All round observation - using blind spot mirrors

[Cie]

I've been using blind spot mirrors for almost a year now, after seeing them on one of my IAM observer's bikes. I didn't ask him about how he used them, whether they were useful or actually helped.



They take a little while to set up, but once they're done I find they really do help in maintaining all round observation. There's a bit of an art to using them, because if you're not quick with it, you look at two mirrors instead of one. I tend to look directly at the blindspot mirror, using "peripheral" vision to also look into the main mirror.

Mine cost £5 from Halfords, are plastic and use doubled sided sticky pads to secure. The beauty is that they can be easily removed/moved if you don't get it right first time.



Anyone else use them?

[YEN_POWELL]

I did my whole Morocco trip with a single blind spot mirror bolted to the left hand handlebar and left the original mirrors at home. There is a definite art to making sure you still have 3 bikes behind you at all times, lots of ducking and squinting usually.

[Lam]

Yep this is a good move.I've used them for years,helps you spot the wild boy couriers/dispatch rider's sneaking up on you

Highly recommended

[samben]

Looks like a good idea and a fiver is not a lot of money for added safety,

[Sharribee]

Looks like an excellent idea Cie, something I could do with. Always think I look over my shoulder before changing lanes but did get caught out this week on the M4 nearly ended up in the side of a people carier made me think how often do I forget.

[Lam]

for what it's worth use the round one's they fit neater

[jasonbc]

surely the best all round vision and cheapest, is just turning your head so you can see whats going around

[nomad]

surely the best all round vision and cheapest, is just turning your head so you can see whats going around

here,here

[McFly]

My `Twin had them fitted when I bought it, I do use them and you do have much better vision but they can make you lazy. Just cos you think you CAN see everything doesn`t mean you HAVE seen everything!
My KTM has no mirrors at all cos they`d just get snapped off, makes you very aware of and very good at shoulder checks!

[Lam]

surely the best all round vision and cheapest, is just turning your head so you can see whats going around

yes,but if mirror's are fitted to your bike you may as well maximise there useage,because big trailies are tall they do create a blind spot far worse than lower down machine's.

Anyway from what I've seen most biker's tend to move out and look around at the same time,some day there will be something in that blind spot