Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 May 2014
rymm's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: cumbria
Posts: 53
how many mirrors?

this is a 2 part question,
1- in europe, do i need to have both mirrors on my bike or will just one suffice?
2- do you think you really need both mirrors? i seem to be getting on fine with only the right one.

bit of explanation... i'm on a f650gs, my left mirror sticks out at a odd angle when i've got the clutch set up the way i like it, its hooks over my hand and sort of feels wrong. so i took it off. wondering if i should reattach it if i'm going back into mainland europe long term.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
I don't know about the legal requirements - it probably varies from country to country, but from a riding perspective one mirror on the right - the near side over there, isn't ideal. You'll have a substantial blind spot where you get in the way and any car behind you will block your view of the road.

You can live with it (I only have a right side mirror on one of my bikes and no one's ever stopped me - in France anyway) but every time I use that bike I swear I must get another one on the left
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 May 2014
rymm's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: cumbria
Posts: 53
crap yeh, diddnt think of that, in the land of europe the left is the more important, i'd say. looks like i'm going to have to do some adjusting
what about no mirrors? is that an option? just out of curiosity now...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
I am pretty sure your vehicle has to be legal in country of origin, with mirrors in the UK that means if it was first registered in or after 1986 it should have two, before only one. Either way if you are planning travelling in mainland Europe a left hand mirror would come in useful.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 May 2014
gjj gjj is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Barry, South Wales , UK, or riding somewhere in Africa
Posts: 43
I have toured Europe for 20+ years with only one mirror , no problem at all .
I do move it over to the left side at the port while waiting for the ferry , it has become a bit of a ritual at the start of every tour . Sad putting back to right side on return ferry though !
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Walsall, UK
Posts: 251
Pure aethetics demand that symetry is maintained, so two it is. Yes , have got a Harley.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
My preference is 2. If I break one then I've got some redundancy.

No mirror is not a safe option.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
Live with the problem, and fit the extra mirrow. In my eye's the more you can see the safer you are.


John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.

Last edited by John933; 10 May 2014 at 12:22.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 May 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: mostly Salford now
Posts: 95
why limit your self to only 1 or 2 mirrors?

These guys have it covered! ;-)

and you can see round any panniers too!
Attached Images
 
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Make a habit of smashing mirrors!? ridetheworld The HUBB PUB 7 7 Jun 2014 07:57
Yamaha XT 660 Top box, rack & mirrors F/S in Brighton, UK finecitygirl TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 22 Mar 2014 10:38
XT600 Mirrors Duxy Yamaha Tech 10 14 Mar 2013 17:40
KTM folding mirrors Laura Bennitt KTM Tech 7 24 Jan 2013 13:32
Touratech folding mirrors greenmanalishi Equipment Reviews 8 6 Feb 2012 12:22

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:05.