For new riders, mirrors might seem like secondary equipment, just something you glance at to check if a car is behind you. For the experienced motorcyclist, however, the mirrors are a vital, non-negotiable part of the bike’s safety system. In the fast-paced, sometimes unpredictable environment of UK roads, your mirrors are your extended vision, your early warning system, and the key to seamless, defensive riding.
Neglecting your mirror checks isn’t just risky; it severely limits your ability to anticipate trouble and execute maneuvers smoothly. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why your mirrors demand your constant attention.
Skilled riding involves constant observation, which follows the famous OODA Loop strategy (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act). Your mirrors are essential for the ‘Observe’ phase:
Crucial Habit: The best riders execute a quick Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre routine before every change in speed or direction, but they also check their mirrors every 5-8 seconds, regardless of traffic.
Many riders make the mistake of adjusting their mirrors while sitting still in the garage. The real adjustment must be done while seated in your natural riding position – where your body weight is distributed and your elbows are slightly bent.
Proper mirror adjustment balances the need to see what’s behind you with a small view of your elbow or shoulder for orientation.
The Vision Overlap: Your mirrors should provide coverage that overlaps with your peripheral vision when looking forward. This reduces the size of the crucial (and highly dangerous) blind spot between the two fields of view.
It’s physically impossible for a standard mirror configuration to eliminate the blind spot where a car, particularly a small hatchback or superbike, can hide perfectly. This is why the lifesaver check is so critical.
Mirrors also affect the bike’s stability, especially at motorway speeds. Cheap, improperly mounted, or overly large mirrors can vibrate excessively, turning the image into a useless blur, or even generate aerodynamic turbulence that affects steering.
By treating your mirrors as the sophisticated safety equipment they are, adjusting them meticulously, and integrating their checks seamlessly into your riding routine, you ensure you are always one step ahead, making every journey smoother, safer, and infinitely more enjoyable.
No corner of the UK is too far for the delivery team and it’s partners at Mallory Motorcycles. We proudly deliver to all major cities, towns, and even remote areas across the entire nation, including:
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