Doubletake mirror review

[Rosie]

After breaking two mirrors, and two mirror mounts on the WR, I decided that the stock mirror set up wasn't working. Theoretically I could unbolt the mirrors every time I'm riding something technical, but in practise this never quite happens <_<

We'd seen Rogerh's Doubletake mirrors (http://www.doubletakemirror.com/)at Pukemanu, and decided they would be worth a go.

The mirrors have RAM-mount ball and socket connectors, so the mirrors are really fast to remove, or to fold out of the way. And you can use the ball mount to attach other stuff where the mirror would normally be.

The doubletake site ended up being pretty cost-competitive for the RAM-mount bits, so we got a couple of extra balls, and short mounting arms at the same time.

The mirrors are nice and big. They vibe a bit more than my old mirrors, but it's still easy to see what is going on behind you.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj295/Kawa_Rosie/IMG_2780.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj295/Kawa_Rosie/IMG_2782.jpg

And they fold up out of the way easily
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj295/Kawa_Rosie/IMG_2783.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj295/Kawa_Rosie/IMG_2785.jpg

It only takes a couple of seconds to pop one of the mirrors off
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj295/Kawa_Rosie/IMG_2786.jpg

And replace it with something else like a routesheet holder
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj295/Kawa_Rosie/IMG_2787.jpg

I am very pleased with them :yes:

[ADVGD]

Nice review Rosie :niceone:

[clint640]

They vibe a bit more than my old mirrors, but it's still easy to see what is going on behind you.
:

We got a set for my KTM also, & on the famously shaky 640 the Doubletake mirrors actually give a clearer view with less vibes than any other mirror I've used (I've trashed a few over the years <_<)

Cheers
Clint

[Devil]

Speaking of ram mounts. I need something for my coffee...
Do they do heated ones?
http://ramsolutions.co.nz/lifestyle/shop/motorbikes/ram-drink-cup-holder-w-1-ball
:)

[Sable]

Man those are ugly

[Rosie]

Man those are ugly

It's a work horse, not a show pony :yes:

Personally, I don't think they look any worse than the lollipops it had before. But I'm a bit of a weirdo and prefer function over form :laugh:

[george formby]

How smart. I like.

[clint640]

Speaking of ram mounts. I need something for my coffee...
Do they do heated ones?
http://ramsolutions.co.nz/lifestyle/shop/motorbikes/ram-drink-cup-holder-w-1-ball
:)

Yep mate, you just mount them over the top of the jugs on the GS & ride slowly!


Man those are ugly

Not as ugly as snapped off mirror stalks & mounts, I was getting pretty over that.


But I'm a bit of a weirdo and prefer function over form :laugh:

Luckily for me :msn-wink:

Cheers
Clint

[Taz]

Luckily for me :msn-wink:

Cheers
Clint

:lol: .

[Night Falcon]

Ok I''ll ask the nosey question on everyones lips....how much they cost ya and how long did you have to wait for em?:confused:

[Waihou Thumper]

GPS City do the RAM mounts and I have been getting parts from there for awhile. GoPro parts and mounts for GPS etc. You can build your own and order in single bits and bobs. The postage is better than NZ Post, seriously! AND arrives in less than 7 days, unbelieveable service. The mirrors look good, buy these, ship 'em and then get the other bits from GPS City, save a few dollars..I am thinking of getting a couple for the XT600e, I have lost a few 'Mickey Mouse' mirrors in my time as well. :)

[Rosie]

Ok I''ll ask the nosey question on everyones lips....how much they cost ya and how long did you have to wait for em?:confused:

$340 for 4 mirrors, 4 long arms, 2 short arms and 6 ball mounts. I looked around a few websites and couldn't find any of the bits any cheaper than they had them on the doubletake site.
I honestly don't remember how long they took to arrive... a week or so? The site only does international priority shipping, which was pricey (~US$40), but it means that things arrive fairly quickly.

[Eddieb]

mmm, deleted weird double post

[Eddieb]

DoubleTake Mirrors are a Ned Suisse product (Neduro on ADVrider), the same guy who does the Dual Sport Riding training DVD's. He's also entered Dakar 2012.

http://www.dualsportriding.com/

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=707131

I just priced up a basic DoubleTake mirror package of 2 mirrors, 2 long arms and 2 ball mounts and that came to $95US plus shipping.

[Transalper]

Got a set of these Double take Mirrors a week or so ago. I give them the thumbs up.

Order Summary
================================================== ==========
M Mirror (2) @ $25.00 = $50.00
L Long Arm (3") (2) @ $12.50 = $25.00
B Ball Stud Base (3) @ $10.00 = $30.00

================================================== ==========
Subtotal: $105.00

Tax: $0.00

Shipping (USPS Priority): $15.00

Order Total: US$120.00
So cost NZ$153.50 + Foreign Currency Fee $3.84 according to my bank statement... and that's with the extra ball mount.
Took one week to arrive.
So far they are maybe less vibby on the Transalp than the originals but more vibby on J's DR650 (which has some Kawasaki mirrors on normally, hey they were free).
Yet to be tested on my DR650 (which I normally use Transalp mirrors on) and the CRF230 (which has a mount on the clutch side but no mirror normally).

I am thinking maybe some led wheel weights stuck to the mirror backs might quieten them down on the DR650 but in reality I can probably live with them just as they are as I've had much worse on other bikes.

Anyone around me wants to try them out when we ride together just ask.

[CrazyFrog]

A much cheaper option to the Doubletake mirrors are the these: Acerbis Dual Sport folding mirrors.
They use same priciple of ball mount, so will rotate if bike hits the ground, and they can be folded away.
The only negative they have vs Doubletake is that you can't release the whole mirror as easily as the RAM mount.

Cheap too : http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/9/192/6299/ITEM/Acerbis-Rear-View-Mirror.aspx

[Transalper]

A much cheaper option....
The only negative they have vs Doubletake is that you can't release the whole mirror as easily as the RAM mount....

Those Acerbis ones don't have good reviews, in fact they have really bad reviews. Curious to know if you have them.
Seems they will get you through a WOF but are next to useless as an actual mirror and several reports they are easily broken, but I guess you get what you pay for yet again.
I wanted something sturdy that actually works well as a mirror and that's what I got with the Double Take.

I should thank Rosie for her review as it helped me decide to commit the cash and buy them with good results.

[Box'a'bits]

A much cheaper option to the Doubletake mirrors are the these: Acerbis Dual Sport folding mirrors.
They use same priciple of ball mount, so will rotate if bike hits the ground, and they can be folded away.
The only negative they have vs Doubletake is that you can't release the whole mirror as easily as the RAM mount.

Cheap too : http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/9/192/6299/ITEM/Acerbis-Rear-View-Mirror.aspx
Had one. The ball mount tightens with a screw, which is easily stripped. They are pretty light weight construction, small (so you don't get a good picture of what is going on behind you) & it flapped /vibrated around a lot too. Don't recommend. :cry:

[CrazyFrog]

Ahhhhh, so they're cheap for a reason. Was looking at some of these for the EXC but may reconsider. Thanks for the input boys:niceone:

[javahead]

Those Acerbis ones ... are next to useless... I wanted something sturdy that actually works well as a mirror and that's what I got with the Double Take

+1 on both counts. The Acerbis ones are cheap and worth less than they cost, even if you modify the balljoint so it doesn't slip so easily. Got my Doubletake from adventuremoto in aus and at the time the price was reasonable when spreading the freight across some klim gear (also excellent quality).

The doubletake's RAM mount may be a bit bulky but it can be readjusted easily in gloves while riding. Visibility was good. They're a very good compromise for riding on-off road.

Another good alternative is Highway Dirt Bike's integrated hand guard, mirror and LED indicators. The mirror is much smaller (maybe 40-50mm dia), convex, and folds away into the hand guard. I used one for 3 days and it was surprisingly effective and much more compact than the doubletake or any other I've seen. Downside of everything being integrated is you only get to consider it if you're also replacing handguards. It's very well engineered and thought out so you pay accordingly. http://www.highwaydirtbikes.com