What makes a good mirror a good mirror

[tashlin]

There is a huge price range for aftermarket mirrors out there...why? What makes the Aeromach 50X more expensive than an Arlen Ness (for example). What is the best value in aftermarket mirrors? I don't mind spending the money as long as it's worth it (reliability, durability, materials, service,...whatever) but I don't want to get screwed...Any thoughts/suggestions?

[epiphysis]

good question.....I guess a big part is the name.....I changed my rectangle R mirrors to stock C mirrors...like them much better! didnt shop cause if I did I would have saved some $$$ but I really like them lots!

[Licketty_Split]

tashlin: I went through this too and know how frustrating it can be. I think part of the price difference between Arlen Ness and Aeromach might be due to production numbers and sales, …the economy-of-scale thing.

I’ve got no hard data to support this, but I’d bet Arlen Ness has a much higher demand for their mirrors, so they produce more at lower cost, and therefore can sell them for less than Aeromach, whose production numbers are probably lower. (Provided we’re comparing apples to apples – Ness billet mirrors to Aeromach billet, because I think Ness has some mid-range mirrors too that aren’t billet)

As far as quality, chrome billet mirrors are machined from a solid billet of aluminum, then triple plated, 1st with copper, then nickel, and then chrome. The mirrors won’t rust and the chrome is hard as nails and looks awesome. There’s no comparison between a billet mirror and a stamped steel “budget” $14.95 mirror with single plate chrome that bubbles up and peels off after one riding season.

I really wanted Joker Machine or Aeromach, but I just couldn’t justify the jack. So I set a budget, going for best bang for the buck. Kuryakyn Magnum Plus mirrors are a well-made cast mirror, but I’m not sure about their chrome process. I read a lot of reviews on the Internet to see if people were having good luck with them, and most everyone was satisfied. They require an adapter that some people don’t like, but they don’t bother me.

I went with them, two mirrors for $90.00 and after a year I’ve got no complaints.

[avrgmike]

had the same mirrors for a while, had no problems at all. replaced them with a small set of ness ones though. couldnt pass up the price, they were free. one thing to keep in mind though about mirrors is this expensive or cheap it dont mean jack if u cant see outa them. if u ride alot and long distances make sure u can see adequately outa them. i love my ness but they r tough at times to see behind me. the kury ones were much bigger and easier to use. just my 2 cents though