6 Popular Bar End Mirrors for Clip-ons! Achieve a Cool Cafe Racer Style

Clip-on handlebars and bar end mirrors are a stylish and complementary combination!

Source: https://twitter.com/SekineMa3yo4/status/1255344886515195905/photo/1

While most motorcycle mirrors are mounted near the base of the handle grips, bar end mirrors are mounted at the tip of the handlebars (bar end).

Using bar end mirrors creates a more stylish look and helps differentiate your motorcycle from others.

They are particularly well-suited for American cruisers like Harleys, cafe racers, and bikes like the SR400. Choosing round mirrors can further emphasize a classical impression.

Mirrors don't occupy a large area on a motorcycle, but switching to bar end mirrors can significantly change the overall impression of the bike and increase its appeal, making it a highly effective modification.

Do bar end mirrors make it harder to see?

From the visual impression of mirrors attached to the ends of the handlebars, you might think, "Wouldn't it be hard to see through them?" However, bar end mirrors don't make visibility significantly worse.

Mirror visibility is greatly influenced by the mirror's shape and surface area, and bar end mirrors come in various shapes such as square, round, and oval.

Among them, square mirrors offer a wide field of view and high visibility, so if you want to ensure good rear visibility with bar end mirrors, choosing a square shape is a good option.

Various shapes of bar end mirrors

Bar end mirrors come in various shapes.

The main shapes are:

• Square
• Round
• Oval
• Irregular (e.g., pentagonal)

These are the common types.

The differences between these shapes are: "Square" emphasizes a sharp look with good rear visibility; "Round" offers a classic and orthodox image; "Oval" focuses on both visibility and design; and "Irregular" shapes, such as polygons, give a more sporty impression.

Choosing mirrors with a smaller surface area can give the entire bike a more compact look, but if they are too extreme, it can not only compromise rear visibility but also lead to a ticket for violating safety standards, so caution is needed when choosing.

In addition to shape and size, you can also choose colors like black for a more tightened look, or chrome (silver) for a beautiful shine, expanding the scope of customization.

When choosing mirrors, it's essential to balance "rear visibility and appearance," ensuring adequate rear visibility while also paying attention to mirror shape and size.

Clip-on handlebars are a popular custom alongside bar end mirrors.

Clip-on handlebars are a popular handle customization along with bar end mirrors.

Clip-on handlebars allow you to customize the angle and height of the handlebars to your liking, creating a riding position that suits your physique.

It's a popular customization, with many people choosing to replace their stock mirrors with bar end mirrors when they switch to clip-on handlebars.

Customizing your motorcycle to your liking is one of the joys of owning a bike, but will these modifications pass vehicle inspections?

Are clip-on handlebars and bar end mirrors illegal? Will they pass vehicle inspection?

Source: https://twitter.com/racingworld_jp/status/1333272756859748356/photo/3

Replacing your handlebars with clip-ons and installing bar end mirrors is not illegal.

While the replacement itself is not illegal, depending on the size of the mirrors and the mounting angle of the clip-ons, it may violate safety standards.

Safety standards are regulations that must be adhered to for safe motorcycle operation and consideration for the surrounding environment and the planet; failure to meet these standards constitutes a violation.

Detailed standards are established for various aspects to ensure safe riding, such as mirror placement, turn signal color, and headlight position.

If these safety standards are met, customizing your motorcycle is not illegal.

Furthermore, if the width, height, and size of the clip-on handlebars and bar end mirrors remain within the safety standards after replacement, they will pass vehicle inspection.

The specified values for handlebars and mirrors are as follows:

Vehicle inspection standards for handlebars

The width of the clip-on handlebars after replacement must be within "plus or minus 2 centimeters" of the width stated on the vehicle inspection certificate (from the tip of the clutch lever to the tip of the brake lever).

The height tolerance is "plus or minus 4 centimeters."

If they fall within these ranges, they will pass inspection. However, if they exceed these ranges, you can apply for a "structural modification" at the Land Transport Bureau and undergo an inspection to have your vehicle inspection certificate rewritten.

Additionally, for motorcycles that do not require vehicle inspection (such as 250cc bikes), a procedure called "modification application" is necessary.

Remember that if the width changes by more than plus or minus 2 centimeters, or the height by more than plus or minus 4 centimeters, after replacing with clip-on handlebars, a "structural modification application" is required for motorcycles that need vehicle inspection, and a "modification application" is required for motorcycles that do not.

Vehicle inspection standards for mirrors

The safety standards for motorcycle mirrors are precisely defined as follows:

• The mirror surface area must be 69 cm² or more regardless of shape.
• For circular mirrors, the mirror surface size must be between φ94mm and 150mm.
• For non-circular mirrors, the mirror surface size must be less than 120x200mm or 200x120mm and capable of covering a φ78mm circle.
• They must be installed on both the left and right sides of the vehicle.
• They must be able to absorb impact if they come into contact with a pedestrian, posing no risk of injury to pedestrians.
• They must be positioned at least 280mm outward from the center of the steering device (handlebars).

and so on.

The standard for the size of the reflective surface varies depending on the mirror's shape, and if the reflective surface is at least 280mm away from the center of the handlebars, it does not violate safety standards.

Bar end mirrors are also fine if they are within these standards; if they exceed the standards, you can still ride legally by submitting a structural modification application to the Land Transport Bureau.

How to install bar end mirrors on clip-on handlebars

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/

Here, we provide a detailed explanation of how to install bar end mirrors on clip-on handlebars, a popular customization.

If you are planning to install bar end mirrors on clip-on handlebars or considering switching to bar end mirrors, please use this as a reference.

Steps to install bar end mirrors on clip-on handlebars

The procedure for installing bar end mirrors on clip-on handlebars is very simple.

There are various types of clip-on handlebars, but here we will explain assuming the installation of bar end mirrors on popular Hurricane clip-on handlebars.

The installation steps are:

1. Remove the bar end from the clip-on handlebars.
2. Attach the bar end included with the bar end mirror.
3. Fit the mirror clamp onto the bar end and check the mirror's position.
4. Once the mirror position is determined, tighten the screw (bolt) on the clamp part.
5. Mount the motorcycle and adjust/check the mirror's visibility.

When fixing the clamp, if you tighten it too close to the right handlebar, the mirror might rotate with the throttle, or the throttle might not open. Therefore, secure it in a position that does not interfere with the throttle.

Should the original mirror holes be addressed?

When you replace the stock mirrors with bar end mirrors, screw holes will remain at the base where the original mirrors were mounted.

Leaving them as is is not an issue, but rainwater can enter and cause rust. Therefore, covering them with rubber caps or installing commercially available mirror caps will help prevent rust.

If the bar end doesn't come off

Replacing the bar end and fixing the mirror is not a very difficult process, but you may encounter issues such as difficulty removing the bar end when replacing it.

If it doesn't come off, instead of forcing it, it might be a good idea to ask a motorcycle shop or similar professional for assistance.

In some cases, attempting to remove it yourself could lead to damage, such as stripping the screw holes, so it's best to consult a professional if it seems stuck.

The labor cost for professional assistance is approximately 2,000 to 6,000 yen.

6 Popular Bar End Mirrors Recommended for Clip-On Handlebars!

Source: https://bikeman.jp/

Here, we introduce bar end mirrors that pair well with clip-on handlebars.

We'll cover various shapes, mounting positions, and other details to give you an idea of what's available.

1. oberon+ Bar End Mirror Handle Clamp Adjust Mirror 75φ

URL: https://bikeman.jp/

This is a round bar end mirror from oberon.

It boasts high quality and a beautiful silver finish, machined from CNC aluminum.

With adjustable angles for up, down, left, and right, this mirror can accommodate various rider physiques.

2. DAYTONA Bar End Mirror Action Type Black

URL: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-96699

DAYTONA's square bar end mirror features a Euro-style design.

It boasts a high-quality black finish machined from aluminum, with a timeless, simple shape.

Installation requires a separately sold bar end mirror adapter.

Sold separately: Bar End Mirror Adapter, Universal Black

URL: https://bikeman.jp/ 

This type of bar end mirror adapter is necessary for installing DAYTONA's Bar End Mirror (Action Type Black).

In addition to this universal type, manufacturer-specific adapters are also available.

3. oberon Bar End Adjust Mirror 75φ Silver

URL: https://bikeman.jp/

This is an Oberon round bar end mirror, featuring a luxurious feel from its CNC-machined aluminum construction.

Since the mounting position is at the very tip of the mirror, it is recommended for those seeking a more stylish look.

The width of the handlebars is likely to change, so you may need to submit a structural modification application (for bikes requiring inspection) or a modification application (for bikes not requiring inspection) when replacing them.

4. DAYTONA Bar End Mirror Montana Type Black

URL: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-15162

This is a Montana-type bar end mirror with a black finish, machined from aluminum.

It's a round shape that suits cafe racers and naked bikes, and the mirror surface is clear.

Installation requires a bar end mirror adapter.

5. DAYTONA Bar End Mirror Ferrara 2 Type Chrome

URL: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-96696

This bar end mirror features a beautiful, streamlined design that tapers towards the tip.

It has a chrome finish machined from aluminum, and the mirror surface is clear.

It will suit a wide range of motorcycle genres, from naked bikes to big scooters.

Installation requires a bar end mirror adapter.

6. oberon Bar End Adjust Mirror Oblong Type 60×105 Black

URL: https://bikeman.jp/products/od-mia-0814-k

This is Oberon's luxurious oblong (oval) bar end mirror, machined from CNC aluminum.

It features a compact, modern design with adjustable up, down, left, and right movement.

It is compatible with handlebars with an inner diameter of 14-19mm.

Custom Motorcycle Examples with Clip-on Handlebars and Bar End Mirrors

Let's look at examples of motorcycles with bar end mirrors installed.

By seeing examples of models similar to your own, you might get a better idea of how bar end mirrors would look on your bike.

SR400

The round bar end mirrors blend seamlessly with the SR400's aesthetic.

This is an excellent example of the SR's classical charm beautifully harmonizing with the somewhat modern feel of the bar ends.

Zephyr

This is an example of a Zephyr with bar end mirrors installed, and the mirrors are mounted downwards rather than upwards.

One of the advantages of bar end mirrors is that they can be mounted in any direction, up or down.

ZRX400

This is an example of a ZRX400 with bar end mirrors installed.

Combined with clip-on handlebars, the handlebar area gets a clean, uncluttered look.

CB400SF

This is an example of a CB400SF, a popular and classic naked bike, with bar end mirrors installed.

The CB400SF, known for its easy ride, takes on a sporty impression here.

VTR250

VTR250がバーエンドミラーになりました pic.twitter.com/l3RG0B4cup

— なっとうさん@VTR250 (@sironegi_011) May 30, 2020

Here's an example of bar-end mirrors installed on a VTR250.

Horizontal mirrors, such as elongated circles or polygons, suit sporty bikes well.

XL1200

Here's an example of bar-end mirrors installed on a Harley-Davidson Roadster "XL1200CX."

Bar-end mirrors also look great on Harley's heavy-duty road bikes.

The poster seems interested in clip-on handlebars, which would likely further enhance the sporty look.

250TR

This is an example of round bar-end mirrors installed on a 250TR.

They go well with the bikini cowl, and I think they complement each other nicely.

GB250

Here's an example of square bar-end mirrors installed on a GB250.

While round mirrors are a classic choice for retro bikes, this image proves that square mirrors can also look great.

Balius

Here's an example of oval bar-end mirrors installed on a Balius.

The Balius, though discontinued, remains highly popular, and the bar-end mirrors add a nice accent.

Among the many customized Balius bikes, bar-end mirrors allow for even greater individuality.

PCX

PCX バーエンドミラーに変更😆 pic.twitter.com/aITGq8KRCa

— 葵 (@CSL_aoi_R25) August 22, 2020

Here's an example of polygonal bar-end mirrors installed on a PCX big scooter.

This PCX features a unique style where the mirrors are mounted vertically instead of horizontally.

A major feature of bar-end mirrors is the freedom to choose whether to mount them above or below the handlebars, and to install them horizontally or vertically.

KTM 390DUKE

Here's an example of bar-end mirrors installed on a KTM 390 DUKE, also known as the "Cornering Rocket."

By installing bar-end mirrors on this sporty and compact motorcycle, its athletic appeal is further emphasized.