Member Contributer Rush2112 Posted October 4, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted October 4, 2012 After recent conversations with LEOs, and my previous history, I'm in the market for a radar/laser detector for my 5th gen. I searched through 5 pages of posts in the electronics section and found several references to radar detectors. Most focused on mounting or blue tooth. I apologize if I'm starting a post that has already been done, but I didn't find one that answered my questions. My questions are for the folks on here who have radar detectors. What units work best? Worst? Do you like remote units or the handy pull off the bike when your done units? What has your experience been with them, both good and bad? Thanks for your input... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baileyrock Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 I've always like Valentine 1's, have been at the upper end on test for a decade and really like the front/rear/side indicator which helps me decide what's the best response is for a given situation! NOT cheap though! BR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Aegisranger Posted October 4, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted October 4, 2012 I use a Escort Passport 8500 X50 mounted with velcro to my tall tank bag. It looks through, not over, the windscreen. I was using an ear bud inside my helmet, but now I'm making a home-made 'Radar Screamer'. I like this detector, it has saved me many times in each of my vehicles. The last time, even though I was ticketed for 78 in a 55, it gave me enough time to scrub off about 50mph before the trooper got me. Those few seconds saved my bacon :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud786 Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 Dont waste money with anything with only a single antenna, or that can be bought in a retail store. The top 1% of detectors, are company direct or specialty shop, and dual antennas. As BR mentioned the v1 pretty much sets the bar, but its old tech and more Manual operating in comparsion to some of the new stuff that offers electronics that automatically recalibrates, verses the V1 can become out of tune, and have to send it in. Also some features with newer tech, provide hands free operation, such as auto muting, voice recognition signaling along with the alarm. The V1 is actually cheaper nowadays than some of the newer stuff, but generally anything less than $500 (dont waste your time), it wont meet any gate worthy of the top 1% stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud786 Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 I tested a $465 dollar single antenna with GPS Bel, and sent it back, it didnt meet the gate, you'd be practically on top of leo many times. The professional trucker model(dual antenna) I found far better. I was getting pulled over 4 or 5 times per year, since running survielience gear, in the last 3 or 4 years, Ive been pulled over once or twice(it was actually all on the same day)(a bike rally targeting bikes). That was the only time in like 3 or 4 years Id got pulled over.Point is I never ride without it, Its far more worthy than my gun!!!!!!!!!I dont know how people can blast radar from a speaker system, that would be annoying to me, I use a wire to the ear, you need an ear plug anyway.The best radar dectors dont come with GPS, for some reason thats intentional, so decide whats more important Radar or GPS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 I too use the Passport 8500 X50 with the www.legalspeeding.com H.A.R.D. system. It has saved my butt so many times... I feel it is the one MC farkle I will never be able to live without. I have all of my bikes hardwired for a RADAR detector. I have one Passport velcro'd to the top of a magnetic tank bag. My Ducati has one velcro'd and zip-tied to a gas cap camera mount. Best tool for the job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MBrane Posted October 5, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted October 5, 2012 I'm happy with my Adaptiv TPX. It's already paid for itself a few times over. The only thing I don't like about it is the bright blue display, but that's a minor annoyance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer dutchinterceptor Posted October 5, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted October 5, 2012 I know Escort 9500 and Valentine 1 are the premier detectors but I can't bring myself to pay that much considering the harsh environments they're exposed to on a motorcycle. I settled for the Beltronics 995 and it has served me well for many years permanently mounting it on the bike. I tried the radar screamer but it's just not loud enough at 80 mph with stereo earplugs. Plus the cops look at you funny when you drive past them with it going off. Definitely get the Marc Parnes Visual Alert or the H.A.R.D. System for an instant LED alert. Audio would be better so you'd know what type of radar you're being irradiated with. The Adaptiv is great since it's waterproof and vibration proof. A friend of mine has been using one for a few years and has saved him tons of money. Unless they've improved them the mounts are weak but the company definitely stands behind their product. Stealth mount so the cops and potential thieves never see it plus it's out of the rain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciprinakos Posted October 5, 2012 Share Posted October 5, 2012 I use a V1 with remote display and helmet head up display (VizAlert which came together with Cheetah M27 Rider from http://www.speedcheetah.com) which, in comparison with H.A.R.D. system, gives the band type of targeting radar. The detector itself, at some point was mounted as in above picture (under the fairings) but since I've start using it in also in the car I just keep it in one weather proof bag mounted on the handlebars. Together with Cheetah M27 Rider I've never got any ticket on the bike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baileyrock Posted October 5, 2012 Share Posted October 5, 2012 BTW I use headphone speakers built into my helmet for alerts. Much cheaper and as effective as a HARD or other type visual alert. BR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianF Posted October 5, 2012 Share Posted October 5, 2012 :+1: on the 8500 X50. I use a Y cable to splice it in with my iPod in the tank bag so the sound comes through over the music. It's mono output from its headphone jack, just get an adapter. On the VFR, it's mounted on the right handlebar on a RAM with the magnetic base plate. I used an LED alert from Marc Parnes (I think that's who made it) mounted on the top of the windshield on my V-Strom, since I didn't always wear headphones on it (lots of 2-up). I've been using it for 5 years on the bike and in the car, and haven't lost any effectiveness. I've literally saved thousands of dollars from that little gray box. When it dies, I'll definitely get it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum CEO HispanicSlammer Posted October 5, 2012 Forum CEO Share Posted October 5, 2012 I have the adaptive tpx too, its ok, sometimes the thing gets false readings in the strangest places usually reacting to other vehicles with detectors on. Its not as long range as a valintine or higher end unit but it works. I had it wired to my autocom and that was great since even with the led warnings I would not see it going off. Now I am using bluetooth sena's and got the sh10 unit so I can pipe the radar warning in over the bluetooth now - its the only sure way for me to get the warnings. I have the 1.0 version of the detector and they have upgraded significantly, have had it for a few years now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Switchblade Posted October 7, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted October 7, 2012 LESS THROTTLE !!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Rush2112 Posted October 7, 2012 Author Member Contributer Share Posted October 7, 2012 LESS THROTTLE !!!! Yeah... I've tried that. It lasts for an afternoon at best... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BusyLittleShop Posted October 7, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted October 7, 2012 Sportbikes are awful at lawful speeds... that's why I never ride without my trusty a Bel 975r Remote radar detector... I fabricated a special Delrin mount and blends the gauges with the warning pod... I used wax transfer letters to spell out "Oh Shit" I fabricated a small Delrin box to house the antenna and mounted it under the fairing... Even Mr.CHP gets a kick out of the "Oh Shit" on the signal pod... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baileyrock Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Actually I've never really found a need for one as I Never Speed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monk Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 I'd like to see a good DEER detector, at least Virginia doesn't have a law in place if they ever invent one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BusyLittleShop Posted October 7, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted October 7, 2012 Actually I've never really found a need for one as I Never Speed! I don't consider it speeding either because we ride with a real reserve... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Switchblade Posted October 7, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted October 7, 2012 LESS THROTTLE !!!! Yeah... I've tried that. It lasts for an afternoon at best... Yeah ME TOO !!!!! I have already been pulled over twice this year, the first one I got $20 Blount county warning ticket and the second one I got all of my paper work check and let go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BusyLittleShop Posted October 7, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted October 7, 2012 I'd like to see a good DEER detector, at least Virginia doesn't have a law in place if they ever invent one. A good deer detector could be produced with Thermal Imaging technology... combat pilots have FLIR and so should canyon carvers... it would not only alert when a warm carcass is about leap into our path but also a show Mr.CHP's warm engine hiding in the bushes... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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