Tighten Mirror

I've looked in the FSM and I don't see a way to do this. How can I tighten the swivel joint in the mirror? I have one that's loose enough that it just won't stay put once I'm moving. It's just the ball joint part, the actual connector to the bike swivel stays great.

I might be able to help you if you are talking about a 2000 or 2001. Both have non-condom mirror stalks. If you look at this fiche of the upper (front) cowl, notice that the mirror stalk pivots have two different washers above and below the stalk. I'm guessing they are designed to add friction to the assembly. I'd suggest you check your mirrors to see if your arrangement is the same as the fiche.

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I've looked in the FSM and I don't see a way to do this. How can I tighten the swivel joint in the mirror? I have one that's loose enough that it just won't stay put once I'm moving. It's just the ball joint part, the actual connector to the bike swivel stays great.

The way I read this is that they arm attached to the fairing stay in solid.  The actual mirror part that attaches to the stalk is the loose part.  Is that correct?

I might be able to help you if you are talking about a 2000 or 2001. Both have non-condom mirror stalks. If you look at this fiche of the upper (front) cowl, notice that the mirror stalk pivots have two different washers above and below the stalk. I'm guessing they are designed to add friction to the assembly. I'd suggest you check your mirrors to see if your arrangement is the same as the fiche.

Mine are the same, but it's the ball joint that's loose, not the mount on the stalk.

I've looked in the FSM and I don't see a way to do this. How can I tighten the swivel joint in the mirror? I have one that's loose enough that it just won't stay put once I'm moving. It's just the ball joint part, the actual connector to the bike swivel stays great.

The way I read this is that they arm attached to the fairing stay in solid.  The actual mirror part that attaches to the stalk is the loose part.  Is that correct?

Exactly, it's the ball joint in the stalk. I don't see a plug or something that would let me tighten the screw/bolt that anchors that. So the stalk stays in place but the mirror itself droops as I ride.

I could be totally wrong.  But I believe that they are just compression fit together.  If the ball or socket has worn out, the whole unit has to be replaced.

You might be able to find a DIY fix for it.  Maybe pop the glass out of the housing and see if you can gain access to the socket from the inside of the mirror.

Perhaps something could be applied to the ball. Maybe a thin film of glue or tape or ?

I've heard of the glass being popped out but I've no idea how. Warm the plastic and cool the mirror? I'd hate to break it; they don't come cheap. 

Also might want to try a Google search.  I found several threads with the same problem and various solutions.

The glass can NOT be removed from 5th gen mirrors, the rim holding it in place is welded in place. The ball is pretensioned before the glass is fitted, so it has obviouly come loose or worn in the moving parts. The only inplace fix is to use a setting fluid, that is very thin when applied, so will be pulled into the joint by capillary action, then provide friction once set. This only has limited adjustment before the fuid will wear so get it right & leave it, or replace the mirror.

The GSXR mirror allows access to the nut that holds the head to the stalk, so is better in that respect.

Looks like I need different mounts for the GSXR mirrors to work. I think I'll try gluing it in place or spraying some cleaner in there first. I've been dumping a hefty chunk into getting this bike on the road, so if I can temporarily fix something for cheap for now, I'm game.

What is setting fluid? I googled that and didn't find much.

The glass can NOT be removed from 5th gen mirrors, the rim holding it in place is welded in place. The ball is pretensioned before the glass is fitted, so it has obviouly come loose or worn in the moving parts. The only inplace fix is to use a setting fluid, that is very thin when applied, so will be pulled into the joint by capillary action, then provide friction once set. This only has limited adjustment before the fuid will wear so get it right & leave it, or replace the mirror.

The GSXR mirror allows access to the nut that holds the head to the stalk, so is better in that respect.

  Now here's some info I was looking for. I have to wonder how Mohawk knows though ;)   I was wondering about what it took to get the mirror housing off the stock, I had the idea of putting the 98-99  mirrors on other stocks  as they are a polished housing vs. the matt rough look, which I find is the norm,  must be something to do with breaking air suction ...   Back to the OP question, sounds like you need to replace said mirror.

I bought a set off of Fleabay for the GF's SV650S.  I bought Bandit mirrors because the stalk was longer.  It allows for better line of sight behind her.  They are just cheap plastic but they do the job at the right price.  $30 shipped.

Looks like I need different mounts for the GSXR mirrors to work. I think I'll try gluing it in place or spraying some cleaner in there first. I've been dumping a hefty chunk into getting this bike on the road, so if I can temporarily fix something for cheap for now, I'm game.

What is setting fluid? I googled that and didn't find much.

I would line it up where you want it and have somebody apply a couple of drops of Super Glue to the joint.  You won't be able to adjust it in the future, but it might work.

I had the same problem with a floppy mirror. Ended up just replacing them both with some Ermax direct replacements from http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk

I would suggest coating the ball with Blue Loctite...moving the mirror around a bit and then positioning it where you want. It should grip better but allow it to be repositioned. Blue will always be a little gummy and viscous, not hard.

Are used mirrors really that expensive???  These sounds like a lot of work for a part easily replaced potentially pretty cheaply.

Are used mirrors really that expensive???  These sounds like a lot of work for a part easily replaced potentially pretty cheaply.

OEM mirrors, available online discounted 20%, are $80.50.

yeah but used ones have to be like 20 bucks if even that much.

Ebay has them for 21.99 each new aftermarket.

http://www.hondapartshouse.com/oemparts/c/honda_motorcycle/parts has them for 60ish if it's a 6th gen

I would suggest coating the ball with Blue Loctite...moving the mirror around a bit and then positioning it where you want. It should grip better but allow it to be repositioned. Blue will always be a little gummy and viscous, not hard.

That's an interesting idea, I might try that.

If you can find the purple Loctite it works perfect for this. 

I've looked for that before (not in relation to this) and it's hard to find, haha. I'd probably have to order it online.

EDIT: Found some, we'll see if it works. It'll be handy to have around regardless.

Are used mirrors really that expensive???  These sounds like a lot of work for a part easily replaced potentially pretty cheaply.

A drop or two of LocTite is not a lot of work.  Besides, the money saved will buy a 6-pack and a pizza to celebrate a job well done.  :smile: