Mirror upgrade advice

golfingirl · Post by **golfingirl** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 3:33 pm

I'm looking to upgrade my mirrors. I really like the look of the round chrome mirrors of the Buddy and want something very similar but with longer arms and possibly larger mirror area.

Anyone upgraded their mirrors to something like that? Brand name recommendations?

rickyd410 · Post by **rickyd410** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 3:45 pm

I'd be interested in this as well. I like the chrome, but want something more usable. I don't like haveing to shift my arms around and elbows around just to look behind me.

ssybesma · Post by **ssybesma** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 5:48 am

golfingirl wrote:I'm looking to upgrade my mirrors. I really like the look of the round chrome mirrors of the Buddy and want something very similar but with longer arms and possibly larger mirror area.

Anyone upgraded their mirrors to something like that? Brand name recommendations?

I hear you on the mirrors. Have that problem too.

The arms are way too short. Needs to be another 3 inches further out to each side to clear my arms so that I can see what's behind me.

lobsterman · Post by **lobsterman** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 1:20 pm

Yeah, the mirrors aren't much help to me as is either. I could really use something out just a little more so I could see something other than my own jacket. I had this idea that the mirrors were so I could see behind me.

BlueMark · Post by **BlueMark** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 1:13 am

Deleted by user

ssybesma · Post by **ssybesma** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 2:24 am

lobsterman wrote:Yeah, the mirrors aren't much help to me as is either. I could really use something out just a little more so I could see something other than my own jacket. I had this idea that the mirrors were so I could see behind me.

They work great for those skinny beanpole people where the scooters are made. It's like buying anything else where American ergonomic needs must be met. You but something made somewhere else, it ends up not fitting. Oh well.

I honestly think that there should be a recall on the mirrors flat out or at least a very cheap exchange should be offered for safer mirrors if anyone wants them. That company should have known that Americans are built a little wider on the average and they should have equipped the scooters based on that fact.

Little short-sightedness and a little too much enthusiasm to sell I think.

Otherwise, I absolutely love the scooter. It's great and a lot of fun.
Beats the heck out of taking the bus.

ssybesma · Post by **ssybesma** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 2:28 am

BlueMark wrote:There is another option. Thousands of bicyclists use helmet mirrors - small half inch mirrors attached to articulated arms that attach to your helmet (or eyeglass frame).

The work extremely well, the tiny mirror gives you a huge rear view, and at least in Michigan are a legal alternative to mirrors on your motorbike.

There are many different brands and variations of helmet mirrors, but most attach to a hard shell helmet with adhesive. When you store your helmet they fold flat on the side.

At least one manufacturer makes helmet mirrors specifically for motocyclists - www.bugeyes.com . Most other brands will work - but some may have wind issues at highway speeds.

Oh, helmet mirrors are really inexpensive - $10 to $20.

For the ultimate helmet mirror - Reevu makes $400 helmets with built in internal rear view mirrors. So far only available in Europe, but supposed to be coming to the States ... real soon now ...

-Mark

Those rear-view helmets are awesome, but a little pricey. Would be a great universal solution for a lot of situations. Kind of hard for someone to get away with whacking you on the head and knocking you out when you can always see behind you and you've got a helmet on to boot. I don't know, that idea just occurred to me. Very clean and slick concept that's for sure.

ssybesma · Post by **ssybesma** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 2:29 am

ssybesma wrote:
BlueMark wrote:There is another option. Thousands of bicyclists use helmet mirrors - small half inch mirrors attached to articulated arms that attach to your helmet (or eyeglass frame).

The work extremely well, the tiny mirror gives you a huge rear view, and at least in Michigan are a legal alternative to mirrors on your motorbike.

There are many different brands and variations of helmet mirrors, but most attach to a hard shell helmet with adhesive. When you store your helmet they fold flat on the side.

At least one manufacturer makes helmet mirrors specifically for motocyclists - www.bugeyes.com . Most other brands will work - but some may have wind issues at highway speeds.

Oh, helmet mirrors are really inexpensive - $10 to $20.

For the ultimate helmet mirror - Reevu makes $400 helmets with built in internal rear view mirrors. So far only available in Europe, but supposed to be coming to the States ... real soon now ...

-Mark
Those rear-view helmets are awesome, but a little pricey. Would be a great universal solution for a lot of situations. Kind of hard for someone to get away with whacking you on the head and knocking you out when you can always see behind you and you've got a helmet on to boot. I don't know, that idea just occurred to me. Very clean and slick concept that's for sure.

I'll bet the military could probably use some of those for soldiers on the front lines or those flushing out terrorists. Can't be snuck up on from behind.

lobsterman · Post by **lobsterman** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 11:18 am

They work great for those skinny beanpole people where the scooters are made.

I am fairly short (5'8") and have very wide shoulders. Add the width of the armored jacket and I can't see much of anything in the stock mirrors.

I agree, it would be nice if genuine offered an inexpensive mirror swap option.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 4:35 pm

It was reported in this thread that Vespa GTS mirrors can be used to replace the Buddy's. Also in that thread are links to buy a GS mirrors and for some mirror extenders.

The Buddy mirrors have 8mm stems and are reverse threaded on the right, so anything meeting those specs should work. One member used Kymco mirrors.

Other options: Bar end mirrors, or go extreme and DIY.

ssybesma · Post by **ssybesma** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 12:45 am

lobsterman wrote:
They work great for those skinny beanpole people where the scooters are made.
I am fairly short (5'8") and have very wide shoulders. Add the width of the armored jacket and I can't see much of anything in the stock mirrors.

I agree, it would be nice if genuine offered an inexpensive mirror swap option.

I'm writing them requesting a swap since I understand they are coming out with extended mirrors.

I'll keep you posted on what happens.

Other than that, I'm really happy with it so far.

I ride mine 11 miles and back to work every morning.

BootScootin'FireFighter · Sun Nov 27, 2011 5:57 pm

*BUMP*

resurrecting an OLD thread, but I tried to tighten the stock mirror where the glass mounts to the arm, and what would you know, broke the damn thing. I found these on EBAY... (it says it fits bar ends with 3/4" inner diameter, is that correct for the Buddy?)

BAR END MIRRORS

Now, I'm not trying to win any show points award, my scooter is a work horse, so I am not wanting to spend $150 for a set of mirrors that will probably break off the first time I have a mishap. I have seen several on ebay an amazon, some look cheap, but these are the better ones I've found. And I will not deal with international shipping. I've had plenty of problems ordering crap from Asia and waiting over a month for shipping. Can those of you with bar end mirrors, that you've had for a decent amount of time and didn't pay an arm and a leg for, please let me know where you got them from and how they've held up against vibration, moisture, rust, and all the other good stuff.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:06 pm

ericalm wrote:The Buddy mirrors have 8mm stems and are reverse threaded on the right, so anything meeting those specs should work. One member used Kymco mirrors.

As I have posted before, the Yamaha Vino mirrors also interchange. In my experience, the longer teardrop shaped mirror helps with the problem of seeing past the rider's shoulders.

Lil Buddy · Post by **Lil Buddy** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 3:05 am

BootScootin'FireFighter wrote:Can those of you with bar end mirrors, that you've had for a decent amount of time and didn't pay an arm and a leg for, please let me know where you got them from and how they've held up against vibration, moisture, rust, and all the other good stuff.

Ebay. $20-25 shipped. Holding up just fine. No complaints.

SuperFlyBuddy · Post by **SuperFlyBuddy** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 3:10 am

BootScootin'FireFighter wrote: resurrecting an OLD thread, but I tried to tighten the stock mirror where the glass mounts to the arm, and what would you know, broke the damn thing. I found these on EBAY... (it says it fits bar ends with 3/4" inner diameter, is that correct for the Buddy?)

BAR END MIRRORS

Those do look pretty nice. Very tempting.

I don't know the correct size for the Buddy without searching but I do have a question about the ad. Why does the title say 7/8" but the item description says 3/4"?

BootScootin'FireFighter · Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:07 am

SuperFlyBuddy wrote:I don't know the correct size for the Buddy without searching but I do have a question about the ad. Why does the title say 7/8" but the item description says 3/4"?

my assumption is 7/8" for the outer diameter and 3/4" for the inner hollow of the bar. I wanted to be sure from another Buddy owner, I'm again assuming the seller will just say yes even if unsure. And you know what happens when you assume, you make an "Ass" out of "U" and "Me"

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 12:46 pm

Yep, 7/8" bar-ends fit the Buddy. I really like mine.

The left side is ultra-easy, but the right side has a couple of obstacles: a) a plastic sleeve that's part of the throttle mechanism - this sleeve has sort of a cap that obstructs the hole at the end of the bar. A little Dremel or file work and a bar-end will fit. b) the throttle sleeve makes a 7/8" replacement grip a bit more of a challenge to mount. Copious amounts of either liquid soap or WD-40 will help you slide it on there.

SuperFlyBuddy · Post by **SuperFlyBuddy** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 7:47 pm

BootScootin'FireFighter wrote:BAR END MIRRORS

Here are what look to be the same mirror minus one adjustment point for six bucks less.

"Carbon Fiber" minus that one adjustment for $20.

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 7:59 pm

Hey, that first link is the cheapest I've seen folding bar-ends. Might have to pick up a pair! The ones I started with don't fold.

SuperFlyBuddy · Post by **SuperFlyBuddy** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 8:30 pm

PeteH wrote:Hey, that first link is the cheapest I've seen folding bar-ends. Might have to pick up a pair! The ones I started with don't fold.

So it's worth paying the extra for the folding ones? Is that for adjust-ability or to be able to fold them out of the way when storing the scoot?

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 8:46 pm

SuperFlyBuddy wrote:
PeteH wrote:Hey, that first link is the cheapest I've seen folding bar-ends. Might have to pick up a pair! The ones I started with don't fold.
So it's worth paying the extra for the folding ones? Is that for adjust-ability or to be able to fold them out of the way when storing the scoot?

I could be wrong, but I'd think there's be less of a chance of them breaking if the scoot went down, if they had the ability to fold in.

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 10:29 pm

I have to push my scoot through two gates when leaving my house, then back through the gates to put him away. One gate is narrower than the bar+mirror span (was narrower than the stock mirrors, too), so I have to turn the bars, push one side through, tip the bike to let the other side through, you get the picture. Sooner or later I'll prang one of the mirrors on the gate posts. A folding mirror set would buy me a few inches of clearance, and even if I still knocked the mirror against the post, it might be less likely to be bent or broken.

I don't know what would happen if you dropped a bike with folding mirrors. I have passenger pegs and cowl bars on mine, so it might lie on the ground differently than a stock bike. Not really willing to experiment

heythere512 · Post by **heythere512** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 7:05 pm

Glad this thread was resurrected with updates! The first week I had my Buddy, I broke the right side mirror when trying to tighten it (yes, I know it is reverse-thread). Went back tot he shop, and had to buy a new pair for $50.

Then, I parked in a public garage last week, and when I came out, that same mirror was dangling from the scoot. No other damage. No clue how it happened. Decided not to buy another pair from Genuine, so it was perfect timing to see the posts on what others have done!

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 3:46 pm

PeteH wrote: "The left side is ultra-easy, but the right side has a couple of obstacles: a) a plastic sleeve that's part of the throttle mechanism - this sleeve has sort of a cap that obstructs the hole at the end of the bar. A little Dremel or file work and a bar-end will fit. b) the throttle sleeve makes a 7/8" replacement grip a bit more of a challenge to mount. Copious amounts of either liquid soap or WD-40 will help you slide it on there."
Has anyone else done this? I was wandering if removing the plastic cap from the throttle affected it in anyway?

I too am looking to change to bar-end mirrors due to my stock buddy mirrors always "folding" in when I riding. I have to tighten them every 10 miles or so.

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 4:27 pm

2wheelNsanity wrote:PeteH wrote: "The left side is ultra-easy, but the right side has a couple of obstacles: a) a plastic sleeve that's part of the throttle mechanism - this sleeve has sort of a cap that obstructs the hole at the end of the bar. A little Dremel or file work and a bar-end will fit. b) the throttle sleeve makes a 7/8" replacement grip a bit more of a challenge to mount. Copious amounts of either liquid soap or WD-40 will help you slide it on there."
Has anyone else done this? I was wandering if removing the plastic cap from the throttle affected it in anyway?

I too am looking to change to bar-end mirrors due to my stock buddy mirrors always "folding" in when I riding. I have to tighten them every 10 miles or so.

2Wheel, I kind of want to say something is just wrong with your mirrors or bolts... that shouldn't happen. Definitely doesn't on my 170. Except for when I crashed. That was the only time the mirrors budged. Are you sure you are tightening them enough?

heythere512 · Post by **heythere512** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 5:11 pm

LunaP wrote:
2Wheel, I kind of want to say something is just wrong with your mirrors or bolts... that shouldn't happen. Definitely doesn't on my 170. Except for when I crashed. That was the only time the mirrors budged. Are you sure you are tightening them enough?

I can relate - even took it back to the dealer to tighten, and it stayed in place until I hit 60mph. Replace my mirrors before I even had plates! Then, I overtightened when installing a windshield last weekend, and just switched to an after-market brand I saw listed in a very old thread.

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 5:38 pm

heythere512 wrote:
LunaP wrote:
2Wheel, I kind of want to say something is just wrong with your mirrors or bolts... that shouldn't happen. Definitely doesn't on my 170. Except for when I crashed. That was the only time the mirrors budged. Are you sure you are tightening them enough?
I can relate - even took it back to the dealer to tighten, and it stayed in place until I hit 60mph. Replace my mirrors before I even had plates! Then, I overtightened when installing a windshield last weekend, and just switched to an after-market brand I saw listed in a very old thread.

Wow that stinks. I wonder what is wrong that it happens on some scoots and not others of the same year and model? The parts are so simple, it's not like there's guesswork involved. I wonder if it has to do with the batches of bolts used in the factory or something.

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 9:52 pm

I put some loc-tight on them yesterday and rode 35 miles at 55mph with no problems

. Despite this initial success I still would like to get bar-end mirrors, they look like they extend a little wider than the stock, so maybe I'll be able to see behind me better.

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Sat Dec 10, 2011 6:06 am

2wheelNsanity wrote:I put some loc-tight on them yesterday and rode 35 miles at 55mph with no problems . Despite this initial success I still would like to get bar-end mirrors, they look like they extend a little wider than the stock, so maybe I'll be able to see behind me better.

I can't get behind the idea of bar-ends, myself... I don't think I'd like looking down at my handlebars to see. Silly, I know. I do, however, like how some bikes look with bar ends on them. Definitely post pics. I've heard rumors of extremely reasonably priced folding bar ends floating around eBay.

I think I want to try the kind of teardrop shaped mirrors that is typical on Yamaha's... when I get the money. -_-

heythere512 · Post by **heythere512** » Sat Dec 10, 2011 7:58 pm

The ones I just put on are tear-drop shaped - made for a Chinese scoot, but they fit and were inexpensive. I just picked up small blind-spot mirrors this morning, too.

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 4:57 pm

heythere512 wrote:The ones I just put on are tear-drop shaped - made for a Chinese scoot, but they fit and were inexpensive. I just picked up small blind-spot mirrors this morning, too.

Sweet, any pics?

heythere512 · Post by **heythere512** » Mon Dec 12, 2011 3:55 am

LunaP wrote: Sweet, any pics?

Here ya go - sorry they are so dark. I forget how early the sun sets these days...

and

img]<a href="http://s1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc3 ... CF3177.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc3 ... CF3177.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>[/img]

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Mon Dec 12, 2011 6:27 am

Wow... maybe they're just tricking my eyes, but they almost look shorter than the stocks... how are they working out for you?

heythere512 · Post by **heythere512** » Mon Dec 12, 2011 1:49 pm

this particular brand is shorter than the stocks, but they stay in place, and the blind-spot mirrors cover alot, too. It works for me on a budget!

Modern Buddy

Mirror upgrade advice

Mirror upgrade advice

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BAR END MIRRORs*

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