The Best Motorcycle Mirrors (Review) in 2023 | Autance

Nearly all modern motorcycles come with mirrors, but in many cases, they are either too small or they don’t give the rider great visibility because of their position. Sometimes standard mirrors don’t look as stylish as their aftermarket counterparts, or they wear out over time.

In this guide, we take a look at some of the best motorcycle mirrors available today and detail what each of them offers. At the end of the day, safety is of the utmost importance when riding and it pays to have great visibility.

The Best Motorcycle Mirror

Best Motorcycle Mirrors Buying Guide & FAQs

It doesn’t matter where you’re riding, safety should always be a priority. Many motorcycles have mirrors that don’t give you the best view or don’t suit your riding position. There’s no reason to struggle or take risks when the stock mirrors can easily be swapped out for aftermarket replacements that offer much more visibility.

Sometimes the OEM mirrors are just fine, but you might want to change the style of your bike with something funky yet functional.

There is a wide range of motorcycle mirrors on the market in a variety of materials and styles. They even come with different fitment methods, and some have built-in LED turn signals. We look at some of the best motorcycle mirrors on the market to help you find the best ones for your bike.

Benefits of Motorcycle Mirrors

The main benefit of having a motorcycle mirror is safety. Motorcycles move fast, and motorists may not see them because of their small size. Because of this, good visibility is critical when you’re riding a bike. If the mirrors are too small or aren’t in the best position to provide good visibility, the rider may have to physically look behind the bike when riding.

This means that his or her attention is not on the road ahead and the risk of an accident increases. Better visibility also makes riders feel more comfortable because they have an all-around view of their surroundings.

Another benefit of aftermarket mirrors is that they improve the look of a bike. Many stock mirrors are boring and don’t stand out. Getting a set of side mirrors in the right style can drastically improve the appearance of the bike and make it more attractive.

Depending on where you live, there may be legal requirements when it comes to mirrors. Some states don’t require mirrors, some only require one, and others require two. It’s best to be compliant with the laws in your home state and keep in mind the laws in other states if you plan on traveling.

• Motorcycle mirrors improve safety.
• They provide visibility for peace of mind.
• They are often necessary for legal reasons.

Types of Motorcycle Mirrors

There is a huge selection of mirrors for motorcycles in stores and online. They cater to different types of bikes and come in many different shapes and sizes. Many of them also have different mounting methods. Some are mounted using stems on the handlebars, while others fit on the fairing or on the end of the handlebars. We take a look at the most common types below.

• Fairing-Mounted Mirrors

Fairing-mounted mirrors are normally mounted directly onto the fairing with bolts. Not all bikes have fairings, and they are mainly used on sport bikes and touring bikes. Quite often, the mirrors on these bikes are designed to be aerodynamic to match the fairing. As a result, they have less wind interference and usually have less vibration.

While it may vary depending on the bike, experts don’t recommend replacing fairing-mounted mirrors with bar end mirrors, especially if you are planning on riding at high speeds. There are a number of aftermarket fairing-mounted mirrors available, some of which even have built-in turn signals.

• Bar End Mirrors

Bar end mirrors fit onto the ends of the handlebars. Most stock bikes don’t come with bar end mirrors, so they have to be purchased as aftermarket options. Depending on the bike, you may have to cut or drill the end of the grip might for installation.

In some cases, fitment can be easy, and in other cases it can be difficult. It depends on the type of bike and type of mirrors.  Bar end mirrors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, are easy to install, and most are very adjustable.

Because they sit on the widest part of the handlebars, most bar end mirrors offer great visibility, but they also make the bike wider, which can be a disadvantage in tight spaces when you’re trying to park or maneuver your bike.

• Bar-Mounted Mirrors

These are usually the stock mirrors on your bike that are connected to the handlebars with a stem that sits before the grip. Because these mirrors are closer together, they may provide a narrow field of vision. They can also look a bit awkward and spoil the styling of a motorcycle.

These standard mirrors are generally easy to install and come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. Because they don’t stick out, they allow the bike to squeeze into tighter spaces. They are often more aerodynamic than bar end mirrors, which can increase wind resistance.

What to Consider When Buying the Best Motorcycle Mirrors

With so many options out there, it can be difficult to choose the best option for your bike. Apart from visibility, there are other features to consider when trying to find aftermarket motorcycle mirrors. There’s no point in investing in mirrors that won’t last or mirrors that won’t fulfill your needs. We take a look at some of the features you should consider.

• Construction

Choose the best materials possible. Some of the best ones come in CNC billet aluminum or ABS plastic. The aluminum works well in most weather conditions and is durable. Plastic is also weather-resistant, but it gets scratched easily and sometimes doesn’t hold up well in extreme heat.

The construction of the mounting equipment is just as important as the mirror itself. If the sleeves, plugs, etc. are not good quality, they can cause the mirrors to come loose or even break off when riding. Ideally, the whole unit should be able to stand up to years of use.

• Glass Type

Many different types of glass are used in the construction of motorcycle mirrors, and it’s best to choose the one that offers you the best visibility. Mirrors can come in either flat or convex glass. Flat glass accurately shows the distance of objects but has a narrower field of vision. Convex glass is curved outward and has a wider field of vision, but it distorts the distance to show objects closer than they really are.

It’s also worth checking out whether the glass has an anti-glare coating or not. Some riders prefer the anti-glare coating, while others complain that it inhibits visibility, especially at night.

• Size 

Replacement mirrors come in all shapes and sizes, including circles, squares, teardrops, and hawk-eyes. It’s best to get ones that provide great visibility but still look good on the bike. The size of the mirror is sometimes related to the type of mounting system that you are using.

Bar end mirrors offer great visibility but are generally smaller than some of the other mirror types. Normal handlebar mirrors often come in larger sizes and have many novelty options like skeletons or blades.

It’s also worth noting that many smaller mirrors have convex surfaces to make up for their lack of size. Whichever option you choose, visibility should be more important than style.

Tips for Buying and Using Motorcycle Mirrors

Choose a mirror that matches your bike’s style. Lots of chrome and skeletons might work well on a cruiser or chopper, but won’t look good on a sportbike. Some of the plastic aerodynamic mirrors from a sportbike might not look good on a dirt bike.

There are many aftermarket motorcycle mirrors that come with built-in LED turn signals. These are great safety features and work especially well after dark. Again, they might be worth getting if your bike is a daily commuter, but maybe not if you are casually riding your scooter over the weekend. LED mirrors can also be more complicated to install because they need to be wired into the bike.

An often overlooked factor when buying an aftermarket motorcycle mirror is the length of the stem. Longer stems can help with visibility, but they can also get in the way. Some stems can make the bike look amazing, while others can spoil the whole look.

• Choose a mirror that suits your bike.
• Decide whether you want an LED light or not.
• Choose the correct mirror stem.

Best Motorcycle Mirrors FAQs

We’ve covered most of the details regarding replacement mirrors for motorcycles as well as the different types that are available. We’ve also touched on the pros and cons of each and what features to look for. Here are some of the more commonly asked questions by people who are looking to replace their motorcycle mirrors.

Our Top Pick

Our top pick is the Kemimoto Bar End Mirrors. They offer excellent durability and are ideal for all weather conditions. The mirrors are large and have an anti-glare coating, which enhances visibility. They also have fantastic build quality and are compatible with most motorcycle brands.