choco Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 I've read through the threads on radar detectors and noticed there are some new models and new ways to alert you to a signal. I'm thinking about getting a radar detector and would like to know what people like and why and if the radar detector really does save tickets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Mohawk Posted March 15, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 15, 2015 Bell make the best IMO, but I've never used the bike ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BonusVFR Posted March 15, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 15, 2015 Lots of information out there. "Best" kind of depends on the question "what for?" . I went with a Redline by Escort (Bell the same company now) and I will soon be penning my latest lessons learned in the series "Tales of Redline". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer deltaboxii Posted March 16, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 16, 2015 For auto use I prefer the Valentine One system. For the bike, I have been using the Adaptiv Technologies TPX and it seems to work well so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer 007 Posted March 16, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 16, 2015 For auto use I prefer the Valentine One system. For the bike, I have been using the Adaptiv Technologies TPX and it seems to work well so far. Ditto on both accounts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer V-FORE Posted March 16, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 16, 2015 I also am using the Adaptiv unit because it is waterproof and with the led mounted on the windscreen right above the gps you can see the signal while your eyes are on the road. It works well, I have been warned well ahead of the radar and it has saved me from at least 1 definite huge ticket Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud786 Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 The redline or the STI , they are the only ones that meet the gate in detection. they also have auto muting, good for bike application, so its hands free operation. These coming in magnesium casing. Don't try to wrap them in anything , you'll burn them up. and built in voltage monitor, also good for bike application. The valentine is old school and you need extra mp3 adapter unit if you plan on a wire to the ear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Marsman99 Posted March 16, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 16, 2015 I use the Valentine V1 with the V1 Connection BT link to my phone. Old school maybe, but then radar detector technology is pretty old-school. I use Adaptiv mounts for the phone cradle and radar unit. Radar is on a RAM magnetic base. Can remove both in less than 15 seconds. The V1 phone app allows the phone to act as the radar display and the mounts (with Adaptiv extender) keep it up where I see it when looking ahead and easily see any activity that needs further scrutiny. The radar sits to the side so it sees forward and backwards. The V1 detects all bands and laser from front and back and displays which direction the threat comes from. A bit of research will show the V1 is one of the most sensitive radar detectors available, always has been. In comparison, it only lacks the GPS connection and app some of the others have. Not interested in either as GPS databases of photo radar sites and such require database maintenance, and the attendant subscription fees. What guarantees the database is updated and who wants another monthly fee? Gimmicks IMO. Don't need waterproof either as I won't be needing a radar detector in the rain and can get the V1 off and stowed in a few seconds. Been saved on five occasions to date. Twice Ka band in front (about a mile away), once Ka from rear, and twice laser in front (same location, 1/2 mile). Saw all front threats as I went by. Gotta thank Luvtoleanit for steering me towards the V1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wera803 Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 I use the Valentine V1 with the V1 Connection BT link to my phone.I'm a little confused with your setup. Why would you use the phone as a display with the V1 right next to it? I have a V1 as well and was hoping the phone connection would send sound to my Sena, but Valentine told me the phone is only a display and does not transmit sound. Is this true? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Marsman99 Posted March 16, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 16, 2015 I use the Valentine V1 with the V1 Connection BT link to my phone.I'm a little confused with your setup. Why would you use the phone as a display with the V1 right next to it? I have a V1 as well and was hoping the phone connection would send sound to my Sena, but Valentine told me the phone is only a display and does not transmit sound. Is this true?Wera,Yeah, the photo is pretty poor and distorts the size and locations. The V1 is parallel to the ground and from my riding position I can't see the display well enough, especially it being off to the side. The phone is centered (stem mounted) and is positioned up and tilted back. I can see visual alerts easily in my peripheral vision and only need to move my eyes slightly to see detail. On the BT sound...nope, the V1 Connection does not transmit sound. I was very disappointed in this as I had hoped it would connect into my Sena 20S comm system. However, in reality, it would be a mess. Like most radar units, there are false or non-threat (x band) signals that would be quite annoying to have interrupting intercom or music. I find the visual alerts from the phone screen plenty good enough, and I can still stream music, make calls etc. with the 20S. There is a bit more to it, but this is a radar post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 Don't over think this and waste a lot of money. A good used eBay 8500 x50 sent back for reconditioning is all you really need. Remember, you are never going to detect laser. If you do, you should check your bikes wiring because it is giving you a false alert. Attach a Legal Speeding HARD system to it and go. Here in the mountains I have run that set up for six years, ticket free. (knock on wood.) You just need to pick up radar signals in advance and slow. If you are hauling ________ you probably won't beat instant on anyways. It will pick up the fastest moving object. The cop knows it is you already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer dutchinterceptor Posted March 16, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 16, 2015 Don't over think this and waste a lot of money. A good used eBay 8500 x50 sent back for reconditioning is all you really need. Remember, you are never going to detect laser. If you do, you should check your bikes wiring because it is giving you a false alert. Attach a Legal Speeding HARD system to it and go. Here in the mountains I have run that set up for six years, ticket free. (knock on wood.) You just need to pick up radar signals in advance and slow. If you are hauling ________ you probably won't beat instant on anyways. It will pick up the fastest moving object. The cop knows it is you already. Ultimately, your eyes are the best detector but beyond that I'd agree the 8500 is the best for the money! You can buy them new for around $250, much less for refurbed. I've successfully avoided dozens of tickets with detectors much cheaper so spending more is not required imo. Definitely go for the H.A.R.D. system as mentioned above or get the Visual Alert from Marc Parnes. I'm sure there are bluetooth widgets to pipe in audio to your comm unit but I'm not familiar with that stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer luvtoleanit Posted March 16, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 16, 2015 Same as 14 years ago. Valentine One and a H.A.R.D. Unit from Legalspeeding.com. Best combo there is on the market imo. I need to send my V1 in for the upgrade so it can do Bluetooth display on my phone for the same reasons listed in this thread. Lots of information out there. "Best" kind of depends on the question "what for?" . I went with a Redline by Escort (Bell the same company now) and I will soon be penning my latest lessons learned in the series "Tales of Redline". That looks like a hornet's nest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BonusVFR Posted March 16, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 16, 2015 Same as 14 years ago. Valentine One and a H.A.R.D. Unit from Legalspeeding.com. Best combo there is on the market imo. I need to send my V1 in for the upgrade so it can do Bluetooth display on my phone for the same reasons listed in this thread. Lots of information out there. "Best" kind of depends on the question "what for?" . I went with a Redline by Escort (Bell the same company now) and I will soon be penning my latest lessons learned in the series "Tales of Redline". That looks like a hornet's nest. Universal law of nature..........Junk expands to the room available and I am running out of space for farkles. But all of these devices are tour staples now with the Redline being the newest addition. I have received performance awards on tour and I just do not want any more "homework " ie internet traffic schools or worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Rush2112 Posted March 16, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 16, 2015 Is the radar signal decreased when it has to pass through the windshield or body work? I would imagine Laser detection needs line of sight and probably means you've been lit up already if you pick it up... is there any issue with mounting radar antenna behind body work or windshield? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BonusVFR Posted March 16, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 16, 2015 Is the radar signal decreased when it has to pass through the windshield or body work? I would imagine Laser detection needs line of sight and probably means you've been lit up already if you pick it up... is there any issue with mounting radar antenna behind body work or windshield? I don't think so. Just about all the Auto units ie Redline/V1/8500 etc are mounted behind a windshield normally. The TPX is about the only one I would put in the stream as I have had issues with electronic gear in the wind especially with low flying critters!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BusyLittleShop Posted March 16, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 16, 2015 Mr.RC45 is awful at lawful speeds... that's why I never ride withoutmy trusty a Bel 975r Remote radar detector... I fabricated a special Delrin mount and blends the gauges with thewarning pod... I used wax transfer letters to spell out "Oh Shit"I fabricated a small Delrin box to house the antenna and mounted itunder the fairing...Even Mr.CHP gets a kick out of the "Oh Shit" on the signal pod...Radar is under the jurisdiction of the FCC and its illegal to jamwhereas Lazer is under the jurisdiction of the Food and DrugAdministration and they are too busy with E Coli and traffickers to goafter Jammers at the moment... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Marsman99 Posted March 17, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 17, 2015 Remember, you are never going to detect laser. If you do, you should check your bikes wiring because it is giving you a false alert. Attach a Legal Speeding HARD system to it and go. Just not true, sorry. I detected laser twice from a CHP in the same location two weeks apart. Both times I pulled it down from 85+ to 70ish, and saw him aiming the unit on his window as I went by. It isn't easy to point an 18" spot on something moving a half mile away, especially if they're aiming for plates or headlights. A little surprised he couldn't lock on the1200's headlight, though. Since there were cars in every lane I assume it was scatter that was detected, or maybe he was holding out for something going 90+, either way my RD alerted me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer dutchinterceptor Posted March 17, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 17, 2015 Is the radar signal decreased when it has to pass through the windshield or body work? I would imagine Laser detection needs line of sight and probably means you've been lit up already if you pick it up... is there any issue with mounting radar antenna behind body work or windshield? With the exception being laser, in my experience yes radar waves can be picked up just fine behind motorcycle plastics, windscreens, car windshields, etc. For awhile I wedged my detector between the front seats in my truck because I didn't like anything stuck to the dash. The response time was only slightly diminished. The detector I used for so long on my VFR's was mounted to the ECM just behind the right turn signal assembly. I tested it in various locations and got the same responses no matter where it was located. YMMV of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Cogswell Posted March 17, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 17, 2015 Attach a Legal Speeding HARD system to it and go. Gotta like that Legal Speeding's homepage features a 6th gen . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer V-FORE Posted March 24, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 24, 2015 I also am using the Adaptiv unit because it is waterproof and with the led mounted on the windscreen right above the gps you can see the signal while your eyes are on the road. It works well, I have been warned well ahead of the radar and it has saved me from at least 1 definite huge ticket I thought I would update this since I went to the other side of the state last weekend and I averaged 78mph on the way over and 83mph on the way home It is a wonderful feeling to be able to keep your speed between 95-115 (87-102 per GPS) on the 70 limit highway The Adaptiv gave good warning! I know on this trip I saved myself at least twice, I think the unit has paid for itself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer V-FORE Posted March 24, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted March 24, 2015 I also am using the Adaptiv unit because it is waterproof and with the led mounted on the windscreen right above the gps you can see the signal while your eyes are on the road. It works well, I have been warned well ahead of the radar and it has saved me from at least 1 definite huge ticket I thought I would update this since I went to the other side of the state last weekend and I averaged 78mph on the way over and 83mph on the way home It is a wonderful feeling to be able to keep your speed between 95-115 (87-102 per GPS) on the 70 limit highway The Adaptiv gave good warning! I know on this trip I saved myself at least twice, I think the unit has paid for itself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud786 Posted March 24, 2015 Share Posted March 24, 2015 Same as 14 years ago. Valentine One and a H.A.R.D. Unit from Legalspeeding.com. Best combo there is on the market imo. I need to send my V1 in for the upgrade so it can do Bluetooth display on my phone for the same reasons listed in this thread. Lots of information out there. "Best" kind of depends on the question "what for?" . I went with a Redline by Escort (Bell the same company now) and I will soon be penning my latest lessons learned in the series "Tales of Redline". That looks like a hornet's nest. yes Redline is top dog, except no substitute. Only the dual atenna ones meet the gate, the others work to some degree, but cant pull off the things the redline is capable of. Don't believe me, but all independent testing its the proven one by a wide margin. I tried a single antenna gps model, not good enough, the redline will detect around blind corners, blind hills. Otherwise your right on top of them before notice. Anyone running xband is a rookie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Rush2112 Posted April 27, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 27, 2015 How are you guys mounting the Escort 8500 X50 on your bikes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.