bone crusher
Alignment Specialist
As one of the few here to have tried both KM and ESI mirror extensions, I thought I'd share my experiences with both products.
Don't get me wrong....I never intended to spend about $300.00 for mirror extensions, but for the KM and ESI products, that's what it turned out to be...I originally had the KM extensions, but as I rode more, I really started to yearn for something that offered more.
I was on a quest to find the best fitting extensions that didn't vibrate and offered me the best visibility...vibration was my biggest gripe with the KM product.
So, here's my comparison.
The ESI extensions have the benefit of being a second generation product. They are heavier and angle out and up...this is HUGE if you're a taller rider. I was having problems with my KM extensions as I'd be looking down at them and angling them was quite difficult. This became a bigger issue when I got risers on the bike.
I also continually had a serious vibration issue no matter how tight I locked the things in...I almost felt as though I was going to break something! I don't know if some bikes vibrate more than others, but at highway speeds, the mirrors were virtually useless except for seeing just blocky shapes.
Anyway, after a few conversations on this board, it looked like Matt wouldn't be able to resolve the issue anytime soon, so I opted to give the ESI product a try...
Let me tell you...there is a substantial difference...the ESI product will still vibrate, but nowhere near as severely as the KM. This is most noticeable at higher speeds. In fact, whereas my KM extensions would start vibrating at around 30 mph, the ESI extensions don't start vibrating until I'm over 50....this translates to better vehicle recognition as you go faster...I think the heavier weight and better fastener configuration for the mirror 'stalk' help with this. The washer also really helps to lock things in. The up and out configuration also helps with visibility...
I don't wish to knock the KM product as when it first came out, it was the only option, and at the time, was a good one. It sure beat stock mirrors. With the creation of the ESI mirror extensions, the mirror situation has taken another big step forward.
Reduced vibration and better visibility are apparent with the ESI mirror extensions. I like them and intend to keep for a long time...if something else comes out will I be likely to switch again?? No...I believe the ESI extensions suit my needs just fine. I think you can benefit from either product, but being I've had both of them now and have had the luxury of comparing them directly, I'd say that the ESI extensions have the upper hand with this product comparison.
Don't get me wrong....I never intended to spend about $300.00 for mirror extensions, but for the KM and ESI products, that's what it turned out to be...I originally had the KM extensions, but as I rode more, I really started to yearn for something that offered more.
I was on a quest to find the best fitting extensions that didn't vibrate and offered me the best visibility...vibration was my biggest gripe with the KM product.
So, here's my comparison.
The ESI extensions have the benefit of being a second generation product. They are heavier and angle out and up...this is HUGE if you're a taller rider. I was having problems with my KM extensions as I'd be looking down at them and angling them was quite difficult. This became a bigger issue when I got risers on the bike.
I also continually had a serious vibration issue no matter how tight I locked the things in...I almost felt as though I was going to break something! I don't know if some bikes vibrate more than others, but at highway speeds, the mirrors were virtually useless except for seeing just blocky shapes.
Anyway, after a few conversations on this board, it looked like Matt wouldn't be able to resolve the issue anytime soon, so I opted to give the ESI product a try...
Let me tell you...there is a substantial difference...the ESI product will still vibrate, but nowhere near as severely as the KM. This is most noticeable at higher speeds. In fact, whereas my KM extensions would start vibrating at around 30 mph, the ESI extensions don't start vibrating until I'm over 50....this translates to better vehicle recognition as you go faster...I think the heavier weight and better fastener configuration for the mirror 'stalk' help with this. The washer also really helps to lock things in. The up and out configuration also helps with visibility...
I don't wish to knock the KM product as when it first came out, it was the only option, and at the time, was a good one. It sure beat stock mirrors. With the creation of the ESI mirror extensions, the mirror situation has taken another big step forward.
Reduced vibration and better visibility are apparent with the ESI mirror extensions. I like them and intend to keep for a long time...if something else comes out will I be likely to switch again?? No...I believe the ESI extensions suit my needs just fine. I think you can benefit from either product, but being I've had both of them now and have had the luxury of comparing them directly, I'd say that the ESI extensions have the upper hand with this product comparison.
