helps to tilt mirrors down, rather than having the top side
parallel to the ground.. sort of like floppy ears on sheep
or whatever..
this gives maximum vertical view between the two
middle points, with about max lateral view
plus the tips dipping down to see cars blinkers
etc in that position..
without doubt mirrors are a compromise on
motorcycle side mirrors.. but you can get
a good workable arrangement to suit your own
height and so on with careful alignments..
motorcycle mirrors are not intended to provide
full rear vision, which would be a distraction
from what we need to see behind and
sidewards when not looking ahead..
you can ride a motorcyle without mirrors,
as some do, [not, recommended] but
you cant ride without looking ahead
and to either side..
it mildly amuses me when some report
annoyance at seeing their elbows in their
mirrors.. while elbows may take up
a small part of the inner reflection,
it takes only a split second to move
your elbow, if complete view is
necessary, which is rare if ever..
with the right attitude, seeing elbows
blocking mirrors correctly aligned
could be feedback on poor elbow
alignment generally..
there are bar-end mirrors which can give
slightly wide angle for mirrors, but
the less the better on bars..
[some swear by them]
also wide screen 'blind spot' mirrors
for mounting onto screens,
and rear view cameras..
which may have their place for some,
but seem more a distraction to me..
like all riding skills, use of mirrors is another
skill, which anyone can improve by simply
doing it with intention, and by repetition..
specifically, learning and teaching your brain
to form an ongoing image of whats behind you
thru ongoing slight glancing without head movement
to mirror images.. this becomes second nature,
and an extention of peripheral vision..
you dont need to actively think thoughts about
where everything is as its a changing reality,
but brain can and will develop an inner
picture of whats happening, including
changes between last glimpse and next..
this is a simple thing, nothing special,
which anyone can develop and use..
but see link for 'blind spot' mirrors
if that makes riding better for you;
Riderscan