A lot of people have asked me about my radar detector setup, so here it is.
Since I switched to this system I have been pulled over exactly 0 times for speeding in the last 13 months. My last ticket prompted me to do this. It would have been a lot cheaper just to get this from the start versus paying for 5 speeding tickets.
The setup has the benefit of getting your attention plus anyone behind you.
The total cost for this setup is about $700.
Radar detector: $450
Mount: $50
Screamer / Visual Alert system with direct wire $190
Kiss those speeding tickets good bye = priceless!
The detector:
Don't skimp out on a cheaper radar detector. I have the Escort 9500 IX.
This detector is the current top of the line model and retails for $500. I purchased mine off Amazon for $440. Currently (as of 5/27/13) Amazon has it listed for $449.99. The 9500ix has superior long range detection and also has GPS. The GPS reads out your speed which is handy but the key feature is it will filter out false alarms. Automatic door openers, stop lights, ect all use radar and will set a detector off. With the GPS "auto learn" feature it remembers picking up the same frequency at the same location and after a few times it will flash "stored" and block it out.
It also alerts you to red light cameras.
If given the option, go with the BLUE display.
http://www.amazon.com/Escort-Passpor...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Mounting system:
Get a ram mount, accept no substitute. These things are the best. I got mine from:
http://www.themountdepot.com/
The detector base plate works by securing the detector via magnets. It comes with a square metal base plate which you super glue to the bottom of your radar detector. It comes with double sided sticky tape but that sucks, just super glue that sucker. This lets you quickly remove the radar detector and take it inside with you, stow it or whatever. The magnets hold the detector secure. I've never had a problem after 13000 miles with this particular setup. But if you want extra security, just buy a security strip from motorcycle radar (see below).
With RAM mounts you need to buy every part individually.
The base plate itself (holds your detector) Part # RAP-300-1U
Diamond Base Plate with Standard Sized Length Arm - RAM-B-103-238U
Break/Clutch assembly mount with 1 inch ball - RAM-B-309-1U
*** If you want a mount to hold your smart phone, GPS or anything else get a 2nd break/clutch assembly mount with 1 inch ball, a second diamond base plate with standard length arm and this:
Universal Finger Gripping Cradle - RAM-HOL-UN4U
I use my phone for music, GPS, weather maps, ect -- ie everything so I like having it where I can glance down at it.
Alert system
Lastly, you need something to alert you. Head on over to motorcycleradar.com
Purchase:
1) 1x Radar Screamer Audio Alert,
2) 2x Radar Screamer visual alert options (one for each mirror)
3) 1x Direct wire cord ($20 online versus $30 at Cartoys).
If you're worried about the detector falling off (won't happen, but could in a crash) then get a security strap for $3.25.
The screamer comes with a toggle switch that has 3 settings.
High - Off- Low
The screamer is loud and the LED lights are bright. You can't use the lights without the screamer however. Get both, you may not hear the screamer at high speed. The lights are what gets my attention.
You will almost always have it on high but moving to the middle disables the flashing lights and screamer. Handy for when passing a police officer. The idea is you would use high in the day and low at night.
I found it best to mount the screamer speaker somewhere on the dash and the LED visual alerts on my mirrors where they get my attention and also the riders behind me can see them.
I hope this helps!
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TOO MANY WIRES! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!
Originally Posted by #1Townie
