Adapting Mirror Adapters

[logan176]

I have never liked how mirror adapters make the mirrors a little higher. I was playing around the other day and realized that if I take the chrome nut off the adapter, I can get the mirror down a little further. However, the mirror will not stay in place.

It has been a real long time since I have used loctite. Will loctite be strong enough to keep my mirror in place? Will I be able to remove the mirror if necessary?
http://www.shadowriders.net/forums/vbpicgallery.php?do=big&p=688

[NoizeBoy]

Logan, I had the exact same issue with the adaptors making the mirror too high. From my experience, no, the loctite was not enough to keep it in place. It would do fine for a couple of short rides, then would start drifting more and more until it was completely loose.

After a while, I got tired of it and got handy with a drill. I fould an allen bolt that fit my mirror. Then, after taking off my clutch lever, from the bottom side of the mount, drilled out the stem of the mount until I could get that allen bolt up inside the stem. Then just tightened up the bolt into the mirror.

It took some trial and error, but was worth it in the long run.

Good luck,

NB

[logan176]

Noizeboy, that is a good idea. The clutch side is the side that is giving me problems too.

[bones]

I had the same problem with my old mirrors adapters sat too high and were always loosening up when I got my new mirrors I got harley mirrors and drilled the holes out and drilled a larger hole on the bottom of the clutch side to recess the head of the bolt. They fit real tight now and look soo much better.

[pegscraper]

I just used some mirror adaptor, adaptor, adaptors! It's an adaptor that adapts to the adaptor for the adaptor to eliminate the adaptors! Worked really well!

Pegscanhelp

[logan176]

I just drilled and attached the allen bolt an hour ago. Let me tell you...it ROCKS! I love the lower profile look I get now and those mirror arms aren't budging. I'll post pics once I finish the Scootworks 1.5" rear drop.

[Wild Coyote]

What size drill bit you all using? I'm going to have to do that with my mirrors.

[NoizeBoy]

I want to say I used a 1/2", but it's been a while. How about you, Logan - you did it.


All depends on the size of the allen bolt that you find to fit the mirror. It's got to be allen or torx though - it would be a pain in the ass to get a socket up in there.

[logan176]

Noiseboy is right, I used a 1/2" bit too. Take your time with the angeling while you drill. The metal is very soft, so drill slowly. I actually drilled too far at first but the extra bolt I bought came in handy. The allen bolt I used was a 5/16-18 regular thread. The allen key that fits the bolt is a 1/4". The mirror I have is an Arlen Ness. The treading on yours may be different, so take the mirror with you when you go to the hardware store.

I drilled the clutch lever side for my mirror. The original hole does not go all the way through so you have to eye it up real well before you drill. You'll also have to drill down far enough so that the head of the allen bolt slides all the way in the lever. Otherwise, the clutch lever will not pull all the way. I would also suggest taking the lever off the bike before you drill. I tried the lazy way and almost lost a finger!

[NoizeBoy]

I think I ended up grinding the bolt head down a little so that it fit and and flush up inside the mount. Otherwise, I ran into the same problem - the clutch wouldn't engage the whole way.

Well worth the effort though...

[Wild Coyote]

Anyone have some pictures of this, the before after? I want to do it. Sounds great.

[Wild Coyote]

No pictures needed. I drilled that bitch out today. Counter sunk the allen head, bolted them on. Looks much better that having those damn bolt adapters. Great little mod. Quick, easy and cheap! Thanks for the info guys!

[Wild Coyote]

I'll have pics posted of it in my photo gallery soon.