Best Motorcycle Radar Detectors? - Electronics

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...

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! :ph34r:
NOT cheap though!

BR

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 :)

[image: Radar Screamer schematic.jpg]
Edited by Aegisranger, 04 October 2012 - 04:45 PM.

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.
Edited by spud786, 04 October 2012 - 05:03 PM.

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
Edited by spud786, 04 October 2012 - 05:23 PM.

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!

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.

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.

[image: Posted Image]

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. :tongue:

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