7/8 Bar End Mirror Wont Tighten Up

[boykinjw]

So I feel bad even asking this question, seems like it would be very straightforward. I bought some some 7/8 bars off of DCC and then some 7/8 bar end mirrors off of ebay. Sort of like these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-8-Bar-End-Mirrors-Silvery-Handlebars-RACER-CLUBMA-All-Honda-Kawasaki-Su-/160710768349?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item256b1bb6dd#ht_3082wt_1378

I would think you just put them in the bar, and use an allen wrench to tighten them which would expand them inside the bar. My problem is I can get them to expand. I cant find a way to hold them in the bar without spinning while I turn the screw hard enough to make them expand. And its pretty difficult to turn that screw. And I tried with them out of the bar and couldnt turn the allen screw. So I started thinking it shouldn't be this hard and wanted to see if anyone else has had experience with ebay bar end mirrors and maybe they are just a PITA.

Thanks Guys

 

[MILLENNIUM FALCON]

The nut should turn freely. Pull the screw. Out of the mirror if you can and see if it threads on easily. Inspect the threads. The problem I had with my mirror was that it wouldn't get tight inside the bar. I had to machine a sleeve with a larger OD so it would get tight. I actually lost a 35$ mirror while riding because of this. So don't ride your bike until you're sure it is secured. Just my .02 good luck

 

[JRK5892]

cut a piece of rubber put a lock nut on there and use that, the metal things suck, the rubber will expand and hold it nice and tight!

 

[RumRunner]

What Joe said, cut a small piece of 3/8" rubber fuel line, and use that instead of the metal pieces. I did that to mine and it works perfect every time.

 

[YogiBear]

you won't get the vibration with the rubber either.

 

[boykinjw]

Ill give the rubber a try, Ill see if I can get one apart when I get home from work. I cant visualize how 3/8 fuel line will be big enough when its compressed...Thanks for the recommendations, glad Im not the only one having these issues.

 

[JRK5892]

i use any tubeing i can find that barely fits in the 7/8 bars or 1in bars... does not matter all will expand and nut will not spin once pressure is on it

 

[nukem1r]

you can also hold the expansion piece with some pliers and a rag(loosly so you dont bend it as it expands) prior to putting the mirror in and turn the screw till it expands enough to be a tight press into the bars...then the expansion piece will catch the inside of your bars and start to tighten up with just half a turn....

 

[crazypj]

The expanding plugs are crap, even bicycle mirrors come with better expanders
I lost right mirror third time out, even after expanding the fittings to be a tight sliding fit before fitting into bars then cranking down with Allen socket.
Expanding rubber plug will work a lot better, that's what most Suzuki's use to hold in bar end weights.
You could probably get some rubber plugs if you don't think tube would work (maybe wine making supplies?)

 

[lewiszman]

cut a piece of rubber put a lock nut on there and use that, the metal things suck, the rubber will expand and hold it nice and tight!

Hi there,

Old thread, but I came across the same problem. Rubber hose and lock nut sounds like a fantastic idea.

One question though - how did you fellas hold the lock nut while turning the hex bolt from the outside? Or am I understanding this solution all wrong?

Thanks

 

[98kellrs]

All I did with mine was expand the metal thing until it only just slid inside the bar, then coated it with threadlock so it bonded the outside of the metal expander to the inside wall of the bar, pushed it all the way in, waited 15 minutes and it tightened easily with the allen key.