This review dives into a significant upgrade for KTM Adventure bike owners: the Rottweiler mirror mounts paired with CRG Arrow mirrors. We detail the installation process, highlighting both the ease and the importance of precision during the drilling phase. The review explores the aesthetic integration of the Rottweiler mounts, their secure fit, and compatibility with various KTM Adventure models. We also thoroughly assess the performance of the CRG Arrow mirrors, analyzing their build quality, visibility, and unexpected benefit of reduced wind buffeting.Beyond the premium CRG mirrors, we explore a cost-effective alternative using the Rottweiler mounting kit with more budget-friendly options. This allows readers to weigh the advantages of superior visibility and build quality offered by the CRG mirrors against the significant price difference. Ultimately, this review aims to equip KTM Adventure riders with the information needed to make an informed decision about upgrading their mirrors, considering both performance and budget constraints.
Pros And Cons
- Top-notch quality
- Glass mirrors are replaceable
- Mirrors flip up in a crash
- Ingenious mounting location, doesn't interfere with levers
- Wider field of vision compared to factory mirrors
- Reduced buffeting compared to factory mirrors
- Pricey ($240 for the complete set)
- Increased bike width due to wider mirrors (may be a disadvantage for lane splitting)
Read more: 5 Best Bike Mirrors for Road Cycling
Installation Process
The installation of the Rottweiler mirror mounts is fairly straightforward. You'll need a drill and a couple of drill bits. A helpful video guide is available online. Remember to take your time during the drilling process, as you're working with your factory hand guards. Accurate placement is crucial to avoid damaging your bike.
Rottweiler provides a template to simplify the process. The mounts themselves attach securely once the holes are drilled. The entire installation shouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes, but precision is more important than speed.
Mounts and Compatibility
The Rottweiler mounts themselves are aesthetically pleasing, featuring the Rottweiler logo. Their design integrates well with the bike's aesthetics. These mounts are designed for KTM 1090, 1190, and 1290 Adventure models, and may also fit the 790 Adventure model (though this needs further verification).
The placement of the mounts is clever; they avoid interfering with the clutch and brake levers. Always double-check for clearance before riding.
CRG Arrow Mirrors: Construction and Quality
The CRG Arrow mirrors are built with high-quality materials. They boast glass lenses, offering a clear and crisp reflection. While glass is prone to breakage in a crash, replacement lenses are readily available. The mirrors are designed to flip upward in a crash to minimize damage.
The robust construction ensures a durable and reliable product. The ease of replacing the glass lenses provides peace of mind.
Performance and Visibility
The mirrors provide excellent visibility in various riding conditions. They've performed flawlessly on highways, back roads, and even in challenging, multi-lane traffic. The wider field of view compared to stock mirrors significantly improves safety and awareness.
The increased width allows for better peripheral vision, reducing blind spots. While this wider profile might affect lane splitting, the mirror's adjustability allows for customization to mitigate this issue.
Wind Buffeting Reduction
An unexpected benefit was the reduction in wind buffeting. The mirrors' wider placement seemed to minimize the disruption of airflow compared to stock mirrors, resulting in a calmer ride, especially at higher speeds.
This effect might vary depending on factors like windshield height, rider size, and helmet type. However, for those experiencing wind buffeting, this upgrade might provide an unexpected solution.
Value and Alternatives
The complete Rottweiler and CRG mirror setup is priced at around $240, which is a significant investment. However, Rottweiler also sells the mounting kit separately (around $40), allowing for the use of more budget-friendly mirrors from other brands.
Using the Rottweiler kit with inexpensive Amazon mirrors (around $26) provides a functional, similar-looking setup for under $70. While the quality difference between the CRG mirrors and budget alternatives remains untested, this offers a significant cost-saving option.
Conclusion
The Rottweiler mirror mounts and CRG Arrow mirrors offer a significant upgrade for KTM Adventure bikes. They provide superior visibility and a noticeable reduction in wind buffeting. However, the high price point is a factor to consider.
The option of using the Rottweiler mounting kit with cheaper mirrors offers a cost-effective alternative. Ultimately, the decision depends on budget and priorities. The superior visibility and build quality of the CRG mirrors make them a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize those features.