I finally got the parts I needed to mount new bar end style mirrors on the 1″ Superbars from New Bonneville with Gran Tourismo grips from Bella Corse (Sel-Motion). I had to buy the Joker Machine 2-1/4″ mirrors and mounts from various sources (Some Joker Machine, and some British Customs) to get eveything I needed. Everybody seems to be out or low on stock.
Left Joker Machine 2-1/4″ Folding Bar End Mirror
Right Joker Machine 2-1/4″ Folding Bar End Mirror
After removing the stock OEM mirrors, I plugged the holes with these push in mirror hole caps from British Customs
Push In Mirror Hole Caps
I like the nice, clean, uncluttered, cafe racer look the new bars, mirrors, hand grips and plugs give the bike.
My 2008 Bonneville with handle bars, grips, and mirror modifications.
Randal,
Nice set up.
Did you have to replace the stock throttle tube in order for the Emgo grips to work (attach properly)?
Thanks,
OB
OB,
Thanks for the comment and question.
I did not have to make any changes to the throttle other than replacing the stock grip with the Gran Tourismo’s. Getting the stock grips OFF and the GT grip ON was the biggest issue! However, I found this video to be very helpful and it works! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf-EKwyER74
Hope this helps!
Randy
Hmmmm, I may have to call in the big guns(local shop)….I was able to remove the OEM grip…I left the throttle sleeve attached to the handlebar and throttle cable. ….but I just don’t see how the GT grips will fit over the ridges of the throttle tube that held the original grip in place.
OB,
Yeah, it wasn’t easy I can say that. However, using the wire tool I made (I used a coat hanger) in the video, I was able to slowly work it on over the throttle tube. It might help to heat up the grip to make it more flexible.
Randy
….just spoke with the seller of the GT grips. They said to shave the raised ribs and tabs on the throttle sleeve with a box cutter, yet the GT grip will remain secure when slipped on….presumably this is what you did? Thx.
OB,
Actually I didn’t shave the ribs… just used the wire tool to work the grips on over the existing tube.
Randy
Hi Randy
I have really enjoyed reading your blog. Thank you for posting it. I was really thankful of your tip for removing the handle bar grips it saved me heaps of time and frustration.
I am about to order a pair of Joker Machine mirrors and was unsure which size to get. Are the 2 1/4″ bigger enough or do you sometimes wish you had gone for the 3 1/4″ larger ones? Also I was wondering if it was useful having the folding mirrors as I prefer the aesthetics of the fixed ones?
Thanks again
Giles
Giles,
Thanks for your comments. I’m happy you are getting some benefit from the blog!
I would say that unless you are a really experienced rider, the 2-1/2″ mirrors are going to seem too small, and I would suggest the larger ones. The only time I have benefitted from having the folding mirrors is when I’ve lost my balance and dropped the bike on its side… the mirrors have “folded” and not broken off. The rest of the time, they stay fixed. So, if you prefer the fixed, go that route, but expect that if you drop or hit something, they will most likely break off.
My buddy Lee recently put fixed bar end mirrors on his Bonneville SE which looked pretty good… anodized black ones from Dime City Cycles.
Randy
Hi Randy
Thanks for your reply. I will take your advice and go for the larger mirrors. I had a look at the ones your buddy has, and I already have purchased a set the same on eBay over here in Australia. They are very nice looking and well made but they do not fit securely in my Biltwell 1″ Tracker bar. I have read that people stick them in with Loctite but I am not keen on that solution. The Joker ones look like you are able to hold the mirror adapter whilst you tighten the expanding nut in the handlebar which I think will result in a better fit.
I would be interested to know if Lee has a suggetion of how to get them to fit securly in a 1″ bar.
Thanks again
Giles