How many have Radar Detectors?

[ringadingh]

Im curious as to how many guys here use radar detectors while riding, They are illegal here in Ontario, but I think they would be great on long interstate trips where your travelling a lot of miles in a day. I usually like to travel about 10-15 mph over the posted limits when on the open road, and don't really want to get a ticket. For those who have them are you satisfied with the way they work as far as accuracy and false alarms. And which makes and models do you recomend.

[dantama]

I don't, but I'm seriously considering wearing glasses now. My eyesight isn't picking up the subtleties of cop cars up ahead, and radar guns aimed from under bridges etc.

[dank]

I don't. Never have, but not sure how effective it would even be with all the laser detection units out there anymore.

[rickyboy]

The cops here have those low profile light bars on top of their cruisers and it's almost impossible to tell if it's a C.O.P. either coming up behind you or out in frt..
But I'm considering a radar detector. It would be nice to have a little warning. But I don't know which one to buy or which is more reliable. Some seem to go off driving by the local McD's.

[dogdoc]

I dont use one on the bike but have always in the cage. Escort is my brand of choice.

[peterdarby]

Virginia is one of only 3 states outlawing detectors so I don't have one. I usually use common sense and rabbits and haven't had a ticket in 20 years.

[Cajunrider]

I don't use one at all. The radars and laser guns have become so sophisticated with the triggered beam that they won't always help you. When the laser or radar beam is triggered, by the time your dog barks, it's too late. You have already been clocked. The only way they are beneficial is by letting you know that a LEO is ahead or behind you when they clock someone else. Besides that, if you get stopped for speeding in Louisiana by a State Trooper, your chances of getting a warning or a break in the speed are nill when he sees the dog on your dashboard or bike.

[MarkG]

In Arizona we have photo radar, both fixed and mobile. These things are scattered all over the state. They admit it is for money, not safety. IMO it is dangerous. Every time you see a photo enforcement sign people pile on the brakes, then they speed up again. The flash at night will about blind you.

The city motorcycle cops actually like radar detectors. That way they don't have to chase you as far. The cop waits until you are right on top of him, then triggers the radar gun. Your radar detector goes off, you start to slow down, and there he is in your rear view mirror. The people without radar detectors take longer to stop.

I decided it wasn't worth the expense.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Dan Lund

I don't, but I'm seriously considering wearing glasses now. My eyesight isn't picking up the subtleties of cop cars up ahead, and radar guns aimed from under bridges etc.

Welcome to middle age, Dan.

The fixed position speed cameras on the roads in AZ use sensors embedded in the road to catch you. A radar detector won't do you any good.

[ringadingh]

We had photo radar here a few years ago, there was so much bitching over it, and some of the vans they used got trashed on the side of the highways that they scrapped it. There has been some talk of it being brought back but I hope it never happens.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

We had photo radar here a few years ago, there was so much bitching over it, and some of the vans they used got trashed on the side of the highways that they scrapped it. There has been some talk of it being brought back but I hope it never happens.

On my valley freeway ride I did on Sunday, I probably passed 15 of the blasted things, as well as a couple of the mobile speed camera vans.

[samkjr]

Always in my truck. As I put more miles on my bike I keep thinking about getting one and installiong on the bike, but my wife doesnt want me to have an excuse to go even faster. She figures my sometimes reckeless abandon is enough, without the feeling of doing what I want without gettign caught to add to it.

[ringadingh]

What a good brand to get at a decent price? Since they don't sell them here, Id have to pick one up in the states someday.

[Cajunrider]

Ring, I've always heard and read that Valentine 1 is the best, but like I stated earlier, I don't own one. Those are a bit pricey but very reliable with front and rear antennas.

http://www.valentine1.com/

[samkjr]

From Everything I have read, even the $500 units will not prevent you from gettign picked up by laser. Nothing Will keep you from gettign caught by the planes.

As far as standard police radar goes, I have found Cobra to be very effective. I would strongly recommend Cobra 9930 unless you just have exttra $$$ you want to throw into getting a STi Driver, which is supposed to be the Mac Daddy of all detectors. But read enough online and you will see that nothing can detect laser in time, and nothing is foolproof. YOu still need to be smart and alert.