How to Choose Motorcycle Mirrors: A Complete Guide from Types and Installation to Popular Recommendations!

What is a Motorcycle Mirror?

Reference: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=6848

Motorcycle mirrors are a type of safety standard part that, if not installed, means you shouldn't be riding on the road. They are upward-extending mirrors on both sides of the motorcycle used to view the rear.
While riding, you face forward, but the mirrors' role is to show you the rear view. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust them to the correct position to maximize the rear view.
However, since mirrors have "blind spots" that they cannot reflect, it is essential to check over your shoulder when changing lanes on a motorcycle.
Mirrors may seem small compared to the size of a motorcycle, but replacing them can change the bike's appearance and is a popular basic customization because it's easy to do.
There are various types of replacement mirrors available, differing in mounting position, shape, and viewing range, so finding a mirror that suits your preference should not be too difficult.
Conversely, with so many types, you might get confused about which motorcycle mirror to choose. Here, we will introduce criteria for choosing motorcycle mirrors.

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Mirror

There are various reasons why people might replace their motorcycle mirrors.
Common reasons for mirror replacement include "the stock mirrors offer a narrow field of vision," "the mirrors don't suit my body type," or "I want to customize my bike to be more stylish." We will introduce five criteria for choosing a mirror.

1. Choose by Design

Motorcycle mirrors are an easy entry point for customization, and the real thrill of customization is being able to personalize your ride.
Choosing by design will allow you to achieve an exterior that better suits your preferences.

2. Choose by Price

There are various types of replacement motorcycle mirrors, and choosing by price is also an option.
Nowadays, even inexpensive mirrors offer high functionality and stylish designs, so you'll have many options if you choose by price.

3. Choose by Mounting Position

In addition to the standard mounting position, you can also choose motorcycle mirrors based on their mounting location.
There are types that attach to the end of the handlebars (bar-end mirrors) and "valence mirrors" that extend forward.

4. Choose from Vehicle Inspection Compliant Products

If your motorcycle requires a vehicle inspection, you'll need to revert to stock mirrors before the inspection if your current ones aren't compliant.
This hassle of replacing them before and after inspection can be avoided by choosing vehicle inspection compliant products from the start.

5. Choose from Popular Mirrors

While choosing for yourself is part of the fun of customization, to avoid making a big mistake after buying, you could also choose popular mirrors.
Popular mirrors are popular for a reason, and they often have plenty of reviews, so choosing a popular mirror can reduce the risk of regretting your purchase.
A representative example of a popular mirror is TANAX's Napoleon mirror, which is highly versatile and can be installed on various motorcycles.

Motorcycle Mirror Mounting Positions

Reference: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=1031

In addition to the genuine type, which extends upwards from the base of the handlebars on both sides, motorcycle mirrors also come in "bar-end type" that attach to the ends of the handlebars, and "valence type" where the mirror extends forward instead of upwards.

Genuine Type Mounting Position

Reference: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=1072

The most popular mounting position, offering a good balance of visibility and design, is the genuine position.
Mirrors installed from the start as motorcycle mirrors are also positioned for ease of use for everyone.

Bar-end Type Mounting Position

Reference: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=7019

This mounting position, where the mirror attaches to the end of the handlebars, is common on café racer style bikes.
While it creates a strong visual impression and expresses individuality, it may not be installable on all handlebars, and it takes some time to get used to.

Valence Type Mounting Position

Reference: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=1055

The valence type is a mirror that extends forward rather than upwards.
This mirror is popular on large scooters and, while the mirror position is slightly lower, the increased distance between the body and the mirror improves rear visibility.

What are the different types of motorcycle mirror shapes?

Reference: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=7021

We have introduced that, in addition to genuine mirrors, motorcycle mirrors come in various mounting positions.
Besides mounting position, there are also various shapes of the mirror itself as a criterion for selection.
Next, we will introduce the differences in mirror shapes, their features, and points to consider when choosing.

What is a square type mirror?

Reference: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=1045

Since "square" means a square or quadrilateral shape, mirrors with a square shape are called square type. There are further subdivisions such as valence type and regular clamp type.
Many genuine mirrors are also square type, and the key feature of larger square types is their excellent visibility.
If your bike has a rounded form, a valence type mirror is recommended.

What is an oval type mirror?

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

"Oval" originally means "egg" in Latin, referring to elliptical or round mirrors. Due to their round shape, they make it easy to check the rear in all directions, making them a common mirror shape on genuine mirrors.
While this mirror shape creates a classic atmosphere, choosing a small one can lead to poor visibility, so caution is needed.
It's a mirror shape that suits a wide range of motorcycles, including American, naked, and scooter types.

What is a polygon type mirror?

Reference: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=6814

Polygon refers to mirrors with polygonal shapes, such as pentagonal or hexagonal.
Polygon type mirrors often suit cawling bikes and create a modern atmosphere, but a drawback is that cawling can cause the cowl and mirrors to resonate due to vibrations.
Polygon type mirrors are ideal for giving cawling bikes a stylish look.

Introducing Popular Recommended Motorcycle Mirrors!

Reference: https://www.tanax.co.jp/motorcycle/product.php?goods_id=1045

Mirror replacement is considered a basic customization and is easy to do, but before installing, check the screw diameter of the mirror mounting hole.
Generally, the mounting screws are 8mm or 10mm, and if the sizes are different, you obviously won't be able to install it.
If you have a mirror you really want to install but it doesn't match the mounting hole diameter of your bike, you can use a "mirror adapter" that converts the size.
As a repeated reminder, check the mirror screw size before replacement to avoid finding out it can't be installed during the process.

Recommended Square Type Motorcycle Mirrors

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The Napoleon Cross 2 mirror is a square-type mirror that can be replaced without compromising the original feel.
It features a large mirror surface for excellent visibility and easy angle adjustment.
It comes with a joint cover that protects the adjustable parts of the mirror from dirt and rain, and a "turner" mechanism that prevents mirror damage in the event of a fall.

Recommended Oval Type Motorcycle Mirrors

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A recommended oval type mirror is the Classic 3 Mirror.
As its name suggests, it is particularly recommended for vintage and American-style motorcycles, and a key feature is its short mounting stay.
The mirror surface is blue, adding a stylish touch, making it a model where a classical exterior and modern mirror surface blend well.

Recommended Polygon Type Motorcycle Mirrors

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The Shark Mirror 3 is a popular polygon type mirror with a pentagonal shape, particularly well-suited for modern, intricately designed motorcycles.
With the increase in cars and motorcycles with HID and LED headlights, the light reflected in mirrors can sometimes be glaring, but the Shark Mirror 3 uses "RAYSAVE" on its mirror surface to cut only this dazzling light.
It is a popular mirror that provides a wider rear field of vision thanks to its wide-angle mirror.

If you're choosing based on price

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The Trad Mirror is a mirror that can be purchased for around 1,200 yen including tax (as of March 2020).
It has a simple and timeless oval shape, suitable for naked bikes, scooters, as well as café racers and American styles.
Sold individually and universal for left and right, it earns high marks for after-sales service, as you can purchase just one if it gets damaged.