IMO radar detectors make people lazy about looking our for LEO's, and then they end up getting tickets anyway.

I think it is better to speed when you are alert and where odds are good you can get away with it, and to slow down where the risk is greater.

 

How about going to a race track if you feel the irresistible urge to speed? Excessive speed is a major contributor to accidents. It is sad really, people only follow the rules if there is a risk getting caught breaking them. If you are a responsible common sense rider you don't need an idiotic device like a radar detector.:frown2:

 

If they didn't have idiotic rules, people wouldn't be inclined to break them. Speed limits are set below what they were in the 70's when cars had drum brakes no seat belts, and bias ply tires. Nobody goes the speed limit, so everyone becomes a criminal. The cops, judges, and lawyers like it, it sucks for everyone else. I don't have a detector, I try hard not to speed. The fact is, driving the speed limit in my area is dangerous.

Dinging this guy for defending himself against a system that's stacked against him is what's idiotic.

 

answering some questions, not providing unsolicited advice...

Yes you can probably find one for less than $100 but you will definitely get what you pay for. I have a V1 and it is spectacular, but it came at a price. It's the best one I have ever used.

Yes you can see the warning lights....I have a Pat Walsh dash shelf and it is velcro'd to that shelf. I can generally see it just fine, but audio warnings via an earphone really, really help a LOT.

I don't think there are any motorcycle - specific radar detectors, but I may be wrong. Mine is not specific to anything, but it is NOT waterproof. I take precautions in inclement weather such as a bag, or I stow it till the rain stops.

Mine is mounted as described above. However, cyclegadgets.com sells a nifty windshield mount that a buddy of mine uses, and it is rock - solid. It uses suction cups to attach to the windshield, and the cradle that holds the radar detector is specific to the model of detector that you choose. I'd go that route next time, allows you to get the unit mounted up a bit higher.

Mine has saved me several times, and I am not a speed freak. I can't tell you how many times I'd just be cruising along, and notice that I am doing 15 to 20 over. Those that make remarks about excessive speed, etc...I just don't get it. Speeding on a motorcycle just happens...end of story. And you can either gamble on your luck, or invest in your future with a quality radar locator. Mine has already paid for itself in 2 years of ownership and approximately 80,000 miles of use.

 

Before you invest $$$ into a good detector (don't get a cheap one you get what you pay for Escort or V1) try to find out what the LEOs in the areas you frequent use for speed detection.

I know in Western Washington all the departments have are are in the process of switching over to laser from radar. There's nothing you can do about laser. If you have a detector that picks it up you might as well pull over cause you have already been nabbed.

 

There's nothing you can do about laser. .

not true, just 2 days ago, my laser detector went off, I picked up a stray signal in a contruction zone, and I was still going a bit faster than the reduced 40mph limit, in about a quarter mile, I gut the signal again as the leo was actually aiming at me, but by that time I had slowed down

not the first time either, its more effective against lazer than against instant on radar imho



my thoughts on cheap radar.... I had a cobra at one time.... it had just as good range as my V-1 but it got more false alerts, zero range from behind, v-1 has 2 sensors and can see as far behind as forward, v-1 can also count multiple hits and tell you what direction hits are coming from, a valuable tool to counter the tage tem antics of leos with bi-directional radar

another advantage of the Valentine V-1 is service, fully updateable and repairable

 

I love getting people who have radar detectors!!!! I agree with a previous poster, know your area and LEO traps and ride accordingly. I personally think a detector is useless unless you intend to slow down each and every time it alerts. Most LEOs only burst their radar to grab a car and it's usually only on for a few seconds. If you're the one they point it at, they've got you before you can roll off.

 

Whatever you do, DO NOT argue with the cop after you get caught. A few years back, one of my former co-workers decided it would be a good idea to argue about the cop using radar to catch him speeding.

Needless to say, what would've been a ticket for 15-over turned into no inspection, no insurance, busted (blown bulb) tail light, failing to signal a lane change (blown bulb = no rear left turn signal)...you get the idea. :bom_stupid:

About $1500 in lawyer fees taught him an expensive lesson about how NOT to deal with the LEOs. He ended up getting all the tickets dismissed, but it was expensive. (Turned out, the cop saw he was in a "sports car" and never did flip on the radar, he had insurance, but no card with him, and took care of the inspection and light bulb before he went to court).

 

Motorcycle Specific Radar Detector

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/4105/203/
If I traveled longer distances on the Wee I would fork over the $$ for one of these. It's more weather resistant than a "automotive" radar detector, though you can box boxes to do the same. I've owned three Escort Radar Detectors since 1992. I have found them great for the speeds I travel in the cage (usualy 5 to 10 over). BUT I also keep an eye on the traffic in front of me to see if people are tapping the breaks. Like many here have stated, on my daily drive I know where most of the LEO's park. As well if you are in traffic a good radar detector will pick up the laser being aimed at other cars. That's how I know that it's there. If it's a one on one situation with you and the leo, all bets are off. You will probably get a ticket. That's when you are very polite and admit your failings to them. I have walked away with only written warnings when going 10 over in two lanes in the cage. Just remember that your milage may vary!

 

Unless you set yourself up like Alex Roy, radar detectors are reminders at best.

I like the V1 for its directional arrows, but it has no auto-mute and the "bogeys" will drive you nuts. The thing never shuts up in populated areas. Because of this, I sold mine and bought the Escort 9500ix.

If you could combine the directional arrows of the V1 with the GPS database and voice alerts of the 9500ix and squeeze all of this into the Zumo, I'd be very happy.

The 9500ix is brilliant. I've been using it for six months. After it passes door openers and other false alarms for the second time, it locks them out. The result is that it never sqwaks at you and if it does, it's no false alarm. You can download red light and speed cameras as well as mark your own speed traps and other locations and you'll be alerted ahead of time.

Still, it's no Alex Roy with night vision and aircraft spotters, but its a lot more affordable.

 

I'm just going to answer your questions and not get involved with the debate.

Yes, they make a motorcycle specific radar detector...it's called the TPX but in all the testing I read, it was only average. I bought a Escort Passport 8500 X50 II and it rivals the Beltronics. I bought it used on ebay for 105 and then bought a power cord with mute for 8 from another seller. I downladed the manual online so I was able to get a 300-350 device for under 115 dollars. The only step up from here would be a GPS enabled unit for an additional few hundred dollars(9500ix being one very good example). I found my detector to be VERY good but like any detector, you need to slow down NOW when you hear or see the warning! You are generally hoping to pick up the LEO's radar as he either bursts a car in front of you or before you go around a bend in the road, mine does very well at both. There is a nice flat spot underneath the fairing that will provide you with an out-of-sight mounting position but you will have to use either a speaker or earplug. Mine plugs into my intercom along with my ipod-like device and will interupt the music when the alarm condition is entered. You can mount it there using double-sided velcro with a safety strap but remember to remove it at the first sign of rain as it is not a waterproof device. I disassembled mine and ran a very thin bead of silicone at all the seams to help but moisture can still enter at the earphone and power jack locations.

Personally I believe that there are LEO's that relish ticketing those that own detectors(part of that high degree of "dickage" some have) which is why I mount mine out of sight. He won't see it unless he crawls under my bike (hasn't happened yet). I did not buy it to speed though, I bought it to avoid getting a ticket. Even my daughter noticed that I don't drive any faster since buying it. I simply can afford the luxury of not being blindsided by a LEO.

Be careful of laser though, at 150 yds the beam is somewhere around 8-10" wide, not enough to be detected while pointed at the car in front of you...if you get lasered, you are going to receive a ticket.

jeff

 

There is a nice flat spot underneath the fairing that will provide you with an out-of-sight mounting position but you will have to use either a speaker or earplug. Mine plugs into my intercom along with my ipod-like device and will interupt the music when the alarm condition is entered. You can mount it there using double-sided velcro with a safety strap

Jeff - any chance you have a photo of your under-the-fairing mount? I like the idea of keeping it out of sight, but wonder if mounting it low on the bike affects performance.

Thanks,

 

Detector

A little off topic or noteworthy rant

Regardless of whether it is a high degree of dickage, or because you are purchasing equipment whose SOLE use is to help circumvent the law (intended breakage or not) yes most officers are FAR more likely to cite you if you have a detector, in some states they are illegal to own or operate (dont know if your is one of them, mine isnt)

You should be able to purchase a fairly nice one for 200 or under.

Here are your limitations.

Lidar, if you get pinged long enough to register your screwed they have you

Radar, only helps if you catch the copper pinging the guy ahead of you.

Time over distance (going back to old school) lines on the road or known landmarks and a stopwatch (this gets used more often now in areas of high speed traffic where your boy racers hang out)

In Texas (and probably everywhere else as well) I dont have to use a radar at all, should I with my training and experience ( the legaleze catch phrase) deem that you were travelling on our public roadway at a speed that was too fast for conditions, then I can cite you for such. Also careless and reckless driving. No I dont have to show you the radar, no I dont have to be wearing my hat to be in "uniform".


Now here is where is what I have found to be the MOST use useful tool to get out of a ticket, Courtesy, Honesty, Humor.

I get pulled over from time to time and BEFORE they know that I am a cop, I am generally in the Warning catagory, heres how.

1. Im pull over off the road far enough for them to make either a passenger or driver side approach.

2. If in a car the windows go down, the interior lights go on, and my hands go palm up on the steering wheel. On a bike the kickstand comes down the helmet comes off and the engine is shut down, I DO NOT get off of the bike. NOTICE I AM NOT REACHING FOR INSURANCE DRIVERS LICENSE OR ANYTHING ELSE. (Courtesy)

3. When the officer approaches let them set the stage. They will usually explain why you were stopped, etc. and ask if you for drivers license, proof of insurance etc. and generally ask if there was a reason you were doing whatever it was you were doing (speeding, weaving, no signal, etc)

3. Tell them. If they say you were speeding, you WERE speeding. The idea that they are going to lie to stroke you with a ticket is utter horseshit, there are WAY too many cars going 15-20 over every damn minute that there are PLENTY of fish in the barrel. They ask do you know how fast you were going? I answer "looks like it was TOO fast officer" You dont win arguments on the side of the road. It OK to say I wasnt paying attention, ignore the street lawyers, they give advice for when you are already screwed, Im trying to KEEP you from getting screwed.

4. Humor, if the cop seems in any way a human being, they appreciate a sense of humor ( my guys and gals including myself did halloween 07 with pig noses on) they ask how fast you were going ive said " Gee, i dont know, my head was so far up my ass that I couldnt see the speedometer OR you before you turned your lights on" we know yall get inattentive, we do to, its human nature.

Anyway, good luck with your detector purchase, just realize the inherent limitations and understand that the folks in that business are supplying both sides the first detector was built by the same folks that built the first radar gun.

 

Regardless of whether it is a high degree of dickage, or because you are purchasing equipment whose SOLE use is to help circumvent the law

Your sole use assumption is not true. With nearly every patrol car in New England equipped with moving radar, for many of us a detector is no more than an immediate reminder to check your speed.

I drive/ride 50k miles a year, every year, and have a much higher exposure to getting tagged than your average commuter. I need my license to make a living and as long as there are people out there trying to take it away from me, I'll use whatever means I have to remain aware of those people.

 

I use these as radar detectors, riding in front of me.

 

TMCGEE,

Read the whole thing please. If you arent speeding, no need for the detector right? If you ARE speeding intentional or not you are breaking the law, so the SOLE purpose is to circumvent detection by authorities, you may call it awareness, but it is AWARENESS that you are breaking the law, if you are under speed you dont have to worry about it, if you check your mirrors regularly, you can check your speedo regularly without the beep to remind you. Please remember that there is no required mental state of culpability for a traffic offense, intended or not speeding ie speeding.

Based on your statement you would have to hear the beep/ see the light, notice you were speeding and MAINTAIN your speed past the cop, or guess what.... you are using the detector to circumvent detection by authorities

Having said that, the previous post is still true, if the copper is pinging the guy ahead of you, i suppose it could serve as a reminder (useless reminder if your not speeding, circumventing detection if you are) , but pinging you and its already too late.

Cheers!

 

Read the whole thing please.

Yeah, I did. I may not argue with you about it on the side of the road, but as long as you're out there trying to take my money and my license, I'll be paying attention using every resource I have.

When I'm on the bike, I'm especially vigilant about saving my ass from every threat, and you're in that group.

 

Radar units operate at the speed of light (literally) which is 186,000 MILES per second or 700 million miles an hour. When the signal is released it is back to the unit and the speed is registered before you can react to the sound of your detector. When most people hear their radar detectors sound the instant reaction is to slam on the brakes (because you are speeding) and that causes more danger to the public. I once witnessed a lady slam on the brakes in this situation on an I-20 bridge and after she did the dump truck behind her could not stop or slow down before running her over so the driver did the only thing he could do and that is steer for the guard rail. His truck went over and on top of the guard rail and stopped teetering on the rail perched above another interstate. I stopped and ran to the truck and after some coaxing I talked the driver into climbing across the cab and onto the bridge before he and the truck fell. All because a lady saw a cop and slammed on the brakes. I realize in most states the truck would have been considered to be following too closely but that is not what started the chain of events. Drive within the limits, drive safely and pay attention. Assuming you do not drink and drive you should be able to keep you license with no problems. Most speed limits (interstates) are around 70 miles an hour why does one need to drive 90 mph? If you do the math you may save a minute or two but at what cost.

 

Officers use a variety of speed measuring instruments (SMIs). Radar is just one of them. All radar devices have a stand by mode which means the device is on but not transmitting any microwaves. Radar microwaves travel the speed of light which is, 186,000 miles per second. When the officer releases the radar from stand by, it transmitts and receives your speed at the speed of light.

No radar detector will issue a warning unless it receives those microwaves.

The other, more accurate method of speed detection is VASCAR. This method is basically a computerized stop watch that measures time and distance. It sends out nothing to be detected. The next time you pass under a bridge, look for a soild white line across the road. This is you first and only warning to slow down. The next line you see, approximately 1/8 mile down the road, is where your speed will be calculated by VASCAR.

Bottom line, you pays your money and you takes your chances. A radar detector might help but in most cases, (IMHO), aren't worth the money.

Most, if not all motorcycles I stop are just to give them a friendly (verbal)warning to slow down. Then we can talk about motorcycles!

The cagers, not so lucky...

 

Now you know why I avoided the debate and why I phrased my response the way it was worded.

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090

No, I didn't take a picture but it's easy. Go and buy the wide velcro, I used the 2" width. Cut a piece about 3-1/2" long and stick it longways after you clean the smooth underside of the fairing. Then turn your device upsidedown and stick it to the exposed velcro. I spread superglue on my device so that the velcro wouldn't "unstick". I also did the same to the other piece sticking to the fairing. After you mount the device, get a short 1" to 1-1/2" wide by 6" long piece of rubber or strong fabric strap. Screw one end into the fairing underside close to the device, wrap it over the device and screw the other end in. Don't strip the threads!! You can modify that setup to suit your needs. I've been meaning to place a bolt down and put a wingnut on one end to facilitate removing it. Maybe one day I'll get around to it.........

Jeff

 

Interesting read here...
http://www.pashnit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11341&highlight=radar

 

If keeping up with traffic means speeding then the only threat to your license or money is you. The officer, if he decides to stop and cite you is only reacting to your behavior.

 

Most states (and countries) have basic speed laws that take precedence over posted limits. Since you are listed as being in Georgia, here's what I found from your home state.

Basic Speed Rule: No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing. �40-6-180

Minimum Speed Limit: I. No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. �40-6-184(a)(1)

 

Concerning the speeding debate. Most people realize that speed limits are just another way of making money for the local governments.

That would explain the 45 and 55 mph speed limits on wide open roads.

For me, I am just trying to avoid a speeding ticket from "Barney Fife" you know that cop who would write you a ticket for going 62 mph in a 55 mph zone.

 

Not to sound stupid, but wtf is a LEO? I know a cop, but what does the leo mean?

 

I go 5-15 over , but I'm just trying to keep up and not get mowed over. I don't run tollways too often, but the people that regularly do are doin' 90mph and accelerating when the SL is 55. I also know my areas and am always scanning ahead for cops, deer, chicks putting on make up, guys eating cereal out of bowls, or the occasional asshole who likes to read the paper on the way to work.:weapons_30:

 

DUH! Law Enforcement Officer

 

DUH! Law Enforcement Officer

Correction: Largesse Extraction Officer

 

Why don't we look at traffic fatality statistics since the 70's? Deaths have decreased since the slower speed limits and there are years of stats at NHTSA's website. Speed limits are determined by the engineers who built the roads and there is a margin of safety added in, since it is all vehicles. I really would like to see where all this revenue is going. My department may get $1 off each ticket, the rest to pay for the courts, road improvement fund and driver/rider education.

 

Speed limits have nothing to do with traffic fatalities. Compare US traffic deaths per driver to Europe's. They have much higher speed limits than us, or no limits at all, and their deaths are far lower.

You're making up the "fact" on speed limits being set by engineers. That's total BS. The US Interstate system was designed for 100 mph traffic. It was the design standard when the highways were built. Speed limits are set by municipalities, counties, and occasionally the state, with upper limits set by the Feds by withholding funding if the states exceed their idiotic limits. That's why the speed limit on I-95 changes 4 times in the 20 mile stretch I ride to work every day. It's the same damn road, the same number of lanes, and it's Florida, no curves, hills, etc.

 

The design of the road is to handle the higher speeds, other factors that go into it are the abilities of the average driver, the condition of the average vehicle and hazzards of the surrounding area such as animals or other environmental issues. I don't have freeway's in my area but I see why there are changes or as some call "speed traps", which I play in. Having spent hours having a road design explained and why the speed is 55 instead of 65 for visibility reasons makes me wonder where you get your information.

And Bama, there have been a lot of advances in road design as well as the cars.

 

The design of the road is to handle the higher speeds, other factors that go into it are the abilities of the average driver, the condition of the average vehicle and hazzards of the surrounding area such as animals or other environmental issues. I don't have freeway's in my area but I see why there are changes or as some call "speed traps", which I play in. Having spent hours having a road design explained and why the speed is 55 instead of 65 for visibility reasons makes me wonder where you get your information.

And Bama, there have been a lot of advances in road design as well as the cars.

True, hence my V-Stroms ability to handle higher speeds very safely.

The main thing is to drive safe and be prepared. .. and watch out for cops!

 

Design Speed of Roads

This is heavy reading, but a pretty good doc about the design speed engineering that goes into roads.

http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_504.pdf

 

This is heavy reading, but a pretty good doc about the design speed engineering that goes into roads.

http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_504.pdf

From the document:

Geometric design practitioners and researchers are, however, increasingly recognizing that the current design process does not ensure consistent roadway alignment or driver behavior along these alignments.

I was just going to say that myself.

 

I would go with a jammer instead of a detector, and maybe soon there will be one that permanently fries a laser gun.

 

Amen to that!