Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I know this sounds stupid, and that some of ya'll dont' even drive a cage any more.

But another thread brought this to my attention. Do you actually use the mirrors in your cage? I sure don't.

Now before you explode at that, don't. I use my rear view mirror but that's about it.

My side mirrors are absoleutely useless. If I want to do a lane change I do a head check and use my side mirrors only to double check myself. Other than that they just kind of sit there, eating up my gas milage.


Anyways I was just curious if other people actually used their mirrors or not? I know far too many people don't use mirrors, or anything at all, and consistently cut people off, or out right run into them.

Your mirrors are essential to maintaining your situational awareness.

Your eyes should constantly be moving between the mirrors and the road ahead of you.

It's not just about lane changes or merging or whatever. At any given instant, whether you're in a bike or car, you should have an excellent idea of what's in front of you, beside you, behind you, in your blind spot, how fast they're all moving, etc.

Driving is extremely dangerous, and it's tough. It's just like riding a bike.. the more skills you have, the more likely you are to make it to your destination every day.

I've been driving for about 9 years. I'm a pretty good driver. I drive the speed limit. I drive conservatively. I'm constantly striving to become a better, more aware, safer driver. I have a long way to go.

I realize that most people don't view driving this way. Very few people actively try to make themselves better drivers. Driving is just something they do. But when I look at the numbers about how many people are killed in automobile accidents every year, it's obvious to me that it's really stupid not to make every possible attempt to be the best driver you can be.

That includes things as simple as constantly scanning your mirrors to know what's going on around you.

i use them and i use the rear view mirror the most.

It's funny you should ask...


I drive everyday at work, there is no rearview mirror in my truck as it would be totally useless. I do use the side mirrors though, about every 8 to 10 seconds, and that's not often enough. I use the same practice when I drive my cage, safety is my first priority and seeing what's behind me is part of that.

Well that's why I don't use my side mirrors. Anyone that's beside me I've already seen in my rear mirror and have a good idea of where they are from how fast they've dissapeared from my rear mirror and how much of their car I can see from periphreal vision.

And anyone coming up from on-ramps I've seen well ahead of time anyways because generally I'm going faster than they are and pass them while they're still merging. Now they're in my rear mirror.

The side mirrors help keep youy aware of poeple sneakin up on yeah..they also help making bills at the body shop when you drive to close to a wall.

Yes, I use them...rear view and side ones. Side ones on car aren't that great just like my bike stock ones but are better than nothing. Sometimes just have to shift around a little in the seat (bike and car) to see what's around me.

mirrors are always used in the cage. more so than the ninja.

I rely heavily on my mirrors in my truck. I got use to doing that especially when I first started driving after recovery and rehab on my neck. I make a concerted effort to get my head around and check the rear and sides though. I normally drive a lifted truck so I try to be aware of what's beneath, especially children or peds in parking lots.

I utilise everything, mirrors, shoulder checks, even headlight patterns on the road after dark.

Guess I'm just paranoid about knowing who's sneaking around me in the car