanics at a dealership or similar service.
Be careful not to force it, as in the worst-case scenario, the nut or screw threads could be damaged, making it impossible to remove.

Motorcycle Mirror Replacement Procedure

Source: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=6631

The procedure for replacing motorcycle mirrors involves these three steps:
1. Slide up the rubber cover over the nut
2. Loosen the upper nut (mirror side) of the double nut, then loosen the lower nut
3. Remove the mirror
Replacing motorcycle mirrors is not a particularly difficult task, and it doesn't require much strength, so it can even be done by women. However, if you attempt to replace them based on this article and accidentally damage a nut or other part, we cannot be held responsible. Therefore, if the nuts or mirrors are rusted or difficult to remove, do not force them off.
In the worst case, the nut threads may strip or the screw may break, so please proceed with the work entirely at your own risk.
Damage can end up costing more than the labor fee for mirror replacement, so if you're in doubt, leave it to a professional mechanic.

How to remove motorcycle mirrors

To remove a motorcycle mirror, first slide up the rubber cover near the base of the mirror.
Once the rubber cover is slid up, you'll see two nuts inside. First, loosen the upper nut (mirror side), then loosen the lower nut.
At this time, hold the lower nut with a spanner (just hold it, don't turn it) while loosening the mirror-side nut.
The mirror has threads at the end of its post and is fixed to the handlebar by screwing it in.
Once the nuts are loose, you can turn the mirror post to remove the mirror. However, be aware that manufacturers use either standard threads (loosen counter-clockwise) or reverse threads (loosen clockwise).

How to install motorcycle mirrors

Installing motorcycle mirrors is the reverse of the removal process.
First, loosen the nut on the replacement mirror sufficiently from the mirror side, then rotate the mirror in the opposite direction of removal to install it.
Once the mirror is secure, first turn the handlebar-side nut by hand. Once it can no longer be turned by hand, tighten it with a spanner or monkey wrench. Then, do the same for the mirror-side nut, turning it by hand first, and then tightening it with a tool to complete the installation.
When tightening with a tool, avoid over-tightening as this can damage the nut. Apply just enough force so it's neither too tight nor too loose.
It's a good idea to check if the mirrors are loose after riding the bike for two or three days.

Motorcycle Mirror Won't Come Off? Common Problems Explained!

Source: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=1080
Here we will list common problems that can arise when replacing motorcycle mirrors, so by quickly reviewing them before you start, you can prevent issues from occurring.

If the motorcycle mirror won't come off

Motorcycle mirrors are fixed to the handlebars by screwing in the mirror post, which has a threaded shape. If it doesn't turn, the screw hole may be rusted and seized.
In that case, it's a good idea to apply a penetrating lubricant like Rust-Pen from the post towards the screw hole.
Place a rag or cloth around the area where you apply the lubricant to prevent it from scattering.

How to tighten a reverse thread

Standard screws (right-hand threads) loosen counter-clockwise and tighten clockwise, but reverse threads (left-hand threads) loosen clockwise and tighten counter-clockwise.
Since reverse threads tighten when turned counter-clockwise, if you try to remove them by turning counter-clockwise as you would with a standard thread, they will tighten further, so caution is needed when removing them.
If you don't realize it's a reverse thread, the more you try to remove it, the tighter it will become, potentially leading to damage.

If the motorcycle mirror position is not right

If the motorcycle mirror position is not right, you can adjust the height by inserting a spacer-type mirror adapter between the mirror and the handlebar.
Mirror screw holes are either 8mm or 10mm, and you need to choose an adapter that matches the mirror's screw hole, so be sure to check the mirror's screw hole before purchasing.
If the thread diameter of the mirror you want to install doesn't match your bike, you can still install it by using a mirror adapter.
Many mirror adapters are available in chrome or black, allowing you to install them without compromising the bike's aesthetic.

Height Adjustment Spacer / Mirror Adapter

https://bikeman.jp/

8mm to 10mm conversion / Mirror Adapter (Chrome Plated)

https://bikeman.jp/

Recommended Motorcycle Mirrors for First-Time Customizers!

Source: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=1041

Having introduced the mirror replacement procedure and common problems, next we will recommend some motorcycle mirrors!
People have various criteria for choosing motorcycle mirrors, such as prioritizing design or cost performance.
Based on these criteria, we will introduce recommended mirrors for their design, cost performance, and versatility to fit a wide range of motorcycles.
First, mirrors with high design aesthetic.

TANAX Napoleon Gazetto Mirror

The TANAX Gazetto mirror features a modern design that ensures a wide field of vision while enhancing the motorcycle's overall look.
In addition to the chrome-plated version shown, it is also available in black, allowing for installation without compromising the bike's aesthetic.
It's sold as a pair or individually, so if one mirror gets damaged, you can minimize replacement costs.

Napoleon Gazetto Mirror Chrome Plated (Left and Right Set)

https://bikeman.jp/

Napoleon Gazetto Mirror Black (Left and Right Set)

TANAX Napoleon Trad Mirror

The Trad Mirror is a cost-effective mirror that fits both left and right sides and costs about 1,200 yen per mirror.
With a simple round design that suits naked bikes and scooters, it can give your handlebars a clean, uncluttered look.

Trad Mirror
https://bikeman.jp/

TANAX Napoleon AZ Mirror

The TANAX Napoleon AZ Mirror features a simple chrome-plated design that suits a wide range of motorcycles.
This mirror is recommended for naked bikes, scooters, and other motorcycles without fairings.
Another key feature is its easy height adjustment with just one screw.
https://bikeman.jp/

【Bonus】 Mirror Hole Plug M10 Gold

https://bikeman.jp/

I mentioned that you'll need bolts to cover the mirror holes after removal, but simply plugging them with ordinary bolts would be a waste, wouldn't it? By using a product like this to plug the holes, you can also dress up your bike.

Using this product not only plugs the unused screw holes but can also be used for dressing up by choosing the right color. Adding such a subtle accent might be a good idea.