Radar detector, audio or visual?

[blossomsowner]

i am seriously considering installing a radar detector on my bike to prevent tickets on the odd accasions I choose to cruise a little over the limit. Thanks to the electrical maintenance threads I can install no problem. However i'm not sure where to install the unit so am after opinions of you guys who have already put one into use. Also not sure if the flashing light would be enough to alert me or whether to run an earplug for the sound. What works well? I don't want to block my instruments from view either. Recommendations on actual model to buy also accepted. Thanks

[speights_bud]

I've ridden with the ESCORT X50 Radar, with the EarPlug alert. I find that the Earplug is a better option as it lets you keep your eyes on the road, whereas the lights/visual setup often draws your attention off the road for a split second.Not to mention that as soon as you hear a noise in your ear you learn to automatically haul on the brakes. whereas depending on where you mount the light/led's (be in your helmet or on the dash) the dash also has other lights that it could be easily confused with. Just my thoughts.


Definitely Recommend Either the ESCORT X50 or the VALENTINE, the only difference i believe is that the Valentine gives a directional arrow as to where the Radar is coming from, these are the two best as recommended by many.


However i Recommend that you read the following before spending Ya $$



http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1522962&postcount=4115

[CookMySock]

consider remote mounting it in your fairings, with either (or both) earpiece socket, screamer, or super-bright LED bar above your instrument panel.

The thing is, if they do become illegal you have to be able to turn it off after you have detected something, before it detects YOU. So you need an easy-to-use switch somewhere.

I have copied the circuit diagram from my smart plug, and I think that would be easy to adapt an LED bar to, or a screamer. No further on this yet.


DB

[Usarka]

I'm pretty sure studies have shown that hoomans react quicker to audio than visual.

[shafty]

Speights Bud is SPOT ON. Refer prev Radar threads, Cheers

[MaxB]

Plenty of good advice to be had all over the site.

Whatever your choice you have to be see/hear it in time to check your speed. Simple but you would be amazed at the number of riders who go for style over substance.

[Morcs]

I have the integrated Whilstler cruisader.

No need to have to remove the uni everytime you leave your bike, or no need for a plastic cover to stop it getting wet.

Comes with heaps of brackets, heaps of cable with easy wiring instructions.

The unit itself is a standard small gauge size - also reads air temp and battery voltage. No audio, but comes with a Wireless In Helmet Display.

[Swoop]

I have the integrated Whilstler cruisader.
With your track record, there's a reason not to purchase a Whistler...:rofl:
:bleh::msn-wink:

[blueblade]

I have the integrated Whilstler cruisader.

No need to have to remove the uni everytime you leave your bike, or no need for a plastic cover to stop it getting wet.

Comes with heaps of brackets, heaps of cable with easy wiring instructions.

The unit itself is a standard small gauge size - also reads air temp and battery voltage. No audio, but comes with a Wireless In Helmet Display.

Bought one of those a few years ago from Radar Direct and it was hopeless. Very poor range and leaked and eventually died completely. They gave me my money back and eventually withdrew them from the market. Think they may have since come out with an upgraded version but not sure on that.
Have had an Escort X50 for last 3 years with earplug. Absolutely no problems whatsoever and saved me numerous times. Use the radar direct techmount on the handlebars and the plastic rain cover. Great to be able to switch it into the car without hassles. Discovered that it also works perfectly even when sitting on the floor of the car and pointing backwards (with the offending cop being out front !!)

[blossomsowner]

thanks for all the info so far,,,,,,,,sounds like the escort X50 could be good. I was thinking the earpiece option may be better too, as has been mentioned, I would rather my eyes were totally concentrating on the riding rather than checking for leds on the dash. Who are the stockists of these devices?

[Blackbird]

Reaction time to an audible cue IS faster than a visual one like HARD but whether this translates into anything meaningful is arguable. I'd recommend you go for a screamer rather than a helmet earpiece - I was forever disconnecting myself or breaking wires. The screamer is still audible at well over 200 klicks (theoretically :rolleyes:) If you do a search, you'll find plenty of articles on sourcing screamers and detectors. My Escort has a waterproof cover and you'll find a photo of it on a previous post.

[blueblade]

thanks for all the info so far,,,,,,,,sounds like the escort X50 could be good. I was thinking the earpiece option may be better too, as has been mentioned, I would rather my eyes were totally concentrating on the riding rather than checking for leds on the dash. Who are the stockists of these devices?

radardirect.co.nz

[NighthawkNZ]

Fighter pilots use both HUDs, and audio warnings... its been prooven the people react to an audable warning quicker than a visual...

[Morcs]

Bought one of those a few years ago from Radar Direct and it was hopeless. Very poor range and leaked and eventually died completely. They gave me my money back and eventually withdrew them from the market. Think they may have since come out with an upgraded version but not sure on that.
Have had an Escort X50 for last 3 years with earplug. Absolutely no problems whatsoever and saved me numerous times. Use the radar direct techmount on the handlebars and the plastic rain cover. Great to be able to switch it into the car without hassles. Discovered that it also works perfectly even when sitting on the floor of the car and pointing backwards (with the offending cop being out front !!)


With your track record, there's a reason not to purchase a Whistler...:rofl:
:bleh::msn-wink:

Its actually quite good.

Ive taken to putting a polybag over the display unit when the bike is out in the rain.

No problems so far except I blew the my first one up and had to buy another.

Range isnt too bad. False alerts are occasional - though you dont know if they are false, you just may not be able to see a cop.

[Racing Dave]

I use a Valentine One, with the HARD attachment. I've made a bracket with velcro to attach it, so easy to swap to a car. The remote flashing LED is very bright in the helmet, and instantly noticeable even in bright sunlight. The directional arrows and lack of any false alarms are the two best points, along with long warning range, even with mobile cameras. If it goes off, it's a cop.

[civil]

I got a Valentine with a HARD unit last year and had trouble right from the start with the HARD uint. Eventually got the HARD unit to work on the bike by hard wiring the Radar to the battery.
But by this time I gave up on the HARD as I noticed it also had a delay in working compared to the audio.

So my advice is go for a ear plug and get us to pluging yourself in.

[bully]

beltronics xr. best u can get for a bike. (check the radar direct site) no false alarms, and undetectable, and real long range.
with the hard. led in the helmet, you dont take your eyes off the road it sticks out like dog balls. saved me heaps, alot of cops dont even turn on there radar until they see you anyway.
i asked for the best there is and thats what i got, i swear by it!
use the proper stem stand or, handle bar mount.

you dont want a cord, aparently if u do want a ear piece ebay has wireless bluetooth ear pieces.