Radar Detectors

[12bar1]

I have been thinking about getting a radar detector for the bike and was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Bel 946 ($160) or the Escort Solo S2 ($330) and if the escort is worth twice the price of the Bel. I thought it might be a good idea to have one on the bike for the ride to and from the Bash next month.

[Packrat]

I had the Bel 946 radar detector on my bike. I velcro'd it to my clutch cover with a special type of plastic velcro. I had a major problem that the radar detector would alert to almost every car that had a radar detector, even if it was set to city mode. I eventually stopped trusting the alerts and just used it as a reminder, though I still found it to be annoying to use. The sad part is that I failed to fully attach it one day and it fell off. The 'sad part' was that I was happy to be rid of it and have not replaced it since.

If you are looking at the Bell, I found a very cheap price at http://www.digitalfotoclub.com ($121.00). I did not see one listed right now.

[hotzuk]

I have been using a Valentine one radar detector within my tank bag. It works great. Just do a google search on Valentine one and check out their website.

[kjax909]

To get some good info on how detectors work and who has good ones, go to http://www.radarbusters.com.

[owldaddy]

You might find the information on this site to be useful also. http://www.radartest.com/
Don

[beemerphile]

I know several recent detectors are supposed to "beat" the Valentine One, but after using the V1 for many years, I don't know if I could ever get used to a unit without a bogey counter and directional arrows. They are VERY useful in determining whether a beep is a threat and when it ceases to be a threat. I am too satisfied with V1 to consider anything else.

- Lee

[GeoffJ]

I use a Bel 946. It works great.

[priapismic]

I use a Bel 946im (the "m" is supposed to mean "motorcycle" - it has an ear phone jack). I place it in the top clear map cover pocket of my tank bag, it has a pretty clear view of anything forward from that position. I keep an ear phone inside my helmet, stuffed up inside the lining. Never a problem hearing it, although sometimes the patch cord between the speaker and the radar comes apart. That's a 2-pin male-female coupling that doesn't stay coupled well, resulting in no sound thru the ear phone.
I also get a fair number of false signals, usually from other vehicles as I pass them in the opposite direction; I attribute it to their using an inferior detector that actually emits radar waves, as some units do. Makes me slow down when I don't really "have to".
Other than that, when it works, it works well. Sometimes I will get an alert before making visual contact. That's what you need. Oh, and battery life (2 AA's) is only marginal at best, maybe 30 or 40 hours of operating time.

[beemerphile]

...I attribute it to their using an inferior detector that actually emits radar waves, as some units do.

All modern superheterodyne units (read: almost everything since the original Fuzzbuster with the huge red pilot light) emit some radar waves. The better units emit less, which is why they are less detectable (but not undetectable as some claim) by radar detector-detectors such as the VG-2.

[kjax909]

I've seen a lot of post about people not liking to wear earphones or a helmet speaker so they can hear their detector. I just purchased an LED add-on for my Escort 8500 from Aerostitch. Pricey at $60 but man can you see those lights go off! A nic option for those that don't want to be wired in.

[Doug]

I also have a Escort 8500 X50. I REALLY like it. Saved me a few times.

Dont worry about spending a lot on a good radar detector - if it saves you once, its paid for itself!

[12bar1]

I went for the Escort Solo S2 it was not the least expensive one but it paid for itself today on the way home from the Tampa airport. Now all I have to do is figure out how to mount it on the bike.

[Beemeridian]

87

[kp]

I know several recent detectors are supposed to "beat" the Valentine One, but after using the V1 for many years, I don't know if I could ever get used to a unit without a bogey counter and directional arrows. They are VERY useful in determining whether a beep is a threat and when it ceases to be a threat. I am too satisfied with V1 to consider anything else.

- Lee

how to mount it though?

what all have you guys done?

(sorry for the late reply heh)

[Airman]

A friend of mine uses a suction cup mounted bracket on the inside of the windshield of his R100RS. Pulls the unit out of the tankbag, snaps it in the bracket. Never rides without it. I've seen a lot of pictures of detectors mounted all sorts of ways using RAM mounts. Easy to mount or remove. Handlebar mounts are most common.

[beemerphile]

how to mount it though?

I used the Legal Speeding box to waterproof it. My fairing has a flat dashboard for mounting. Without that, there are a number of accessories like RAM mounts that can do the job. Legal Speeding probably has everything you need other than the V1

http://www.legalspeeding.com/

Lee

[pete]

I use a Valentine One on a RAM magnetic mount, long arm to the handlebar, behind an Aeroflow windscreen. Optional audio adapter (yeah, another $49 and a little box) is wired into the intercom, providing audio alerts over the iPod also wired into the intercom.

The V1's audio alerts have different tones that help in determining what threat is detected. It also lets you know when you are detecting a cheap radar detector emmission (all superheterodyne receivers generate RF, but cheap enclosures let it leak out) . The V1 is enclosed in a magnesium box, so stray RF doesn't leave the enclosure to trip other detectors or interfere with other electrical components.

The threat location indicator; front, back, side, and a count of the different threats detected does an outstanding job of providing information in determining if you are detecting authority, a door opener, security system, or one of those speed displays that are becoming popular around construction zones.

If it rains, I generally slow down a little and pop the V1 into my jacket pocket. Also goes into my pocket whenever I move farther than a gas pump hose length from the bike.

The V1 uses RJ-11 phone connectors (see Radio Shack) which is helpful in wiring power, audio, and the receiver together. Just cut the wire to the length needed rather than wrapping up the excess and stuffing it somewhere. A cheap crimp tool from the Shack is required to put the ends on.

If you have a speed jones, there really is nothing better or more expensive. Figure on $500 for the package. The V1 firmware can be updated as new features are developed. If you are looking at a used one, you can put the serial number into the Valentine web site and they will tell you what firmware and features are in the unit.

Haven't been stopped yet, even got lasered a couple times. The V1 can detect laser front and rear, but generally you get no warning time.

I had an experience in MD where the audio told me I'd been hit with a laser. Thank to the ABS power assisted brakes, I scrubbed off 25mph immediatly. I got shot again several seconds later while doing the speed limit. Then again, I've always had more luck than intelligence. I figure the V1 has returned its full purchase price.

The V1 will not help with better gas milage. I've seen mine go from 46 mpg pre V1 to 42-43 mpg after V1. It has decreased transit time.

[BMWkidd]

how to mount it though?

what all have you guys done?

(sorry for the late reply heh)

Not necessary to use H.A.R.D.
Linky - Cycle Gadgets + RAM U-bolt + Arm