How to choose bar end mirrors

To fit a bar end mirror, the end of the handlebar must be open and you need to know its inner diameter, because the mirror is fixed inside the tube with an expander that has to suit that size. Then choose between a road-approved model and a track model, and fit it so that you can see clearly behind you from the riding position.

What a bar end mirror is

A bar end mirror fits at the end of the handlebar, in place of the bar end weight, instead of on the threaded mount near the controls. It is fixed with an expander: a plug that goes into the tube and, as you tighten the screw, widens and locks against the inner wall. That is why the size that counts is the inner diameter of the handlebar.

Many FAR bar end mirrors fit either side, above or below the handlebar, and are sold individually. Some models do more: the Black Star has a built-in lever guard, the Viper Shield Lever combines hand guard, lever guard, mirror and LED light.

The inner diameter of the handlebar

1. Remove the weight from the end of the handlebar: the tube must be open.
2. Measure the inner diameter of the tube with a caliper.
3. Compare the measurement with the diameter stated on the bar end mirror’s product page.

Double expander: if the large one will not go in

Many FAR bar end mirrors have a double expander: a large expander and, fitted inside it, a smaller one, both already on the mirror screw. If the large expander will not go into your handlebar hole, pull it off and fit the mirror with the small one: there is no need to file anything or return the mirror. The product page, under “Mounting”, tells you which expander your model has. All the steps, with a diagram, are in the guide Bar end expander too big? Use the small one already included.

Threaded handlebar ends or retaining rings: adapters

On some bikes the end of the handlebar is not a plain tube: the weight is screwed into a threaded insert or held by a ring (the Triumph “friction ring”). In these cases the universal expander is not enough and you need an adapter that screws or fits in place of the weight and takes the bar end mirror.

For Triumph there are also the C0304044AN end caps for a clean finish. For the Honda X-ADV there is kit 8219, with the pair of mirrors and the adapters included.

Bar end weights and fitting

To fit a bar end mirror you have to remove the original weight: the mirror takes its place. The original weight also helps damp handlebar vibration, so keep it: you will need it if you ever refit the original mirrors. If the weight will not come off, or if you have heated grips, have the job done by a workshop.

After fitting, turn the handlebar from lock to lock and check that the mirror does not touch levers, controls or the windscreen, and that the expander is properly tight.

Road approval and visibility

A bar end mirror can be road-approved too, if it passes the tests of UN Regulation No 81 and carries the E mark. Road use requires approved mirrors: on FAR product pages the green “ECE homologated” badge shows it. Models such as the AeroPrism are for track or racing instead.

The regulation also requires the mirrors fitted to the bike to:

• be two, one on each side, on two-wheelers faster than 50 km/h;
• stay steady in their position under normal use;
• have the centre of the mirror at least 280 mm from the vertical plane through the centre of the steering head;
• be adjustable by the rider in the riding position.

In practice: sit on the bike, adjust the mirror and check that you see the road behind you and not just your arm. If it is blocked, try fitting it below the handlebar instead of above. All the details are in the guide to approved mirrors.

See bar end mirrorsSee adapters and kits

Frequently asked questions

Do bar end mirrors fit every motorcycle?

They fit bikes whose handlebar end is open and whose inner diameter is within the size stated on the product page. If the handlebar end is threaded or has a retaining ring, you need the adapter made for your bike.

How do I measure the inner diameter of the handlebar?

Remove the weight from the end of the handlebar and measure the inner diameter of the tube with a caliper. Compare it with the size on the product page, for example Ø13–28 mm or Ø18–28 mm.

The expander will not go into the handlebar: what should I do?

If your bar end mirror has the double expander, pull off the large one and use the small one, already fitted on the screw: there is no need to return the mirror. For models with kit G18BB927 (Ø18–28 mm) there is kit G18BB930 for 13 to 18 mm holes. If it still will not go in, write to us.

Are bar end mirrors road-approved?

Some are, some are not. FAR has road-approved bar end mirrors and bar end mirrors for track or racing: check the green “ECE homologated” badge or the yellow notice on the product page before ordering.

Do I have to remove the original bar end weights?

Yes, the bar end mirror fits in their place, at the end of the handlebar. Keep them: you will need them if you ever refit the original mirrors.

Can I fit bar end mirrors on a scooter?

On some, yes. For example, for the Yamaha TMAX 560 from 2022 there is the Roadster 7820TM bar end mirror, for the Honda X-ADV kit 8219 and for the Yamaha XMAX the C0105917VN adapters.