Radar Detectors???
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 755
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
Radar Detectors???
I didn't think about radar detectors until I read a recent post where someone put a valentine in their faring. That opened up a ton of questions for me. Does anyone have any ideas, opinions, or have knowledge of running radar detectors on our Rushmore's or bikes in general?
Are there any considerations? Things to know, what not to do? Things to be aware of if we want to do this? Can we mount them conceled in farings and will they work? There are Bluetooth capabilities that connect with our phones now and all kinds of mounting solutions. Also, powering the detector. Some detectors run off batteries but I hear a are less powerful and effective, etc...
Are there any considerations? Things to know, what not to do? Things to be aware of if we want to do this? Can we mount them conceled in farings and will they work? There are Bluetooth capabilities that connect with our phones now and all kinds of mounting solutions. Also, powering the detector. Some detectors run off batteries but I hear a are less powerful and effective, etc...
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 9
From: la grange, il (near chicago)
as far as i know valentine is still one of the best out there.
i have one but never ventured to put it on the bike. i don't speed on the bike (usually). the radar detector is good for when you are not paying attention. but why would you not pay attention on a bike.
however if you do put one on, keep in mind that in some states they are illegal.
i have one but never ventured to put it on the bike. i don't speed on the bike (usually). the radar detector is good for when you are not paying attention. but why would you not pay attention on a bike.
however if you do put one on, keep in mind that in some states they are illegal.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 247
From: Tulsa, OK
Never used one on the bike, I tend to be really lucky if/when I get pulled over so If I ever do catch a safe driving award I pays my money and goes on.
Of the 3 speeding tickets I've had in my life one of them was with a radar detector. I threw it away 22 years ago never bought another one since then.
Of the 3 speeding tickets I've had in my life one of them was with a radar detector. I threw it away 22 years ago never bought another one since then.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,651
Likes: 1,278
From: PA
I run an Adaptive 2.0 Radar detector on my Hayabusa..... For obvious reasons. It's a solid unit that's built for bikes. Waterproof and big backlit rubber buttons that can used with gloves. Has a flashing LED alert that you can mount separately from the radar so even if you can't hear the audible alarm you can definitely see the flashing red light.
It's already paid for itself 10xs over so I'm more than satisfied. Obviously it won't pick up a cop 10 miles away and if your doing 100 in a 35 your probably screwed either way but it does give you a heads up and best part it picks up radar in all directions so you can't get caught from behind because in some states they have mobile radar and like to come up from behind and get you
It's already paid for itself 10xs over so I'm more than satisfied. Obviously it won't pick up a cop 10 miles away and if your doing 100 in a 35 your probably screwed either way but it does give you a heads up and best part it picks up radar in all directions so you can't get caught from behind because in some states they have mobile radar and like to come up from behind and get you
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: Gainesville, VA
A buddy of mine runs an Escort hanging down under his batwing's nacelle. Hit a big bump once and it dented his front fender. So don't do that. The Escort brand sells a smartcord he has plugged into his 12v dash on his old Ultra so he can see the flashing light when it's going off. They also have a direct wire with remote display I used in my truck.
I stopped using the RD in my truck because I kept getting $75 tickets, VA cops use radar detector detectors, since RD's are illegal here. Need to get one of the undetectable ones I guess, but so much traffic here in NoVA I never get anywhere fast anyway.
I stopped using the RD in my truck because I kept getting $75 tickets, VA cops use radar detector detectors, since RD's are illegal here. Need to get one of the undetectable ones I guess, but so much traffic here in NoVA I never get anywhere fast anyway.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 4
From: Pensacola, FL
When I am using radar, it is not transmitting full time. I identify my target, then hit them with the beam. All the detector does is tells the driver they're about to be pulled over.
When walking up to the vehicle, the presence of a detector (or the suction cup print on the windshield and power cord going under the seat or in the console) is what I call my descretionary decision maker and write for the entire amount. I consider those who use detectors to have made the choice to violate the speed, and cut no breaks. On the other hand, if no detector, and not doing something stupid, driver will most likely get warning or reduced fine.
Just my thoughts.
Trending Topics
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,432
Likes: 290
From: FL
I'll give the cops' perspective on detectors. Although I can't speak for every officer anywhere, I've been doing this a long time, and most my brethren tend to feel the same.
When I am using radar, it is not transmitting full time. I identify my target, then hit them with the beam. All the detector does is tells the driver they're about to be pulled over.
When walking up to the vehicle, the presence of a detector (or the suction cup print on the windshield and power cord going under the seat or in the console) is what I call my descretionary decision maker and write for the entire amount. I consider those who use detectors to have made the choice to violate the speed, and cut no breaks. On the other hand, if no detector, and not doing something stupid, driver will most likely get warning or reduced fine.
Just my thoughts.
When I am using radar, it is not transmitting full time. I identify my target, then hit them with the beam. All the detector does is tells the driver they're about to be pulled over.
When walking up to the vehicle, the presence of a detector (or the suction cup print on the windshield and power cord going under the seat or in the console) is what I call my descretionary decision maker and write for the entire amount. I consider those who use detectors to have made the choice to violate the speed, and cut no breaks. On the other hand, if no detector, and not doing something stupid, driver will most likely get warning or reduced fine.
Just my thoughts.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 62
From: Port St. Lucie, FL
When you turn on your instant-on radar it's like turning on a flashlight in total darkness. Everyone within eyesight can see it. Yet you can't see everyone with that flashlight unless you target them within that flashlight range.
Same principle, your radar has a far shorter transmitting range than a top of the line radar detector's receiver range. When you hit your target that's miles in front of me, I'm alerted.
The same people that makes your radar & laser guns make our detectors & defusers.
BTW my last speeding ticket was when Pres. Reagan was still in office.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 62
From: Port St. Lucie, FL
I have the Escort Passport Max mounted on my Road Glide with the H.A.R.D system receiver in my half helmet.
The radar detector isn't water proof but can be made water resistant with a little ingenuity.
Personally I wouldn't own a Valentine detector since it doesn't use GPS technology to reduce those false alarms you'll be getting with the Valentine.
I've used radar detectors on motorcycles since the late 1970's owning about a dozen of them over the years.
You have two choices for alerts, either a very loud auxiliary speaker or the H.A.R.D system. I've used both and find the H.A.R.D system works best if you wear a helmet. With the H.A.R.D wireless system receiver mounted in your helmet, you could have your head turned looking a the sights and still be given full alert from radar or laser threats.
Advice, if you mount a radar detector in a fairing, you won't be able to get laser alerts.
The radar detector isn't water proof but can be made water resistant with a little ingenuity.
Personally I wouldn't own a Valentine detector since it doesn't use GPS technology to reduce those false alarms you'll be getting with the Valentine.
I've used radar detectors on motorcycles since the late 1970's owning about a dozen of them over the years.
You have two choices for alerts, either a very loud auxiliary speaker or the H.A.R.D system. I've used both and find the H.A.R.D system works best if you wear a helmet. With the H.A.R.D wireless system receiver mounted in your helmet, you could have your head turned looking a the sights and still be given full alert from radar or laser threats.
Advice, if you mount a radar detector in a fairing, you won't be able to get laser alerts.
Last edited by cptdenny; Sep 22, 2015 at 07:31 PM.