Nothing Earth-Shattering, Just Another Way to Add Farkles

[flagstaff]

I've had several combinations over the years on how I hooked up my XM, MP3 and radar detector. The previous one utilized a Radar Over Ride. It would combine the input from the music source with the radar giving you one output. As the name suggests, when a radar signal was received the music would stop and you'd only hear the detector. It worked well for several years, but lately it would interrupt the music/talk when there was no radar signal. The frequency of the interruptions increased to the point of being annoying so I need something different. The solution was an Amplirider. https://www.electric-avenues.com/amplirider.html

The Amplirider is powered from the bike's 12 volt system, which is one reason I did not buy one in the first place. It has three inputs and a single output, all stereo. With the new purchase I took the opportunity to redo my radar/XM/MP3 configuration. I'm happy to say the new arrangement works very well. I did not need much if any amplification, but having a single easy to adjust volume control is a real plus. The audio is nice and clear through my er6i buds, and the radar detector comes through clearly even at its lowest volume setting. The radar signal does not over-ride the other audio, it just comes in on top of it.

The key for me was to make the entire audio package easy to hook up and adjust. I've kept my Escort Solo on the top of my tank bag where it is less noticeable but still is in a good position to pick up signals.

The bag needs to come off to refuel so I have the power and XM cables running to the same area utilizing easy to use connectors.

I wanted a simple way to keep the detector properly positioned as well as an easy way to keep the wiring and Amplirider neat and easy to access. The solution was to mount to the components to a piece of plastic cutting board with Velcro.

The board slides easily into the map pocket keeping everything neat and easy to reach. The price for the Amplirider was $73 with an additional $15 for the recommended isolator for the radar detector. The system works well and is easy to adjust. Changing from the XM to an MP3 player is quick and easy since I no longer need to move wires from one component to another.

I've also added a Sigma cyclometer to make it easier to check my speed. I got the idea from someone on the board. The Gen II speedometer isn't the easiest to read, and it is off by a significant amount. The Sigma allows you to set the tire diameter so you can always be 100% accurate. I placed a rare earth magnet into the allen bolt head on the rotor. It does a great job of providing a consistant and strong pulse to the pickup. The cyclometer also records trip and total distance, time traveled, average speed, and maximum speed.

 

[Greb]

Nice set up, the cyclometer is a good idea, I always use the GPS for my speed

 

[RaYzerman19]

FYI, I have noticed that items in the map pocket get sunshine cooked hot in short order.........

 

[flagstaff]

FYI, I have noticed that items in the map pocket get sunshine cooked hot in short order.........

I've been carrying electronics for years in the map pocket without issue, but when traveling I have a map over the top to keep the radar detector out of site. I always figured that an exposed detector isn't the best idea if you get pulled over. Any break you might get could disappear if the LEO saw you were running a detector.

As for using the GPS for speed, I do that as well, but since I don't always have the GPS with me I needed a backup plan. I actually prefer the GPS since it shows the speed limit for that stretch of the road.

 

[Geezer]

I use an AmpliRider and like it very much. Mine has a separate remote volume control that requires two additional cables. I prefer the one you have with the volume control right on the mixer because it keeps things simple, has less clutter, and fewer jacks and plugs to corrode.

 

[RavFJR]

FYI, I have noticed that items in the map pocket get sunshine cooked hot in short order.........

I've been carrying electronics for years in the map pocket without issue, but when traveling I have a map over the top to keep the radar detector out of site. I always figured that an exposed detector isn't the best idea if you get pulled over. Any break you might get could disappear if the LEO saw you were running a detector.

As for using the GPS for speed, I do that as well, but since I don't always have the GPS with me I needed a backup plan. I actually prefer the GPS since it shows the speed limit for that stretch of the road.

I commute to/from an Air Force base daily and it's a 'no-no' to have a detector out in plain view (or to have it on). I buried my Escort 8500 x50 under the seat near where the tool pouch used to be... I then put a visual alert on the bar riser and a (on/off) switch near the glove box. The detector is set up to only detect Ka (which is what CHP uses on the local highway). The detector does rather well, with only minor attenuation where it's located - verses being used in my car. The detector gets turned off while on base, as the MPs have sniffers... Ask me how I know this.

I used my GPS to dial in my speedometer, installing a speedo calibrator. My speedometer reads dead on until way higher speeds, then it's about 1 MPH off. That's good enough for me...

 

[Geezer]

I commute to/from an Air Force base daily and it's a 'no-no' to have a detector out in plain view (or to have it on). I buried my Escort 8500 x50 under the seat near where the tool pouch used to be... I then put a visual alert on the bar riser and a (on/off) switch near the glove box. The detector is set up to only detect Ka (which is what CHP uses on the local highway). The detector does rather well, with only minor attenuation where it's located - verses being used in my car. The detector gets turned off while on base, as the MPs have sniffers... Ask me how I know this.

I used my GPS to dial in my speedometer, installing a speedo calibrator. My speedometer reads dead on until way higher speeds, then it's about 1 MPH off. That's good enough for me...

I thought the X50 was supposed to be undetectable. Guess not.

 

[Top_Speed1]

I commute to/from an Air Force base daily and it's a 'no-no' to have a detector out in plain view (or to have it on). I buried my Escort 8500 x50 under the seat near where the tool pouch used to be... I then put a visual alert on the bar riser and a (on/off) switch near the glove box. The detector is set up to only detect Ka (which is what CHP uses on the local highway). The detector does rather well, with only minor attenuation where it's located - verses being used in my car. The detector gets turned off while on base, as the MPs have sniffers... Ask me how I know this.

I used my GPS to dial in my speedometer, installing a speedo calibrator. My speedometer reads dead on until way higher speeds, then it's about 1 MPH off. That's good enough for me...

I thought the X50 was supposed to be undetectable. Guess not.

Not sure about the 8500, the "Mack Daddy" 9500 and Redline are definitely stealth to Detector-Detectors. I just purchased the 9500ci (built-in) system for the new toy.

 

[RavFJR]

I commute to/from an Air Force base daily and it's a 'no-no' to have a detector out in plain view (or to have it on). I buried my Escort 8500 x50 under the seat near where the tool pouch used to be... I then put a visual alert on the bar riser and a (on/off) switch near the glove box. The detector is set up to only detect Ka (which is what CHP uses on the local highway). The detector does rather well, with only minor attenuation where it's located - verses being used in my car. The detector gets turned off while on base, as the MPs have sniffers... Ask me how I know this.

I used my GPS to dial in my speedometer, installing a speedo calibrator. My speedometer reads dead on until way higher speeds, then it's about 1 MPH off. That's good enough for me...

I thought the X50 was supposed to be undetectable. Guess not.

I'm sure when they first came out that might be true...but technology has progressed. All I know is I got pulled over on base for having mine on... Update: Did did some quick research and the 8500 x50 can be detected by the Spectra D/D, but not the 9500.

 

[I Drink Alone]

Pilot, when you say you put your Escort under the seat, are there remote sensors to mount somewhere or does it actually pick-up signals from there? Otherwise why do I bother mounting on the windshield in my car where it has line of site forward and back if I could just throw it in the seat next to me?

 

[puppychow]

I have an Amplirider also and I like it a lot. Mine is tucked away in the nose cone of the FJR and I bring the volume control out to be within reach while riding.

You can see the remote volume controls on the Clutch reservoir in the photo below. One for the Amplirider, the other the control for the V1.

 

[hppants]

Another +1 for the Ampli-rider. For a signal booster, the sound quality if very good. On my gen 1, between songs while riding at hwy speeds, I do pick up just a very faint hint of noise in my ear buds. It's hardly noticable though, and I may play around a little with the cable routes to try and make it go away. Like PuppyChow, I opted for the remote volume and mounted the A/R in my nose cone. I also routed my cables under the A and B panels. I thought it cleaned up the installation well. My phone is inside the tank bag, and at fuel stops, I just have to unplug the two cables at the A panel and move the tank bag.

Here's a link to my install:

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php/topic/154476-suggestions-for-a-better-ampli-rider-installation/?p=1104593

 

[flagstaff]

Nice installs. It is good to have options. I didn't go with the remote volume control since all of my equipment is on top of the tank bag with the exception of the XM. I'm trying to keep it easy to just lift the tank bag and take the components with me or place them in the rear case when I'm in an area where I'm uncomfortable leaving things exposed. I've never had anything taken off the bike, but I always think about what a huge problem it would be if someone walked off with my helmet when I stopped to eat 1,000 miles from home.

 

[I Drink Alone]

I addressed the question 4 above to Pilot (FJR Pilot), guess it should more properly be addressed to flagstaff.

 

[flagstaff]

The tank bag I use, First Gear Onyx, https://www.motorcycle-superstore.ca/2741/i/firstgear-onyx-magnetic-tank-bag lets the detector have a good view to the front. The detector also has a rear facing antenna, but I'm not too concerned with what is behind me, and in most cases the signal from behind bounces off things in front of you giving you a good alert. The passport I use does not have remote sensors.

Here you can see where the detector rides. Leaving it on the seat will definately interfere with the detector's ability to receive a good signal.

 

[TripperMike]

I was thinking I didn't have anything to do to my bike this winter, and then I just had to read this thread. Thanks a bunch Flagstaff.

Actually some great ideas on to how recitify a few problems that have bothered me over the years.