Best radar detector for bikes?

[Laz]

Hi All,
I'm looking at getting a radar detector before the porkers lock me up forever. So I'm looking for some advice on which one to get. I'm looking at the mid price range. Have had a look at the Adaptiv ones but they seem to be lacking in range and some of the belltronics ones are obsolete. I would appreciate some practical advice on different models that work well on NZ roads. I ride mainly highway so looking for something that will pick them up before they pick me up.:crazy:

[Oakie]

Well this should be fun ... :jerry:

[Mike.Gayner]

I can't (yet) give any advice on the best detectors, my only advice is don't bother with cheap detectors.

I bought this one (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HK5B3PO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00) because it was cheap, and could talk to my Sena headset, which seemed like a great idea. And it was, except that the detector gives endless false alerts making it a waste of time. And I mean ENDLESS.

[onearmedbandit]

I like my V1. Warned me plenty of times when I've been doing 105 in a 100 zone. :sweatdrop

[caseye]

Mk 1 eyeball, good Nose and a watchful eye on the speed reading device have sufficed for me for a long time now, can't help but think that unless you are doing serious ( 140+) speeds it's hardly worth the effort.
Your 4 posts, 600R bike and mention of "porkers" all make me think you're actually just someone who doesn't give a shit and speeds at will no matter the circumstance or who might get hurt.
I could be entirely wrong and would happily stand corrected, but that is how this post comes across to me, just my opinion, but there it is.

[Mike.Gayner]

Didn't take long for the hi-vis safety brigade to show up.

[Oakie]

I like my V1. Warned me plenty of times when I've been doing 105 in a 100 zone. :sweatdrop

My speedo does that :bleh: (although I suspect it tells me I'm doing 105 when I'm really only doing 101)

[Digitdion]

Mk 1 eyeball, good Nose and a watchful eye on the speed reading device have sufficed for me for a long time now, can't help but think that unless you are doing serious ( 140+) speeds it's hardly worth the effort.
Your 4 posts, 600R bike and mention of "porkers" all make me think you're actually just someone who doesn't give a shit and speeds at will no matter the circumstance or who might get hurt.
I could be entirely wrong and would happily stand corrected, but that is how this post comes across to me, just my opinion, but there it is.

The OP is not asking for anyone's rightous or assumed opinions on his riding style.
So unless you want to answer his questions you should not make comment at all.

Way to much bullshit on kiwibiker.

Getting back to the OP.if you want to go the way of a detector I suggest you pay more and get something higher end. I went with a escort redline. So it's a detector designed to go in a car.
Get a plastic cover for it. They work well.

With radar detectors it's important to remember they will give you lots of warning. If a cop has his radar on all the time.
However if out riding, going a big to fast and very little traffic around. If a cop is driving around and only turning his radar on when he sees you you are screwed.

Radars help, but not the complete dogs bollocks!
My 2 cents

[caseye]

The OP is not asking for anyone's rightous or assumed opinions on his riding style.
So unless you want to answer his questions you should not make comment at all.

Way to much bullshit on kiwibiker.

Getting back to the OP.if you want to go the way of a detector I suggest you pay more and get something higher end. I went with a escort redline. So it's a detector designed to go in a car.
Get a plastic cover for it. They work well.

With radar detectors it's important to remember they will give you lots of warning. If a cop has his radar on all the time.
However if out riding, going a big to fast and very little traffic around. If a cop is driving around and only turning his radar on when he sees you you are screwed.

Radars help, but not the complete dogs bollocks!
My 2 cents

Really, righteous? hummm.
Not make comment? ON KB, are you kidding me?
go back to your desk and only speak when spoken too please.
Oh, um, sorry, I didn't mean to offend your poor sensibilities, Na, actually I did.
I am free to express my opinions here or anywhere else I like, your comments, like mine, are what makes KB what it is.
No Hi Vis brigade here Mr G, do plenty of dumb shit, but don't see the need for speed meaning having to spend big bucks on making sure I can speed in complete disregard for the rules, because I have an expensive radar detector, is all.

[skippa1]

Adaptiv are all good, mine performs as well as others i ride with and they use top end Beltronics

[R650R]

Your better off without a detector unless your in traffic a lot on main highway commutes across the Takapau plains or Taupo straights etc. All of the people I know who own detectors keep on getting tickets, make of that what you will.
Napier cops using their laser heaps now and have some good hiding places...
Your not on the red one riding around in tshirts and shorts at mega speeds in town are you????
I've had on on bike years ago and was just an annoyance....

[nzspokes]

Adaptiv are all good, mine performs as well as others i ride with and they use top end Beltronics

Are they motorcycle specific?

[skippa1]

Are they motorcycle specific?
Yes.......

[AllanB]

I was very happy with the two cars that had been pulled over ahead of me yesterday. Cheers guys - in particular the one who had been stopped by a mufti.....

I still think the mufti thing is not 'good cricket' ;)

[Oakie]

The OP is not asking for anyone's rightous or assumed opinions on his riding style.

Given that there is only one purpose for having a radar detector i think there is nothing to assume about his riding style. Fast (regardless of how tidy and skilful)

As far as being 'righteous' is concerned, it think those bikers who get pissed off at being judged because of the actions of our biking brethren or nearly being taken out by them because they are acting like cocks are entitled to at least voice a 'tut tut'.

I mean, how can it be right for him to try to find something to help him evade the law and wrong for others to at least express a tut tut?

[AllanB]

You don't buy a motorcycle to go slow ..........

Just saying :sweatdrop

[jellywrestler]

Way to much bullshit on kiwibiker.



Too is the correct spelling; for the sentence structure you have here.

[buggerit]

Some on here will say you dont need a radar detector but "anticipation skills"

Some would say having both is a handy option<_<

[caspernz]

TPX 2.0 from Adaptiv is the only bike specific one, not exactly cheap, but works well enough for me. Combine a bit of common sense with a detector and at least the odds are in your favour.

[Swoop]

Given that there is only one purpose for having a radar detector i think there is nothing to assume about his riding style. Fast (regardless of how tidy and skilful)

The purpose of a radar detector is to alert you when a radar is around. It doesn't "save" you from a speeding ticket at all, but just merely provides extra information to situational awareness. To "assume" anything else just makes an "ass".


If you are seriously looking at a do-all unit that also provides plenty of time for the new photo-taxation cameras in vans, the Bel Redline comes highly recommended by a mate who has one.

[Oakie]

The purpose of a radar detector is to alert you when a radar is around. It doesn't "save" you from a speeding ticket at all, but just merely provides extra information to situational awareness. .

Name one other outcome, apart from preventing you getting a ticket, that a person would get a radar detector for.

[caspernz]

The purpose of a radar detector is to alert you when a radar is around. It doesn't "save" you from a speeding ticket at all, but just merely provides extra information to situational awareness. To "assume" anything else just makes an "ass".


If you are seriously looking at a do-all unit that also provides plenty of time for the new photo-taxation cameras in vans, the Bel Redline comes highly recommended by a mate who has one.

Speed camera vans are kinda hard to pick up with a detector, due to the signal from the Kodak van being very weak. Mind you, if you can't see one with your eyes...


Name one other outcome, apart from preventing you getting a ticket, that a person would get a radar detector for.

With the punitive enforcement in vogue, licence preservation whilst still being able to overtake safely (with a bit of urgency) is my approach. My normal cruising pace is within the margin of error.

[Mike.Gayner]

Name one other outcome, apart from preventing you getting a ticket, that a person would get a radar detector for.

Why would you want any other outcome? Are you in favour of receiving speeding tickets? Or are we going to believe that you would never break the speed limit? Frankly you don't sound like a very interesting person to be around.

It never takes long for these threads to be overrun by the safety brigade who feel it's their sworn duty to have their feeling heard on the matter. Little self righteous, self-appointed guardians of the road.

[nzspokes]

TPX 2.0 from Adaptiv is the only bike specific one, not exactly cheap, but works well enough for me. Combine a bit of common sense with a detector and at least the odds are in your favour.

Jebus, they cost more than all the tickets Ive had in the past 10 years.

[SVboy]

Some on here will say you dont need a radar detector but "anticipation skills"

I certainly anticipate that any drivel you post is nothing but shit. To the op, I use a Bel mid range detector on my sports bike, and like its potential to give an early warning, such as an officer going "instant on" on someone a bit further down the road.

[Laz]

Your better off without a detector unless your in traffic a lot on main highway commutes across the Takapau plains or Taupo straights etc. All of the people I know who own detectors keep on getting tickets, make of that what you will.
Napier cops using their laser heaps now and have some good hiding places...
Your not on the red one riding around in tshirts and shorts at mega speeds in town are you????
I've had on on bike years ago and was just an annoyance....

Nah, Mines black and I wear the gear. Don't speed around town, That's why I'm in my 50's and still in one piece. Do kick it along out on the highway tho when traffic is light so just thinking it may help to alert me when the law (Apparently calling them porkers upsets a few sensitive people on here, My bad) is sniffing around. I realise that you can't beat instant on or the new low powered camera vans. Apparently there is a skin available to absorb laser. Jury still out on that tho.

[mulletman]

Gotta go with Swoop,Caspernz and SVboy on this subject.... i use a Beltronics RX65 with just Ka and laser enabled and turn everything else off, stops false alerts.

[Oakie]

Why would you want any other outcome? Well you wouldn't. I was calling Swoop on his assertion The purpose of a radar detector is to alert you when a radar is around. It doesn't "save" you from a speeding ticket at all, but just merely provides extra information to situational awareness. .


Are you in favour of receiving speeding tickets? Well I take it on the chin when I get one.


Or are we going to believe that you would never break the speed limit? Frankly you don't sound like a very interesting person to be around. I'm pretty confident that I break the speed llimit every day ... and yeah, probably not the most interesting person around.


It never takes long for these threads to be overrun by the safety brigade who feel it's their sworn duty to have their feeling heard on the matter. Little self righteous, self-appointed guardians of the road. Hence my first post ... the second post of this thread.

[Laz]

The purpose of a radar detector is to alert you when a radar is around. It doesn't "save" you from a speeding ticket at all, but just merely provides extra information to situational awareness. To "assume" anything else just makes an "ass".


If you are seriously looking at a do-all unit that also provides plenty of time for the new photo-taxation cameras in vans, the Bel Redline comes highly recommended by a mate who has one.

Thanks, Will have a look at the Redline. I realise detectors aren't foolproof and probably pick up more garage door openers than anything else but I was thinking every little bit of assistance in avoiding a ticket may be worth the cost.

[R650R]

I was very happy with the two cars that had been pulled over ahead of me yesterday. Cheers guys - in particular the one who had been stopped by a mufti.....

I still think the mufti thing is not 'good cricket' ;)

We've got one of the new ones kicking around here in the bay. Has LED strobes at top of windscreens 'American style' under the tint bar so you cant see its a mufti unlike the old ones with them on dashboard and parcel tray.
And he's been very busy....

[flashg]

Gotta go with Swoop,Caspernz and SVboy on this subject.... i use a Beltronics RX65 with just Ka and laser enabled and turn everything else off, stops false alerts.


+1 it's what I have no complaints.
A mate had a Beltronics RX65 and then bought the top of the line Beltronics STI he then ran them together to see how much better the STI was with the claimed earlier alert's. He reported to us "save your money" They BOTH go off at exactly the same time. End of story.

[NAR RG500]

I have TPX and would not leave home with out it, turn K band off, and yes most police have the radar turned off when traffic is low, have come across a lot that I have seen at same time the detactor has gone off, so they switch on when they see you, in that case if you are doing 140 then you don't have much chance of no ticket apart from doubling your speed. Gives me a sense of safety but I still don't go silly on roads that I would expect police.

I have hard wired it into bike and have fitted speaker in helmet that I put a cable from bike up my jacket and into helmet, unit can do a wireless but then you have to do batterys and can go flat.

Cheers

[Berries]

We've got one of the new ones kicking around here in the bay. Has LED strobes at top of windscreens 'American style' under the tint bar so you cant see its a mufti unlike the old ones with them on dashboard and parcel tray.
Might help if you tell us what colour/type of vehicle?

[WNJ]

I don't think my 636 Goes that fast :yawn: so don't feel the need :innocent:, anywho, If you owe too much, don't the gooberment just write it off ????

[Akzle]

escort zr4, pussy.

[Erelyes]

I still think the mufti thing is not 'good cricket' ;)

Holden Commodore, safest car on the road. Cos people see em a mile away and slow down for them.

Um, detectors, wow. What to say. A lot of investment that might or might not pay off. If a cop nabs you at 121 and spots a detector on the bike do you think they'll be inclined to write it down to 119? I think it lessens your chances.

Keep in mind laser is used by speed traps and I think bike cops. They aim it, and no laser comes out until they fire it.

That said, in the right (limited) circumstances they can certainly help to, uh, provide advance warning that you should be keeping a closer eye on your dial.


The purpose of a radar detector is to alert you when a radar is around. It doesn't "save" you from a speeding ticket at all, but just merely provides extra information to situational awareness.

This. A fool with a tool is still a fool. If you're savvy, however, a detector can prove useful.


I don't think my 636 Goes that fast :yawn: so don't feel the need :innocent:, anywho, If you owe too much, don't the gooberment just write it off ????

They don't write off demerits, last I checked. Unless ofc you put in two years of good behaviour.

[pritch]

my only advice is don't bother with cheap detectors.



And that is good advice right there.

[EJK]

I used Escort Solo S3. It's one of the wireless ones so no fuss with hard wiring it to the bike. Also it has a 3.5mm headphone jack. Simply plug my helmet headphones in and good to go without having to spend $$$ on H.A.R.D. kit.

But, mine disintegrated into pieces due to vibration :(

[pritch]

After receiving a couple of minor speeding tickets - the money was neither here nor there, but both carried points, I invested in a detector. They are not magic, and they don't save you from stupidity, but they unquestionably do work. They detect radar where no eyeball can go. It still strikes me as strange, but the people who say you don't need one invariably never owned one, so by defininition they know not that of which they speak.

I have previously seen comments about how the cops will penalise people who have a detector. To my mind that is unlikely because the cops will seldom be talking to people with detectors. Likewise ownership of a detector is not evidence of a rider intent on lawlessness. If you are detected doing 130 during an overtake on a passing lane the law treats that the same as if that was your cruisng speed. And if you aren't speeding when overtaking you must be one of those annoying arseholes who takes the whole passing lane to overtake one car. [/RANT]

"Bike specific" is not a necessity. My Escort can be swapped from the bike to the car in seconds.

I didn't buy a plastic case.. In fine weather it's not necessary, in showery weather I use a plastic bag and a rubber band. In wet weather I don't really need a detector.

There are several options for connecting the detector to the helmet. The HARD option is the most convenient but gives less warning than an audible system. When that light flashes you had best be quick on the brake lever.

A cheap detector, like a cheap lawyer, could work out to be very expensive.

[MarkH]

don't bother with cheap detectors.

I'll also lend my support to this piece of advice!

I don't currently have a detector but I used to use one in a car.
I still got tickets.
But yes, it was a valuable tool and I might consider getting one for the bike one day.
Many clueless retards that have never used a detector come up with too much shit without knowing anything.
When you get a ticket the retards say "see, it doesn't save you from tickets", that is BS.
I've had a ticket and my thought was "at least I got 1 ticket in the last 6 months and not 5 tickets".
What I'm saying is that it will save you from getting tickets, but not from every ticket.

My suggestion (feel free to ignore it):
Try to keep your speed within 10kph of the limit most of the time.
When going faster only do it on the quieter back roads where cops are less common.
If the radar detector is going off then keep your speed around the limit, false alerts are still good reminders to check you speed and sometimes they aren't false alerts.
Keep your eyes open for the five-oh, sometimes they use instant on - also watch for fixed cameras and camera vans.

The only drawback of the detector (apart from the purchase price) is that you can not expect leniency when pulled over if the cop spots the detector.

[WNJ]

They don't write off demerits, last I checked. Unless ofc you put in two years of good behaviour.

Never said they wipe off demerits but they wipe off fines
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/73332057/Millions-in-court-fines-wiped-but-dollar-value-down

[jim.cox]

I used Escort Solo S3. It's one of the wireless ones so no fuss with hard wiring it to the bike. Also it has a 3.5mm headphone jack.

But, mine disintegrated into pieces due to vibration :(

The Solo S1 was a quality piece of kit (still have mine). The S2 much less so - bigger and with a plastic body. Sad to hear the S3 is even worse

[Digitdion]

Given that there is only one purpose for having a radar detector i think there is nothing to assume about his riding style. Fast (regardless of how tidy and skilful)

As far as being 'righteous' is concerned, it think those bikers who get pissed off at being judged because of the actions of our biking brethren or nearly being taken out by them because they are acting like cocks are entitled to at least voice a 'tut tut'.

I mean, how can it be right for him to try to find something to help him evade the law and wrong for others to at least express a tut tut?

Yep you are being righteous. You are a victim of all the propaganda on TV.
I am on plenty of forums. Basically what you are doing is trolling. Trying to hijack a thread. On plenty of forums users will get black flagged for a lot of shirt that goes on here.

All I say is stick to what the OP was bringing up. Stop judging people when you know nothing about them. Radar detectors are legal. Using them is legal. Stop preaching the high ground. Have you never Broken the law? Yeah right!

[Digitdion]

Name one other outcome, apart from preventing you getting a ticket, that a person would get a radar detector for.
They do not necessarily stop you getting a ticket. Your theory is a it like saying because your bike is capable of 250 kph you are going to do. You just make sure you do not go over 51 in a 50 zone. Make sure your kids do not ride on the footpath. They are both illegal!

[Digitdion]

Jebus, they cost more than all the tickets Ive had in the past 10 years.

You do not need one then. To easy

[Swoop]

Well you wouldn't. I was calling Swoop on his assertion The purpose of a radar detector is to alert you when a radar is around. It doesn't "save" you from a speeding ticket at all, but just merely provides extra information to situational awareness. .
Couldn't care less what you do with the information a detector provides. Someone might have a fetish for automatically opening doors that they wish to feed with one.

If I own a stove, should I have a microwave as well?

[caspernz]

Jebus, they cost more than all the tickets Ive had in the past 10 years.

That was my first thought prior to buying it...


Gotta go with Swoop,Caspernz and SVboy on this subject.... i use a Beltronics RX65 with just Ka and laser enabled and turn everything else off, stops false alerts.

Yep same here on the TPX, Ka and laser on, everything else off.


Thanks, Will have a look at the Redline. I realise detectors aren't foolproof and probably pick up more garage door openers than anything else but I was thinking every little bit of assistance in avoiding a ticket may be worth the cost.

Nah, run with Ka and laser on, everything else off and false alarms are very minimal.

[PistonBlown]

Why I'm now considering one...

Always relied on No1 eyeball and that 'I think there may be a cop about' itch.

Having ridden 30 years got my second speeding ticket within 4 years a few days ago. Same way twice, stuck behind a car doing 90 in the outside lane with even slower truck on the inside - finally it pulls in and I open it up to get past both before the two lane section ends - police car parked up that was hidden behind the truck. First ticket was for 106 (bit mean I thought:-)) but this one was for 122 and that's painful.

So my hope is that I'll just get a warning from the detector next time and put up with being behind Mr Slow until the next opportunity to pass.

[dipshit]

Why I'm now considering one...

Always relied on No1 eyeball and that 'I think there may be a cop about' itch.

Having ridden 30 years got my second speeding ticket within 4 years a few days ago. Same way twice, stuck behind a car doing 90 in the outside lane with even slower truck on the inside - finally it pulls in and I open it up to get past both before the two lane section ends - police car parked up that was hidden behind the truck. First ticket was for 106 (bit mean I thought:-)) but this one was for 122 and that's painful.

So my hope is that I'll just get a warning from the detector next time and put up with being behind Mr Slow until the next opportunity to pass.


That's exactly why I like using a radar detector. A couple of seconds on the throttle to pass a bit of slow traffic can certainly get you in trouble if a cop happens to be coming around the next corner. A radar detector can alert you there is a cop around that next corner so you hang fire. They're not going to save your licence if you choose to cruise at 150kph all day long.

[caspernz]

Why I'm now considering one...

Always relied on No1 eyeball and that 'I think there may be a cop about' itch.

Having ridden 30 years got my second speeding ticket within 4 years a few days ago. Same way twice, stuck behind a car doing 90 in the outside lane with even slower truck on the inside - finally it pulls in and I open it up to get past both before the two lane section ends - police car parked up that was hidden behind the truck. First ticket was for 106 (bit mean I thought:-)) but this one was for 122 and that's painful.

So my hope is that I'll just get a warning from the detector next time and put up with being behind Mr Slow until the next opportunity to pass.

Yep, went thru this type of consideration, minus the actual tickets.


That's exactly why I like using a radar detector. A couple of seconds on the throttle to pass a bit of slow traffic can certainly get you in trouble if a cop happens to be coming around the next corner. A radar detector can alert you there is a cop around that next corner so you hang fire. They're not going to save your licence if you choose to cruise at 150kph all day long.

Oh c'mon now, what's with this actual logic stuff on KB?! But yeah my thinking mirrors yours :Punk:

[R650R]

Might help if you tell us what colour/type of vehicle?

Pointless intel as they rotate them around the districts anyway.
But tis black and one of the new shape commodores that doesn't look like a commordore, they look a bit more toyotaish.....

[PistonBlown]

Pointless intel as they rotate them around the districts anyway.
But tis black and one of the new shape commodores that doesn't look like a commordore, they look a bit more toyotaish.....

I just assume if it's a very clean commodore then beware - the police tend to clean their vehicles at the start or end of each shift:-)

[Coldrider]

Pointless intel as they rotate them around the districts anyway.
But tis black and one of the new shape commodores that doesn't look like a commordore, they look a bit more toyotaish.....

Hastings porkers have a silver cruze with discod behind the grill. I have been pulled over by a gunmetsl grey ve z series wagon with discos mounted on a stalk at the side of the windowsreen, driven by one of the stars of roadcops. No additional tax was paid, and they (a chick cop also) were techno phobic in using their ipad.

[Oakie]

I am on plenty of forums. Basically what you are doing is trolling. Trying to hijack a thread. Don't call me a troll just because you disagree with me. Check your definition of a troll "An internet 'troll' is an abusive or obnoxious user who uses shock value to promote arguments and disharmony in online communities" Don't think I've done that. Just presented a different perspective in what I thought was a polite and reasoned manner. You don't have to agree with what I've said.


All I say is stick to what the OP was bringing up. I am. I'm just offering a different perpective.


Have you never Broken the law? Yeah right! Every time I park my arse on the seat! (Oh, and some tomfoolery involving garden gnomes when I was a teenager).

OK. I've played Devil's Advocate long enough. I'll leave you boys to your conversation.

<Oakie backs out of thread. Closes door quietly and walks away rubbing his bruises>

[Digitdion]

Don't call me a troll just because you disagree with me. Check your definition of a troll "An internet 'troll' is an abusive or obnoxious user who uses shock value to promote arguments and disharmony in online communities" Don't think I've done that. Just presented a different perspective in what I thought was a polite and reasoned manner. You don't have to agree with what I've said.

I am. I'm just offering a different perpective.

Every time I park my arse on the seat! (Oh, and some tomfoolery involving garden gnomes when I was a teenager).

OK. I've played Devil's Advocate long enough. I'll leave you boys to your conversation.

<Oakie backs out of thread. Closes door quietly and walks away rubbing his bruises>

My issue is you were not responding to the OP,s question. You where putting across your own views regarding radar detectors. Sorry if I am not up to date with the correct definition of a troll.
Maybe I should have said you had one or two troll tendencies :cool:

[Oakie]

My issue is you were not responding to the OP,s question. You where putting across your own views regarding radar detectors. Sorry if I am not up to date with the correct definition of a troll.
Maybe I should have said you had one or two troll tendencies :cool:

LOL. Fair enough. I can accept that. I'll call it a narrow defeat and move on. Cheers!

[Laz]

Ok, Looking hard at a Beltronics STI Magnum. Any thoughts on this for motorcycle use?

[flashg]

Ok, Looking hard at a Beltronics STI Magnum. Any thoughts on this for motorcycle use?


Apparently a great detector, although I recall said mate saying the audio was very quiet on his STI and used an amplifier or something like that to boost the sound. The RX 65 has no such issues.
Just a note........ I am talking about six years ago. I'm sure they would have fixed that small issue. But I would check it out first before handing over money.

[Flip]

317099

I don't go anywhere without mine. I have a older Belltronics 970. Had it for 10 years. I have not been caught speeding since I brought it. Before this I used to get a road tax cytation about once a year.

It has paid for itself 10 times over easily. It has detected rozza up to 12 km away. It works like this, it starts to churp I check my speed, QED. Just for peace of mind they are a good investment.

The rozza don't like them but they certanly even up the playing field.

If you never speed you dont need one, if you ever do speed you do.

[Laz]

Why I'm now considering one...

Always relied on No1 eyeball and that 'I think there may be a cop about' itch.

Having ridden 30 years got my second speeding ticket within 4 years a few days ago. Same way twice, stuck behind a car doing 90 in the outside lane with even slower truck on the inside - finally it pulls in and I open it up to get past both before the two lane section ends - police car parked up that was hidden behind the truck. First ticket was for 106 (bit mean I thought:-)) but this one was for 122 and that's painful.

So my hope is that I'll just get a warning from the detector next time and put up with being behind Mr Slow until the next opportunity to pass.

Pretty much the same reason I want one. Level the playing field a bit. They tell you to pass safely and as far as I'm concerned the less time I spend on the wrong side of the road the better. Then they ping you for speeding!

[FJRider]

With radar detectors it's important to remember they will give you lots of warning ... If a cop has his radar on all the time.
However if out riding, going a big to fast and very little traffic around. If a cop is driving around and only turning his radar on when he sees you you are screwed.

Radars help, but not the complete dogs bollocks!
My 2 cents

Translation .. regardless what model radar detector you get ... the odds are good that you will STILL get a ticket.

[CaMo]

You may still get a ticket but you'll certainly get less. It's all in the way you use them. On the road by yourself, no one in sight and speeding will Prob land you a ticket. Generally someone going in the same direction even 2km down the road, and chances are you'll pick up the cop going for him first, giving lots of notice. I use an Escort x50 and have only ever had one ticket since getting it many moons ago. That was my careless fault. I'd like a new one that gets the vans but unsure on howhow. Much better they ate.

[Mike.Gayner]

Translation .. regardless what model radar detector you get ... the odds are good that you will STILL get a ticket.

According to you and the rest of the safety bridge, common sense and radar detectors are mutually exclusive. To the rest of us, they're tools that work in tandem. But evidently you don't possess the brainpower for that to work. You'd better not get a radar detector.

[Blackbird]

You may still get a ticket but you'll certainly get less. It's all in the way you use them. On the road by yourself, no one in sight and speeding will Prob land you a ticket. Generally someone going in the same direction even 2km down the road, and chances are you'll pick up the cop going for him first, giving lots of notice. I use an Escort x50 and have only ever had one ticket since getting it many moons ago. That was my careless fault. I'd like a new one that gets the vans but unsure on howhow. Much better they ate.

My x50 picks up vans, why doesn't yours unless you have some bands turned off? As far as I know, all vans are either K or KA band and the x50 picks both those frequencies up.

[Laz]

Well, I just bought a Beltronics STI Magnum and now need to mount it on my bike, So need to either make a mount or buy a mount for a centre steering shaft mount. And just to comment on the people slagging off radar detectors on this thread, It's my decision to buy one so if you don't believe in them that's fine. I've got a fast bike and sometimes I look down at the speedo and think HOLY FUCK I'm doing xxx and I don't even realise I'm doing it. So it will come in handy. :weird:

[CaMo]

My x50 picks up vans, why doesn't yours unless you have some bands turned off? As far as I know, all vans are either K or KA band and the x50 picks both those frequencies up.

Hmm. Is yours an 8500? I turned K off to stop all the false alerts but I've seen no ka band ones around the southern motorway/Waikato/coromandel

[Blackbird]

Hmm. Is yours an 8500? I turned K off to stop all the false alerts but I've seen no ka band ones around the southern motorway/Waikato/coromandel

Yep, it's an 8500 with a screamer for audible alerts - had it for a good few years now. I live in Coromandel so I'm pretty familiar with the scene in that area. All the camera vans used to be Ka but a few with K started appearing 2 or 3 years ago. Generally pick both up about 400 metres or so away. Have no idea what the mix between K and Ka is now. I'm no expert on detectors, just what I've picked up from practical experience and a fair bit of reading, but if it's of any interest: http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2010/05/radar-detectors-worth-having.html . I have X band turned off for false alerts. I re-enabled K band for the reasons I mentioned above. My screamer has a mute switch so I use that in town where commercial use of K band is quite common.

Cheers,

Geoff

[pritch]

Translation .. regardless what model radar detector you get ... the odds are good that you will STILL get a ticket.

Yeah nah. The jury is still out but so far that is wrong. As Scummy likes to point out though, we have to be lucky all the time, they just need to get lucky once.

[pritch]

My x50 picks up vans, why doesn't yours unless you have some bands turned off? As far as I know, all vans are either K or KA band and the x50 picks both those frequencies up.

The speed camera vans are on the band that gives all the spurious warnings so I turned that band off. If I went on a trip, and if I remembered, I'd turn it back on. So far though I've never managed to do that.

The warning from a van is much less than you'd normally get because the radar is pointing diagonally across the road, not towards you as it would be in a patrol car.

[Mike.Gayner]

Vans are the least of my worries seeing as you see then before you pass them 95% of the time. And obviously no front plate.

[PistonBlown]

Just one question as vans keep being mentioned - don't the van's just take a photo of the front so they can't see your number plate anyway? I always thought that was one of the advantages of riding a motorbike:-)

[nosebleed]

According to you and the rest of the safety bridge, common sense and radar detectors are mutually exclusive. To the rest of us, they're tools that work in tandem. But evidently you don't possess the brainpower for that to work. You'd better not get a radar detector.

much more eloquent than the response I was formulating

[flashg]

Just one question as vans keep being mentioned - don't the van's just take a photo of the front so they can't see your number plate anyway? I always thought that was one of the advantages of riding a motorbike:-)


Yeah nah........
The driver sits in the van and writes your number down and you get ticket in the mail,then you request photo proof, then you pay.
They can read your number plate in town, but might struggle in 100km zone

[CaMo]

Yep, it's an 8500 with a screamer for audible alerts - had it for a good few years now. I live in Coromandel so I'm pretty familiar with the scene in that area. All the camera vans used to be Ka but a few with K started appearing 2 or 3 years ago. Generally pick both up about 400 metres or so away. Have no idea what the mix between K and Ka is now. I'm no expert on detectors, just what I've picked up from practical experience and a fair bit of reading, but if it's of any interest: http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2010/05/radar-detectors-worth-having.html . I have X band turned off for false alerts. I re-enabled K band for the reasons I mentioned above. My screamer has a mute switch so I use that in town where commercial use of K band is quite common.

Cheers,

Geoff

Geoff, would you mind taking a snap of the bottom of your unit. I think there is 2 versions and I'd be interested to see if there is a difference. I'll put K back on and see what I get. I also get the odd false on ka which is strange. Like a sudden blast bit then notice the car coming towards me has a detector too. Do you get this?

[PistonBlown]

Yeah nah........
The driver sits in the van and writes your number down and you get ticket in the mail,then you request photo proof, then you pay.
They can read your number plate in town, but might struggle in 100km zone

Oh hadn't thought of that - will not feel quite so cocky when I go past one now:-)

[Ender EnZed]

Yeah nah........
The driver sits in the van and writes your number down and you get ticket in the mail,then you request photo proof, then you pay.
They can read your number plate in town, but might struggle in 100km zone

Clearly the solution is to go past as fast as possible so the camera operator doesn't get a chance to read your plate.

[flashg]

Clearly the solution is to go past as fast as possible so the camera operator doesn't get a chance to read your plate.


Didn't take long to work that out, faster the better

[MarkH]

Yeah nah. The jury is still out but so far that is wrong. As Scummy likes to point out though, we have to be lucky all the time, they just need to get lucky once.

He says that, but it isn't quite true.
They just need to get lucky once to give you a ticket, but you can be lucky a few other times and avoid several tickets.
5 tickets = lots of money in fines, too many demerit points and loss of license.
1 ticket = a fine & some demerit points.

So using you brain and common sense + having a radar detector = keeping your license and for many people saving more in fines than the detector cost.

[Blackbird]

Geoff, would you mind taking a snap of the bottom of your unit. I think there is 2 versions and I'd be interested to see if there is a difference. I'll put K back on and see what I get. I also get the odd false on ka which is strange. Like a sudden blast bit then notice the car coming towards me has a detector too. Do you get this?

Have attached 3 photos - 1 general, one base and one top just in case. Didn't bother with the screamer. I've still got the original box and see that I bought it in July 2005! If you need to compare with yours, the serial number is 02113405.

BTW, I pick up the odd radar unit in other vehicles too. I also have POP enabled for pretty tenuous reasons and it occasionally triggers. I think it's either the GPS or comms on farm vehicles which might trigger POP.

Hope that helps!

[Swoop]

Ok, Looking hard at a Beltronics STI Magnum.
I run an STI. You'll get a few readings on Ka band that will leave you scratching your head. It will be a cop kilometers away, which takes ages to finally appear around a corner! I've also detected their radar whilst being at 90 degrees to them (picking up the beam and NOT the radar unit in the plod-car).

K band is what the photo-taxation vans are on, but the signal is very weak. You may find a single "beep" announcing the presence of one of those. The Bel Redline doesn't have this issue though...!

[CaMo]

Have attached 3 photos - 1 general, one base and one top just in case. Didn't bother with the screamer. I've still got the original box and see that I bought it in July 2005! If you need to compare with yours, the serial number is 02113405.

BTW, I pick up the odd radar unit in other vehicles too. I also have POP enabled for pretty tenuous reasons and it occasionally triggers. I think it's either the GPS or comms on farm vehicles which might trigger POP.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for that. Looks just like mine. I'll have to check my fccid number and see what version I have
http://www.rdforum.org/showthread.php?t=7341

I spoke to radar direct and the guy told me none of the x50s were upgradeable. Seems weird when this is offered
https://www.escortradar.com/tuneup/

Can't find anything like that in NZ. Ideally I'd just like to see if it was calibrated after all these years

I was going to use a screamer on mine but instead built a little box that turns the sound into a really bright strip of about 4 or 5 leds and is mounted on top of my wind shield. Seems to work great even in sunlight. If riding at night i turn it sideways or else I'd probably get arc eye haha.

[pritch]

Yeah nah........
The driver sits in the van and writes your number down and you get ticket in the mail,then you request photo proof, then you pay.


Actually it's more likely that the driver is stacking Zs. Can you imagine a more boring job? I stopped to speak to one once because I thought the driver was someone I knew. From the startled reaction I got it was very obvious that he had been fast asleep.

[Mike.Gayner]

Actually it's more likely that the driver is stacking Zs. Can you imagine a more boring job? I stopped to speak to one once because I thought the driver was someone I knew. From the startled reaction I got it was very obvious that he had been fast asleep.

Yeah I simply cannot imagine someone sitting there for hours on end diligently writing down number plates.

[flashg]

Actually it's more likely that the driver is stacking Zs. Can you imagine a more boring job? I stopped to speak to one once because I thought the driver was someone I knew. From the startled reaction I got it was very obvious that he had been fast asleep.


Yes I believe you would be correct, however it happened to me about 15 years ago on bealey ave, he/she may have just started his/her shift, or was new at the job and filling the quota.
Impress the boss.

[T.W.R]

Yeah I simply cannot imagine someone sitting there for hours on end diligently writing down number plates.

The camera van operator who works between chch & rakaia doesn't snooze very often :no: spends a few hrs in it otherwise he tags along with the HP car on it's beat & leaves the van unattended.
That said though he doesn't need to write numbers down either.....he's got a big SLR with a pretty massive lens for those candid shots :msn-wink:
Predictable though as there's only 5 regular spots used on that stretch of road, so if it isn't at one it's bound to be lurking at another.
The current mufti working the area is a hoot .....brilliant white holden with a unintentional personalised plate : GRR 123:Police: angry wee man

[PistonBlown]

The camera van operator who works between chch & rakaia doesn't snooze very often :no: spends a few hrs in it otherwise he tags along with the HP car on it's beat & leaves the van unattended.
That said though he doesn't need to write numbers down either.....he's got a big SLR with a pretty massive lens for those candid shots :msn-wink:
Predictable though as there's only 5 regular spots used on that stretch of road, so if it isn't at one it's bound to be lurking at another.
The current mufti working the area is a hoot .....brilliant white holden with a unintentional personalised plate : GRR 123:Police: angry wee man

Yep on the North side of CHCH on SH1 the van has 4 favourite spots between CHCH and Amberley. Probably the same guy.

That also blows one of my other theories i.e. they would never use a white holden for mufti work as everyone would assume it's a police car

[Laz]

Geoff, would you mind taking a snap of the bottom of your unit. I think there is 2 versions and I'd be interested to see if there is a difference. I'll put K back on and see what I get. I also get the odd false on ka which is strange. Like a sudden blast bit then notice the car coming towards me has a detector too. Do you get this?

Aren't these new low power radar vans using K band?

[Swoop]

Actually it's more likely that the driver is stacking Zs. I stopped to speak to one once because I thought the driver was someone I knew. From the startled reaction I got it was very obvious that he had been fast asleep.

When the tax-vans first came out, the operators would crank it up and then just hop over the fence and read a book in the nearby paddock.
That was quashed when the vans became targeted (along with the operators) not-very-long afterwards...
Suffice to say that they are required to stay IN the van nowadays.

[Laz]

Thanks for that. Looks just like mine. I'll have to check my fccid number and see what version I have
http://www.rdforum.org/showthread.php?t=7341

I spoke to radar direct and the guy told me none of the x50s were upgradeable. Seems weird when this is offered
https://www.escortradar.com/tuneup/

Can't find anything like that in NZ. Ideally I'd just like to see if it was calibrated after all these years

I was going to use a screamer on mine but instead built a little box that turns the sound into a really bright strip of about 4 or 5 leds and is mounted on top of my wind shield. Seems to work great even in sunlight. If riding at night i turn it sideways or else I'd probably get arc eye haha.

Was thinking the same thing about turning audio into LEDs. Does your little box plug into the audio jack? Was also thinking about having the visual and the audio. Looked at those HARD units which looked good till I saw the price. Nearly crapped my pants! I'm sure I can knock something up that'll do the job for a lot less than that price. Don't need to talk on phone or listen to music, The only music I listen to on the bike is coming out the exhaust.

[T.W.R]

Yep on the North side of CHCH on SH1 the van has 4 favourite spots between CHCH and Amberley. Probably the same guy.

That also blows one of my other theories i.e. they would never use a white holden for mufti work as everyone would assume it's a police car

The two vans that you usually see are a deep metallic green toyota with tinted windows & a cream nissan, have seen them both in different locations all over the region.
That white mufti does blend in like a sales reps car :yes: , though the best I've seen was a fully kitted HSV in metallic black with tinted windows; easy to taunt the unsuspecting into a hussle with a petrolheads toy.

A good test of any radar detector is the passing bay just of Burnham :yes:
There's something at the south end of the army base that sets everything off; seen multitude of different detectors go nuts on that stretch of road over 20+ yrs

[Reckless]

I've got a 8500 X50 permanently mounted to the bike. Works good.

One on one against a laser or a cop really using his KA and trigger switch in his lap your screwed.
Mostly they leave it on and just try lock you when they get a warning I think?
But this doesnt happen a lot, mostly you get enough warning from him checking the traffic ahead of you or from behind you. Mine is years old but modern enough to have the rear detection sensor. Be WARNED all cops have rear mounted radar detection now so they'll get you going away from them after they have gone by. I'm really surprised it hasnt clapped out by now because its done me years of good service on the VTR, SV thou and now the Bonnie and they are all big vibration bikes.

I went to Dick Smith and bought 3 plugs and a small speaker for in my helmet for about $20 bucks then used an old cell phone car charger cord and wired up an Audio warning. So no Batteries or leds. I read somewhere your reaction to audio is faster than seeing, then doing, I also wonder if your looking through your corner up the road and your led is on the opposite side of your visor, if you'd miss the LED warning without the audio. So have stuck with the audio warning.

Works really good and I don't notice the curly chord at all. I'm used to unplugging the cable after the last few years with this set up, so only walked away from the bike still plugged in couple of times early on.
The only draw back is about once every couple years you have to rewire the plug at the helmet.
I put a small chain and padlock round it so I can leave it parked outside a cafe or the supermarket and not have to worry about some turkey pinching it.


Couple pics attached so you know how its set up if you wanna go the cheaper route and hard wire.
Hope this helps??

317135
317136
317137

[skippa1]

I've got a 8500 X50 permanently mounted to the bike. Works good.



I went to Dick Smith and bought 3 plugs and a small speaker for in my helmet for about $20 bucks then used an old cell phone car charger cord and wired up an Audio warning. So no Batteries or leds. I read somewhere your reaction to audio is faster than seeing, then doing, I also wonder if your looking through your corner up the road and your led is on the opposite side of your visor, if you'd miss the LED warning without the audio. So have stuck with the audio warning.

Works really good and I don't notice the curly chord at all. I'm used to unplugging the cable after the last few years with this set up, so only walked away from the bike still plugged in couple of times early on.
The only draw back is about once every couple years you have to rewire the plug at the helmet.
I put a small chain and padlock round it .........



That curly cord might work but it would annoy the shit out of me. Wireless led in my helmet has never let me down

chain and padlock......really?

[Laz]

I run an STI. You'll get a few readings on Ka band that will leave you scratching your head. It will be a cop kilometers away, which takes ages to finally appear around a corner! I've also detected their radar whilst being at 90 degrees to them (picking up the beam and NOT the radar unit in the plod-car).

K band is what the photo-taxation vans are on, but the signal is very weak. You may find a single "beep" announcing the presence of one of those. The Bel Redline doesn't have this issue though...!

The thing I like about these detectors is they are upgradable The one I just bought has just had the latest software/firmware upgrade. You can upgrade your STI to a Magnum for bugger all and apparently the older STI's have a coil wound LNA which is more sensitive than the later models. I have K band turned on and get a few alerts but not on quiet streets. It's a great unit.

[NAR RG500]

I've got a 8500 X50 permanently mounted to the bike. Works good.

One on one against a laser or a cop really using his KA and trigger switch in his lap your screwed.
Mostly they leave it on and just try lock you when they get a warning I think?
But this doesnt happen a lot, mostly you get enough warning from him checking the traffic ahead of you or from behind you. Mine is years old but modern enough to have the rear detection sensor. Be WARNED all cops have rear mounted radar detection now so they'll get you going away from them after they have gone by. I'm really surprised it hasnt clapped out by now because its done me years of good service on the VTR, SV thou and now the Bonnie and they are all big vibration bikes.

I went to Dick Smith and bought 3 plugs and a small speaker for in my helmet for about $20 bucks then used an old cell phone car charger cord and wired up an Audio warning. So no Batteries or leds. I read somewhere your reaction to audio is faster than seeing, then doing, I also wonder if your looking through your corner up the road and your led is on the opposite side of your visor, if you'd miss the LED warning without the audio. So have stuck with the audio warning.

Works really good and I don't notice the curly chord at all. I'm used to unplugging the cable after the last few years with this set up, so only walked away from the bike still plugged in couple of times early on.
The only draw back is about once every co uple years you have to rewire the plug at the helmet.
I put a small chain and padlock round it so I can leave it parked outside a cafe or the supermarket and not have to worry about some turkey pinching it.


Couple pics attached so you know how its set up if you wanna go the cheaper route and hard wire.
Hope this helps??

317135
317136
317137


I also have speaker in helmet and run cable down my jacket to the plug by my seat, takes a little while to remember you are plugged in when getting off!

Not all cop cars have a rear facing antenna fitted, and quite a few dont have speed detection units at all.

My old man got a ticket on the weekend and no detector would have saved him because cop was hiding in bush, he got one quick pop on the detector and that was it, locked in.

They are awesome when cop leaves the unit on and you can pick them up, but in low traffic they will turn off and pop it on when they see you.

[MarkH]

My old man got a ticket on the weekend and no detector would have saved him because cop was hiding in bush, he got one quick pop on the detector and that was it, locked in.

They are awesome when cop leaves the unit on and you can pick them up, but in low traffic they will turn off and pop it on when they see you.

Bear this in mind:
If you are the only vehicle on the road, so the cop doesn't give away his presence by checking anyone else's speed - what is the cop doing wasting his time on a road with no traffic?
In other words: Your old man got really unlucky!

In general it is the busier roads that the cops will find more targets on, so that is where you usually see the cops.

I don't have a detector, but if I did then I'd want a really good one that could pick up the cop a long way away when he gives a quick pop and locks in your old man's speed, then I can ride on by at 100kph looking innocent. :innocent:

[NAR RG500]

Bear this in mind:
If you are the only vehicle on the road, so the cop doesn't give away his presence by checking anyone else's speed - what is the cop doing wasting his time on a road with no traffic?
In other words: Your old man got really unlucky!

In general it is the busier roads that the cops will find more targets on, so that is where you usually see the cops.

I don't have a detector, but if I did then I'd want a really good one that could pick up the cop a long way away when he gives a quick pop and locks in your old man's speed, then I can ride on by at 100kph looking innocent. :innocent:

Cop was hiding facing same way as rider direction and turned on when old man gone past at 130, nothing you can do, take it on the chin and hope next time it will help you more.

My point was that although I won't leave home without my detector sometimes it's usless to some of thier methods

[Night Falcon]

Personally I don't see the point in radar detectors for finding cops, I mean if you ride above the speed limit often enough they'll find you......why bother with a detector :shifty:

[rastuscat]

My experience from when I wore a blue suit.

There are a lot of things that people do in vehicles that cops don't write tickets for. Some they should, but that's a different debate.

But people with detectors rarely are given that discretion. If by chance I was thinking of an advisory chat with someone who had broken one of those little rules, the presence of an LED in the helmet was often enough to change that into an invoice.

It's just part of the game played by those who choose to play it.

It's nice not having to give a toss any more.

[Flip]

Well I used to pay some road tax about every 12 months. I use to fax the bill to Fitzy and ask if he could help, he used to call me a scrote, ok happy days. I have had a snake detector since 07 since then I have not had a ticket, nadda not one. I have been pulled up twice both times they did not get a lock on before my speed dropped below 110. Yea a lazer works faster but they have to get set up and the snakes find getting to the donut shop is difficult, actually getting their fat asses out of their drivers seats is difficult. The other thing is the detector starts to chirp and I slow down and try to work out where they have set up to take another well deserved donut stop.

[NAR RG500]

Well I used to pay some road tax about every 12 months. I use to fax the bill to Fitzy and ask if he could help, he used to call me a scrote, ok happy days. I have had a snake detector since 07 since then I have not had a ticket, nadda not one. I have been pulled up twice both times they did not get a lock on before my speed dropped below 110. Yea a lazer works faster but they have to get set up and the snakes find getting to the donut shop is difficult, actually getting their fat asses out of their drivers seats is difficult. The other thing is the detector starts to chirp and I slow down and try to work out where they have set up to take another well deserved donut stop.

+1

Finally some sense!

Cheers

[STEPHASAUR]

Personally I don't see the point in radar detectors for finding cops, I mean if you ride above the speed limit often enough they'll find you......why bother with a detector :shifty:

I find it as more of a failsafe.
To be honest, I don't speed enough to justify having a V1 in my car. The initial reasoning for purchase was because my old track toy was constantly picked on by police because it looked like a "boy racer car" despite being fully certified for its mods, having a clean record, and being a very tidy and well kept vehicle both mechanically and cosmetically speaking.

Yea, the attitude I got from police before vs after the radar was pretty negative, but it was one less thing I had to worry about for each time I was pulled.
The V1 in a way made taking the Zed out a much more enjoyable experience, because the paranoia of running into a Police officer was no longer present. idk.

If i do get pulled over for speeding, of course I'll happily accept it. I know the rules and I chose not to follow them. I just like that there is something there that spews a fit when there is such a risk ;)

[Laz]

Well, We'll all see what happens now that the speed tolerance has dropped to 4 km for the next two months. Good luck everyone. I'm still glad I got my detector. :msn-wink:

[WNJ]

Well, We'll all see what happens now that the speed tolerance has dropped to 4 km for the next two months.:

dont have a detector , ,Rode past a park up popo ( between the cheese cutters)on the Waikato xpress way last night , i was doin 140 when I passed him but eased off to 110 after passed him, he spun round and over took me and kept goin, :innocent:

[slofox]

Had one of the very few actual saves from the TPX this morning. Pootling along an "80 temporary" zone at about 93 (inadvertently of course!) when the unit spoke up as approaching a corner. Dropped off 10k as the copper came around the corner. All good, went on past no worries.
I've run a detector for several years now and have had very few actual saves from the unit. But those that do happen are very welcome.

Incidentally, for how long can a "temporary" speed limit be in place? Seems to me that quite a few of these "temporary" limits are pretty permanent. In which case why mark it as temporary? I suspect it might be to do with fulfilling the requirements of local legislation but I don't really know. Any ideas about these?

[eldog]

Not that I need a radar detector

I really want to KNOW what the speed limit is so I don't need one

sometimes it's 70 then 80 just around the corner then back to 70, not so bad in areas I frequent.

looking for a app or similar that uses open source maps to act as a reminder what the limit is. Maybe I should more attention but there are some areas the speed signs are hidden behind trees, lamp posts, traffic signals, trucks.

If I want to go faster then it's up to me.


Yes temporary is just another way of making the long term speed limit lower without causing too much fuss.... Wait a year then fix it to this temp limit - no one will complain
Speed lowering by stealth. The reason will then be 'see we lowered the road toll here-by lowering the speed'

[roogazza]

I take it the tolerence is now back to 9kph seeing its February ???

These days the detector is handy to avoid getting pinged while passing slow traffic.
If you get up it passing, its nice to know where the 'Blues" are.
I hate hanging out there while passing, its bloody dangerous. :shifty:<_<

[awayatc]

I'll also lend my support to this piece of advice!



The only drawback of the detector (apart from the purchase price) is that you can not expect leniency when pulled over if the cop spots the detector.

leniency and cops are mutually exclusive......

they pull you over you pay....

regardless

[eldog]

I find between Nelson and Motueka speed reduction signs are noticeable coming into townships and not so noticeable leaving. With the increased population and new roading on the outskirts of Frankton (Queenstown) the signage is a bit vauge too but very clear from the Frankton roundabout to downtown Queenstown.

Obviously a problem all over the country.
Up here there can be changes from 70-80-70 in 1/2 a k for no real reason except maybe they didn't have enough signs of the same value.

Never been to Queenstown or plan to.

[OddDuck]

Obviously a problem all over the country.
Up here there can be changes from 70-80-70 in 1/2 a k for no real reason except maybe they didn't have enough signs of the same value.

Never been to Queenstown or plan to.

Queenstown is dollar town. It's pricey and it's shit, frankly. The road to Queenstown, on the other hand... Go in through Geraldine and head across from there, it's some of the best biking ever!!

Sorry for thread derail, back to radar detectors.

[eldog]

Queenstown is dollar town. It's pricey and it's shit, frankly. The road to Queenstown, on the other hand... Go in through Geraldine and head across from there, it's some of the best biking ever!!

Sorry for thread derail, back to radar detectors.

That is my impression of Queenstown too. May try this Geraldine road - sounds like I might require a RD too :Punk:

[slofox]

Obviously a problem all over the country.
Up here there can be changes from 70-80-70 in 1/2 a k for no real reason except maybe they didn't have enough signs of the same value.

Never been to Queenstown or plan to.

Same in Te Tron. One urban through route has 100, then 80, then 60 (for about 500 metres) back to 80, to 60, to 50 (for about 300 metres) then back to 60 and then 80. All in the space of maybe 8km. People must spend all their time looking for speed indicator signs. Could be why driving is so appalling here.

[eldog]

Same in Te Tron. One urban through route has 100, then 80, then 60 (for about 500 metres) back to 80, to 60, to 50 (for about 300 metres) then back to 60 and then 80. All in the space of maybe 8km. People must spend all their time looking for speed indicator signs. Could be why driving is so appalling here.

I have always tried to avoid Te Tron as much as possible, mostly for the reason above and I go there so little it doesn't matter.

I need to add Te Tron does have a rather good bar/restaurant strip and it has a good vibe, it did while I went past LOL

However, I don't count Te Rapa as part of Te Tron as it has always seemed a forward thinking area, the speed and signage seem to be of an above average standard.- look at Te Awa.

Although the 'NEW' bypass does need some road works - its cutting up in places and the roundabouts have some strange cambers-hate dragging my boots on the road too much. I don't need a RD in Te Rapa because it all seems to flow. Its laid out like some of the Big LA shopping centres....

They even have motorcycle parking..... Dunno if they sell Radar Detectors

[MarkH]

Not that I need a radar detector

I really want to KNOW what the speed limit is so I don't need one

sometimes it's 70 then 80 just around the corner then back to 70, not so bad in areas I frequent.

looking for a app or similar that uses open source maps to act as a reminder what the limit is. Maybe I should more attention but there are some areas the speed signs are hidden behind trees, lamp posts, traffic signals, trucks.

If I want to go faster then it's up to me.


Yes temporary is just another way of making the long term speed limit lower without causing too much fuss.... Wait a year then fix it to this temp limit - no one will complain
Speed lowering by stealth. The reason will then be 'see we lowered the road toll here-by lowering the speed'

You can have a GPS that is using open maps give you an alert if you exceed the speed limit and you can set a percentage or a number of km/h over the limit for the threshold value, but I wouldn't trust such a device 100% especially when temporary speed limits may not be on its map. Still, I've used this feature to remind me to check my speedo and slow down a little.

[MarkH]

Incidentally, for how long can a "temporary" speed limit be in place? Seems to me that quite a few of these "temporary" limits are pretty permanent. In which case why mark it as temporary? I suspect it might be to do with fulfilling the requirements of local legislation but I don't really know. Any ideas about these?

As far as I'm aware there is no time limit for the 'temporary' speed limit, so it is possible for a stretch of road to have a temporary speed limit for several years if the idiots in charge just leave it like that.

[Brett]

Bear this in mind:
If you are the only vehicle on the road, so the cop doesn't give away his presence by checking anyone else's speed - what is the cop doing wasting his time on a road with no traffic?
In other words: Your old man got really unlucky!

In general it is the busier roads that the cops will find more targets on, so that is where you usually see the cops.

I don't have a detector, but if I did then I'd want a really good one that could pick up the cop a long way away when he gives a quick pop and locks in your old man's speed, then I can ride on by at 100kph looking innocent. :innocent:

That's what Blinders are for mate. Gives you at least one chance to make sure your back into a law abiding limit.

[Swoop]

Incidentally, for how long can a "temporary" speed limit be in place? Seems to me that quite a few of these "temporary" limits are pretty permanent. In which case why mark it as temporary? I suspect it might be to do with fulfilling the requirements of local legislation but I don't really know. Any ideas about these?

The original "concept" of a temporary speed zone, was for the safety of those people working on the road. Not the vehicle drivers.
The requirement was for the temp. signs to be taken down during periods when road-works were not in progress (night time, etc).

Of course, nowadays when people are not allowed to think for themselves...

[Brett]

The original "concept" of a temporary speed zone, was for the safety of those people working on the road. Not the vehicle drivers.
The requirement was for the temp. signs to be taken down during periods when road-works were not in progress (night time, etc).

Of course, nowadays when people are not allowed to think for themselves...

How dare you imply ill against those who wish to re-engineer us into blind, unthinking sheep.

[Swoop]

How dare you imply ill against those who wish to re-engineer us into blind, unthinking sheep.

They can do whatever they wish... so long as they keep fucking left.
I enjoyed the "4kmh over" propaganda over the last two months.

I sat on 130 and used the airhorns a few times. Fucking blind cunts out there who really need a Liberace then a damned good beating with their own tyre-iron though.

[Jin]

whats a good mount for a v1?

[Beekeeper]

Time to revive this thread, I want to do some serious fucking speeding during the plague while the roads are free, any updated recommendations from users?

[Bonez]

Time to revive this thread, I want to do some serious fucking speeding during the plague while the roads are free, any updated recommendations from users?Your first name isn't Richard is it?

[caspernz]

Your first name isn't Richard is it?

And last name Cranium?

Not a bad attempt at humour from OP, albeit on wrong thread :2thumbsup

[Berries]

Time to revive this thread, I want to do some serious fucking speeding during the plague while the roads are free, any updated recommendations from users?
Move south.


Way south.

[Beekeeper]

Ha ha, just wanted to flush out the yellow vests, still am considering getting one due to an infestation of mufti vans and cars which I think is revenue collecting. I take my sports riding needs to the track where its safe but before the Nazi's who have never done more than 51 on their 1970's UJM's get their collective old man panties in a wad, there are people who do speed on open roads out of town. Anyone who has a big bike (Harley riders excluded obviously) has found themselves doing above the limit whether its 105 or more doesnt matter as far as the old bill are concerned. If those cunts prefer to use unmarked vehicles and hidden vans then I want a sporting chance.

That said and please interfering old KB farts please fuck off unless you have advice on a good late model detector setup. Am considering a V1g2 or an R7

[caspernz]

Ha ha, just wanted to flush out the yellow vests, still am considering getting one due to an infestation of mufti vans and cars which I think is revenue collecting. I take my sports riding needs to the track where its safe but before the Nazi's who have never done more than 51 on their 1970's UJM's get their collective old man panties in a wad, there are people who do speed on open roads out of town. Anyone who has a big bike (Harley riders excluded obviously) has found themselves doing above the limit whether its 105 or more doesnt matter as far as the old bill are concerned. If those cunts prefer to use unmarked vehicles and hidden vans then I want a sporting chance.

That said and please interfering old KB farts please fuck off unless you have advice on a good late model detector setup. Am considering a V1g2 or an R7

TPX 3.0 is my suggestion.

I ran a TPX 2.0 for several years. Works fine if the LEO is running with his radar on, as you'll pick it up from a way out. The instant-on will catch you out. Ditto for laser, which is more common anyway. Camera vans use a very weak signal, and the angle means by the time your detector catches it, the picture is made.

Time and place, eyes on vanishing point is best suggestion.

Oh, and move south :shutup:

[Beekeeper]

TPX 3.0 is my suggestion.

I ran a TPX 2.0 for several years. Works fine if the LEO is running with his radar on, as you'll pick it up from a way out. The instant-on will catch you out. Ditto for laser, which is more common anyway. Camera vans use a very weak signal, and the angle means by the time your detector catches it, the picture is made.

Time and place, eyes on vanishing point is best suggestion.

Oh, and move south :shutup:


Thanks, quite a few in our group have them but have heard mixed reports. Agree common sense, time and place etc is the best defense.

[Laava]

70kmh should be the national open road limit.
https://images.app.goo.gl/HWoZ5RSkhTXyrtm96
https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blob:https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/6aaf540d-1624-4e8f-9570-e0f5a57a8b2b

[Blackbird]

Thanks, quite a few in our group have them but have heard mixed reports. Agree common sense, time and place etc is the best defense.

My Escort X50 has sat on the shed shelf for a few years now. Decided that situational awareness was my best option :yes:

[SaferRides]

I bought a Ram mount some time ago so I could fit the Bel to the bike, but never did it in the end. Their hardware is very good but expensive.

The Bel has saved me many times in the car, but I very rarely use it now and have my fun on the bike. It will even give a laser warning if they target a vehicle ahead of you, and picks up radar some distance away. You do have to be careful in light traffic if they use instant on, but how often does that happen in the upper North Island now. Well, up to a few weeks ago. :)

[R650R]

As far as I'm aware there is no time limit for the 'temporary' speed limit, so it is possible for a stretch of road to have a temporary speed limit for several years if the idiots in charge just leave it like that.

Will try and find article , there ARE limitations. We had a temp 70 zone outside Napier airport after ONLY ten years of repeated fatals that they thought maybe they should do something....

[R650R]

Will try and find article , there ARE limitations. We had a temp 70 zone outside Napier airport after ONLY ten years of repeated fatals that they thought maybe they should do something....

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/110605920/police-refunding-tickets-after-temporary-speed-limits-ruled-unenforceable

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11484594

[pritch]

Agree common sense, time and place etc is the best defense.

OK I'll disagree. My X50 has saved the day by sounding a warning when the source was invisible, as on the other side of a hill, behind an obstruction, or hidden under a tree. Your eyeballs will not help with those.

If a patrol car is using instant-on in traffic there is the chance that you could hear the news before he gets to you. (So far so good.)

The downside is that the detector isn't much help with camera cars/vans. They have a weak signal aimed across the road. Also they use the band that gives spurious warnings so that band is usually turned off. If I was doing a cross country trip, I'd turn it on for the journey.

The points you mention above are not the best defence, they are second best. You should keep using those even if you have a detector though.

[Beekeeper]

Thanks for the input, I ended up ordering a uniden R7. Even it is saves me just once doing 290 it will be worth it :motu:

[SVboy]

Good choice.

[Reckless]

OK I'll disagree. My X50 has saved the day by sounding a warning when the source was invisible, as on the other side of a hill, behind an obstruction, or hidden under a tree. Your eyeballs will not help with those.

If a patrol car is using instant-on in traffic there is the chance that you could hear the news before he gets to you. (So far so good.)

The downside is that the detector isn't much help with camera cars/vans. They have a weak signal aimed across the road. Also they use the band that gives spurious warnings so that band is usually turned off. If I was doing a cross country trip, I'd turn it on for the journey.

The points you mention above are not the best defence, they are second best. You should keep using those even if you have a detector though.

X50 many years old now, been wondering if the latest and greatest are any better???
One on one, Clear road, if he is using his push button in his lap he'll prob get you.
But they get lazy and there are a lot of other scenarios it can save you. Saved me heaps over the years.
I don't care it doesn't get Camera vans if your speeding and cant spot a camera van you deserve the fine :nono:

[Damantis]

I've had an rx65 which was adequate in most instances. Recently went with a uniden r3. Can't be assed spending the extra for the GPS version. Shouldn't be worried about cameras on a bike anyway. The range on the R series unidens blows away pretty much all the others for ka detection. I've picked up continuous sources from over 3km away, over hills and round bends. As others point out, instant on can still catch you out but if you're intelligent about where you're speeding you shouldn't have a problem. I know people rave about the Tpx but it's no better than an rx65 in most tests despite being nearly twice the price. Got my r3 on ebay for less than $500 delivered. Just run earphones unless you want to fuck around with wireless and Bluetooth dongles etc

Sent from my VOG-L09 using Tapatalk

[mulletman]

I've had an rx65 which was adequate in most instances. Recently went with a uniden r3. Can't be assed spending the extra for the GPS version. Shouldn't be worried about cameras on a bike anyway. The range on the R series unidens blows away pretty much all the others for ka detection. I've picked up continuous sources from over 3km away, over hills and round bends. As others point out, instant on can still catch you out but if you're intelligent about where you're speeding you shouldn't have a problem. I know people rave about the Tpx but it's no better than an rx65 in most tests despite being nearly twice the price. Got my r3 on ebay for less than $500 delivered. Just run earphones unless you want to fuck around with wireless and Bluetooth dongles etc

Sent from my VOG-L09 using Tapatalk

I still run an RX65, can the K band be turned off like the RX65 , and is the earphone socket the same to. Cheers

[Damantis]

I still run an RX65, can the K band be turned off like the RX65 , and is the earphone socket the same to. CheersYes. On the unidens you can turn off k band and the ka band is segmented so you can narrow that sweep to the range in which the stalker units used here operate, eliminating almost all falsing

Sent from my VOG-L09 using Tapatalk

[Reckless]

Just run earphones unless you want to fuck around with wireless and Bluetooth dongles etc
Sent from my VOG-L09 using Tapatalk

Same I got a small speaker from Dick Smith and converted an old curly cord from a cell phone charger couple of plugs solder on and only one connection everytime.
Works great

[bert_is_evil]

I'm surprised blinder laser jammers haven't come up in this thread. Anyone's "friend" used them?

[caspernz]

I'm surprised blinder laser jammers haven't come up in this thread. Anyone's "friend" used them?

Yep, a "friend" has both bike and fast car equipped as you suggested. He gets his licence back towards end of year...:rolleyes: nuff said?

[bert_is_evil]

Aahh, good to know!