Radar Detectors, Anyone?

[Groo]

I have a V1 that I used on my SS1000 ride a few weeks ago, and was trying to just use the available speaker sound, and the visual alerts. That worked, but it wasn't the best solution, because 1) wind noise and my earplugs conspired to severely mute the audible alerts, and 2) despite the fact that the detector was in my field of vision, I wasn't focusing on it continuously, and so I would often miss the earliest warnings, which are the crucial ones.

Got caught in a trap doing 90 in a 75, so I'm now getting set to pipe the audio through the new Mixit2 to some earphones, along with my XM radio tunes.

I did get at least 1 laser detection, and about 12 saves on regular X, K, and Ka... just got nabbed the one time. I think I would have made it had I been able to hear the warning better.

 

[Rogue]

Do you all depend on the display lights to get your attention?

I've got mine pluged into my J&M 2003.

 

[Bike Effects]

I understand that many people have their favorite detector and I appreciate that.
Do you all depend on the display lights to get your attention?

Do you turn the volume up so you can hear it directly or do you use a headset or earphone?

I use some reasonably inexpensive helmet speakers. Works good, even with ear plugs.

 

[throttlejockeyTJ]

When you get stopped with a detector sitting there.

What is the conversation like? :blink:

 

[Ghost_Rider]

If you have time, take off your gloves and put them on top of the detector.

 

[ostee874]

I like the idea of the detector in the side pocket of the RKA bag that side effects is using - is the valentine able to see thru/around arms or legs or leaning body parts? Still can detect front and rear radar?

 

[Bike Effects]

I like the idea of the detector in the side pocket of the RKA bag that side effects is using - is the valentine able to see thru/around arms or legs or leaning body parts? Still can detect front and rear radar?

Works perfectly, no problem. Trust me on that. It has been tested.

 

[Ghost_Rider]

Radar does work in tank bags, but on this last trip I took I got to find out how well.

My riding partner had to borrow a bike last min and was forced to put his V1 in the map pouch of his tank bag. I had my V1 mounted about 1" over the brake res via a RAM mount setup. It seamed like I was picking up KA and other legit K band at almost twice the distance as he was. However, he was still left with time to react if the cop was running active. But if the cop was being selective my buddy might not of picked up a signal from far out, thus the first radar signal he saw might have been his ticket.

Radar can work even with some blockage, but it doesnt work as well as a clear and high point of view.

 

[FJRmogul]

Passport 8500 X50 mounted inside tank bag. I use it with the wireless "heads-up" transmitter with remote LED helmet light. Saved my a55 many times.

 

[Pending]

I have a Escort Passport 8500, it's been great. Escort and Beltronics are now owned and operated by the same company. The Escort 8500 X50 and the Beltronics RX65 are virtually the same radar detector, but the Beltronics RX65 Pro has all the bells & whistles, PLUS, the new to the USA, Ku band, which will be a new radar gun sold to police in Dec, of this year. They have a trade in program, plus it will accept the H.A.R.D. system. ( Helmet Assisted Radar Detection)

 

[mastercaster]

i use the passport 8500x50 with the HARD. love the wireless of the hard unit, and when it goes off ithen check the x50 to see what it's picking up. saved me many times for sure. B)

 

[Bounce]

ECM Shelf

Detector mounts just right of GPS shown in this photo

feed the audio through the MixIt and then the aux in of the audio system when i'm using cb. when not, then i feed it through just the MixIt to the ear monitors.

audio/cb

ear monitors

 

[SickDog]

Long-time Bel owner and user in my cage; recently went through this analysis for placing a RD on my bike.

After using the Bel on the bike, I purchased a Valentine 1 based upon reviews and comments on a radar detector forum (thought it would be the most objective source of information).

The V1 has more than lived up to its reputation. Great sensativity and the arrows are invaluable. More than once I've "tracked" an LEO as it approached, passed, did a U-turn and followed me from behind hoping the FJRocket would blast off!

Any RD - V1 included - really can't be heard while riding the FJR at a, er, "spirited" pace.

Thought about the LED accessory but, since I also use the RD at night, was concerned with the manufacturer's warnings not to use at night due to the temporary night blindness that results from the super bright LEDS.

Though about the HARD-system until I read about how the in-helmet LED causes one's face to light up like a crazed Halloween-jack-o-lantern at night... certaining not the stealth mode I was looking for!

So I purchased a Radar Screamer - an accessory speaker that connects to the RD. Well, it works for leisurely riding but not much help at expressway speeds. The wind noise on an FJR (OEM screen) is just too loud.

So I've settled on using an ear-phone to pump the radar warnings into my ear. Currently I'm merely using a cheapo Radio Shack ear phone (the kind we use to use to listen to AM radios). I'll like do what "bounce" does and configure a helmet sound system once I figure out which Autocom system to purchase... if I can figure out a bluetooth system I'll be in hog heaven! (opps, I mean FJR-heaven!).

 

[Mogan]

Have as escort 8500x50 and it works fine. I can't rely on the lights so I have it plugged into my autocom system. It interrupts the music. When Boston goes to mute, it gets my attention faster than a light in periferal vision.

 

[XJRGUY]

I have Escort 8500 X50's in both my Jag XJR and Mustang GT.

They are excellent devices, and have great features and sensitivity.

For 100 bucks less than a V1 you get a comparable piece of kit.

Probably get one for the FJR too

If you REALLY want the BEST info on radar detectors, check this place out

https://www.radardetector.net

I'm a member over there, and its a great group, just like this.

 

[Overfly]

Escort 8500 X50, an excellent unit no question, but my money is still on Valentine 1. Front, Rear, How Many? Those functions alone have saved my a$$ many times over the years. No other unit out there even offers all the capabilities of the Valentine 1.

"It's just my opinion, I could be wrong" -Dennis Miller

 

[smitty141]

V-1 with the H.A.R.D. setup in your helmet!!!

 

[Groo]

Hey Smitty, I've got a question for you... at night, is the HARD light an issue? Do you lose your night vision with that thing blinking in your face?

 

[sgoat]

While I've tried visual systems in the past, I've come to rely on the different tones that the various radar bands make. I can usually tell the diff between random hits and the "real thing".......

 

[sgoat]

Whatever unit you choose, I think we are all in agreement that you've got to "pack" something. LEO is gettin' serious!!

Apache