VFR Mirror Extenders
Now, for the good stuff
The original 'howto' page.
These are some pix of the mirror extenders I fabricate using liquid plastic
casting. It's actually quite simple to do, and I wanted an alternative to
buying them for ~$60 from a retailer.
Below are some images of the mirror extenders, both on my '00 VFR and
another lister's '94-'97 (don't recall exact year, but it does have the condom
style mirrors).
Installation Guide
1. Remove your existing mirrors, save all parts (just in case you're not satisfied).
On the '00 (not sure about the other years), leave the rubber gasket on the fairing
2. Using the cap head screws provided, guide the extender/mirror assembly into the mounting
holes and tighten the rear screw first.
NOTE: My drill press has a tendency to wander. If the front screw does not line up,
PLEASE do not force it, just redrill the front hole with a 5/16" or 3/8" bit.
That should give you enough wiggle to mount it w/o shredding the threads of the subframe.
2nd NOTE: Don't torque the screws too hard or you risk cracking your fairing/windscreen!
I take NO RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER should you crack your fairing or windscreen.
I no longer have these available. This page is only a how to.
Questions, comments
? Email me at mailto:y2kvfr@gmail.com
Are you on the VFR Mailing List? You should be!
Here's what a VFR Lister had to say about the prototype:
There has been a great deal of interest on the list regarding mirror extenders and in particular those made by Travis.
So let me fess up and admit I purchased a set from Travis a couple of weeks ago to install on my '95 VFR.
I've taken this time to do some riding so that I could present the list withan objective review.
First, I removed my 'condom' style mirrors and mounted the extenders with a pair of newly purchased Y2K mirrors.
The extenders appear to fit fine, with the 'condom' style mirrors as well.
I'm one of the few listers who harbor no ill-will to the 'condom' style mirrors and the only reason I replaced them is because the Y2K mirrors fold in for easier access into my cluttered garage or through a narrow door frame such as, say, a motel room.
Y2K mirrors are approximately the same length as the 'condom' style mirrors.
Appearance: Travis' mirror extenders look as if they came right from the factory. The heavy duty plastic is white and painted black. It is my understanding, however, the new extenders Travis will make will be molded in black plastic. Looking at the extenders you would be hard pressed to know these are homemade. When installed they look like factory equipment. VFR owners may discern the difference between VFR's with extenders and those without, but most riders will not know the difference.
Fit: Fit is perfect. Unbolt the old mirrors, place the extenders over the rubber seal already on the bike with the 'condom' mirrors and then the mirrors over the top and attach with the stainless steel allen screw that Travis sends with the extenders. Note that there is a slight difference in configuration between the Y2K mirror base and the 'condom' base and therefore the rubber seal but once attached this is not very visible with the Y2K mirrors.
Function: I've now ridden with the extenders about 300 miles. There is no more vibration in the mirrors than in the past. Appears to be no issue. Extension? The left side mirror enjoys a significant difference providing about one and a half inch more of mirror face. The right side is less dramatic with perhaps 3/4 inch more mirror face. Overall, it is a very noticeable improvement. It is not a perfect view to the back but a marked improvement. I noticed I find myself turning over my shoulder far less now than before especially when making lane changes.
Value: $15 with the stainless steel allen screws? Its an indication to me that Travis doesn't plan to become wealthy providing these to fellow listers. More of an interest/service? To me, worth every penny and installation was a snap. Purchase risk factor is very low.
Score: On a scale of 10 in the context of providing a substantive improvementto my '95 VFR I give them them a 9.3.
Post to VFR list reprinted with author's permission.
Other Testimonials:
-Travis, I got them and they look great!!!
-I installed them this morning, and tested them out ridingto the USPS during this brief spell of warm, sunny weather.I mailed your payment, and will be glad to offer up anytestimony to the list for any potential future buyers.
-Thanks a bunch for the mirror extenders.. They have improved my vision tremendously. No trouble on the install...
Here's a picture of the 'production' version extender on a VFR with the 'older' condom style mirrors.
Another Lister has provided some pix of the extender (close ups) with the older style mirrors
Where in the world
So, where are the mirror extenders?
In the USA:
Across the globe:
Images copyright (c) Travis B. Sawyer, 2003, Re-use
with permission only.
