Aggressive Minimalist Styling: The Arlen Ness Rad II Mirror

The Arlen Ness Rad II Mirror is a masterclass in functional minimalism. For riders who find factory mirrors to be bulky “ears” that ruin the lines of their bike, the Rad II offers a sharp, angular alternative that accents the motorcycle’s silhouette rather than overpowering it. As part of the Arlen Ness Micro-Mirror collection, the Rad II (or Rad 2) features a compact teardrop shape that has become a favorite for Performance Bagger, Club Style, and Chopper builds alike. When you install a set of Rad II mirrors, you aren’t just adding a safety component; you are installing a piece of custom history from the “King of Custom” himself, Arlen Ness.

Engineered for Strength and Clarity

Don’t let the “Micro” designation fool you—the Rad II is built for the high-vibration environment of the open road. Every mirror is manufactured using high-quality die-cast aluminum construction. This ensures the housing is rigid enough to provide a steady, blur-free image even at highway speeds. Unlike cheaper plastic or stamped-metal mirrors, the Rad II feels substantial and premium to the touch. The mirror is available in a mirror-finish show chrome or a durable black powder-coat, both of which are designed to withstand the elements and resist pitting or fading over time. Each mirror is sold individually, allowing you to mix and match or replace a single unit if needed.

Superior Optics: The Convex Glass Advantage

The standout feature of the Rad II is its integrated convex glass. In a mirror this compact—measuring approximately 4-1/2″ wide by 1-1/2″ high—standard flat glass would provide a very narrow field of view. By utilizing a convex (slightly curved) lens, Arlen Ness allows the rider to see a much wider area of the road behind them. This “wide-angle” effect is crucial for reducing dangerous blind spots and keeping you aware of your surroundings in dense city traffic. The glass is clear and distortion-free, ensuring that while the mirror itself is small, your situational awareness remains high.

Universal Fitment and Technical Specifications

Arlen Ness has designed the Rad II to be a truly universal solution for V-twin and metric riders. Each mirror comes with a comprehensive hardware kit that makes installation a breeze on a variety of platforms.

• Hardware Included: Comes with studs and bolts for Harley-Davidson, Victory, Indian, and most Metric cruisers (Note: Yamaha models require a separate reverse-thread adapter).
• Adjustable Swivel: The mirror head features a heavy-duty swivel mount that provides infinite adjustability, allowing you to lock in the perfect angle for your riding height.
• Compact Footprint: Glass dimensions are roughly 4-1/2″ W x 1-1/2″ H, significantly reducing the “antenna” look of stock controls.
• Part Numbers: Common configurations include 13-400 (Black Left), 13-401 (Black Right), 13-410 (Chrome Left), and 13-411 (Chrome Right).