The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Jeremy R65 on March 10, 2015, 03:44:42 PM

Title: how to rectify a loose droopy wing mirror -
Post by: Jeremy R65 on March 10, 2015, 03:44:42 PM
Gentlemen.  Got the bike going today as it was bright and sunny.  The left hand wing mirror droops as it is loose on its adjusting swivel.  Any one got experience of what can be done to tighten it up?  I wound it around a bit to no avail.  It looks like I may have to take the glass out to get at the pivot, but the black plastic mounting rim is 35 years old and does not feel like it wants to come out easily.  I wonder about putting it in hot water to soften it...... suggestions welcomed.  Picture shows the type of mirror (albeit the other side).  Thanks Jeremy
Title: Re: how to rectify a loose droopy wing mirror -
Post by: montmil on March 11, 2015, 10:15:45 AM
That's likely an inexpensive aftermarket mirror. Save yourself some time and a destroyed mirror with a possible blood sacrifice. Buy another one.

It's my personal experience that most eco mirrors will vibrate at different rev ranges. On my '81's similar matte black mirrors, I have added small, round, stick-on wide angle mirrors that are very helpful in reducing the "armpit mirror check" image that the narrow euro bars help create.

I bought benuine BMW-sourced mirrors for the R100S that are totally vibration free. Motobins sells the Bumm brand mirrors used by BMW Motorrad. Far less expensive than from my local stealership.
Title: Re: how to rectify a loose droopy wing mirror -
Post by: Ed Miller on March 11, 2015, 01:53:53 PM
These are what I have on my R65:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/21603/i/bikemaster-stainless-mirror?WT.ac=SLIsearch

They have nuts to adjust how difficult it is to change the position.
Some PO had already modified the mirror threads on my bike to fit those threads.  They are bigger than the factory BMW mirror hole threads.  But I think that yours have probably been modified, too.
Title: Re: how to rectify a loose droopy wing mirror -
Post by: montmil on March 11, 2015, 02:42:47 PM
Hmmm...   Here I thought the issue was looseness at the mirror head to stem junction.
Title: Re: how to rectify a loose droopy wing mirror -
Post by: Jeremy R65 on March 12, 2015, 06:22:16 AM
It is.  the issue is the swivel joint between mirror and stem being sloppy, not the fit of the stem in the handlebars.
Title: Re: how to rectify a loose droopy wing mirror -
Post by: marcmax on March 12, 2015, 07:41:23 AM
My experience with mirrors is that once the swivel joint between the mirror and the stem loosens, anything you do to tighten it is only temporary. Time to replace the mirror.
Title: Re: how to rectify a loose droopy wing mirror -
Post by: clonmore1 on March 13, 2015, 03:02:25 AM
Nice part of the world you live in Jeremy!

Have you thought of changing the look of the bike and going for bar end mirrors?

I have the same problem as you, haven't quite got to that point yet, but will need to make a decision in the next few weeks.
Title: Re: how to rectify a loose droopy wing mirror -
Post by: Jeremy R65 on March 15, 2015, 03:07:59 PM
I may well do that Chris.  I have fitted Stadium/Halcyon Bar end mirrors to all of my Velocettes over the years and they work well.  Yes - it is a nice part of the world, and very central for getting elsewhere when you need to.  Been here some 20 years now.