Switching to Clamp Mirrors: Watch Out for the Reverse Thread on Yamaha's Right Side
Choosing mirrors that match your handlebar shape makes everything look far more cohesive. We cover how to remove the stock mirrors, the reverse thread on the right-side mirror of Yamaha bikes, and how to install clamp mirrors.
- How to choose mirrors that match your handlebar
- Why Yamaha's right-side mirror has a reverse thread, and how to remove it
- Installation steps for clamp mirrors
Not all mirrors are the same. Choosing the type to match the shape of your handlebar and levers makes a big difference to how the cockpit looks.
Using the SR as an example, we go from removing the stock mirrors to fitting clamp mirrors.
01 Choose mirrors to match your handlebar
For example, fitting lever-mount mirrors to a tall handlebar makes the mirrors stick up even higher, and the whole thing tends to look mismatched.
In that case, we recommend clamp-type mirrors that attach directly to the handlebar. They sit more neatly, and the balance improves dramatically.
02 Removing the stock mirrors
In most cases the mirror mounting nut comes off with a 14mm or 17mm wrench.
One thing to watch out for: on Yamaha bikes, the right-side mirror has a reverse thread. The reason hasn't been made public, but it's thought that if the right mirror hits a person or car, the reverse thread lets it loosen on impact so it's less likely to injure them.
With a reverse-thread mirror, turn clockwise to loosen and counterclockwise to tighten. Turning it the wrong way can damage the thread, so be careful.
03 Installing clamp mirrors
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Remove the nut and attach the clamp to the handlebar. For a 22.2mm handlebar, fit it with the rubber in place; for a 25.4mm handlebar, remove the rubber.
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Insert the joint into the hole in the clamp, sandwiching the included bushing collar along with it.
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With the mirror assembled onto the joint, tighten the nut.
- Once it's fairly tight, adjust the mirror position, then finally tighten the nut with moderate force and it's done.
When adjusting the position, turn the handlebar fully left and right and always check that the mirror doesn't hit the tank.
What we used
- Clamp mirrors
- 14mm wrench (box-end wrench)
- 17mm wrench
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*Installation is at your own risk. If you're unsure about doing the work yourself, we recommend consulting your local motorcycle shop.
*The content and photos reflect the time of writing. Please check each product page for current specifications, fitment and stock.