Bar end expander too big? Use the small one already included

If the expander of your bar end mirror is too big for the hole in your handlebar, you do not need to return the mirror. On FAR bar end mirrors with a double expander, there is already a smaller expander inside the large one: pull off the large one, fit the mirror with the small one and tighten the screw just enough.

Why there are two expanders

The hole at the end of the handlebar is not the same on every bike: it depends on the handlebar and on the wall thickness of the tube. That is why many FAR bar end mirrors have a double expander: a large expander and, fitted inside it, a smaller one. They come already fitted one inside the other on the mirror screw, so at first sight they look like a single part.

The large expander is for wider holes, the small one for narrower holes. The product page, under “Mounting”, tells you whether your bar end mirror has the double expander and for which diameter: for example the New Minimal Long Rod 7788 has a double expander with M6 screw for Ø13–28 mm handlebars.

How to measure the handlebar hole

1. Remove the weight at the end of the handlebar: the tube must be open.
2. With a caliper, measure the inner diameter of the tube, that is the hole, not the outer diameter of the handlebar.
3. Measure in two directions, horizontally and vertically, and take the smaller figure.
4. Compare it with the diameter given on the product page of the bar end mirror, under “Mounting”.

No caliper? A ruler held across the edge of the hole gives a rough figure. If you are close to the limit on the product page, write to us before you order.

How to pull off the large expander

1. Try to push the mirror into the handlebar as it is, without forcing it. If it goes in, move on to tightening.
2. If it does not, loosen the screw a few turns so the expander goes back to its resting size.
3. Hold the mirror still and pull off the large expander, sliding it towards the tip of the screw.
4. The small expander stays on the screw, already in place: there is nothing else to take apart.
5. Push the mirror all the way into the handlebar, until its base rests against the end of the handlebar.

Keep the large expander: you will need it if you ever fit the mirror on a handlebar with a wider hole.

How to tighten the screw

Set the mirror where you want it and tighten the screw: as you tighten, the expander widens and locks against the inner wall of the tube.

• Tighten moderately and gradually: no force is needed.
• Do not overtighten: you could damage the screw or the expander.
• Try to turn the mirror by hand: if it rotates in the handlebar, tighten a little more and try again.
• Turn the handlebar from lock to lock and check that the mirror does not touch levers, controls or fairing.
• After the first few miles, check that it is still tight.

What not to do

• Do not file or cut the expander: it will no longer hold properly and the mirror may turn.
• Do not use a hammer to force it in: you will damage the expander, the mirror or the handlebar.
• Do not widen the handlebar hole with a drill or a file.
• There is no need to return the mirror: if the large expander will not go in, use the small one already included.

If even the small expander will not go in, or if the mirror turns even with the screw tight, write to us with the size of the hole and the code of the mirror.

When you need an adapter

The expander only works if the end of the handlebar is a plain, open tube. On some bikes it is not: the original weight is screwed into a threaded insert or held by a ring, as on some Yamaha, Kawasaki, Triumph and Honda models. In these cases neither the large nor the small expander will do: you need a dedicated adapter that takes the place of the weight and holds the bar end mirror.

The FAR adapters for each bike are listed in the guide How to choose bar end mirrors.

FAR bar end mirrors with double expander

Some bar end mirrors with an M8 screw come instead with kit G18BB927 (expander for Ø18–28 mm handlebars), for example the Black Orbit 7622: for 13 to 18 mm holes you need kit G18BB930, sold separately. Always check “Mounting” on the product page.

See bar end mirrorsGuide: how to choose bar end mirrors

Frequently asked questions

Why does my bar end mirror have two expanders?

Because handlebar holes are not all the same. The large expander is for wider holes, the small one, fitted inside the large one, for narrower holes. The product page gives the diameter they cover.

The expander is too big for my handlebar: do I have to return the mirror?

No. If your bar end mirror has the double expander, pull off the large expander and use the small one, already fitted on the screw. If even the small one will not go in, write to us before sending the mirror back.

How do I measure the handlebar hole?

Remove the bar end weight and measure the inner diameter of the tube with a caliper, horizontally and vertically. Compare the smaller figure with the diameter given on the product page of the bar end mirror.

Can I file or shorten the expander to make it fit?

No. A filed or cut expander no longer holds properly and the mirror may turn. Use the small expander included or, for models with kit G18BB927, kit G18BB930 for 13 to 18 mm holes.

How tight should the screw be?

Just tight enough: tighten moderately until the mirror no longer turns in the handlebar when you try to move it by hand. Overtightening does not help and can damage the screw or the expander.

My handlebar has a threaded end: will the expander work?

No, the expander is for plain, open tubes. If the handlebar end is threaded or has a retaining ring, you need the adapter for your bike: you will find them in the guide on how to choose bar end mirrors.