coaxed a bit by KKim, I am going to attempt to do a DIY on the SW-Motech mirror extenders. Ran into some snags that I will point out. Sorry if I took too many pics.

I first learned about them from Zail. Py2e later posted some pics and so I decided to buy myself a set.

Additional items needed:
#6 allen wrench
blue lock-tight

I put blue lock-tight liquid on the bolts. It was too hard to do with one hand, so I didn't take a pic of it.

Here is a pic of the contents. As some of you know, one of the bolts were defective. I have e-mailed them about the problem but have had no response yet. I went out and bought a replacement. I didn't use the ones in the kit.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/kitcontents.jpg

Start by removing only the top foam bolt covers. I took off the bottom also, but found that it wasn't necessary so I put them back on.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/peeloffrubbercover.jpg

Remove the bolt with a #6 allen wrench.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/removebolt.jpg

Remove the mirror assembly. Here is the order the washers are in.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/orderofbolts.jpg

deviation from picture... Initially, I had the supplied washer on the top of the extender. After I installed it, it seemed like it should be on the bottom instead. I switched it, but didn't take a pic of it.
Holding the supplied washer in place on the bottom of the extender, put extender in stock location and secure with stock bolt, nut and washers.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/DSC_0014.jpg
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/DSC_0015.jpg

Holding the top and bottom washers in place on the mirror assembly, bolt in place with supplied allen bolt:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/DSC_0016.jpg
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/DSC_0017.jpg

Cover the bolt heads with supplied caps:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/DSC_0018.jpg

One side finished:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/DSC_0019.jpg

Comparison shot:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/DSC_0026.jpg
yeah, i know i have rusty handlebar bolts (that is next)
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/DSC_0021.jpg

extended side with arm in riding position:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/DSC_0024.jpg

stock side with arm in riding position:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/DSC_0025.jpg

Repeat same for other side and you are done :) (included a gratuitous shot of my HID) :
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/DSC_0032.jpg
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/sound_wavez/mirror%20extender/DSC_0031.jpg

Impression: Seems like a good kit (except for that defective bolt). I haven't ridden it yet since installing it, but I can definitely see more directly behind me than before. Seems like I won't have to tuck in my arm as much to see what is behind me.

Good work! Looks like they could be pretty useful...

Looks like a good Idea...might have to do this, right after I finish the other 10 things on my list :p

Hooray!!

Thanks, Gary!
:D

what web site did you order them from i will have to do this aswell :thumbup:

what web site did you order them from i will have to do this aswell :thumbup:

oops sorry, i forgot to put the link: http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2516/704/

thanks guys. i gotta give credit to the people who do those complicated DIYs. this one was pretty easy, but taking the pics easily doubled the install time.

btw. i took my bike for a ride. i feel more confident that i have a better idea of what is going on behind me now. i didn't have to tuck my arms in anymore to see behind me. at freeway speeds, the mirrors were as stable as they were stock.

i kept messing with one of them trying to get it "just right" and it became loose at one of the joints. i guess the lock-tight wasn't dry yet? idk.

excellent diy sw. i didn't use loctite, but it seems to be holding up.

howzit gary!

good job on the DIY!
the shots you took of the rear view with extended then the older mirror really illustrates the difference between the two.

i shall expect this forum to benefit from MANY more DIY's you'll produce in the future! :hitputer:

:D

Would be nice to see around my arms. Just wondering if this would cause any probs splitting lanes. Gets tight in there sometimes, wouldn't want to smack some mirrors along the way!

oh, just an update. the vendor did send me 2 new bolts by UPS second day air. don't know what to do with them, but i wanted them for principle's sake. i am happy with their customer service.

Gary, Way to go! :thumbup: This is an excellent DIY. Thanks for posting it. I just ordered a set of extenders today. TT is really funny. I called them months ago (Nov '09) and was told these won't work on the '08-'09s! ha ha :eek: That's why I installed the spot mirrors. Now the extenders will really enhance the spots!

Thanks again! :)

Installation complete. These are definitely the way to go!!!! :thumbup:

:) :thumbup:

Are these worth it or will the convex mirrors work ok?

Are these worth it or will the convex mirrors work ok?

$65 + S&H was pretty steep, but they are well made. I already had the spot mirrors installed, the same as Gary. Now, I am able to see past my shoulders and directly behind me via the OEM mirrors. The spots are enhanced by the extenders, because they give even greater coverage of the blind spots on both sides.

:whathesaid:

alone, the convex mirrors did help a bit, but i still had a pretty big blind spot. plus, those things are pretty much useless at night.

i agree it is expensive. to me... it is worth it.

Just got through installing mine. 30 minutes... more like 15 to install these.

What a difference in field of vision! These are what rear view mirrors should be! :thumbup:

With this DIY, there's no guess work at all to installing them. I'm glad I coaxed you into these, Gary... mahalo, brah!
:D

oh darn it...looks like i'll have to buy a set...spent too much money already :D

Nice DIY there! Easily the most useful mod I have put on my bike - just want to update you all and say have done about 1000 miles with them on now and have had no vibration issues (have checked the bolts a couple of times and they have remained solid) - I didn't use locktite - just the washers and bolts. Have only had to adjust the mirrors when they've been accidently knocked while bike stationary and that's been easy to do - not the endless faff that adjusting the stock mirrors for the best elbow view was :)

May have to get a set of these myself!

couldn't pass up the safety mood so i oooorrrrdddeeerrreeddd :D

oo i got recommended on these.. i might take it up on that offer.. thanks petter!

I ordered and installed a pair of these...LOVE them! Only one problem - on the R side only, the mirror moves too easily at the outer pivot point. At interstate speeds, my mirror folds in, and I get a fantastic view of my gas tank. Is this something a bit of Loctite would take care of, or is this a case of a defective part?

The L side works fine. When I get the R side working the same, I'll be very happy.

can't you tighten the allen a bit more? :confused:

Ok, I'm a dumbass. I misjudged which axis the mirror was spinning on (after all, I was on the bike, at speed, when it was happening - so I just pushed the mirror back into place and kept my eyes on the road). The bolt out by the mirror was tight as all get-out (considering I had tightened it about 3 extra times)...then I checked the other one (closer to the fairing). OOPS! It had a bit more to go.

I think they'll work just fine now. <laughs at self>

Are the extenders a fair bit pricey? Yes, I think so (their margin must be killer on these), but how important is visibility? For me, it is well worth the $65.

btw. i took my bike for a ride. i feel more confident that i have a better idea of what is going on behind me now. i didn't have to tuck my arms in anymore to see behind me. at freeway speeds, the mirrors were as stable as they were stock.

i kept messing with one of them trying to get it "just right" and it became loose at one of the joints. i guess the lock-tight wasn't dry yet? idk.

Yes... if you read the blue loc-tite. It tells you it Sets in 20mins, and fully CURES after 24 hours!



Im going to post my Pics before/after of my install of these SW-motech mirror extenders too!

Also i wanna note. If you check out http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/223/

Most of the Prices on all the difference types of Bikes... like BMW,etc... they ALL are $65.00 plus S&H! Afew are alil cheaper.

IMO these are well made and so far im very very pleased with them! :thumbup:

Ok heres My Pics of before & after with the SW-Motech mirror extenders on.

Heres the box they come in, also you get a Free Twisted Throttle (reflective yellow) Sticker!
3557 3558
Heres both on stock vs mod, side by side...
35593564
Left sides Compared...
35613566
Right sides Compared...
35603565
Front Views Compared...
35623567
Closer front views, Compared...
35633568
And heres Close views from the Sides (SW-motechs on) so you can see that my mirrors are Straight, not bent. If you played around with the bends and angles you'd get a different view...
Left side Right side
35703569
Now just a angled view of the bike, to show Looks!
3571

yeah, after a few days, they mirrors were on tight. i didn't have a problem with them shifting around after that. i think also the fact that i used chrome bolts instead of the included ones may have contributed to them slipping around at first.

did you end up putting the bolt caps on? i see you put the foam bolt caps on the mirror arms. nice touch. :) hehe.

i think if you mess around with the joints more you may get a bit better results as far as getting your arms out of the reflection and still seeing behind you.

did you end up putting the bolt caps on? i see you put the foam bolt caps on the mirror arms. nice touch. :) hehe.

i think if you mess around with the joints more you may get a bit better results as far as getting your arms out of the reflection and still seeing behind you.

Yes i ended up using 2 of the 4 kit plastic bolt caps! As i reused the 2 foam caps on the 2 others. That way if i lose a plastic cap or foam one, i got 2 extra! :thumbup:

Ooohhhh wait... i see what you mean.... lol, yea the foam caps i stuck on the arms ONLY cuz i didnt want to lose them and i put em back on once i was all done! heheee


Yes, i didnt adjust the mirrors to get a 'perfect' view, but you get a general idea! Note: I rode to royal oak thursnite (my pictures thread post) and going down I-696 i was doing 80-100MPH and the left mirror (i had moving problems weeks ago b4 i put on the SW-motechs) it moved like 1/8" not much but enuff to change the angle a tad. Thats due to not letting the loc-tite 24 hrs fully cure, also i have to Keep the bolts abit looser. I keep my bike in a Shed and going through the 32" wide door... its a Squeeze but i manage to get Nate in there, due to Folding in the Mirrors for that extra few Inches! So if i tightened down the bolts a 1/4 turn more... they wont move!

(when i took Nate out for a 20 min test ride, up gratiot and onto I-94... i had the mirror bolts REAL TIGHT and everything adjusted how i like. They never moved but when i got back home to park Nate in teh shed, i couldnt move the damn Mirror arms or extenders.. :lol:) HEEE-MAN!!! :flex:

Does add more horsepowerz?!? :confused:

They look good but $65 is assrape for what amounts to 4 bolts and a couple brackets.

so, what's your solution for less?

Unfortunately my solution is the 'chicken move'.... :(

yep, did that long enough and to my knowledge, this is the only alternative. Though it may seem expensive, for now, it's the best way to get a better view of what's behind you. Even with the chicken move, I had a hard time seeing what was behind.

I'd like to see some enterprising ninjette member w/ the equipment and skills turn out an equal quality kit for less. :D

I just got, installed, and did a wiki DIY for the other style mirror widener that SW-MOTECH makes. I made another DIY because the install is totally different than the original model shown in this thread.

Come check out the other model HERE (http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/DIY_MOTECH_Mirror_Wideners)!

:thumbup:

A little update, warning, and question for others....

First off, I am still loving my extenders (the other style, but same result). Yesterday I almost got into an accident, and it was MY fault. I got a little lazy and/or distracted in my own head, and did a drifting shoulder check. I didn't come out of my lane, but nearly swerved into a Civic that was in my left blind spot. The shoulder check would have caught him, or a closer look into my mirror (the convex spot), but like I said, I was sloppy and not paying close enough attention. Fortunately I did see him before crossing the line. He obviously saw what a noob I was being and quickly moved out of the way so I wouldn't be near him (score one for Civic defensive driving).

Here is a thought, and I'm wondering about others' experiences... I am wondering if the added visibility the extenders have provided has actually contributed to a bit of complacency. I am wondering if I have not been as careful in the degree and timing of shoulder checks, and also in overall situational awareness.... I know I have no excuse, but I want to understand the contributing factors, so I can be careful to remain vigilant, and not be another statistic. Of course the same thing could have happened before I got the extenders too; I can't claim to have never been distracted before them either. Does anyone else suspect your extenders have contributed to any over-confidence, laziness, etc.????

Does add more horsepowerz?!? :confused:

They look good but $65 is assrape for what amounts to 4 bolts and a couple brackets.

I completely agree, these things are definitely not worth $65 imo, I'm sure I could rig up something else with some spare parts in my shed and have the same results.

I completely agree, these things are definitely not worth $65 imo, I'm sure I could rig up something else with some spare parts in my shed and have the same results.

can't wait to see what you come up with. :)

IMHO, there are several ways to go--the $65. extenders are the least expensive effective way to go. The next way to go is to get the Parts Unlimited ZX10R mirrors for $150. Then, here is the slikdesignsusa.com solution which also costs $150. These are telescoping mirrors that work very well. I have tried the ZX10R--which were an improvement, but still did not satisfy. The slikdesigns telescoping mirrors did the trick. This is an area that I did a LOT of research on. It is the only design flaw the Ninjette has--and that is no big deal for an otherwise perfect bike. Don't forget that the 250 Ninja has set the standard for 250 Sport Bikes since 1986. Nobody can approach that record for a production bike that size available in the US

A little update, warning, and question for others....

Does anyone else suspect your extenders have contributed to any over-confidence, laziness, etc.????

Overconfidence? On a motorcycle? On public roads?

Never.

I purchased the SW motech extenders and I am not that impressed with them. They are far overpriced for what they are and they just do not function well. I have other mirror wideners on my other bikes and they work great. SW motech is a good company with good products but these just dont cut it for the price.

^^^ I must agree.

I purchased the SW motech extenders and I am not that impressed with them. They are far overpriced for what they are and they just do not function well. I have other mirror wideners on my other bikes and they work great. SW motech is a good company with good products but these just dont cut it for the price.

i no longer own my ninja, and i don't have the same problem with rear field of view with my honda.

still, i stand by the sw extenders. they met the needs i had at the time. yes they were a bit pricey, but not ridiculously so.

Great DIY write up, have had my extenders for several months now and love them, perfect! :thumbup:

Anyone else had these change colors on them over time?

Mine came out of the box black (darker than the stock hardware they were mating to) and over the first 5 months or so faded to a dark gold color, where they've stayed for the last year or so. As I mentioned in another post, I do store the bike outside, but it's almost always covered. I've been told this happens with cheap anodize jobs, but curious if they've changed anything since I bought mine.

All that said, they have served me very well since I put 'em on, very happy with the purchase.

Mine have not faded at all but my bike is stored inside. Love these extenders!!

Have mine over 2 years..park bike inside so no problem. Sunlight will make it fade faster..but who cares if it change color..

Thank you very much for the info on these. I never really realized how bad the stock mirrors were until I was looking at at ZX-10 the other day and I could very easily see behind me. I have the exact same problem with my 250 that the OP has in that when I look in the side mirrors, I see mostly my arm and torso. These extenders will hopefully fix that problem.

I was a little sick of doing the "chicken" and it didnt seem safe to me, so the $75 shipped seems like a decent price for such an important safety mod.

Thanks again for the write-up and I can't wait to get these extenders on my bike.

I'm buying these ASAP

I'm buying these ASAP

Get this version (http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/DIY_MOTECH_Mirror_Wideners)... they are much sexier! :thumbup:

Get this version (http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/DIY_MOTECH_Mirror_Wideners)... they are much sexier! :thumbup:

I agree.

You have to tear the nose off to install them, but they are sturdy, simpler, and look less obtrusive IMO. They work just fine too, especially in conjunction with blind spot mirrors.

I sat on a new 250 at the local dealership yesterday (stock mirrors, obviously) and I can't believe I rode around for months with the stockers.

Now if my GPS screen would double as a video monitor, add undertail camera, then we would have something......

It wouldn't be worth it to me to have a dedicated rear-view-only screen.

I completely agree, these things are definitely not worth $65 imo, I'm sure I could rig up something else with some spare parts in my shed and have the same results.

can't wait to see what you come up with. :)

I plan on making a simple solution to this in the next day or 2. I got a rough idea from another forum. It probably wont look as good as the motech's but for free I don't care as long as it does it's job. I've only had my bike for 5 days and I can't stand the lack of vision, especially with my broad profile :rolleyes:.

I plan on making a simple solution to this in the next day or 2. I got a rough idea from another forum. It probably wont look as good as the motech's but for free I don't care as long as it does it's job. I've only had my bike for 5 days and I can't stand the lack of vision, especially with my broad profile :rolleyes:.

Any news?

Any news?

Yup, I made a DIY. I'd link it but I'm on my phone; I think Alex put it in the DIY section.

Yup, I made a DIY. I'd link it but I'm on my phone; I think Alex put it in the DIY section.

CLICKY (http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=71152)

:thumbup: