PX mirror woes

[phil mcglassup]

I bought a pair of mirrors for my PX which I believe are non genuine. These are the ones that require straight plates to be bolted under the headset so that the mirrors can be bolted on at the front.

I have a problem in that no matter how much I adjust them I cannot see behind me, without I twist one way or the other in the seat which to me is dangerous. I'm only a bit of a weedy guy so it isn't me that's causing the problem. All I can see in the normal riding position is my own arms in the mirrors.

Is this how the genuine vespa PX mirrors are? Or are the ones I've bought just inferior?

[goldeneye]

mirrors? on a scooter? yer a puff like?

[coaster]

Is it possible to angle the plates to move the mirors out a bit more? they should be at least level with the end of the handle bar grips. I had mirrors on my T5 but they were the type that bolt through the head set and I was able to set them so that you could see behind but to be honest, it was always necessary to move about a bit in order to get a good view of what was comming up behind, just takes getting used to

[joeythescooterboy]

Mirrors to see behind you????? What's wrong with the turny bit that joins your head to your shoulders?
Seen too many people relying totally on mirrors and neglecting a proper look before taking turns etc, ended up in tears more than once.

[goldeneye]

seriously this time , mirrors on a PX are shite, you just see your elbows, ive never had them on a scooter for as long as i can remember, not even on me runner, i look behind .

[phil mcglassup]

I thought I would get a set just so that I could keep an eye on what vehicles are behind me as I don't go very fast on it and it's just for reassurance really.
I would never rely on them when turning etc as I always look back to be sure of the position of other vehicles. I too have seen an horrific crash involving a biker who indicated and assumed it was alright to turn right-just as a car was overtaking him!!
I can't believe that they are so 'unfit for purpose', which I believe is the legal definition, without your built like a bean pole!!

Thanks for the replies.

[coaster]

Well, I beg to differ on the use of mirrors :fb: As I mentioned, the mirrors on my T5 did afford some measure of rearward vision, not great but as you rightly said, they give a measure of awareness of what's going on behind you without the dubious risk of taking your eyes off the road ahead in order to look behind you. Look over your shoulder by all means but at least one mirror is essential imho. I do a LOT of riding in and around London before fitting the mirrors to the T5 I got tooted and shouted at on a few occations by other bikers for changng direction in traffic without looking. In close quarters traffic riding it would be suicidal to keep looking over your shoulder. I now use a GTS for London commuting and found the standard mirrors too high as they were at the same hight as practicaly ever van/bus/truck so filtering was severely limited. I changed them for a set of small sports mirrors which give me a nice view of my wrists and elbows but still give enough vision behind by moving you head slightly. Keep playing with positions and maybe try a different type (rectangular rather than round?) and I'm sure you'll find a workable compromise.

colin

[joeythescooterboy]

I do a LOT of riding in and around London before fitting the mirrors to the T5 I got tooted and shouted at on a few occations by other bikers for changng direction in traffic without looking.
colin

Sorry kid, a mirror gives a very narrow field of view, it also doesn't give much perception of distance (objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear!) and when the majority of what you see is your own elbow they're not really that much cop.
There's no better visual aid than the Mk1 eyeball and it only takes a split second to carry out your "lifesaver" before carrying out any manoeuvre (it also stops you being tooted at by other bikers for changing direction without looking.)

[sydduckett]

i agree, i think mirrors can cause more problems than they solve

[coaster]

I didn't say mirrors are the only answer only that I find then VERY useful and essential for weaving through London Traffic and I've never had any problem with any of the mirros I've used in judging the speed and distance of approaching vehicles , I guess we'll have to agree to dissagree I use them all the time in my car as well btw :fb: