Mirrors and shoulder checks on a Fireblade

[Atom]

I have now done nearly 300 miles on my new Fireblade. Still alive and thoroughly enjoying it.
I am doing a day's advanced training on Wednesday.

I have discovered that the mirrors are all but useless due to their position because once thay are set to see the road behind you, the view is obstructed by my arms and shoulders. I am having to pull my arm in and drop my shoulder to get any type of view. I assume that this is common on many sports bikes. Is there a technique to setting the mirros up and using them? I am considering getting some of those stick on wide angle mirror discs to overcome the problem. Any suggestions?

Due to the crouched down riding position, I am also having problems doing any meaningful shoulder checks as head rotation is hindered by my shoulders. Again, dropping my arm and shoulder and rotating my body seems to be the only way to do a half decent life saver. Any tips on technique here?

D.

[Carl-H]

You can get mirror extenders which are little blocks which sit between the fairing and the mirror. Meant to work well but don't look as good.

[scoobster999]

Hi Atom, congrats on the fireblade btw, I picked mine up last weekend (as seen in my profile piccie with the missus car!).

All sports bikes i have ever owned are like that, suzuki, kwacker, various ducatis, it is really a matter of getting used to doing it and soon it becomes second nature. I have yet to own a bike that doesn't display my elbows and knees better than the cars behind. Persevere!!

[randlemarcus]

Ah, young padawan, you will have to learn the Italian Monkey Glance

Basically involves setting the mirrors up for use while tucked, then adjusting slightly so they can be seen when halfway between tucked and up. Visual access to the mirrors is achieved by tilting the relevant elbow upwards and outwards, so you are effectively looking through your armpit. It works, honest...

[Darkslider]

I can't say i've ever had that problem on my ZXR so the mirrors must be pretty good. It's impossible to get the mirrors showing a clear road behind you for all situations, as I frequently sit upright when cruising or braking, and dip my chest towards the tank and hang off either side when cornering. If it's a new bike you'll just have to experiment with different positions and views and see what compromise works best.

[black-k1]

Carl-H said:

You can get mirror extenders which are little blocks which sit between the fairing and the mirror. Meant to work well but don't look as good.

I fitted these to my Firestorm (I used the GenMar ones) Made all the difference to the view in the mirrors and didn't look at all out of place on the bike.

[Atom]

Thanks for the advice boys.

I will persevere!

D.