The last thing any bike riders want is for their mirrors to become loose. Issues like these can cause a great deal of difficulty to see the road when driving, making it quite dangerous. This is why it is important for bike riders to learn how to correctly adjust motorcycle mirrors to steer clear from trouble.
Some people wouldn’t think twice before removing mirrors from their motorcycles. They don’t consider them important without realizing that a motorcycle mirror is just as important as any other component of your ride e.g. clutch lever, front wheel, brake pads, etc.
In this piece, we will talk about how to tighten the mirror arms of your bike to ensure you don’t have to worry about encountering blind spots when riding.
How to Tighten a Motorcycle Mirror the Ultimate Guide
Whether it is your left mirror or the right one, it is important to learn how to tighten the mirror arms of your motorcycle.
Sure, your riding position may allow you to see the road clearly, but it is vital to practice motorcycle safety and steer clear from taking risks. Remember, personal safety is vital for bike riders and without it, people can face dangerous situations.
If you have been riding motorbikes for a long time and have noticed your mirrors vibrating too frequently, you are not alone. Believe it or not, thousands, if not millions of bike riders face this issue one time or another.
Once their mirror gets lose, it can fall off when riding, resulting in a blind spot. Of course, this can be quite dangerous, but why does this happen to begin with?
Why Do Mirrors Get Lose?
Several reasons explain why the stock mirrors of your bike may become loose. First off, the vibration you notice usually happens because of the motorcycle’s engine as it runs constantly when your bike is in use.
In addition, resistance caused by the wind can also cause your motorcycle’s mirrors to vibrate, especially when you are riding your bike at incredibly high speeds.
In some cases, road bumps can also result in vibration, even causing new mirrors to shake when you are riding your motorcycle. If you notice your mirrors shaking too much, consider changing lanes and adjust the mirror as the smallest blind spot can result in an accident.
While these steps may seem insignificant, they can make a world of difference and ensure you are safe if your mirrors are adjusted properly.
How to Spot a Loose Mirror
There are a few telltale signs that can help you determine whether the mirrors of your motorcycle are lose and need to be fixed. If the mirror is shaking or wobbling too much, there is a good chance that it is not properly attached to your motorcycle.
There could be an issue with the ball socket of the mirror and may need to be looked at by a professional.
However, of the ball socket is not the problem, you may need to look at the screws and bolts of the motorcycle mirror. In some cases, simply tightening the screws is enough to make sure that your mirror is in the right position and does not fall off when you are taking a ride.
Important Tools Needed to Tighten Motorcycle Mirrors
If you want to tighten the mirrors of your motorcycle the right way, you will require a screw driver, tape measure, drill, socket set, rachet, plyers, wire cutters and hummers.
These tools are vital to tighten mirrors properly, making sure you do not have to worry about encountering a blind spot in the future.
Steps to Make Your Motorcycle’s Mirrors Tighter than Ever
Before you take your motorbike out on the road, you must make sure that your mirrors are adjusted the right way. If they are not, you could may not be able to spot a car or other vehicles, which will significantly increase your chances of encountering an accident.
To steer clear of dangerous situations, it would be best to spot the adjustment screws present on your mirror.
More often than not, these screws are located at the bottom or top side of the motorcycle mirror frame. After spotting the screws, take a screwdriver and turn them clockwise, making sure you tighten the mirror properly.
Make sure that you do not over tighten your mirror. Otherwise, you can risk stripping it off. After making sure both the screws are fixed, jump on your bike and take it out for a spin to check whether you will encounter a blind spot or not.
If you do, make sure to make adjustments to the mirrors to avoid putting yourself in harms way.
Sure, this step may take some time, but it will make sure that you remain safe and can drive your motorcycle with piece of mind.
Why You Should Correctly Adjust Motorcycle Mirrors
Driving a motorcycle is already dangerous to begin with and not taking care of your vehicle’s mirrors only makes things more complicated. Remember, the mirrors of your motorcycle help you check anything that is behind you.
Now, let us look at some important tips that motorcycle riders need to follow to ensure their mirrors are in excellent condition.
- Believe it or not, motorcycle mirrors are arguably the most overlooked part of bikes. However, you should pay as much attention them as other parts to avoid a blind spot while driving.
- In case your motorcycle mirrors have gone through too much wear and tear, it would be best to replace them with new mirrors
- Motorcycle mirrors often tend to accumulate grime and dust, which makes it difficult for riders to see what is behind them and increases blind spots
- Even if your motorcycle mirror is in excellent condition, it would be best to clean it on a regular basis to avoid road accidents and other dangerous situations
- Sometimes, motorcycle mirrors tend to be out of position and merely making a tiny adjustment can help ensure you are safe
- More often than not, a motorcycle mirror is quite inexpensive, so there is nothing wrong with investing in a new one if it is worn out. A high quality motorcycle mirror can last for many years, making it a worthy investment for motorcycles.
Final Thoughts
Don’t take any component of your motorcycle for granted. It’s there because it’s needed, and motorcycle mirrors are no exception. They allow you to look over your shoulders without turning your head. Don’t forget, rotating your head while riding can cause you to lose control and fall over. So, make sure the pair of your shoulder check components are tight and clean before you ride your bike.