Are you looking for the best motorcycle mirrors? Modern motorcycles come equipped with great mirrors. However, there are plenty of reasons to upgrade to a set that better suits your needs.
Riders come in different shapes and sizes. Factory-fitted mirrors might have stems that are too long for you, or they don’t extend out far enough to give you a better view of the road. Similarly, some riders might want to trade stock units for lighter, sportier parts. Likewise, others might want a set that better suits their ride’s aesthetic.
Whatever your reason for swapping your mirrors, it’s a wise idea to familiarize yourself with the different types available. One size may not fit all! From motorcycle bar end mirrors to upmarket motorcycle mirrors with turn signals, there are more options to choose from than you might think.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best motorcycle mirrors on the market. Hopefully, this will help point you in the right direction. Here are our favorite aftermarket units.
KiWAv offers a wide selection of products for a variety of different motorcycles. Our favorite has to be the Medusa line.
These mirrors have a universal design. They are fully compatible with all motorcycles with a 10mm receiver. They also ship with a 5/16” adapter for Harley-Davidson models too.
The mirrors use CNC aluminum with a sleek design that looks at home on sports bikes and cruisers alike. Each stem has an articulate 360-degree ball joint, and an anti-glare mirror with a blue tint.
These motorcycle mirrors are available in four different finishes: black, chrome, blue, or red.
Rizoma is one of the most respected names in the aftermarket arena. The brand manufacturers quality components such as handlebars, levers, and more. Their Dynamics series of mirrors are some of the best motorcycle mirrors on the market. Especially if you’re looking for a subtle, yet stylish, aftermarket pair.
These mirrors are made from billet aluminum and feature a convex anti-glare glass mirror. They’re strong, sturdy, and have a refined look. They work particularly well with less-aggressively styled machines. These mirrors are compatible with almost any motorcycle, even left-hand thread Yamahas and Ducatis.
Don’t worry if the mirrors won’t fit your motorcycle. Rizoma has a wide range of adapters for most motorcycle fixtures. However, they’re not compatible with fairing-mounts.
BikeMaster is a brand that’s well-known for manufacturing quality aftermarket parts at an affordable price. Their Old School Tube Mirrors are our favorite budget motorcycle mirrors; they’re high in quality, low in price, and they look great too.
Manufactured from aluminum, these oval-shaped mirrors use a swivel-mount for easy positioning. The actual mirror mounts on the end of a straight shaft, with distortion-free glass. The glass also has a glare-reducing tint, too.
These mirrors are available in two color options: a sleek black, or an eye-catching chrome. They’re compatible with all 10mm mounts, along with Harley-Davidson 5/16” fixtures.
The Katur Motorcycle Bar End Mirrors are stylish units for those looking for a classic look. These compact motorcycle mirrors clamp on to the end of your handlebars with a bracket. Thanks to the easy installation, they’re fairly universal in nature.
However, since they’re bar end mirrors, they’re not suited to dirt bikes, ATVs, or adventure motorcycles. Instead, they work better on retro roadsters, naked bikes, and cruisers.
Manufactured from CNC-machined billet aluminum, these mirrors are strong, sturdy, and vibration-resistant. The mirror housing is made from optical-grade acrylic. The lens is a convex-shaped glass finished with an anti-glare treatment.
Finally, we recommend that you check that they’re compatible with your motorcycle before you hit the buy button. That’s because these won’t fit on some Yamahas and Ducatis.
There are several quality Kemimoto mirrors on the market, but these are our favorites. These have a lot of similarities to the Katur mirrors above. But they have a sturdier build quality and a higher price tag.
These mirrors are made from shockproof, corrosion-proof, CNC machined billet aluminum. They’re tough, won’t untighten and move at high speeds, and they can resist the worst of the weather too. Like others, these motorcycle mirrors clamp on to the handlebars, with a bolt that fits into the end. A 360-degree articulating joint holds the anti-glare coated mirrors in place.
Kemimoto’s mirrors are compatible with most motorcycle models from major manufacturers.
If you’re looking for premium motorcycle bar end mirrors, then these beauties from HDM Products should satisfy you. These fully universal mirrors can be mounted on a variety of motorcycles. They’re ideal for riders who want a classic café racer look.
Unlike many others on this list, these mirrors aren’t made from aluminum. Instead, they’re made from 100% stainless steel. The result is a sturdy product that can withstand corrosion and rust, whilst looking great too. The mirror head has a diameter of four inches. It features convex mirror glass, fully articulate arms, and vibration-proof stems.
These mirrors are available in a number of different styles, including some with rectangular shapes instead.
For riders looking for sporty aftermarket mirrors, these affordable mirrors should fit the bill. Though they’re ideally suited for modern street bikes, these mirrors are very versatile. They’re compatible with almost every type of motorcycle, from all major brands.
These hard-wearing mirrors use tough ABS plastic and stainless steel. The mirror head has a teardrop shape with a convex mirror design. The stems are stainless steel, which make them well-equipped to deal with inclement weather.
Each mirror has full articulation and practical flexibility. In addition, each order includes two mirrors, installation bolts, and access to lifetime-length technical support.
Next up, we have more motorcycle mirrors from Rizoma. If it’s a Rizoma product, you can trust that it’s made to the highest quality. That’s why we’re confident in saying that these units are some of the best motorcycle mirrors out there. This mirror is perfect for riders who want smaller mirrors that won’t compromise their visibility.
These mirrors have a billet aluminum construction with a top-notch anodized finish. The mirror head has a narrow profile and features convex anti-glare glass. They’re compatible with any 22-30mm handlebars. They can also mount above or below the bars, depending on your preferences.
Each mirror is sold separately. You have been warned!
Performance Machine is famous for making some of the best aftermarket goods out there. These mirrors are no different. They’re some of the best motorcycle mirrors for cruisers available. They’re designed to bring confidence-inspiring visibility to your ride. And they look cool doing it! They’re designed with cruisers in mind but they’ll feel at home on a wide range of motorcycles.
Made from forged 6061 T6 aluminum, these mirrors feature ambidextrous mirror stems that can mount on either side of the handlebar. The actual mirror portion features a scratch-resistant mirror glass and vibration-resistant pivoting points.
These mirrors are also available in an arrow shape if the standard oval doesn’t quite do it for you.
Lastly, we’ve got these awesome bar end mirrors: the CRG Hindsight mirrors. These are lightweight bar-end mirrors with a universal fit. They offer high-quality vision without compromising your safety. If you’re looking for large-diameter bar end mirrors, then these should be on your list.
CRG built these mirrors from a tough CNC machined billet aluminum, with stainless hardware. This guarantees a strong and rust-resistant finish. They’re also anodized for added protection too. The mirror uses convex glass and a glare-reducing automotive tint.
The CRG Hindsight motorcycle mirrors clamp on to almost any handlebars. If they don’t fit on yours, you can purchase an additional billet adaptor that will make it fit.
Pros
6061 T6 aluminum billet construction
Modular assembly
Optional adaptors available if necessary
Cons
They look a bit cheap
Choosing The Best Motorcycle Mirrors For You
Your stock mirrors might not be the best mirrors for your needs. You might want to improve your motorcycle’s aerodynamics. The mirror’s diameter might not be large enough. Your mirror stems might not be long enough. There are plenty of reasons to invest in aftermarket motorcycle mirrors.
However, before you buy the first set you see, there are few things to keep in mind. What type do you need? What features should you be looking for? Here’s all you need to know.
Motorcycle Mirror Types
Fairing Mirrors
Modern sports bikes are fitted with mirrors bolted into their fairings. They have these mirrors for improved aerodynamics. Consequently, because they’re mounted to the fairing, they can only be replaced with specific mirrors. However, it’s generally best to stick with the stock mirrors.
Bar-Mounted Mirrors
Bar-mounted mirrors are the most common motorcycle mirrors. They mount directly to the handlebar, usually using a thread and clamp that attaches next to the handlebar grips. These mirrors are very versatile, and they’re available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. However, they can be quite large and unsightly.
Bar End Mirrors
Bar end mirrors are popular for bike customizers. They allow for uncluttered handlebars without compromising rider safety. They can either clamp onto the handlebar or slotted into the end of the handlebar, and they can mount pointing upwards or downwards.
Aftermarket Motorcycle Mirror Features To Look Out For
Size
The size of a mirror should be one of the first things you look for. Mirrors come in a wide variety of shapes, from circles and rectangles to arrowheads and teardrops. A good mirror will offer a wide view of what’s going on behind you, and you should prioritize how well you can see over how good a mirror looks. Pay attention to the length of the mirror’s stems too.
Construction Materials
Most modern motorcycle mirrors use hard-wearing materials. Aluminum, stainless steel, and ABS plastic are the most common, and they’re all strong, sturdy, and able to withstand the elements. As a buyer, it’s up to you to decide what works best for your needs. For example, ABS plastic is great, but it can scratch easily. Similarly, aluminum is great, but it can be susceptible to vibration. Furthermore, it’s up to you to find the best motorcycle mirrors for what you need.
Mirror Glass
It’s important to look closely at the type of glass your desired mirror comes with. Generally, mirrors are available with flat glass, or convex glass. For instance, flat glass will show you what’s going on behind you accurately and clearly but it has a limited field of vision. Meanwhile, convex glass has a curved surface that widens that field of vision. However, it slightly distorts the picture making objects appear closer than they truly are.
Similarly, check for any anti-glare coatings. A mirror with a special coating can protect against glare and improve visibility at certain times of the day.
Fitting
Finally, always check that your desired mirrors are compatible with your ride. Contrary to popular belief, motorcycle mirrors are not universal. Even those that claim to be universal may not be 100% universal. In fact, some manufacturers use left-hand threads. And others have handlebar diameters that aren’t standard. For these reasons, never assume that aftermarket mirrors will definitely fit your motorcycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are motorcycle mirrors universal?
Motorcycle mirrors are not universal. Some aftermarket products have universal fittings but even these may not be 100% universal. Always check a product’s compatibility before hitting the buy button.
Are bar end mirrors safe?
Bar-end mirrors are very safe. In fact, many riders claim that they are safer than OEM mirrors due to their wider view and adjust-ability.
Joe is a motorcycle industry veteran who has not only been paid for his words on the industry but also to throw a leg over a bike on the track. Besides riding, and occasionally crashing motorcycles, he also likes to build up older bikes in his garage in Germany. He says; "I like what I like but that certainly doesn’t make my opinion any more valid than yours…" We like Joe's educated opinion and hope you do too.
