Radar Detector

CaST

CaST

My first risers
Joined
Jun 26, 2005
Messages
177
Location
Sonoma, CA
Bike
ST1300A
What radar detector is the most effective for all types of guns and which model? Please include how you have mounted the radar detector?

It looks like most folks are using the X50 or the V1 but I thought I would ask how its mounted too.

Thanks

P
 
X 50 on a BLM shelf. A Visual Alert (powered by the RD) lives on the shelf too. I have used a screamer but at speed with my superduper earplugs I have trouble hearing it, the VA is great. :cool:

Google MC radar detectors and learn more.

Here's the VA in action.
 

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The effectiveness of a radar detector is mostly dependant on how easily you can hear or see the alerts. I use an X50 with a H.A.R.D. display in my helmet - it is the most effective detection system I have found for the bike. I have attached some images of the mounting, which is a machined nylon plate that is attached to the dash cowl. The H.A.R.D. transmitter is mounted inside the dash just under the detector. The X50 is velcroed to the mounting plate. I am working on a weatherproof cover for the detector. Neither piece of electronics is water resistant, so the transmitter is protected under the dash and sealed in RTV. for now, I make it a habit to put the detector in my tank bag if I am riding in wet weather.

Ride Safe !!
Dave
:biker:
 

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You have two choices. The Valentine 1 or the Escort Passort 8500 x50.

It's just that simple.

Curt
 
I opted for a two piece Whistler unit. The antenna is in the fairing and the control unit is in the fairing pocket. Both pieces are out of the weather and out of sight from thieves. I hear the plain english audible alerts and beeps in my helmet. I have found this to be the most effective means of alerts without being overly distractive or having to deal with batteries.

Ray
smile04Bikerwheelie.gif
 
Detector & Mounting.

Escort X50, see pict:
The layout on the dash will change since I'm adding an XM. I haven't decided where I want what but, the Quest speaker/ 12v is being hardwired so the 12v cigerette lighter is going to be mounted under the dash shelf.

I have mine running through my Starcom intercom. It overrides the audio when there is an alert. If you don't have an intercom, just use ear buds. If you want music and radar then you have to look at something like the Mix-It or AmpliRider amps.

Time2Work
Neil S.
 

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What's the scoop with LEO's using LIDAR. Is there a detector that will pick it up or are you basically toast if they are using these.

John
 
JM Anthony said:
What's the scoop with LEO's using LIDAR. Is there a detector that will pick it up or are you basically toast if they are using these.

John
Click to expand...

There is some information out there indicating that you can buy yourself some time via a laser jammer and/or laser veil.

some discussion on it here:

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/showthread.php?t=45961

www.blinder.de is for the jammer - there are others. The premise is that they reduce the range of the lidar enough to give you a chance to slow down. Explicitly illegal in some states and provinces and gray in some others.

I only have experience with my escort 8500 - it has detected lidar for me. However I don't know whether I was measured by that time. My sense is that a detector MAY give you a warning under certain conditions (eg. heavy traffic and long shots by lidar operator) - but most information out there indicates that the laser warning is actually an early indication that you are about to get a ticket.

more info here http://www.radarbusters.com/support/product-tests/4.asp
 
Valentine 1 got the nod with me not just because it is an excellent unit but it can be returned and upgraded as future enhancements become available for a very modest fee as compared to a new unit. (Whew!! Long sentence) My last upgrade cost $50. Now it picks up the POP radar.
 
V1 velcro mounted in the left pocket attenna facing frt, Remote Audio Adapter mounted at the top of the pocket and the Concealed Display mounted on the left side of the dash by the upper vent.
 
billxp said:
V1 velcro mounted in the left pocket attenna facing frt, Remote Audio Adapter mounted at the top of the pocket and the Concealed Display mounted on the left side of the dash by the upper vent.
Click to expand...

Are radar detectors illegal to have in California?
 
I have a 8500 X50... does POP, no upgrade required ;) Use with Parnes LED visual on the dash... works great. Have it mounted with MCL magnetic mount on MCL riser nice and low out of the way ;)
 
STonoma said:
Are radar detectors illegal to have in California?
Click to expand...

I think I answered my own question. According to CHP website:

Radar detectors are legal, but jammers, or any device which interferes with radar signals, are illegal (28150 VC).

---------

Is the Valentine 1 a jammer?
 
The V1 is a detector only.

I'll add a :yes: to Mike's customer service and upgrade policy. My (then) 4 year old unit was velcroed to the dash of my ST1100 when I wrecked it....... found the unit dangling by the power cord. After another 3 years of service I noticed that the unit would rattle if I shook it. Sent it in and for ~ $150.00 they replaced it with the newer smaller better featured unit, complete with all the cords, power taps and mounts. They even sent a new cig. adaptor. More than fair IMO.
 
No saying that you will not get hit by LIDAR out in the rural areas, but more likely than not you will be hit by radar. LIDAR is still new enough that alot of rural areas do not have it yet or are not willing to spend $4k per unit:eek: . Also, LIDAR is a stationary device at this time and most of the time at least in my experiemce in Washington state and the surrounding states, you usually see an LEO when they drive by you the opposite direction. So, since they are moving, the only measuring device they can use at that time is radar.
A good radar detector unit certainly may assist you in a happier ending day if you find that perfect set of corners out in the country somewhere. Easy to find yourself above the speed limit with the ST's smooth torky power.
Not saying to go out and speed, just be prepared if you find yourself day dreaming on that perfect road.
 
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