Are mirrors a legal requirement?

[heckler]

As the topic says really.
I've seen quite a few big unfaired bikes without mirrors recently. I know you can just look over your shoulder and probably should to check blindspots etc. but I would've thought they'd be a legal requirement, no?

[twit]

I'm not sure they are, certainly one of the guys from RIDE magazine has taken the mirrors off of his bike!

I certainly would not want to ride without them mind you!

[SirPsycho]

They're definitely not a legal requirement, but they're damn useful at high speeds.

[heckler]

Hmm interesting.
Some of the chrome stalk efforts on unfaired bikes are ugly as sin, but I appreciate what you're saying (especially at speed SP)

[Andrew Noakes]

It seems that mirrors are not a legal requirement on bikes - though if they are fitted they have to be EC-approved. So it's OK not have any at all, but it's only OK to fit a mirror if it meets certain regulations. Beats me what that's about.

[hertsbiker]

don't even *think* about removing your mirrors. YOu will lose spacial awareness (witness pratt on Harley pulling out on my truck & holding me up), and won't be able to spot old Bill tailing you after naughty wheelies & stuff.

The style is cool, the reality is naff.

[heckler]

If only I had a bike to think about removing them from ... sigh! Don't worry, I'm working on it

[bennyboysvuk]

When I used to ride to trackdays I used to take my mirrors off before I left home. It gives the bike a much smaller feel at the front which is amazing. It really needs to be tried to be appreciated, however having to turn your body to allow you to look behind you is a pain in the &*().

Try it at a trackday. You'll love it.

[SirPsycho]

hertsbiker said:

don't even *think* about removing your mirrors. YOu will lose spacial awareness (witness pratt on Harley pulling out on my truck & holding me up), and won't be able to spot old Bill tailing you after naughty wheelies & stuff. The style is cool, the reality is naff.

Mmmm, I have ridden lots with no mirrors without incident. Tractors (Harleys, being agricultural, fall into this category) are always pulling out in front of bikers!

[beanbag]

Mirror are a legal requirement. You need to have at least one on the right hand side of the bike.

Otherwise you won't pass your MOT!!!!!!

[Andrew Noakes]

beanbag said:

Mirror are a legal requirement.

Are you sure? From what I've read the MOT manual doesn't seem to mention mirrors (on motorcycles) and the Construction and Use regs say mirrors are optional.

[SirPsycho]

beanbag said:

Mirror are a legal requirement. You need to have at least one on the right hand side of the bike. Otherwise you won't pass your MOT!!!!!!

Where did you get this info from?

[HertsBiker]

SirPsycho said:

beanbag said: Mirror are a legal requirement. You need to have at least one on the right hand side of the bike. Otherwise you won't pass your MOT!!!!!! Where did you get this info from?

nope, you don't need one legally. Sorry mate!
But I advise that you have decent ones as it will save your life.

[beanbag]

beanbag said:

Mirror are a legal requirement. You need to have at least one on the right hand side of the bike. Otherwise you won't pass your MOT!!!!!!

Maybe I got it wrong! But I used to have a 125 naked racer when I first started riding bikes and the mirrors were stolen. I was told I had to replace it before the mechanic at the local garage would pass my MOT.

Maybe he's just a g*t and wanted to get some money out of me. Either way, I've always had mirrors on my bike since. I can't say I've been too legal about my most current exhausts though......

[Pigeon]

HertsBiker said:

I advise that you have decent ones as it will save your life.

Agreed. But isn't there some stupid regulation that makes it illegal to have decent mirrors? Something about how far they can stick out beyond the width of the bike which means you always end up with mirrors which only show your elbows? Personally, I say bollocks to such a regulation and measure the width of the bike between the outer edges of the mirrors. I've got 12" stalks on mine and they're great.

[hertsbiker]

beanbag said:

beanbag said: Mirror are a legal requirement. You need to have at least one on the right hand side of the bike. Otherwise you won't pass your MOT!!!!!! Maybe I got it wrong! But I used to have a 125 naked racer when I first started riding bikes and the mirrors were stolen. I was told I had to replace it before the mechanic at the local garage would pass my MOT. Maybe he's just a g*t and wanted to get some money out of me. Either way, I've always had mirrors on my bike since. I can't say I've been too legal about my most current exhausts though......

I was only passing on what my pals at the bike shop said.. so anyone could be right! maybe a google search is called for!!

Zorst should be nice to listen to. If it sounds rough, then it's bad for everyone. I like a stealthy pipe 'cos you can go faster & not get nicked for speeding.

[SirPsycho]

Pigeon said:

I've got 12" stalks on mine and they're great.

Mine wouldn't last 5 mins in Central London if they were that length!

[Pigeon]

They stick up at about 45 degrees, not straight out sideways, so with that and the tumblehome of most cars it's not too restrictive. Has to be said though that Central London is a place I visit only in dire necessity and then by use of the train and tube Once you get inside the M25 I find any kind of motor vehicle is pain and grief, especially when I have to keep looking in the A-Z.

[SirPsycho]

Pigeon,

That's true enough, but I live very central, know my way around quite well & use my bike to get out of London to visit friends etc.

My fairly well "tucked in" mirrors collide with those of cars & trucks fairly regularly. I'm becoming an expert at re-aligning them whilst riding.

[davel]

My bike clearly has them but they are not much good apart from checking my elbows are still there.