Magical Racing Racer Replica Mirrors
Magical Racing Racer Replica Mirrors
CW EVALUATION
The trickest (and priciest) mirrors you’ll ever buy
WHEN IT COMES TO LIGHT STUFF, Magical Racing has the right stuff. Consider that Japanese company’s carbon-fiber Racer Replica rear-view mirrors: At about three-quarters of a pound for the pair, they’re a half-pound lighter than the Stockers on a 2005 Yamaha R1 and 1.3 pounds lighter than those on an ’05 Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Unless you believe the loss of a single pound will result in a meaningful improvement in your bike’s performance, the benefit of these slick-looking pieces comes only in their cool looks and topquality construction. They’re available to fit most contemporary Japanese sportbikes, with either polished or black-anodized alloy hardware.
If you install the Racer Replicas on the aforementioned GSX-R, you lose the tumsignals that are integral with the stock mirrors; and on both the Suzuki 1 and the Rl, the mirrors sit closer to the fairing, even with the longest of two available stalks. For some riders on some machines, this closer pitch
means that seeing directly behind will be marginally more difficult, but for others, it won’t be a concern. That’s because the mirrors are so convex that they offer a broader field of vision, mitigating most of the problems with the direct rear view.
During the day, the mirrors’ blue tint doesn’t hinder visual acuity, while at night, it helps. The tint enhances contrast and is only noticeable when headlights are reflected. On our left-hand test mirror, the tiny screws that hold the socket retaining plate to the mirror body backed out; a dab of thread lock prevented a second occurrence.
At current exchange rates, the Racer Replicas retail for more than $300. Then again, given the mirrors’ first-rate appearance and function, maybe Magical Racing should charge even more.
DETAILS
Magical Racing Co., Ltd. 3-4-25 Tamakushi chou Higashi, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka 578-0932 Japan www.magicalracing.co.jp 011-81-729-63-7036 Price...$327
Ups Way-cool factor is off the scale Convex design enhances field of vision Blue lenses available separately for use with stock mirrors
Downs Cost as much as a set of tires Could hinder direct rear view
