Why the pre-1970 BMW /2 came with only one mirror (and why ours does too)

KiWAV Stan Square Rise mirror on a pre-1970 BMW /2 single One mirror, left side, upright on its stem — the way a /2 left the factory.

Short answer: pre-1970 BMW /2 motorcycles left the factory with one mirror, on the left clutch perch, and an M8 blind plug in the right perch. BMW never fitted a pair. The KiWAV Stan Square Rise reproduces exactly that: a single left mirror, with glass that floats on a spring the way the original did, which is why it gives slightly when pressed. Ne...

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BMW Bar-End Torque Explained: Why We Recommend 19 Nm, Not the OEM 38–40 Nm

BMW Bar-End Torque Explained — KiWAV 19 Nm vs OEM 38–40 Nm

Recently, a rider in Japan contacted us with an excellent question. He was installing our bar-end mirrors on his BMW R1250 GS, and he noticed something confusing: BMW's own documentation lists a torque value of around 38–40 Nm for the factory bar-end weight bolts — but our installation guidance recommends far less. Why the difference?...

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What Do Motorcycle Bar-End Weights Do?

Why do motorcycles have bar end weights?

Motorcycle bar-end weights can help reduce vibration at the grips, offer limited protection in a minor tip-over, and change the look of your bike. Their effect depends on the weight, mounting design, and motorcycle—not simply on how big they look.

Affordable Electric Motorcycles: Why Simplicity May Decide the Future of Two-Wheeled EVs

Affordable Electric Motorcycles: Why Simplicity May Decide the Future of Two-Wheeled EVs

Electric motorcycles are moving beyond novelty status. What was once a category defined by premium pricing and experimental design is now entering a more pragmatic phase—one shaped by affordability, simplicity, and everyday usability. Across rider forums, consumer surveys, and mobility research, the discussion is changing. The real question today i...

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How to Easily Synchronize Your Harley LED Turn Signals?

How to Easily Synchronize Your Harley LED Turn Signals

Learn how to synchronize your Harley LED turn signals effortlessly. Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure your turn signals function properly on various Harley-Davidson models.  Upgrading your Harley-Davidson motorcycle with LED turn signals is a smart move for better visibility and energy efficiency. However, syncing these new signals is cr...

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2002 Harley Sportster LED Mirrors Wouldn’t Flash: Load Equalizer Fix

KiWAV FLASH chrome LED turn-signal mirror for Harley-Davidson Historical KiWAV product photo of the FLASH chrome LED turn-signal mirror discussed in this case. This is not the customer’s 2002 Sportster.

At a glance: This article is based on an anonymized 12-message KiWAV customer-support case from 2016. After installing KiWAV FLASH OVAL chrome LED turn-signal mirrors on a 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster, the rider found that the mirror lights illuminated but stayed on instead of flashing. An initial flasher-related parts attempt did not produce a working setup. The rider later installed a plug-and-play NAMZ LE-03-A load equalizer and confirmed on 15 June 2016 that the signals were working correctly. This was a steady-light, no-flash case—not hyperflash—and the result should not be treated as a universal fix for every Harley-Davidson electrical system.

How We Solved a Loose Bar-End Mirror on a 2019 Triumph Street Scrambler

KiWAV Eclipse Bar-End Mirrors on a Triumph Representative KiWAV product photo; this is not the customer’s 2019 Street Scrambler from the 2021 support case.

At a glance: This article is based on an anonymized KiWAV customer-support case from 2021. The motorcycle was a 2019 Triumph Street Scrambler with its original handlebar. The rider reported that the bar-end mirror mount was still loose after tightening the mounting bolt. After reviewing the rider's photos and video, KiWAV identified the supplied bolt length as the problem and sent shorter M6 × 20 mm bolts. On 5 July 2021, the rider confirmed that the shorter bolts had solved the installation.

Cover image: KiWAV Eclipse bar-end mirrors installed on a Triumph. Representative KiWAV product photo; this is not the customer's 2019 Street Scrambler from the 2021 support case.

BMWバーエンドの締め付けトルク解説:純正の38~40Nmではなく19Nmを推奨する理由

BMWバーエンド締め付けトルク解説 ― KiWAV推奨19Nmと純正38~40Nmの違い

先日、BMW R1250 GSにお乗りのお客様から、とても良いご質問をいただきました。「BMWの資料ではバーエンド...

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E-Bike vs Motorcycle: What Riders From Both Worlds Actually Say

E-Bike vs Motorcycle: What Riders From Both Worlds Actually Say

The debate between electric bikes and motorcycles is growing as cities change, technology improves, and more people rethink personal transportation. Both machines offer efficient two-wheel mobility, but they were designed for very different purposes. If you're leaning toward the e-bike side, our 250+ eBike Brands in 2026 directory covers every manu...

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Motorcycle handguard mirrors comparison

Motorcycle handuard mirrors comparison

Below is a comparison table of a few representative handguard mirror products, summarizing their features: Mirror Type & Size Product / Brand Mirror Type & Size Powermadd Star Series (USA) 2" convex round mirrors that snap into plastic handguardsstreet-moto-piece.fr. Foldable or fixed mount. HDB Ultimate Handguards (USA)3×4" rectangular mir...

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How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Helmet

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Helmet

Choosing the right motorcycle helmet is a critical decision for both safety and comfort. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, understanding the different types of helmets, the importance of a proper fit, and safety standards will ensure that you make an informed choice. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to...

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How to park motorcycle on soft ground?

KiWAV motorcycle kickstand pad

"Kickstand can and will sink into hot asphalt, pavement, etc. If you don't use a plate, your bike can fall over!"  A summary, it works. KiWAV Kickstand Pad does provide a larger surface area for your motorcycle kickstand to park on hot pavement, grass, soft ground. If you don't use a plate, your bike can fall over! This really i...

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How to improve your vision while riding a motorcycle? I own a Vespa and I am not happy with the rear view of the stock mirror, I'm looking for something to see more of the rear view

I want to see more of the rear view

A: Vespa's stock mirror has the longest stem and biggest mirror plate in the market; if you are still not happy with the rear view, it's probably not the height of the mirror or the size of the mirror plate. Try to look for something that adjusts better. There are many mirrors that have two adjustment joints with high adjustability in our store. Ov...

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How the rim lock works on your dirt bike

Rim lock, yea or nay?

"Fairly high speed about 65mph, I had the rear tire on my 650 BSA suddenly go flat. It had picked up a nail and as soon as it lost some pressure it spun inside the rim and torn the valve stem out. The rear end went to the left and then snapped back the right and dumped on the pavement."

It's a good reason to have rim locks on your wire wheels.

What is the benefit of a motorcycle windshield? Do I need a windshield ? How to choose the right motorcycle windshield for me?

Do I need a windshield?

* The windshield will make your riding comfort a lot better. If you are more of an around town driver, you probably don't need a windshield. If you put lots of miles on the bike, it would be worth it, along with a nice seat, to increase your comfort.

* I know exactly how you feel, I have always thought the worst (appearance wise) thing you can do to a bike. but I bought one for riding in colder weather, to keep the wind off. and planned on taking it off as soon as it warmed up. but as I found out I love the windshield so much it will never come off. get a windshield you won't get tired riding, because the wind isn't always trying to rip you off the bike. it is great!!!

* Good investment for any motorcycle -- I've driven on very long drives, and the fatigue of fighting the wind as you are zipping along the interstate or highway is one of the reasons. Plus, there are always things being kicked up by other vehicles on the road -- so this is just another level of protection for you.

* I enjoy riding with a windshield, personally. It makes a big difference at highway speeds, also great in the rain and when the temperature drops there're pretty comfy.

Find out the right height for you

The best place to have your windshield set is right between your nose and your lip. It's gonna have enough height so the wind is going to hit it and reflect up and over to your helmet.
  • Put your hand between your nose and your lip.

  • Run your hand straight out.

  • The perfect angle of your windshield upper edge should be right there.

How to install the KiWAV universal handlebar mount windshield?

Choose the desired size

Two sizes available

Easy installation and multi-angle adjustment windshield, perfect for your bike.

What does IP67 mean?

IP67 is two numbers, one that refers to the dust resistance rating and one that refers to water resistance.
IP6x is the highest dust resistance rating, so this product is fully protected against dust.
IPx7, the water resistance rating, means this product can withstand immersion in water up to one meter (3.3 feet) for 30 minutes, tested in laboratory conditions.
IPx7 is the second-highest rating, below IPx8, which indicates an ability to withstand long periods of submersion under pressure.

 

First digit: Solid particle protection

The first number in the rating code represents the degree of protection provided against the entry of foreign solid objects, such as fingers or dust. These protection levels range from 0 to 6.

Code Effective against Description
0 - No protection against contact and ingress of objects
1 >50 mm Any large surface of the body, such as the back of a hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part
2 >12.5 mm Fingers or similar objects
3 >2.5 mm Tools, thick wires, etc.
4 >1 mm Most wires, slender screws, large ants etc.
5 Dust protected Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment.
6 Dust tight No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact (dust tight). A vacuum must be applied. Test duration of up to 8 hours based on air flow.

Second digit: Liquid ingress protection

The second number represents the degree of protection against the entry of moisture, with protection levels ranging from 0 through 8.

Code Protection against Test duration Description
0 - - No protection
1 Dripping water 10 mins Protection against vertically dripping water
2 Dripping water when tilted at 15° 10 mins Protection against vertically dripping water when device is tilted at an angle up to 15 degrees
3 Spraying water 5 mins Protection against direct sprays of water when device is tilted at an angle up to 60 degrees
4 Splashing of water 5 mins Protection from sprays and splashing of water in all directions.
5 Water jets 3 mins from a distance of 3 meters Protection from low-pressure water projected from a nozzle with a 6.3mm diameter opening in any direction
6 Powerful water jets 3 mins from a distance of 3 meters Protection from water projected in powerful jets from a nozzle with a 12.5mm diameter opening in any direction
7 Immersion, up to 1 m depth 30 mins Protected from immersion in water with a depth of up to 1 meter (or 3.3 feet) for up to 30 mins
8 Immersion, 1 m or more depth Varies Protected from immersion in water with a depth of more than 1 meter (manufacturer must specify exact depth)