OEM mirrors

[montmil]

My 1981 R65 came with BMW OEM mirrors. All metal, short stem with chrome that was flaking at the handlebar perch attach point. No vibration but the nasty chrome lead to a pair of after market mirrors which I still have on both R65s.

The latest acquisition, an R100S, came with a single, universal, clamp-on handlebar-mounted mirror that was borderline useless; as the glass was positioned well inside the switch assembly. Had to go.

I searched multiple BMW dealer sites (pricey!) and accessory stores but did not find anything that met my needs until I crossed The Pond and checked in with Motobins. http://www.motobins.co.uk/

Their selection is extensive and I found what I wanted.

Here's where it gets interesting. The mirrors I purchased arrived promptly and I soon noticed they are from the same manufacturer as my old R65 mirrors - bumm-Spiegel and made in Germany. My old flaky chrome mirrors had the BMW logo along with the debossed name "bumm". I also recently saw a nasty pair of R65 mirrors on eBay and they were old chrome, as mine, and also had the bumm name.

The kicker is the new mirrors are exactly half the price from Motobins as the same mirrors from Bob's BMW.


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Look closely at the 12 o'clock position on the mirror head. You may be able to spot the bumm impression.

Motobins offers both the short or tall stalk, chrome or matte black, all at the same price.

Details to note:
The mirror stalks have a non-threaded, reduced diameter where they pass through the perch. A self-locking nut secures at the bottom. Both perches on the R100S are approx 0.50" - 13mm thick so my mirror selection was #90430 (left) and #90431 (right) for the short stalk, matte black finish.

To utilize these same mirrors on the R65, the left side is #90430. However, the right side has a thicker perch - 0.875"-22mm - due to the master cylinder mounting requirements. The correct right-side mirror is #90433. This mirror has a longer reduced diameter shank. Both are secured with nuts at the bottom.
   The use of these mirrors will possibly require running a drill bit through the mounting holes to remove the threads. I had one R65 mirror hole that was already boogered up.

The Motobins price is $27.26 each / 17£. Bob's BMW list is $47.00+ each.
Royal Air Mail was $22.45 / 14£. US shipping would likely be around $10.00-$15.00 based on weight. Either way, the bottom line is I saved $30.00 and installed OEM manufactured mirrors. BTW, they work great with zero mirror buzz at any rpm.

Confirm all dimensions and mirror styles prior to ordering as YMMV from mine.

[Barry]

Nice looking mirrors and a bargain price for OEM quality.

I have the original Bumm mirrors.  They are near perfect but now you mention it I notice the beginnings of the chrome flaking at the bottom of the stem on one of then. Shame they didn't make the stems of 304 stainless like the heads.

[montmil]

... now you mention it I notice the beginnings of the chrome flaking at the bottom of the stem on one of then...

It's just a guess on my part, but I've wondered if the pressure generated during the stem tightening install doesn't create strong forces on the chrome plating that causes the plating to eventually give way right at the base of the stem -usually at the hard edge where the outside diameters change dimensions.

That's one of the reasons I went with the matte black finish. That and the overall black color scheme of the R100S.

[tvrla]

I think you're right about the reason for the chrome flaking.

I've seen that the perch mounting (aluminum) tends to dish from the steel of the mirror stem. And then it's not held very tight and can change position fairly easily, or requires lots of torgue on the nut.

I used to find washers to protect the top side of the perch, but they'd dish as well. Something was needed that wouldn't dish and in that way also protect the mirror shaft.

The solution was hardened washers from the hardware store. They're not chromed or anything, but can be painted which works well enough.

[Red_Hen]

Nice mirrors, Monte.

I bought a new pair for my R65LS twice - the mirror backing was bad and looking into the mirror, I'd see a lot of black spots that I didn't like.

Moving quickly, as I often do, I ordered the long stemmed mirrors instead of the short ones.  Motobins would've exchanged them but I didn't want to pay the shipping back to England.  I put the long mirrors on Ebay and sold them right away - still was cheaper for the buyer from me than a US dealer.  

To not be completely self-depreciating, the Motobins website is a little hard to navigate - the pictures are really small and the descriptions somewhat incomplete (at least for me).  I rebuilt the oil/water pump on my K75S and after it arrived, I found out the impeller for the kit was different and I had to order that from Motobins again - frustrating.  But overall a good supplier.
For the R60/5, I'm looking to buy most of my parts from Hucky's and Euromotoelectric - just faster and easier if I need to make a return.

[montmil]

...the Motobins website is a little hard to navigate - the pictures are really small...

You are aware that by clicking on the small photos, a large photo opens?

[Graeme]

.......... Shame they didn't make the stems of 304 stainless like the heads.

It could be because Stainless Steel tends to "Work Harden" so vibration could have the effect of them snapping over time.

My limited knowledge of Yachts tell me that that is the reason that they use Zinc Coated Steel Cables on Mast stays, so I've been told.

[tvrla]

One of my bikes came with Harley mirrors and they were great. Just like the Bumms, mounted the same, but these were rectangular like the european police version (or so I've been told). High quality chrome - really nice, and they're about half the price of BMW.

[georgesgiralt]

Hi Guys,
While we are at it, could you please help me :
This spring I've removed the RT fairing my '82 R65 had since bought new. (a French option devised by the importer to help selling them)
I needed mirrors, so bought the plastic short handed ones.
I think they are a bit short.
Would the longer one make a difference  ? Or are they too long for the job ?
I can't ascertain  what kind of mirrors had been fitted by the factory, as advice seems to be as numbered as people I ask ...
Thanks for your help.

[montmil]

Mirror selection for the R65 can be frustrating, especially if you have the lower "euro" bars fitted. Both my R65s have the lower bars, which I prefer, although quite a few North American imports had a higher bar fitted.

The short stalks can be problematic, often requiring moving about on the seat to confirm no banditos on your six. I've learned to deal with it although it would be nice to be able to take a quick rearward glance without the gymnastics.

The mirror install on the R100S, even with the short stalks, does not have the "cramped" rear view due to the slightly wider than stock low bars installed.

The long stalk mirrors would probably clear the dreaded arm pit view but I think they give the bike more of an insect look.

[smiley=2cents.gif]

[livingdeadhead]

a solution? when i need a clear unrestricted view to check behind , i check my left mirror but lift my left arm up out of the way, voila!

[Red_Hen]

Yes but images are still very small.

...the Motobins website is a little hard to navigate - the pictures are really small...

You are aware that by clicking on the small photos, a large photo opens?

[tvrla]

I'm with Monte on the short/long stem mirror dilemma. I position mine so I can see the lane to the side of me at a glance; when a quick lane change is needed I don't want to be futzing around ensuring I won't be violating some law of physics putting two things in the same space.

What's behind me isn't near as important.

[steve hawkins]

In the UK we are taught not to rely on mirrors, as there will aways be a blind spot and a numpty sat in it.

So before making any manouvre look over which ever shoulder is relevent before a change of direction.  These are called 'lifesavers' and you will not pass your motorcycle test unless you are demonstrabely (?) carrying out appropriate lifesavers for 100% of the time you are out on the road with an examiner.

I am not saying you should abandon your mirrors, but you should always be looking over your shoulder 'checking you six' before turning or changing lane.  And there is aways a cyclist comming up on the inside when in the towns.......

This means that I set my mirror for a good general view to the rear, even if it means I have to move my head a bit to view it.  Its even worse with the bar end mirrors.  

I will ride quite happily without a mirror.  As long as my helmet does not restrict my view too much - which is why I prefer open face helmets...

Rev. Light

[Red_Hen]

I agree about turning your head before making lane changes - the only challenge I have these days is my head doesn't turn as fluidly as it used to!  Wonder if they make small spot mirrors for m/c's  like the do for cars & trucks?