Radar detectors

[saltydog]

So who swears buy them?
And obviously the heads up display in the helmet is the go?
What is the best set up?
Its just that its so hard to go slow and the LTSA will soon have most of the points I have left :whocares:

[saul]

So who swears buy them?
And obviously the heads up display in the helmet is the go?
What is the best set up?
Its just that its so hard to go slow and the LTSA will soon have most of the points I have left :whocares:


I do mate:yes:

Helps me to relax.

Escort x 50:love: with ear piece in helmet.

Mods to make it better, screamer instead of ear piece

[Swoop]

The search button is your friend. It has been done to death on here.

Edit: The only thing new, would be a review on the Magnesium Bel, which is now in the shops.

[boomer]

it's like ground hog day all over again!

needed, which is your choice.. they save you money.., they don't save lives.. cops like scummy still thinks he has the upper hand... its saved me my licence and paid for itself of course i could have done that myself by slowing down ...

do a FUKIN SEARCH!

[Slingshot]

X50
Saved me a number of times
I too use an ear piece in the helmet.

Flashcards.co.nz are selling a blue tooth headset thingy (http://www.flashcards.co.nz/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=71_134&products_id=1187) for the x50, would be interested to hear from someone that's tested it.

[saltydog]

ok ok i should have searched, its been thrashed....but it appears there is definitly a few schools of thought, which was, in a nut shell, what I was trying to find out. It also sounds like the boys in blue "pulse" their units and try and get a fix as the biker is on the picks trying to scrub speed. Remember the old days when there was actually a chance of just a warning.

[Blackbird]

ok ok i should have searched, its been thrashed....but it appears there is definitly a few schools of thought, which was, in a nut shell, what I was trying to find out. It also sounds like the boys in blue "pulse" their units and try and get a fix as the biker is on the picks trying to scrub speed. Remember the old days when there was actually a chance of just a warning.

They don't use "instant on" in rain (according to an informed source:yes: ), but you still get a warning if they use "instant on" on someone a bit further up the road. Still worth having one.

[beyond]

Definitely worth it. I have got a Bel Magnesium one and they are awesome.
Bought it a few months back and have the led eyepiece and sender/receiver unit.

Example: On Sundays ride a bunch of us are out front on the road from the Castle, through Mangatangi to Miranda. Now in this section I've never seen a cop and especially on a Sunday. It has some nice corners so the speeds up a reasonable amount, like walk home speeds. My eyepiece starts to flick and I hit the brakes and warn the rest. It picked the cop up from a good three kilometres so we were all dawdling along at 100kmh by the time he gets to us.

Yep, they use instant on a lot now but as Blackbird pointed out, you get heaps of warning IF there is traffic in front.

[Pumba]

By Bel Magnesium I presume your talking about the STi Driver. Ive had mine for a few months now, and run it with an ear piece due to being in a position that one more average ticket and :bye: to my licence. I love the STi, so far I have not picked up a false (took me a trip or two to find out if it even worked, you can never find a cop when you need one these days!!).

I swear by it, if there is other traffic on the road, if it hapens to be one if those situations when it you verses the cop and there is not another vehicle around for 10km and your speeding good chance your going to lose.

If you are going to use one treat as an aid not a solution, cause if you dont use your eyes as well as the detector you are still going to get done.

[beyond]

By Bel Magnesium I presume your talking about the STi Driver. Ive had mine for a few months now, and run it with an ear piece due to being in a position that one more average ticket and :bye: to my licence. I love the STi, so far I have not picked up a false (took me a trip or two to find out if it even worked, you can never find a cop when you need one these days!!).

I swear by it, if there is other traffic on the road, if it hapens to be one if those situations when it you verses the cop and there is not another vehicle around for 10km and your speeding good chance your going to lose.

If you are going to use one treat as an aid not a solution, cause if you dont use your eyes as well as the detector you are still going to get done.


Yep, the STI Bel. It's one of the few detectors that are also undetectable in use (not that it's against the law yet)

[shafty]

Bel Escort X50 with RAM Mount, and earpiece - VERY happy with set up, adds to relaxation factor big time!

[pritch]

I bought an Escort from Cartertonryan (?sp) on TradeMe. Excellent to deal with and probably unbeatable on price.

You shouldn't just rely on the detector, you should keep doing whatever you do now. The detector will warn you when nothing else would have though and now I wouldn't like to be without one.

I don't get many false warnings at all. If there is a warning and I don't see the source I assume I missed it. I don't assume that it never existed.

Just in case I accidently exceed the limit downhill or while passing you understand...

[Kiwifire72]

Definitely worth it. I have got a Bel Magnesium one and they are awesome.
Bought it a few months back and have the led eyepiece and sender/receiver unit.

Example: On Sundays ride a bunch of us are out front on the road from the Castle, through Mangatangi to Miranda. Now in this section I've never seen a cop and especially on a Sunday. It has some nice corners so the speeds up a reasonable amount, like walk home speeds. My eyepiece starts to flick and I hit the brakes and warn the rest. It picked the cop up from a good three kilometres so we were all dawdling along at 100kmh by the time he gets to us.

Yep, they use instant on a lot now but as Blackbird pointed out, you get heaps of warning IF there is traffic in front.
Lol to change the subject that ride thru there is awesome I grew up in Mangatangi so know those roads well nice scenary and corners to sweep around

[beyond]

Lol to change the subject that ride thru there is awesome I grew up in Mangatangi so know those roads well nice scenary and corners to sweep around

You're right there mate. Great roads. I especially like the bit where you come from the Castle and turn left to Kaiua just before the fire station and school. The bit from there through to Kaiua is awesome. Some nice straights where you can see if the boys in blue are around or not and some great corners and fast transitions curves. :)

[Kwakajack]

Being in the position of due in court later this month for a speeding offense, and considering prior suspension this will be 6 months. It's past time I got one!! One question, can you guys give me direct answer, best quality detector, I've heard Bell Magnesium, so is there just that or do I have options?

[Highlander]

Bel Escort X50 with RAM Mount, and earpiece - VERY happy with set up, adds to relaxation factor big time!

I'll vouch for Shafty's one.
Sure it saved us a packet when on tour in April. Certainly took a load of my mind following him.

Might sound like a silly question, but how do you think it would go through the clear of the map pocket on my tank bag? Or should it be velcroed (?) to the top fo the bag?

[Swoop]

One question, can you guys give me direct answer, best quality detector, I've heard Bell Magnesium, so is there just that or do I have options?
Valentine One (V1), Bel RX65Pro. Both of these are top of the line, but I'm guessing the new Bel [driver?) is the new leader.

[shafty]

I'll vouch for Shafty's one.
Sure it saved us a packet when on tour in April. Certainly took a load of my mind following him.

Might sound like a silly question, but how do you think it would go through the clear of the map pocket on my tank bag? Or should it be velcroed (?) to the top fo the bag?

Jym I reckon it'd go well. Maybe you should bring your tankbag around and take the ST for a fang and try it - most welcome to.

[Fatjim]

Yep, Bel rx65 pro or escort 50, or their newer versions. Only get a Valentine if you want to know if the fuzz is behind you or not, which is quite useful when you're doing a runner.

I haven't had a ticket since getting mine, but I ride most of the time without it, at speeds around the 28 days of walking.

[Slingshot]

Might sound like a silly question, but how do you think it would go through the clear of the map pocket on my tank bag? Or should it be velcroed (?) to the top fo the bag?

I have mine in the top pocket of a tank bag...it's not a clear pocket so I don't get laser protection but it picks up the Ka without a problem.

[roogazza]

Valentine 1 for me, brilliant ! Gaz.

[Swima]

Yeah Agree with pritch008.Got mine,an Escort X50 from the same guy.Cheap.Saved me heaps of times.Ear peice in my helment with a seperate lead to the detector,so I can also wear my helmet without the lead being attatched

[slopster]

Being in the position of due in court later this month for a speeding offense, and considering prior suspension this will be 6 months. It's past time I got one!! One question, can you guys give me direct answer, best quality detector, I've heard Bell Magnesium, so is there just that or do I have options?

Best quality detector is a valentine 1 by a long shot solid and durable in a metal case etc but it has been a while since they were updated. Best detector overall is anyones guess. I owned a V1 for 2 years till it went walkies it was great but overpriced. I now have a escort X50 which I believe works slightly better than the V1. But it's the third one I've got replaced under warranty in 6 months (the first one didn't work right out of the box). Maybe I've just had a bad run but I'm glad I brought the 2 year warranty on it! I think the escort x50 and beltronics rx65 are almost identical (they are owned by the same company). The bel STI (according to beltronics themselves) is no more effective then the RX65 it is just undetectable which is not really a requirement til they make them illegal here.

[pritch]

I was using a relatively expensive earphone set similar to the Sony Fontopia that I'd bought to use with the iPod.

Came across a Radio Shack mono earpiece from DSE, it has a clip that goes around the ear to hold it in place. $9.99 I think it was.

Have only done a couple of brief rides but it's lookin' good. And it's black, not white, so it won't show the dirt... The white one turned grey over nine days in the South Island.

[MD]

Best quality detector is a valentine 1 by a long shot solid and durable in a metal case ...

Tough or right! My V1 is still going strong after I wrote off the bike it was attached to a couple of years ago. Bouncing down the road with the bike and it survived. The detector had the rear lens cap shattered and the metal casing had some deep scourings from road rash, and bits of metal chipped off. Out of curiousity I soldered the wires back together, taped over the missing plastic cover/lens cap thingy and hey presto it still worked. The rear detection is well worthwhile and it gets a full strength signal right through your six pack abs.
H.A.R.D. is convenient in terms of no messy wires and quite easy to switch on/off while riding.

[roogazza]

The rear detection is well worthwhile and it gets a full strength signal right through your six pack abs.

Thought you had a "carton" MD ??????????????????????? Gaz...

[Swoop]

The bel STI ... is just undetectable which is not really a requirement til they make them illegal here.
Probably a damn decent market in Australia then!:yes:

[boomer]

just out of interest..why wouldn't you want coverage from the rear? i see it as a huge disadvantage not knowing whats behind me

[Delphinus]

Dont all good detectors (x50 eg) cover your rear, but the V1 is the only one that actually tells you whether its coming from rear or front. correct me if i'm wrong but thats what I heard.

[Crazy Steve]

just out of interest..why wouldn't you want coverage from the rear? i see it as a huge disadvantage not knowing whats behind me

One word...Ben

Crazy Steve

[bucket boy]

ive got the bell xr or sti driver same detector ,hard wire put it on went for ride same as pumba did whent thru town as well still never go of no false alarms picks up speed camara still cant do anything about all the coppas that cruise a long with radar of untill they see something that looks like it might be coming a bit fast

[sAsLEX]

Yep, the STI Bel. It's one of the few detectors that are also undetectable in use (not that it's against the law yet)

So it doesn't use a Local Oscillator to detect the frequencies?


I would be dubious about this claim, as in Electronic Warfare (the detection, classification and tracking of enemy emissions) and radar a LO is still required which generally ends up being emitted through the receive antenna.....

[Pixie]

So it doesn't use a Local Oscillator to detect the frequencies?


I would be dubious about this claim, as in Electronic Warfare (the detection, classification and tracking of enemy emissions) and radar a LO is still required which generally ends up being emitted through the receive antenna.....

On a quality detector the leakage is minimised.

[Krusti]

I see Escort is bringing out a x900.

[Delphinus]

Wonder if the actual detection is any better than the x50.
It has GPS so you can mark locations... Which it also uses to stop false alerts. And also disables alerts at super low speeds like parking lots. But is the detection any different?

[Blackbird]

Somewhere on a past thread, I posted an independent comparative test between detectors. The X50 and V1 were pretty similar in performance although each outscored the other slightly in some specific tests. The rear Ka pickup on my X50 works really well. It was picking up an HWP car following me on the Hauraki Plains and it was initially out of sight, maybe up to 2 km back. It was only when I stopped in Turua that I realised where the source of the signal was coming from.

[sAsLEX]

On a quality detector the leakage is minimised.

Minimised and undetectable are two rather different things.

[babyblade250rr]

Hi guys and gals,

Just wondering how and what is the best way to mount a x50 on to your bike i have one that i've been using in my cage but think it would be better utilized on my 2 wheeler.

pics would be a great help also

[sAsLEX]

Hi guys and gals,

Just wondering how and what is the best way to mount a x50 on to your bike i have one that i've been using in my cage but think it would be better utilized on my 2 wheeler.

pics would be a great help also

I made a little bracket that held on to the two mirror mounting bolts and the H frame. Bit of velcro to hold it on there.


Also made one that magneted on to the tank
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8788&d=1112077125

[Blackbird]

Hi guys and gals,

Just wondering how and what is the best way to mount a x50 on to your bike i have one that i've been using in my cage but think it would be better utilized on my 2 wheeler.

pics would be a great help also

This is the installation on the Blackbird. The waterproof cover was from Radar Direct in NZ, the stem mount and screamer were from www.motorcycleradar.com in the USA.

[babyblade250rr]

that looks like a very reasonable installation well done and thanks for the pictures that will help alot trying to come up with something for myself



cheers

[Pumba]

Blackbirds mount looks like a Techmount, I got one for the SV from the radar direct boys, not cheap, but I need it at the time and it does work well.

There is a new croud around http://www.ramsolutions.co.nz/ they are members on here and there product doesnt look to bad.

[rustys]

Blackbird, interested to know how WATERPROOF is the cover for the x50, thinking about getting one for my set up, through "cartonryan" $40.00.I also have the "Techmount system" which i have on both my bikes. Unfortunatly for local retailers purchased mine through, www.sportsbikeseffects a lot cheaper and four days delivered.

[sAsLEX]

Blackbird, interested to know how WATERPROOF is the cover for the x50, thinking about getting one for my set up, through "cartonryan" $40.00.I also have the "Techmount system" which i have on both my bikes. Unfortunatly for local retailers purchased mine through, www.sportsbikeseffects a lot cheaper and four days delivered.

A crap load cheaper than a non functioning radar....... don't ask.

Though before it went swimming I used a zip lock bag and a rubber band and that worked fine and I could still see and push all the buttons....just remember to take the bag with you every time.

[Holy Roller]

A crap load cheaper than a non functioning radar....... don't ask.

Though before it went swimming I used a zip lock bag and a rubber band and that worked fine and I could still see and push all the buttons....just remember to take the bag with you every time.

I use one of my daughters hair ties to hold the bag on or insulation tape when I'm on a long ride like the GC. Same set up for the bike 2 bike comms also. Three years and still working as it should. I have an ear piece to alert me so any sound reduction by the bag does not matter:yes:

[Blackbird]

Blackbird, interested to know how WATERPROOF is the cover for the x50, thinking about getting one for my set up, through "cartonryan" $40.00.I also have the "Techmount system" which i have on both my bikes. Unfortunatly for local retailers purchased mine through, www.sportsbikeseffects a lot cheaper and four days delivered.

The cover is totally waterproof. It has a bottom cover which is held onto the detector mount with velcro. The bottom cover has a hole on it for the detector wiring and the top cover is a friction fit over a ridge which runs round the periphery of the bottom cover. No water can get in at all. I used the good old plastic bag on my previous detector but when I switched to the X50 a couple of years ago, the custom cover was simply neater.

[rustys]

Thanks for that Blackbird, i had been told by some salesman that they were not completly waterproof. Can't beat getting the information from someone who is useing the product. I will now go and order one.
Cheers.:rockon:

[Swoop]

There is a Techmount dealer in West Auckland who is an avid biker. Give Tony a try. Damn good bloke!
http://www.challengermotors.co.nz/

[sAsLEX]

http://www.ramsolutions.co.nz/

Kiwi based and look decent quality? Anyone confirm?

Available at Cycletreads Auckland apparently

[denill]

Escort 8500 does it for me.

Question. What's the diff between the Passport 8500 and the Escort X50??

Anyone know??

[Blackbird]

Escort 8500 does it for me.

Question. What's the diff between the Passport 8500 and the Escort X50??

Anyone know??

The Passport 8500 was the previous version. The Passport 8500 X50 is simply the latest version of the 8500 series. Have no idea what the actual mods are other than I seem to remember that the previous model didn't have POP mode which I understand isn't used by NZ law enforcement at this time anyway.

[NinjaBoy]

Thanks for that Blackbird, i had been told by some salesman that they were not completly waterproof. Can't beat getting the information from someone who is useing the product. I will now go and order one.
Cheers.:rockon:


Another tip is to sellotape the front edge of the two halves together. Or wrap a couple of rubberbands (too be sure) around the whole case just in case you knock the top and it flys off.

[Leong]

Another tip is to sellotape the front edge of the two halves together. Or wrap a couple of rubberbands (too be sure) around the whole case just in case you knock the top and it flys off.

Or velcro the top half to the top of the detector (looks much tidier on a Valentine 1, but maybe not on the Escort).

Yes, we've both thd the top cover fly off!! If you buy from Radardirect ($40) he may give you free replacement covers if you happen to lose one!! Thanks Graeme

[xgnr]

http://www.ramsolutions.co.nz/

Kiwi based and look decent quality? Anyone confirm?

Available at Cycletreads Auckland apparently

Was at Cycletreads today and "invested" in a setup for the K Bike. It is an arse to mount stuff on so when I checked out the options the Credit card was out.

They have just received samples and some dude and I have bought 1/2 the bits already (soz) :yes:

Good quality gear (made in the USA I think) with a large range of options. Budget around $150 for a typical setup.

[rok-the-boat]

When buying on TM, is there any difference between a car radar and a bike radar? I presume they would come with different mountings or something.

[MD]

You don't know how much you like something until it is gone. My radar hasn't been working on the bike for 2 weeks and I felt like I was riding naked without it. Cold sweats everytime I passed slower traffic.

Got the wiring sorted today. What a relief.

Rok-the Boat- most are universal for either car and bike use. You just have to fart around getting wiring and mounts to suit your bike. There is a brand available specially for bikes but I forget the name? It mounts permanently under your fairing. The advantage of the common breeds (V1, Pasport.. ) is that you can quickly swap them from car to bike.

[Zapf]

If laser jammers were available for around the $380 mark for both front and rear coverage. Would there be any interest?

Also I might be ordering a few mounts from http://www.motorcycleradar.com anyone in the Auckland area wanting to group the order together?

[TLMAN]

Anyone interested in a radar detector should check out ebay and amazon and other American retailers. The kiwi dollar is so strong at the moment that even after shipping charges have been added it still works out way cheaper than NZ prices. I just bought a Cobra XRS-9930 and it worked out to be less than $200 NZD and retails over here for around $400NZD!!!

[Delphinus]

Also I might be ordering a few mounts from http://www.motorcycleradar.com anyone in the Auckland area wanting to group the order together?

Tempting but I'm going with something from http://www.ramsolutions.co.nz/ Only $135 and support locals :)

[Pumba]

When buying on TM, is there any difference between a car radar and a bike radar? I presume they would come with different mountings or something.

Hey mate anwer your question, no.

Any attachments to install on a bike are nomally extra on top of the price of the radar. If your going to buy on TM, buy through Carerton Ryan (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=338700&mcat=0001-), I brought mine through him and seeing how he is a TM store you know your not getting some piece of crap that fell off the back of truck somewhere in asia.

There are bike specific radars out there, I belive Radar Direct (http://www.radardirect.co.nz/)have one or two, not sure what there like but personally for the money I would like to use mine in my car and on my bike.

[kiwifruit]

Carerton Ryan (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=338700&mcat=0001-)

+1
great trader

[pritch]

Carerton Ryan (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=338700&mcat=0001-)

I bought mine from here too. When the local Honda dealer heard what I'd paid he was really interested. I got mine cheaper than he could get it from his wholesaler...

[Delphinus]

Carerton Ryan (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=338700&mcat=0001-)

3rded

Great to deal with.

[rustys]

3rded

Great to deal with.

Got mine from him to, great to deal with. Made up all the wiing as well.

[Usarka]

If your going to buy on TM, buy through Carerton Ryan (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=338700&mcat=0001-), I brought mine through him and seeing how he is a TM store you know your not getting some piece of crap that fell off the back of truck somewhere in asia.

How does that make you no that he hasnt imported reconditioned units? im looking at getting one of those new escort 95-00i jobs anyone know about these?

[Pumba]

How does that make you no that he hasnt imported reconditioned units?

To be fair I dont know enough about the industry to say that he doesnt, but what I do know is that mine came with all its packaging, manuals, serial numbers and works like a bloody dream so thats good enough for me.

[The Stranger]

I do mate:yes:

Helps me to relax.

Escort x 50:love: with ear piece in helmet.

Mods to make it better, screamer instead of ear piece

So has anyone had experience with using a screamer such as where or what to purchase? Effectiveness?

[kiwifruit]

So has anyone had experience with using a screamer such as where or what to purchase? Effectiveness?

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

i can hear it at 299 indicated on my bike and i'm half deaf

[Blackbird]

So has anyone had experience with using a screamer such as where or what to purchase? Effectiveness?

A search will reveal a screamer evaluation, even a photo:yes:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=37827

[Delphinus]

So has anyone had experience with using a screamer such as where or what to purchase? Effectiveness?

Or the Jantar-o-matic

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=16601

[davereid]

My radar hasn't been working on the bike for 2 weeks and I felt like I was riding naked without it. Cold sweats everytime I passed slower traffic.


Don't stress too much about radar when you are in trafic, it doesn't work. Laser is the enemy in traffic.

Have a look at my web page http://www.eslnz.com/radar.html for more info.