Radar detector

[ScottChappell]

Hey
I'm looking into getting a radar detector but don't really know anything about them. What's the best kind to get for quality vs value for money? And where from? I assume they're easy enough to hook up...

Any info is much appreciated.

[dipshit]

What's the best kind to get for quality vs value for money? And where from?.

What kind of budget did you have in mind...???

[ScottChappell]

What kind of budget did you have in mind...???

As cheap as possible but obviously while still having it working properly. What sort of price is the lower end of decent ones?

[Hahn]

So you want an average one? Like everything else; you get what you pay for.

[Winston001]

Heaps of threads, try a search. Beltronics Sti is the best. But you won't like the price.

[cs363]

Yep, Bel, Valentine or Escort all top of the heap and each have their fans, anything else is just throwing your money away - so you may as well not bother and just toss it in the direction of the mobile revenue collectors.
As Winston said, there are about a million threads on here regarding radar detectors, do a search and spend the rest of the year reading about them..... :lol:

[Swoop]

The search button is broken again?

[firefighter]

I would never buy a cheap detector again. They just make you freak-out at nothing then they miss the stuff you should be alerted to.

Buy the best or you're just wasting your money. Period.

[dipshit]

As cheap as possible but obviously while still having it working properly. What sort of price is the lower end of decent ones?

As cheap as you could go but still having something decent would be one from the Beltronics Vector range for around the $400 mark off trademe. (DickSmith, Repco etc sell them for around $650.. not worth it at those prices)

Then the cost of mounting it either in the top of a small tank bag (providing a zip won't be blocking the front of the detector)... or something like a Tech stem mount from here (http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=HG) works well.

Then you have the problem of being able to hear them to overcome. i.e...
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/117847-Radar-detector-tinted-screen/page3

It would probably be good to start off with something cheapish like a Bel Vector to get you up and running before deciding if you want to try one of the top end units.

[CookMySock]

Get a second-hand one off trademe, but stick to a quality brand as mentioned above.


Steve

[SMOKEU]

I found with my Beltronics RX65 Pro I get a lot of K band alerts when cruising around town but I don't see any cops in sight. I've turned X band off, do the cops only use Ka band?

[Ixion]

Mobile cop radar is Ka only - BUT the new speed cameras have gone back to using K band (the old ones used Ka) . Bastards . Whether you turn K back on (it will give a lot of false alarms) depends on how confident you feel about picking up camera vans with the good old MK II eyeball, versus how annoying you find false alarms to be.

[grusomhat]

Ixion is bang on like normal. The camera vans are generally detected too late anyway so I wouldn't really bother with K band. I leave it on because it goes off just enough times to let me know my radar detector is still on :D

Ka band and Laser are all you really need. Not that laser is all that helpful.

Bel RX65 or Valentine One are both good ones but the V1 is generally twice the price. Ignore any claiming to be NZ specd it's just marketing hype.

[Blackbird]

The camera vans are generally detected too late anyway so I wouldn't really bother with K band. I leave it on because it goes off just enough times to let me know my radar detector is still on :D

Interesting! I usually get at least 100M warning with camera vans

[SVboy]

Bel rx65. Mine has well paid for itself over time. You wont be disappointed.

[3umph]

Escort x50 are a well priced 2nd had unit theses days

[CookMySock]

Ka band and Laser are all you really need. Not that laser is all that helpful.Yeah. I use only Ka band. If it says ANYTHING, its a stalker. 50% of Ka detects I never see the patrol car.

If you can't see a speed camera can then you need a few tickets from them - THEN you will see them for sure. :laugh:

Steve

[Okey Dokey]

Ixion is bang on like normal.

Ka band and Laser are all you really need. Not that laser is all that helpful.

I wonder if grusomhat or Ixion know: Is there any need for Ku detection in NZ? It seems to be the only band my detector doesn't have...

Thanks.

[grusomhat]

I wonder if grusomhat or Ixion know: Is there any need for Ku detection in NZ? It seems to be the only band my detector doesn't have...

Thanks.

Nah Ku band has never been used in NZ AFAIK and is barely used overseas. From what I can find "Ku band is used in Belgium, Northern France, Eastern Europe and Taiwan."


Interesting! I usually get at least 100M warning with camera vans

Lucky you :p I did reply to this post but it hasn't shown up. Anyway, they are quite difficult to detect because of their low power. My experience with them using a second hand RX65 hasn't been good. However they are easy to spot so not to annoying.

[Swoop]

The camera vans are generally detected too late anyway so I wouldn't really bother with K band. I leave it on because it goes off just enough times to let me know my radar detector is still on
The STi gives quite adequate detection range. Enough to give the tax-collector the finger, then tootle up the road warning others of the "roadside hazard" to be aware of.

[SMOKEU]

Excuse my ignorance, but are the camera vans all white L300s or those Previas?

[CookMySock]

Anyway, they [speed cameras] are quite difficult to detect because of their low power. My experience with them using a second hand RX65 hasn't been good. However they are easy to spot so not to annoying.I have had the same difficulty with my RX65. Irritatingly, it seems to pick up every K band shop-door minder though..


Steve

[Blackbird]

Escort x50 are a well priced 2nd had unit theses days

This is a photo of my X50 with a weatherproof case - essential now I have a naked bike. The screamer audible alarm is behind the headlights, but doesn't need additional weatherproofing

[Chooky]

Have a talk with Radar Roy.....

http://www.radarroysbuyersguide.com/radar-detector-buyer-guilde.htm

[Spearfish]

You cant fight against the image bikers go to great pains (and expense) to foster with any law or rider training.
By their very nature they are in conflict with that image.
If you have a radar to cheat and it gets used against you then more fool you, its no less stupid than relying on the camera warnings built into GPS.
I always laugh when people tell me how they have just paid for their radar "coz faaarrrk I was lucky, it went of just in time for me to hit the picks, I think I made a few extra bucks then".
Who made the bucks?
The advertising guy who sold you the image and tools of playing the bikers "game"
Probably the same guy who sold you the bikers game sold you the cheat code in the form of radar detector and GPS with warnings.
The same guy again selling another tool to the the other players (ACC) to beat the cheaters.
But ACC charge you to buy the cheat busting tool.
So the radar goes off you hit the picks and slow to 100-110, "coz faaarrrk I was lucky, it went of just in time for me to hit the picks, I think I made a few extra bucks then"

[LBD]

I still swear by my weather proof MC friendly TPX unit...Lasers speed cameras etc....only 12500 km so far, and no tickets.

[grusomhat]

You cant fight against the image bikers go to great pains (and expense) to foster with any law or rider training.
By their very nature they are in conflict with that image.
If you have a radar to cheat and it gets used against you then more fool you, its no less stupid than relying on the camera warnings built into GPS.
I always laugh when people tell me how they have just paid for their radar "coz faaarrrk I was lucky, it went of just in time for me to hit the picks, I think I made a few extra bucks then".
Who made the bucks?
The advertising guy who sold you the image and tools of playing the bikers "game"
Probably the same guy who sold you the bikers game sold you the cheat code in the form of radar detector and GPS with warnings.
The same guy again selling another tool to the the other players (ACC) to beat the cheaters.
But ACC charge you to buy the cheat busting tool.
So the radar goes off you hit the picks and slow to 100-110, "coz faaarrrk I was lucky, it went of just in time for me to hit the picks, I think I made a few extra bucks then"

Deep man.

I would never proffess to having made money by using a radar detector. I use one because I don't have the skills or desire to try and outrun the police, so any extra chance to not be pulled up for speeding I'm going to take. I'd also like to play the "I really don't speed that much but it's too easy to hit 130 when passing a line of cars" card.

[CookMySock]

You cant fight against the image bikers go to great pains (and expense) to foster with any law or rider training.
By their very nature they are in conflict with that image.
If you have a radar to cheat and it gets used against you then more fool you, its no less stupid than relying on the camera warnings built into GPS.
I always laugh when people tell me how they have just paid for their radar "coz faaarrrk I was lucky, it went of just in time for me to hit the picks, I think I made a few extra bucks then".
Who made the bucks?
The advertising guy who sold you the image and tools of playing the bikers "game"
Probably the same guy who sold you the bikers game sold you the cheat code in the form of radar detector and GPS with warnings.
The same guy again selling another tool to the the other players (ACC) to beat the cheaters.
But ACC charge you to buy the cheat busting tool.
So the radar goes off you hit the picks and slow to 100-110, "coz faaarrrk I was lucky, it went of just in time for me to hit the picks, I think I made a few extra bucks then"Hell yeah that summarised it pretty thoroughly for me. Why would I want it any different to that? Do you think I ride a bike because I like the fresh air?

Steve

[pritch]

You cant fight against the image bikers go to great pains (and expense) to foster with any law or rider training. SNIP
So the radar goes off you hit the picks and slow to 100-110, "coz faaarrrk I was lucky, it went of just in time for me to hit the picks, I think I made a few extra bucks then"


WTF? Sorry, not sure of what you're on about. (Or on?) :devil2:

It isn't just about the money, primarily it's about the licence. I bought a detector after getting two minor speeding tickets, both of which carried points. The licence is necessary for my job and I don't want to retire yet so I bought a detector.

I do note that the Valentine picks up camera cars just a little earlier than my Escort. Because of all the false alarms I have K Band disabled, but will seriously consider turning it on for longer trips.

Have you noticed how many of the stranger posts on KB are posted after midnight? :whistle:

[Spearfish]

WTF? Sorry, not sure of what you're on about. (Or on?) :devil2:

It isn't just about the money, primarily it's about the licence. I bought a detector after getting two minor speeding tickets, both of which carried points. The licence is necessary for my job and I don't want to retire yet so I bought a detector.

I do note that the Valentine picks up camera cars just a little earlier than my Escort. Because of all the false alarms I have K Band disabled, but will seriously consider turning it on for longer trips.

Have you noticed how many of the stranger posts on KB are posted after midnight? :whistle:

No your right it was a mess, and is was late and off topic.
I had just been reading the post about false radar emitters and managed to stir it into my thoughts about a conversation I had with a work colleague about a bike he was buying (as you do at smoko). He was thinking of a busa only because that was going to give him the best image, he doesn't even like the look of farken thing?but in his mind it has street cred so the sales rep is talking him into a radar to save his licence. It just got me thinking about how we get caught up in loops sometimes. Personally in his case I think if he just looses his licence he gets off lightly.

[kiwifruit]

100kmh is plenty fast enough.

[Jantar]

100kmh is plenty fast enough.

In that case why is my bike fitted with top gear that is only usable at 100 kmh and over?

[kiwifruit]

In that case why is my bike fitted with top gear that is only usable at 100 kmh and over?

Trackdays and for use on closed / private roads etc.

[dangerous]

Get a second-hand one off trademe, but stick to a quality brand as mentioned above.


SteveJust put my Escort Passport on trademe, done me well paid $1200, I still use a Escort with the H.A.R.D wirless LCD light wouldnt be with out a decent detector and in the range for NZ there is only Escort, Bell STI and V1 (the only units that can be used with the HARD.

[SMOKEU]

100kmh is plenty slow enough.

There, I fixed your post

[Jizah]

There, I fixed your post

He was talking about 50k zones.

[quickbuck]

Personally in his case I think if he just looses his licence he gets off lightly.

Sad but true on a few out there.... The trouble is you can't discourage him, as it will only make him want it more.

May be you could get somebody to send you an itemised list of Running Costs for a Busa, and see if that changes his mind.
Don't forget the ACC component on the licence fee that will take effect on July 1 either...

[Swoop]

Excuse my ignorance, but are the camera vans all white L300s or those Previas?
There are still a few of the L300 vans around. The previa vans will be the standard equipment when the L300 gets put out to pasture.
Colours? No bog standard colour. I've seen various colours around. The entertaining one is the very dark van that sits right in the bushes at the bottom of the Bombay hills... Using the colour to blend in. But it is all about road safety and has nothing to do with revenue gathering!

[Cr1MiNaL]

have you guys seen this article in today's Herald. I have been noticing false readings myself, usually just one bar on my Valentine but it stays for 3-5 seconds, then dissappears. PS: my V1 has never falsed prior to this. It's a new ACC innitiative .... read all about it here. -----> http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10625027

[grusomhat]

have you guys seen this article in today's Herald. I have been noticing false readings myself, usually just one bar on my Valentine but it stays for 3-5 seconds, then dissappears. PS: my V1 has never falsed prior to this. It's a new ACC innitiative .... read all about it here. -----> http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10625027

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/118247-False-radar-beams

[dangerous]

have you guys seen this article in today's Herald. I have been noticing false readings myself, usually just one bar on my Valentine but it stays for 3-5 seconds, then dissappears. PS: my V1 has never falsed prior to this. It's a new ACC innitiative .... read all about it here. -----> http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10625027

yip, thought as much. There has been one on the M/W at the Mak bridge for a year or so, and also down Lincoln Rd, I have not spoted that one as yet.

Ya know these detectors have SWS which is used in the US, it gives warnings of accos, schools, road works, John Deer fit them to theer tractors etc, and I might add that saved me from rearending a tractor as I rounded a bend on the open Rd (shows as a ka band, but if NZ used SWS it would show as 'tractor' etc.
Why dont these pricks look at doing good with the money thay have instead of making enemys and decieving us?

ps: cheap detectors like Uniden will give false warnings on quility detectors as ka for a very short burst at full strength.
Fark it I feel a seperat thread comming on.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/118435-ACC-radar-ruse-aims-to-fool-motorists?p=1129641534#post1129641534

[grusomhat]

yip, thought as much. There has been one on the M/W at the Mak bridge for a year or so, and also down Lincoln Rd, I have not spoted that one as yet.

Ya know these detectors have SWS which is used in the US, it gives warnings of accos, schools, road works, John Deer fit them to theer tractors etc, and I might add that saved me from rearending a tractor as I rounded a bend on the open Rd (shows as a ka band, but if NZ used SWS it would show as 'tractor' etc.
Why dont these pricks look at doing good with the money thay have instead of making enemys and decieving us?

ps: cheap detectors like Uniden will give false warnings on quility detectors as ka for a very short burst at full strength.
Fark it I feel a seperat thread comming on.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/118435-ACC-radar-ruse-aims-to-fool-motorists?p=1129641534#post1129641534

I thought that SWS was on K band. So do they just leave the tansmitter on and turn off the SWS part? Because all top end radars in NZ are capable of displaying SWS warnings.

[dangerous]

I thought that SWS was on K band. So do they just leave the tansmitter on and turn off the SWS part? Because all top end radars in NZ are capable of displaying SWS warnings.who is they? I have SWS turned off, but when on it will pick up some farm machinary on what I thought was ka but it may have been k.

[grusomhat]

who is they? I have SWS turned off, but when on it will pick up some farm machinary on what I thought was ka but it may have been k.

They, the people supposedly using SWS.

I would assume that if these vehicles were using SWS then the radar would detect it as that and display the message. Obviously not if you have it turned off. I now have SWS off and just assume it to be nonexistant in NZ.

I'm getting confused.

[CookMySock]

I thought that SWS was on K band.This is my understanding also. I do not know if these were SWS transmitters, except that newspaper article says they are retired radar units.

Steve

[dangerous]

They, the people supposedly using SWS.

I would assume that if these vehicles were using SWS then the radar would detect it as that and display the message. Obviously not if you have it turned off. I now have SWS off and just assume it to be nonexistant in NZ.

I'm getting confused.

NZ does not suport the SWS, therefor you will never recieve a SWS message, however cos the likes of large farm machinery are built for the world you will get, say a tractor in NZ emiting a band width (shit you seen in a tractor these days the amount of eletronics etc are like a 747) a detector like my escort will pick up a signal if SWS is switched on, as a k or ka.

[grusomhat]

NZ does not suport the SWS, therefor you will never recieve a SWS message, however cos the likes of large farm machinery are built for the world you will get, say a tractor in NZ emiting a band width (shit you seen in a tractor these days the amount of eletronics etc are like a 747) a detector like my escort will pick up a signal if SWS is switched on, as a k or ka.

Ah thanks for clarifying that.

[Okey Dokey]

Ah thanks for clarifying that.

Yes thanks from me, too, dangerous!