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I use an open face helmet which makes for good visibility all round but I have been thinking about adding a rear view mirror for some time. I've had some close calls looking behind me at times

The problem is I cannot fit a headset mirror because my expensive scooter cover isn't large enough .
I am therefore considering fitting a low legshield mirror.

What are the pros and cons of the two options ? what do you use and what is your experience of using them.

I have both and find the headset one far superior, either bolted to the master cylinder or thro' the lever bolt (Lambretta Restore one). The legshield one is more difficult to use and is next to useless if you have panniers or lots of luggage on a back rack,

Rich'

johnnyXS wrote:I use an open face helmet which makes for good visibility all round but I have been thinking about adding a rear view mirror for some time. I've had some close calls looking behind me at times

The problem is I cannot fit a headset mirror because my expensive scooter cover isn't large enough .
I am therefore considering fitting a low legshield mirror.

What are the pros and cons of the two options ? what do you use and what is your experience of using them.

I would fit a mirror and advise on a Full face helmet when done

I have been using the headset mirror for 4 years; first with the adapter from Lambretta Restore (top people) and now fitted to hydraulic master cylinder.
I also have one on the nearside legshield which gives me another view; especially of scooters coming up on the inside. I would not ride without one or a full face.
As you get older you feel more mortal !

Agreeing with other posters, full face all the time (even though I'm rarely over 50 kph). I don't like the disasociation of visors so I wear goggles/safety specs and keep the visor up.
Works well for me.

don't know about legshield mirrors but this handlebar mirror (reccomended by others) works very well for me. very little vibration. good visability.


http://www.lambrettarestore.com/square-mirror-type-2-2253-p.asp

Toddy wrote:

johnnyXS wrote:I use an open face helmet which makes for good visibility all round but I have been thinking about adding a rear view mirror for some time. I've had some close calls looking behind me at times

The problem is I cannot fit a headset mirror because my expensive scooter cover isn't large enough .
I am therefore considering fitting a low legshield mirror.

What are the pros and cons of the two options ? what do you use and what is your experience of using them.

I would fit a mirror and advise on a Full face helmet when done

yes ....but WHERE would you fit a mirror toddy ? that is the question

johnnyXS wrote:

Toddy wrote:

johnnyXS wrote:I use an open face helmet which makes for good visibility all round but I have been thinking about adding a rear view mirror for some time. I've had some close calls looking behind me at times

The problem is I cannot fit a headset mirror because my expensive scooter cover isn't large enough .
I am therefore considering fitting a low legshield mirror.

What are the pros and cons of the two options ? what do you use and what is your experience of using them.

I would fit a mirror and advise on a Full face helmet when done

yes ....but WHERE would you fit a mirror toddy ? that is the question

Handlebar so I could see , not a fan of lower leggy ones as when sat on a mates scooter I struggled to find a good viewing position

Andie wrote:Agreeing with other posters, full face all the time (even though I'm rarely over 50 kph). I don't like the disasociation of visors so I wear goggles/safety specs and keep the visor up.
Works well for me.

don't know about legshield mirrors but this handlebar mirror (reccomended by others) works very well for me. very little vibration. good visability.


http://www.lambrettarestore.com/square-mirror-type-2-2253-p.asp

I wasn't asking for recommendations on a helmet Andie. Thats entirely a personal choice thing and I do wish peeps would keep their helmet advice to themselves when not asked for.grrrr

Thanks for the mirror linky . I like the idea of a headset mirror but if I fit one my expensive waterproof cover isn't going to fit anymore

I agree with all of the above comments regarding mirrors, handle bar ones are generally more useful than legshield mounted ones. BUT, it is vital to move you head/upper body to get a good view of what's coming up behind you as you will have some pretty big blind spots. I've had a couple of close calls where cars behind have 'pounced' where they see an overtaking situation.

It seems like most are recommending a bar mirror as apposed to a legshield one.
I must admit I am a little concerned at how far down you would have to look whilst riding in traffic. With a bar mirror you could still see where you're going whilst using the mirror. With a legshield mirror you'd only be using your peripheral vision to see ahead

I did briefly consider fitting a bar end mirror like I have fitted to my motorbike but to be honest they are next to useless and a right royal pita to keep straight.

coaster wrote:I agree with all of the above comments regarding mirrors, handle bar ones are generally more useful than legshield mounted ones. BUT, it is vital to move you head/upper body to get a good view of what's coming up behind you as you will have some pretty big blind spots. I've had a couple of close calls where cars behind have 'pounced' where they see an overtaking situation.

I agree with you 100% I've always relied totally on looking behind me when stopping and manoevering etc . I never feel completely safe relying on a rear view mirror.
I suppose I was thinking of fitting the mirror as a supplement for times when it would be too dangerous to look behind me .

Hey ! maybe the answer is to have a rear view action cam and fit a 4" monitor to the headset . that way you've got a useful trip recorder as well . mmmmm
gonna look into this methinks

I have handlebar mirror on 1 scooter and legshield on another. Handlebar mirror definitely better than legshield imo, for actually being able to see behind you and safety, but a legshield mirror is better than nothing.

And as for helmets, you are asking for trouble when you open up your post with "I use an ope face helmet"

Or just get one of these, sorts out 2 safety issues in 1 purchase

https://www.ajsutton.co.uk/product/REEVU/RVMSX1-BLACK%20MET-XL/Reevu%20Full%20Face%20Helmet.%20BLACK%20METAL%20XL?gclid=CKvFifas480CFU4o0wodyp4KKw

burnside wrote:Or just get one of these, sorts out 2 safety issues in 1 purchase

https://www.ajsutton.co.uk/product/REEVU/RVMSX1-BLACK%20MET-XL/Reevu%20Full%20Face%20Helmet.%20BLACK%20METAL%20XL?gclid=CKvFifas480CFU4o0wodyp4KKw

I know I know... i should never have used the 'open face' word

That looks like a good helmet with pretty good all round visibility but it looks super uncool on a classic bike or scooter.

When I first started riding scoots and bikes there was no helmet law and few riders wore them at all. I cannot tell you how free it feels to ride without a hot sweaty stuffy sound deadening helmet on....its bliss. The freedom is fantastic and you can actually hear all your surroundings and feel the wind and flies on your face just like you can on a bicycle .
Ahhhhh those were the days.

If you go through Lambretra Restore ask for the longer stem for the headset mirror.

johnnyXS wrote:

burnside wrote:Or just get one of these, sorts out 2 safety issues in 1 purchase

https://www.ajsutton.co.uk/product/REEVU/RVMSX1-BLACK%20MET-XL/Reevu%20Full%20Face%20Helmet.%20BLACK%20METAL%20XL?gclid=CKvFifas480CFU4o0wodyp4KKw

I know I know... i should never have used the 'open face' word

That looks like a good helmet with pretty good all round visibility but it looks super uncool on a classic bike or scooter.

When I first started riding scoots and bikes there was no helmet law and few riders wore them at all. I cannot tell you how free it feels to ride without a hot sweaty stuffy sound deadening helmet on....its bliss. The freedom is fantastic and you can actually hear all your surroundings and feel the wind and flies on your face just like you can on a bicycle .
Ahhhhh those were the days.

Not wishing to get into the open/full face debate, but it really all depends on your riding. Personally I used to prefer open face as I found full face a little claustrophobic, but now I'm the opposite, feel vulnerable in an open face and have got used to a full face. I will still stick on a piss pot from time to time when riding into town on a hot day, but full face the rest and always when using A roads and motorways. Nothing is as uncool as no chin

Those helmets look good, and I know a couple of people who have them and say that they take a little time to get used to but are fantastic once you have. Only downsides are that there is no built in sun visor and next to useless if you have a pillion.

CHRIS in MARGATE wrote:If you go through Lambretra Restore ask for the longer stem for the headset mirror.

good point Chris..! I read somewhere recently that a short mirror stem gives you a good view of your shoulder and little else

Crikey this 20+ second page refresh rate is killing me

I use a little rectangular one which mounts on the master cylinder housing for a hydraulic brake.

You can't see much but enough to see if there is anything behind you itching to overtake you.

I used to have one just like Diggers, not the best due to a fairly short stem but it kept it low. You soon got used to using it though by a quick small turn of your shoulder and it gave a good view of where you wanted, I had mine set so most of it showed the lane next to me with the nearest third of the mirror seeing behind me. Always always used my lifesavers though on overtakes.

Plenty of discussion already on mirror options here.

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=5310&hilit=mirror

including my own

piazza-22 by Donnie Canning, on Flickr

piazza-23 by Donnie Canning, on Flickr

piazza-24 by Donnie Canning, on Flickr

Digger wrote:I use a little rectangular one which mounts on the master cylinder housing for a hydraulic brake.

You can't see much but enough to see if there is anything behind you itching to overtake you.

thats discrete digger I would struggle with that position as I'm rather wide ........... ok so i'm fat ...alrite

great looking scoot digger ..love the registration