Mirrors ..... or Handlebars?
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Mirrors ..... or Handlebars?
While doing 460 miles to/from Albuquerque two days ago - I was cruising at 70 mph with a really heavy cross wind. From out of no where - a semi truck passed me as if I was standing still. Scared me completely to death. I was fortunate that he was on the off-wind side of my bike or else I could have been road pizza.
So I am having problems seeing what is behind me. I have broad shoulders that are wider than the handle bars, and wider than the reach of the mirrors. To see behind me, I have to tuck in my elbows and push my face up to the mirror. I'm actually happy with the handle bars - but have looked at Elk Horns and mini - Apes, but I'm not sure they would help me. Do you guys have any suggestions?
So I am having problems seeing what is behind me. I have broad shoulders that are wider than the handle bars, and wider than the reach of the mirrors. To see behind me, I have to tuck in my elbows and push my face up to the mirror. I'm actually happy with the handle bars - but have looked at Elk Horns and mini - Apes, but I'm not sure they would help me. Do you guys have any suggestions?
Cruiser
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RE: Mirrors ..... or Handlebars?
My bars on my 06 XL883 were 28" and I had the same problems with mirrors. I scored a set of stock bars off a XL1200R on Ebay which measured 31" and had the same bend. I can see clearly now behind me and my hands feel like they're exactly where they should be. Hard to believe just 3" makes such a big difference but it does.
I paid about $30 for the bars with the chrome risers and top clamp and I didn't need to lengthen any cables. Cheaper than a set of mirrors!
I paid about $30 for the bars with the chrome risers and top clamp and I didn't need to lengthen any cables. Cheaper than a set of mirrors!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2005
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RE: Mirrors ..... or Handlebars?
Mikey Bad: What MuddyXL said! I had the same problem with my XL 883 C. I then bought the XL 1200 R with the 31 inchers. Problem solved. Also, I like the wider bars in city riding because of the lesser effort required to make steering changes. I am either going to sell the XL 883 or make it into a Trike for my wife, so haven't changed the bars on it as of yet. ............. BC
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: USA
RE: Mirrors ..... or Handlebars?
ORIGINAL: MikeyBad
While doing 460 miles to/from Albuquerque two days ago - I was cruising at 70 mph with a really heavy cross wind. From out of no where - a semi truck passed me as if I was standing still. Scared me completely to death. I was fortunate that he was on the off-wind side of my bike or else I could have been road pizza.
So I am having problems seeing what is behind me. I have broad shoulders that are wider than the handle bars, and wider than the reach of the mirrors. To see behind me, I have to tuck in my elbows and push my face up to the mirror. I'm actually happy with the handle bars - but have looked at Elk Horns and mini - Apes, but I'm not sure they would help me. Do you guys have any suggestions?
While doing 460 miles to/from Albuquerque two days ago - I was cruising at 70 mph with a really heavy cross wind. From out of no where - a semi truck passed me as if I was standing still. Scared me completely to death. I was fortunate that he was on the off-wind side of my bike or else I could have been road pizza.
So I am having problems seeing what is behind me. I have broad shoulders that are wider than the handle bars, and wider than the reach of the mirrors. To see behind me, I have to tuck in my elbows and push my face up to the mirror. I'm actually happy with the handle bars - but have looked at Elk Horns and mini - Apes, but I'm not sure they would help me. Do you guys have any suggestions?
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Orange VA
RE: Mirrors ..... or Handlebars?
ORIGINAL: MikeyBad
So I am having problems seeing what is behind me. I have broad shoulders that are wider than the handle bars, and wider than the reach of the mirrors. To see behind me, I have to tuck in my elbows and push my face up to the mirror. I'm actually happy with the handle bars - but have looked at Elk Horns and mini - Apes, but I'm not sure they would help me. Do you guys have any suggestions?
So I am having problems seeing what is behind me. I have broad shoulders that are wider than the handle bars, and wider than the reach of the mirrors. To see behind me, I have to tuck in my elbows and push my face up to the mirror. I'm actually happy with the handle bars - but have looked at Elk Horns and mini - Apes, but I'm not sure they would help me. Do you guys have any suggestions?
Lots more bucks to spend that route though as opposed to extended stem mirrors once you add the cost of the bars, new cables, and labor if someone else does the wrenching.
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RE: Mirrors ..... or Handlebars?
Sounds like you have been given a lot of good advice, personally, I like the looks of mini-apes on a bike. I guess that there is just a little of old fashion in me, but I just like the looks of apes on a bike. It will cost you a little more than a new standard bar or set of different mirrors, but it should help your reach out a little and might even make your ride more comfortable for you. Also, the mirror issue would be solved. Good luck on your decision.
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RE: Mirrors ..... or Handlebars?
Video camera mounted at the tag, screen mounted where mirrors were. Screen looks like a mirror, when camera is off it is a mirror. Saw this at our local Stereo installers shop. Pricey. Same type camera used on big RV's for backing up. But your problem would be solved and you would have one Hot set up.
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RE: Mirrors ..... or Handlebars?
ORIGINAL: Big Cholla
Mikey Bad: What MuddyXL said! I had the same problem with my XL 883 C. I then bought the XL 1200 R with the 31 inchers. Problem solved. Also, I like the wider bars in city riding because of the lesser effort required to make steering changes. I am either going to sell the XL 883 or make it into a Trike for my wife, so haven't changed the bars on it as of yet. ............. BC
Mikey Bad: What MuddyXL said! I had the same problem with my XL 883 C. I then bought the XL 1200 R with the 31 inchers. Problem solved. Also, I like the wider bars in city riding because of the lesser effort required to make steering changes. I am either going to sell the XL 883 or make it into a Trike for my wife, so haven't changed the bars on it as of yet. ............. BC
Does anybody know if the 31" bars are what comes on the XL1200C? Just wondering cause if they are not stock, I might like to get myself one.