Question about mirrors on a 1979 R100 RT

[Archie]

I have a 1979 BMW R100RT that I have owned since new. I remember that when I got the bike, it came with rear view mirrors that I would describe as being fairly small. Then, a year or two later – maybe in 1981 or 1982 – the RT’s came from the factory with slightly larger mirrors and a different mounting base on the fairing. I remember that I “upgraded” my mirrors to the new style and size and have had them on the bike since then.

I now need to replace the mirrors as they are cracked and want to replace them with the same style as I now have. I went on to the A&S BMW Motorcycle microfiche and it shows two kinds of mirrors – one up to 1984 and the other from 1984. I ordered two mirrors (part numbers ending in 197 and 198) which is up to 1984, but when the mirrors arrived they turned out to be the old style, i.o.w. the ones that originally came with the bike in ‘79.

Does that mean that the part numbers of the mirrors I am looking for end in 173 and 174 and are from 1984 and up? The local dealer doesn’t know the answer to this, as they are not too familiar with older bikes. Has anyone had a similar experience?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

[Jean]

Isn't the part number ON the mirrors somewhere? Like inside the base, maybe?

[khittner1]

Archie---I have an '84 RT that came factory-equipped with the smaller mirrors; the larger ones didn't arrive until the mono-shock bikes ('85-'95). According to an old print-out I have from Bob's BMW, you've correctly summarized the parts number listings; 197 & 198 were for the older, smaller size, and 173 & 174 were for the newer, larger size mirrors. It looks like you ordered the wrong ones if you wanted the bigger ones. FWIW, the two styles were the same price oncue-upon-a-time.

Konrad

[Archie]

Konrad,

Thanks for your input about this. I will try to re-order the later style mirrors!
Jean, am unable to see a part number on the mirror.

Thanks,