Let's talk mirrors, especially 2015+

[Charliedog]

Last summer I bought a very nice 2016 in Metallic Moon Dust Gray to replace my 2013 that had been stolen in Lafayette, LA, on the way home from the MotoGP at COTA.  The price was right because the 2016 had some "minor" accident damage to the right side, the mirror wobbled a bit compared to the left one, but was totally usable so I didn't pursue it-lazy me.  On my ride the other day on the interstate at about 60 mph coming into my city's limits, the right mirror just blew off the bike.  I mean the mirror was there, and one second later it was gone. When I got home and checked out the empty space where the mirror was, I could see the end of the mirror bracket had been broken and 'repaired' with something that was liquid but then dried to a solid, like epoxy.  That finally broke and took the mirror with it.  I have a replacement mirror bracket on the way from Japan, however...
 
I have been shopping both on line and with local dealers trying to find a replacement mirror. To no surprise, a color matched right mirror is on indefinite-or should I say infinite-backorder.  I was hoping there was one model year where the mirrors were not color matched-I had a 2000 C10 that was bright red, but the mirrors were a satin, or matte, plain black.  I could live with that.  If I found a right mirror a different color, I would be tempted to paint it (as well as my left mirror) matte black, if others have been able to paint the plastic with good results.

Through the years I have acquired odds-n-ends of spare parts, so I removed the right bar end weight and installed a bar end mirror.  For now I can live with that if i don't find anything better before I leave the end of March for Austin.

Thanks for letting me share.  Any Ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.     

[Freddy]

Did you happen to find the old mirror after it came off?  If so, the coloured panel can be removed and swapped, or a new one repainted.  Also, the 2015+ mirrors are slightly different where they pivot but that's probly not an issue for you.  All years came with matching mirrors.

What colour do you need?

[Charliedog]

Yes, I did go back the next day and retrieve the old mirror.  It was on an overpass, and it must have bounced, rolled, tumbled, etc. when it came off, so it was very scratched up on all surfaces, and some corners of the mounting area were missing.  The glass was intact and undamaged however.  Overall, definitely not re-useable. 

I was tempted to dis-assemble it.  If the colored part of the mirror could be removed, that would help painting it-I'd be happy with a satin or matte black. Paint both the replacement and original left mirror at the same time.   

My bike's color is the medium gray, Kawasaki calls it Metallic Moon Dust Gray.  Other years they had both lighter and darker shades of gray.
   

[Freddy]

Have you checked ebay for a good used mirror? 

The coloured cover can be removed with care.  I removed one for a similar reason 9 years ago.  From memory, very carefully pry the bottom edge out first.  There's probly a Youtube thing on how to do it these days. 

[Charliedog]

Yes, I checked eBay.  There was a pair from an older year. I was hoping to try to dis-assemble my old mirror this afternoon to see how hard that would be.

[Freddy]

Here's one for your model in Australia, here I live.  I saved it to Watch list and the seller offered it to me for A$200. 

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/326427861125?ul_noapp=true

[Charliedog]

Thanks for the consideration, but that's a left mirror.  Anyhow, I have a right mirror on order-the 21/22 black color.  If I like it, I'll order the left mirror to match, rather than trying to paint the left mirror back.  If I don't like it, there is a seller on eBay offering left and right replacement 2008-2014 mirrors for a decent price.  They should fit ok, just have a slightly lower position.