Radar detectors. What do you use? [Archive]

T.I.E

7th February 2007, 18:42

what model do ya have and does it work well?
i'm looking at spending some cash to save me some points. ive tried a search and got hit with alot of crap, so any threads or any info will be helpfull.
and whats up with K bands and stuff. i have no idea on this tuff so any info will be helpful please.
cheers

k14

7th February 2007, 18:46

bel 985, buy one. you wont regret it. should be able to get one for $500 or so.

kiwifruit

7th February 2007, 18:49

bel rx65, works well
screamer, worked well for a month... have been waiting for a replacement for the last month

Leong

7th February 2007, 19:14

Valentine 1 - virtually NO falses esp when compared to Ninjaboys Escort and Strat's Bel(?)

T.I.E

7th February 2007, 19:14

bloody good info. cheers

saul

7th February 2007, 19:18

Valentine 1 - virtually NO falses esp when compared to Ninjaboys Escort and Strat's Bel(?)

Escort for me :yes: falses whats that? :yes: amazing the distance you can pick up the bad guys, hang on is that us or them lol:yes: :rockon:

TerminalAddict

7th February 2007, 19:21

Escort X50

Colapop

7th February 2007, 19:21

None - I go too slow... Come to think of it... what do you need one for...?

T.I.E

7th February 2007, 19:23

None - I go too slow... Come to think of it... what do you need one for...?

it give me time when a camera is coming, i can get my make up on and get my good side.:innocent:

Blackbird

7th February 2007, 19:28

Escort X50. (Around $500). Great for Ka band (Highway Patrol mobile). Have never encountered a laser yet. Have fitted a waterproof cover and a screamer (see speaker on top yoke) as an audible alarm. Sometimes disconnected my helmet earpiece or broke the wire which is not good so the screamer is a better option IMHO! Very good for camera van detection.

It works superbly but it's only an aid and if you rely on a detector and not keep your wits about you, you'll get nailed.

You'll find heaps of past posts on detectors and laser jammers.

Colapop

7th February 2007, 19:29

it give me time when a camera is coming, i can get my make up on and get my good side.:innocent:
Before you do check your mirrors... That Oogly mofo staring back is you. Now there aint no way there's gonna be enough time to get THAT much makeup on!

k14

7th February 2007, 19:31

Yeah get either a bel rx65 or escort 8500 x50. Both are pretty much of a muchness and both go for around the $450 to $500 mark. It is do-able using a ear piece, bit of a pain though. I'd recommend putting a screamer on there, makes it alot less hassal.

T.I.E

7th February 2007, 19:32

Escort X50. (Around $500). Great for Ka band (Highway Patrol mobile). Have never encountered a laser yet. Have fitted a waterproof cover and a screamer (see speaker on top yoke) as an audible alarm. Sometimes disconnected my helmet earpiece or broke the wire which is not good so the screamer is a better option IMHO!

It works superbly but it's only an aid and if you rely on a detector and not keep your wits about you, you'll get nailed.

You'll find heaps of past posts on detectors and laser jammers.

heated grips too i see.
and i learnt a long time ago never to rely on anything lol.
but its just a nice wake up call, also stops me from annoying the boys in blue, as they have enough to do.

Ixion

7th February 2007, 19:32

Bel X65. Don't seem to have a problem with false alarms.

Ka band and laser are the only ones you need to worry about in NZ. X and K can be disabled (I don't *think* any cops still use K - though in the Paeleolithic jungles of Scumdogland anything is possible)

Mind you, I never speed, so its purpose is merely to provide comforting reassurance that members of our splendid police force are near should I require their assistance. I use the earpiece. I have just stuffed the ear bit in behind the lining of my helmet, it is quite loud enough to be heard without having it in my ear. If I am not using the detector the lead just coils up inside the helemt, under a convenient flap of lining material.

T.I.E

7th February 2007, 19:33

Before you do check your mirrors... That Oogly mofo staring back is you. Now there aint no way there's gonna be enough time to get THAT much makeup on!

so thats why you wear a helmet, and i thought it was for safety.

Blackbird

7th February 2007, 19:35

heated grips too i see.
and i learnt a long time ago never to rely on anything lol.
but its just a nice wake up call, also stops me from annoying the boys in blue, as they have enough to do.

Daytona brand grips - brilliant for the Southern Cross or Grand Challenge events!

nadroj

7th February 2007, 19:35

Camera's are the shortest notice as they don't need to emitt a strong signal - just far enough to snap ya. V1 has good range & rear detect but latest tests bump it to 2nd behind one model Bel. Escorts are prob 3rd best.
V1 is around $750 on Tardme new parrallel imported with several reputable traders.

Hitcher

7th February 2007, 19:38

I use eyesight. No gizmo is going to save you from a smart cop who knows how to pulse their radar or, even worse, one with a laser gun.

The_Dover

7th February 2007, 19:40

but they let you know when to get the fuck out of there cos the game is up!

T.I.E

7th February 2007, 19:41

this is some very helpful advice. i see the x50 has a weather cover so to speak, what of the others? also does anyone use a led (visual device)or something similar for upcoming, friendly police people? instead of an audio device.

Leong

7th February 2007, 19:48

You can get the same cover for a Valentine 1. I use a HARD (LED). FInd I respond to audio better/faster in the cage, but like the wireless connectivvity of the HARD

avgas

7th February 2007, 19:49

detect, jam, run like fuck or slow down......im still deciding

bobsmith

7th February 2007, 19:51

rx65. Don't know how I every lived without one.

Mind you, there are a lot of cops using instant on these days that I've noticed. encountered laser a couple of times too. It worked well since I got the scatter off the cars in front of me that got pulled over before they pinged me. (heavy traffic day)

instant on is pretty deadly but providing that you're not going too fast you can usually slow down before they get a good speed on you.

Not that I ever speed of course....

The only time I got a ticket with the detector was last week when I thought I was under speed limit but I wasn't....

T.I.E

7th February 2007, 20:07

thanks leong.

sounds like if i look at something over 450 - 500 i shouldnt go too wrongish.
but its just there as a helpfull reminder. as none of us break any rules on the open road, thats illegal.

anyone got it hooked upto a cigarette lighter? or just hardwired?
looking at a cigarette lighter attatchment weather proof of course.
just got to find where to get em. for cell phone chargers etc.

Ixion

7th February 2007, 20:11

Mine is hardwired with a plug on each bike, but ciggy lighter iin cars. Hard wire is easier on bikes, just grab a phone to modem cable from Dick Smith and chop the phone plug end off. Supercheap sell cig lighter adaptors male and female.

Swoop

7th February 2007, 20:47

...its just a nice wake up call, also stops me from annoying the boys in blue, as they have enough to do.
Such a considerate rider!!! :rofl:

...instant on...
You are referring to the throttle:yes: :scratch: :whistle:

Check out Parallel Imported. They stock the V1 and also the Bel RX65 Pro, both good units!

I run a Bel.

beyond

7th February 2007, 20:56

I run the latest Bel STI XR with the hard system. I like the wireless arrangement plus I don't like the idea of a screamer or ear piece audio going nuts when I'm concentrating in the corners etc. Just need to remember to turn off the receiver in the helmet whenever you stop, a habit once in place becomes a non hassle.

Mine is hardwired direct to the battery. No other wiring arrangement allowed me to wire it to ignition cables anywhere without the detector going off at 2500rom and above. Not even Colemans could sort that one for me though they did a real neat wiring job on it. So direct to battery it is and I just pull the plug from the detector when I'm finsihed riding for the day.

The setup works really well and as has been said Ka band is the primary one, laser, yeah works on laser but once pinged with a laser you are pretty shot anyway depending on speed.

The HP's use instant on a lot these days and you may be lucky to get bounce of cars in front in these cases but when you are the target, brake like hell to scrub the k's off as quick as you can.

K band is hardly ever used and garage door openers and alarm systems give you heaps of falsies if that band is left on.

sinned

7th February 2007, 21:18

I got a Bel STI and hardwired it into the taillight circuit under the seat. The lights go when the ignition is on so that works well and there are no problems with extraneous alerts when the motor is running etc. I got a direct wiring kit from Road and Track / Radar Direct for $25. Their price is $50 but as a trader on Trademe sells them for $25 that is all I paid. I have installed a cable form the earpiece outlet to a socket at the front of the seat so it is easy to plug in an earpiece I bought from Dick Smith. This was the lowest cost option that I am trying out and I may install a screamer if the earbud bugs me too much.

The STI detector is a new model and is reported to be one of the best. Instant response is what makes a good detector; then you may only have milliseconds to react. Be careful where you buy from as the programming is important; got to have the correct bands on and others turned off. I am not sure about buying from a parallel importer. Okay, I paid full price but with that comes some comfort that the detector programmed correctly and is as good as it can be.

Instant on is hard to beat but I find I have got warning that a radar speed device is operating in the vicinity from scatter. What is important is to immediately adjust speed and then consider where the HP or van etc may be. If you look around to see the source before adjusting speed you are more likely to get pinged.

pritch

7th February 2007, 21:53

. i see the x50 has a weather cover so to speak, .

I use an X50 recently purchased from Cartertonryan through Trademe. Am still learning how it performs but am so far impressed.

Not sure about the various covers but I have been warned these things must not get wet.

scumdog

7th February 2007, 22:03

I don't use any radar detector.

But I do use 'instant on' a lot!:yes: :nya:

Jantar

7th February 2007, 22:38

I use an Escort X50 with screamer. And its not unknown for members of the constabulary to ask me to lead so they/he can follow behind the electronic protection. Yes, even someone as high up as inspector has used the protection of the Escort when in a car, (although he was only a senior Sergent at the time), and a well know constable on a bike has also sat in behind at times.

The thing with a radar detector is that it is only a backup to your own eyes. If the cop is sharp and using instant on, then the detector will only tell you that you are about to get a ticket. It does help in moderate traffic when you will get a warning as the cop targets other vehicles before you are in range, or if the cop triggers too soon. The best defence is still the Mk1 eyeball.

k14

8th February 2007, 00:32

The thing with a radar detector is that it is only a backup to your own eyes. If the cop is sharp and using instant on, then the detector will only tell you that you are about to get a ticket. It does help in moderate traffic when you will get a warning as the cop targets other vehicles before you are in range, or if the cop triggers too soon. The best defence is still the Mk1 eyeball.
Yep totally agree. If the only reason you are getting a detector is for a licence to speed then its not going to do much at all. If you use it as a tool in addition to your eyes etc then you will get your money's worth out of it.

ldnz

8th February 2007, 05:29

x50 and loving it - used to be sAs's until he filled it with water and killed the screen and half the smart cord circutry. $5 of insulation tape seems to have dealt with waterproofness and $10 of components plus an hour of swearing dealt with the fucked circutry enough to be useful. Usual red don't panic light up on the edge of windscreen for round town use, long trips warrant use of earpiece.

Haven't had a false alert yet (in 1 month ish), which is a nice improvement on my old uniden. Oh and the detection range is amazing as well.

SixPackBack

8th February 2007, 05:40

I don't use any radar detector.

But I do use 'instant on' a lot!:yes: :nya:

Nothing to be proud of [smart pr@#&]:angry:

Vagabond

8th February 2007, 06:54

Escort has just brought out a new model 9500, looks to be a good un!

scumdog

8th February 2007, 08:16

Nothing to be proud of [smart pr@#&]:angry:

(In best Maxwell Smart voice): :"Aand loving it!:nya: :motu:

The_Dover

8th February 2007, 08:18

(In best Maxwell Smart voice): :"Aand loving it!:nya: :motu:

yer a cunt scummy but at least i'm not the only one, eh?

scumdog

8th February 2007, 08:22

yer a cunt scummy but at least i'm not the only one, eh?

Such praise, such praise, I'm getting all swole-headed now!:lol:

Bonez

8th February 2007, 19:26

Such praise, such praise, I'm getting all swole-headed now!:lol:

No surprise really. With Dover rubbing it and all...............

Dave C

9th February 2007, 14:09

anyone got it hooked upto a cigarette lighter? or just hardwired?
looking at a cigarette lighter attatchment weather proof of course.
just got to find where to get em. for cell phone chargers etc.[/QUOTE]

I bought an Escort just a couple of weeks ago. Since I have a cigarette lighter gizmo already in the dash, I thought I'd use that, but found that having a bloody great long coil of lead flapping around in the breeze is a drag. So invested $25-odd dollars and bought a direct wire from Radar Direct; fed an obliging relative a couple of beers while he fitted it all nice and neat (thanks again Bro!) and all is good.

Wearing the earplug takes a bit of getting used to, but worth it to have something to remind me that it is wicked and wrong to exceed the speed limit....

ldnz

9th February 2007, 15:16

dick smith probably has some, or anywhere that sells marine electronics.

Squeak the Rat

9th February 2007, 15:20

Do the big 3 makes all take the same power cable? I got a bel hardwired but some low life inbred father rooter stole the rx65 out of me car........ :bloodyfukenangry: grrr

Blackbird

9th February 2007, 15:27

Wearing the earplug takes a bit of getting used to, but worth it to have something to remind me that it is wicked and wrong to exceed the speed limit....

One of my mates has an earplug from an MP3 player but I velcroed a small Dick Smith speaker into a helmet cavity so I could still wear ear plugs. The sound was fine. I prefer the screamer that I have now, but do feel a bit of a pillock if it goes off in town and everyone stares before I can cancel it:shutup:

ldnz

9th February 2007, 15:29

I believe they are pretty similiar. Remember reading somewhere (http://www.radardetector.net/ ?).

desmo dave

9th February 2007, 17:03

screamer.what is it. ive had a few on the back but never on the front yoke.i use a escort with and ear peice witch is a chore.

beyond

9th February 2007, 17:10

:)

LOL

Screamer is a Piezo buzzer like in aburglar alarm that goes off at high decibels to let you know the radar has been activated. You can't miss the horrible noise at speed :)

scumdog

9th February 2007, 18:00

screamer.what is it.

It's CB in the sack, we always get the motel unit a long ways from the others so's the other guests don't complain about being kept awake.
Being in a tent at a motorbike rally tends to make things a tad tricky in that department.:yes:

Stormer

9th February 2007, 18:32

Escort X50 direct wired with ear piece.
Works great and has paid for itself already!
The next step is the Escort Shifter ZR3 laser jammer, which will link straight into your Passport X50.
That, a sharp pair of eyes and a good 6th sense is probably the best protection you can have.
Apart from not speeding of course...

desmo dave

11th February 2007, 12:34

where do i get a screamer, and does it just plug in to my detector or will it need modifying ?.

ldnz

11th February 2007, 12:37

depends on whether or not your detector has an earphone socket. Worst case you could pull the detector apart and attach some wires to the built in piezo.

kiwifruit

11th February 2007, 12:55

where do i get a screamer, and does it just plug in to my detector or will it need modifying ?.

i bought mine from here:
http://www.motorcycleradar.com/radar_screamer.htm

plugs into the microphone jack and also needs wiring up to 12v, mine is to the tail light.

mine crapped out after a few weeks, maybe due to vibration.... couldnt find any wiring issues so im guessing its the "black box". The company is sending me a replacement.

Blackbird

11th February 2007, 16:39

where do i get a screamer, and does it just plug in to my detector or will it need modifying ?.

www.motorcycleradar.com Great service and probaby a sight cheaper than locally. I think mine was US$99 and I got it in 4 days. Got the mount for my Escort from there too.

desmo dave

12th February 2007, 14:27

Blackbird

12th February 2007, 14:47

ive used a escort passport 8500 for the last 2 years but only with an ear peace, been through 4 of the uncomfortable things. maybe i could just get a buzzer at dick smiths or somewhere. use an old ear peice cord and solder it on to the buzzer

That's exactly what I did first time up. Have a look at the picture. It's a shot of the flip front helmet I used to have with a bit of the padding removed just for clarity. The speaker is a little plastic one about 25mm diameter from Dick Smiths - cost about $5. I glued a bit of velcro to the back and it sat perfectly in a recess in the foam padding.

desmo dave

12th February 2007, 15:04

i resently wired up a 27mm speaker in my helmit that i bougt of TM for $1.still not loud enough for me to have totall faith. just been looking at dick smiths site. i wounder how this would go wired up to my detector..unsure as to weather they require a seperate power sorce.... thanks for those web sites to guys.http://www.dse.co.nz/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/45cfd48900057a882740c0a87f3306dd/Product/View/L7029

MrMelon

12th February 2007, 15:28

Just got an old escort 8500. Turned off X, K, and sws off and it works really well. Should be able to pick one up for a couple of hundred if you look around. I'm still using an earphone though so need to sort a screamer out eventually. Not too keen to pay the ~$170 that everywhere seems to want for a screamer.

Zapf

13th February 2007, 00:54

Valentine 1 - virtually NO falses esp when compared to Ninjaboys Escort and Strat's Bel(?)

is yours modified with some special settings?

Krusti

13th February 2007, 02:24

I run an x50 usually. But I leave it at home now and then on purpose just to stop me totally depending on it.

Slows me down a bit as well which is not a bad thing.

T.I.E

14th February 2007, 21:28

dam good advice coming through cheers, and thanks for the links also.
hope to get it sorted soon.
even out in the sticks its amazing who comes around the corner when ya least expect it.

nodrog

14th February 2007, 21:45

anyone got it hooked upto a cigarette lighter?

fark me those SV's come out with all the mods cons?

you know the radar dectector aint going to help you go around corners aye?:nya:

and whats this I hear about you getting a gixxer 600 for a loan bike? I think Micheal and I need to chat about the pieces of shit they loan me.

Biff

15th February 2007, 10:32

bel 985, buy one. you wont regret it. should be able to get one for $500 or so.

Same.
A great unit. Highly recommended. Especially if you can find one for around $500. I think I paid $800 a couple o year ago.

T.I.E

16th February 2007, 15:09

fark me those SV's come out with all the mods cons?

you know the radar dectector aint going to help you go around corners aye?:nya:

and whats this I hear about you getting a gixxer 600 for a loan bike? I think Micheal and I need to chat about the pieces of shit they loan me.

i cant go around left corners but man you can't see.:shit: thats why mike thinks im less of a risk than you.:love: thats why i only got the 600. but what do you get a GN?
:dodge:

boomer

16th February 2007, 15:20

is yours modified with some special settings?

here ya go matey (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=774525&postcount=1)

T.I.E

16th February 2007, 20:13

here ya go matey (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=774525&postcount=1)

cheers for the link.:Punk:

Swoop

14th October 2007, 14:57

A very good comparison between the Valentine 1 and the Bel STI detectors!
http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=100542

So, the V1 has been well and truly eclipsed.

stormy1

29th October 2008, 22:14

I have a Bel STI XR, usually sits hard wired with extn speaker in my car. Just looking at the best way to mount on the bike. Brought new from radar direct (2nd new one from them actually as someone thought they deserved it more than me and broke my car window in wellington and aquired it from me plus insurance company wouldnt cover it)! cartetonharry or whatever the name is sell imported ones, have no idea re the difference however I like the piece of mind of buying from an authorised dealer. They are a great unit.

30th October 2008, 07:01

Blackbird

30th October 2008, 07:05

cartetonharry or whatever the name is sell imported ones, have no idea re the difference however I like the piece of mind of buying from an authorised dealer. They are a great unit.

Ryan from Carterton is who I bought my Escort from 3 years ago - great service. All detectors are "imported" and don't fall for that crap from "authorised dealers" that they are tuned for NZ conditions. All they do is turn off X band and some of the other stuff that isn't used in NZ. You can do that for yourself in 1 minute flat from the options list. All you basically do through a bigger dealer is cough up more money!

SixPackBack

30th October 2008, 07:43

I got a cobra 9440 last week. Piece of cake to get the additional wiring $13 and audio jack $2 from Dick Smith so I can fit it on the bike aswell. Parallel Import bargain. It talks to you too! Sweet womans voice says "K A ALERT" "LASER ALERT - YOU'RE F&%$#@" So an ear piece under my helmet will work well.

Only used it a couple of times but can say around town - NO false alarms like my V1 used to do all the time. I've only come across one cop since buying it and was rapted with getting over 1km warning on the M/way - with a wide grass medium between his northbound lane and my southbound lane which was about 4m higher.

I got sick of the earpiece for two reasons: One, when following a cop it damn near blew my ear drums out and two, listening to tunes is not really possible.
I came up with a five dollar solution [with some help from the electronic guys at work]. A simple solution using a neon bulb and 32 ohm resistor; plugged into the detector and placed within the helmet. I am still playing around with placement and will add a reflector but the system works well, costs nothing, does not deafen me, allows me to listen to my tunes, does not notify every copper within a 1 km radius [a la screamer] and looks kinda cool.

bully

30th October 2008, 17:37

if anyone needs sti accessarys i may be able to help, i had three fail, aparently its a heat problem. so thort bugger this and got a v1... the sti is better but didnt last! some of them only a hour!

ckai

31st October 2008, 07:00

From experience the STI has a better range than the V1. There's a real world difference of about 200m between them (that's what I could try and work out). 2 cars, 2 detectors, 1 road, 5 cops. STI picked them up earlier every time.

In my opinion you need to spend the big bucks if you want to save on points and tickets.

i had three fail, aparently its a heat problem. so thort bugger this and got a v1

I'm picking this is to do with the "can't see me" metal casing the STI has which none of the other detecters do. I still prefer the extra warning so I'm sticking with mine.

Jantar

31st October 2008, 08:34

I replaced my Escort with a Bel STi a few months ago.

Riding up to Nelson yesterday, it detected 1 mufti 20 kms west of Haast, but he was already giving someone a ticket, 1 marked car 12 kms north of Haast, also giving someone a ticket, 1 marked car hidden off the side of the road, picked him up over 2 kms away, 1 mufti near Fox, still haven't seen him, but was close for quite some time, so possibly behind me, 1 marked car in Ross, 1 marked car in Hokitika. I followed a marked car most of the way from from Hokitika to Greymouth and he didn't use his radar once. 1 marked car just out of Reefton, then another mufti only a few minutes behind him. A marked car near Murchison almost got me, as I glanced at my speedo, realised I was going a bit quick and buttoned off, then the detector went off just as I slowed to 100 kmh. 5 seconds earlier and I would have been making a donation to Uncle Hulen.

Most were using instant on, and I only detected them as they were targeting someone else first.

But bloody hell, that is one hell of a lot of cops on a single short trip.

Blackbird

31st October 2008, 09:13

see thread: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=75702&page=2, post 29 for a comparison of detector performance. All the top 5 perforrm very well indeed.

scumdog

31st October 2008, 13:43

NighthawkNZ

31st October 2008, 13:50

Went to up Timaru,Tekapo, Omarama, Waimate, Timaru and back home via SH1 over Labour weekend and saw 4 cops out on the open road and/or patrolling for speed so hell yeah, you spotted a lot for a 'quieter' time and road!!

We did the Roxburgh, Alex, Middlemarch ride, and only saw three cops out, one mufti on the roxburgh and 2 sitting in a speed trap net on the middlemarch straights...

Was expecting a lot more...

Stormer

31st October 2008, 17:15

I replaced my Escort with a Bel STi a few months ago...

Hey Jantar,
Why`d ya replace the Escort?
And of course...how does the new Bel STi compare??

Hockenrider

1st November 2008, 09:30

:Offtopic:Hey if any one has an Escort they want to move on let me know as I fried mind heading to the Cold Kiwi (my waterproof container wasn't that good ) .
Still have all the HARD gear so hence why happy with still an old Escort.
Cheers.

Wannabiker

1st November 2008, 14:05

Has anyone tried a Whistler Cruisader?? I have seen these advertised in USA and seen a couple fitted out here. Supposedly M/C specific.....?? Any good??

Flip

1st November 2008, 14:25

I have a bell XR950. So far its performance has been 100%. It detects our friends in blue up to 12 km away. I have never had a false alarm that I did not think was a cop some where. Its set on highway all the time. The speaker in the detector is loud enough for me to hear up to about 130+ kph with ear plugs in which is about as fast as I ever go. I believe the design of the screen tends to throw a lot of noise back in my face, which helps a lot. I have been told that some of the new detectors are very quiet and need a screamer. I would say it hasen't actually saved me from a direct fine, but when it chirp and starts to carry on I keep to the speed limit usually 10 min down the road I run past a traffic cop.
The trick is to listen for little chirps when it picks up somthing at long range and keep to speed limit then. If the detector goes off with the cop right in front of you, you are mostly and usually stuffed.
On one occasion I slowed up when the detector just gave one little chirp, and a mate passed me to his detriment a few miles on.
The install on my bike was easy:

6th November 2008, 18:03

This new Cobra detector is amazing. Since I got it a week ago no Cop has dared drive the same road as me! That's the sort of pereformance I expected. Always the way. I buy it and drive around for days to test how well it detects and I have hardly seen a Cop all week.

I have only had two warnings so far and both times a Cop was coming towards me. One was impressive with the cop about 1.5km ahead on a widely seperated dual lane M/way.
NOT a single false alert even around the city. Bril, the V1 was a bastard for giving false alerts all day.

A quick trip to Dick Smith and I got the wiring to set it up on the bike and an ear plug that fits out of the way inside my helmet. Haven't had a chance to ride the bike with it yet.

roogazza

6th November 2008, 18:23

Hey Markus, the only falsies I get with my V1 are on the motorway to town approaching Johnsonville and again 1 km further on, at the top of the gorge. But thats it, no others ! Did you have the latest software in yours ? I think mine is 3 point something or later ? gaz.

beyond

7th November 2008, 20:52

Use a Bel STI for two years now. Awesome. Gives me plenty of warning and no false alarms. Saved me heaps of funding for Helens lunch.
No problems with it ever either. It's run two years now flawlessly.

In some cases it's given me warnings 10kms ahead and lots of warning on speed cameras.

ynot slow

7th November 2008, 20:52

Some low life tosser flogged mine out of the car Weds night,had it 2 weeks max.The bel rx65 was heaps better than the old whistler,but then it cost 2-3 times more.Plan to buy another rx65 as good for bike,the whistler is a bit bulky width wise.And the bloody $350 excess for car pisses me off,as well as losing no claims makes it waste of time to claim.Was about to sell the whistler on tardme,so will chuck it back in the car,better than nothing.

Jantar

7th November 2008, 21:00

Hey Jantar,
Why`d ya replace the Escort?
And of course...how does the new Bel STi compare??
I bought the STi on a special deal from the states (only NZ$440) when the govt announced that they were going to make detectors illegal. The Escort is now installed in my cage.

They are both excellent at detecting threats. The Bel may be slightly better but there's not much in it.

roogazza

8th November 2008, 08:09

ynot slow

8th November 2008, 15:24

It is a pain in the arse , but you must stick these detectors in your pocket every time you leave your car somewhere dodgy. If the car is locked they just smash the window !
Great safety device though aren't they !!!!!! Gaz.

What amazes me was when the cops said people are looking in the windows of cars with detectors,then either going to NZ Post paying $2.00 to get owners details,then waiting till night and smash if like us you forget to remove it.Or smashing the glass in daylight in carparks and running,good to see the pricks are not all at home on playstations and at least getting some form of push play.

Radar

8th November 2008, 18:58

Two basic questions:

1. Can a radar detector work if it is mounted inside a fairing? They work through a cage windscreen so would they be effective hidden away inside a fairing?

2. Stupid Q but I have to ask: Radar detectors made for cars will not be waterproof, so we bikies must get waterproof ones, correct? Are they marketed as made for motorcycles or do they say "waterproof"?

Stormer

8th November 2008, 19:35

Swima

9th November 2008, 16:17

Yes, they most definately work through your fairing...saved me (again) today on one of the Gladdy straights.
Most detectors are not really waterproof.
Radar Direct sell clear plastic vac-formed type waterproof covers, I`ve got one for an Escort that I don`t use if you want it.
Either that or just a plastic bag will do.
I`ve been caught out with nothing in the rain, and found if you keep moving and try not to stop for too long, it stays dry.
I also got mine from Ryan from Carterton an Escort X50 about 3 years ago - great service. Have a speaker in my helmet with jack plug so can also use helmet without wires hanging out.Saved my licence so many times and also about $1,000,000.Got pulled over once by a cop after he said I was going a bit quick ,so I challenged him that he did'nt have his radar on ,otherwise I would have known.He told me to piss off and waited for the next sucker

Stormer

9th November 2008, 17:05

HA!!
Go the Escort!

ynot slow

10th November 2008, 18:02

I bought the STi on a special deal from the states (only NZ$440) when the govt announced that they were going to make detectors illegal. The Escort is now installed in my cage.

They are both excellent at detecting threats. The Bel may be slightly better but there's not much in it.

Yep not much in it,looked at the bel site comparison chart,STi was pretty much top,then take your pick afterwards,RX65,Escort similar but rx65 gave a few more false alarms.

Just sussed a USA site for costs comparison etc,can get RX55 for $329 US landed here.RX65 red for $369US?,STi $499 plus freight usually $35US.Bugger the NZ dollar falling in the last few weeks,mind you mr police may have the lowlife who flogged ours,although detector will be long gone.

SpeedMonger

14th November 2008, 22:32

I'm running a Whislter Pro 78. Whistler don't have the best rep performance wise but this is their top line model and different design to the earlier models. It is not as good as the sti but not far off for less than half the price. One feature I liked ( apart from being able to turn off X and K bands and next to no falseys) is that it has two LED's on the top of it that light up - not effective in bright light but gets your attention when things are a bit dimmer. It is supposed to be one of the loudest of the current crop of detectors but at 100 kms I cant hear it due to wind noise (Hornet is stock and not exactly loud). Unfortunately it doesn't have an audio out jack, so this is a mod I am contemplating. It also has a battery saver function which is useful. Overall I would reccommend this as a good detector for under $400.

Don't make the mistake I made and wire it to the headlight, when I switch to high beam - no detector, so I have to find another power supply!

ynot slow

16th November 2008, 08:49

Hornet I have an earlier whistler detector,and for $135 off trademe 5 yrs ago,it is still ok.Bit bulky width wise for a bike,not bad when set for city mode in town,a few falseys.

Managed to find a Bel rx55 for $109 plus freight $35 US,cost here about $275,seriously looking to grab it,bugger the NZ $$$ falling lately.

bully

16th November 2008, 16:20

im getting a tinted screen, will my radar still work?

ynot slow

17th November 2008, 08:10

im getting a tinted screen, will my radar still work?

Should do,after ours was flogged,the cop said put it higher up the windscreen into tinted part of the screen,as hard to see in daylight by thieving bastards,the XR6/8 have a series of minute holes to filter light.Could be a cop taking the piss out of us lol.Was a good guy,he had a detector in his own car too.

roogazza

17th November 2008, 09:10

[QUOTE=
Managed to find a Bel rx55 for $109 plus freight $35 US,cost here about $275,seriously looking to grab it,bugger the NZ $$$ falling lately.[/QUOTE]

I had a...BIG ! save, with my V1 on Sat just gone. Figured I'd just clear the old girls lungs a bit, and Beeeeep !!!!!! :laugh: round the corner onto my straight comes a HP. The Valentine is a great unit and that save paid for it in itself. Gaz.

robertydog

17th November 2008, 09:22

im getting a tinted screen, will my radar still work?

I had the dark tint screen and the STI worked ok.

Swoop

17th November 2008, 10:12

... put it higher up the windscreen into tinted part of the screen,as hard to see in daylight by thieving bastards,
True, but the efficiency of the unit may be less.
The experts advise mounting a detector as low as possible on the windscreen since the areas of headlights and numberplate (on a cage) are the most reflective. Try keeping your unit as close as possible to this area.

Gizzit

2nd December 2008, 03:48

alanzs

2nd December 2008, 14:00

Great site: http://www.motorcycleradar.com/
They took about 5 days to get to me.

Radar

2nd December 2008, 14:36

Great site: http://www.motorcycleradar.com/
They took about 5 days to get to me.

Least expensive unit on that page is :shit: $430 NZD !

Swoop

2nd December 2008, 15:57

Least expensive unit on that page is :shit: $430 NZD !
So?<tencharachters>

ynot slow

2nd December 2008, 17:06

Can you say which site in the USA .. or where ever, you saw the bargain deals ?
Thanks.

www.bestradar.com off hand,and also amazon.com had several.Think I hit google and searched bel rx55 as well.

Radar

2nd December 2008, 20:57

So?<tencharachters>

From the post above your's:

Originally Posted by Gizzit View Post
Can you say which site in the USA .. or where ever, you saw the bargain deals ?
Thanks.

$430 is no bargain to me

Radar

2nd December 2008, 21:00

www.bestradar.com off hand,and also amazon.com had several.Think I hit google and searched bel rx55 as well.

Weird. That site brings up this one:
http://www.eecradar.com/
EEC was incorporated in 1971 by a group of radar engineers specifically for the manufacture of affordable, high quality meteorological radar systems

boomer

2nd December 2008, 21:14

my Valentine and accessories are for sale.. PM me for details

Swoop

2nd December 2008, 21:15

$430 is no bargain to me
It will be, when it pays for itself time and time again...

alanzs

4th December 2008, 16:06

Least expensive unit on that page is :shit: $430 NZD !

Yep.

Best money I ever spent on a bike. Enhances your riding enjoyment immensely.

Rabbit

8th December 2008, 12:00

I just use the guy in front of me.

mattathm

1st May 2009, 21:58

Bell XR
with HARD helmet light.
Detector cam even be in your tank bag if you want, it will still pick up the radar.
Just remember nowo the new digital Van mounted speed cameras on th eside of the road have switched to K band. so you must enable K band on your dector.
unfortunately this is the same band as auto doors at gas stations, supermarkets repco etc etc so the K part will be going off all over the city, but If it goes off on the hwy it will be a van camera.
Ps K band warnings are as quick as the Ka or Laser