Radar Detector helmet display units

[FrankoQ]

So, I almost got nailed by a cop last weekend.
I look down and there is my V1 looking like a xmas tree. Arrow lights going crazy. Luckily, the cop was resting on a nice shaded area and probably sleeping.
I need something in my helmet to alert me of the radar detector going off.

So far, I see 2 options.
Vizalert Radar.
H.A.R.D display.

Any others?

I'm looking for feedback on either. The vizalert seems huge and seems to attach on the outside of the helmet.

Thanks.

[betarace]

HARD is the way to go, love mine... very discreet

Legal Speeding - wireless radar detection systems, radars, radar mounts, windscreen mounts and motorcycle accessories for the speed enthusiast

[vfrchick]

I got the Chatterbox xbi and used their icombi earphone to bluetooth adapter. The Chatterbox works via bluetooth, so there are no wires. Radar detector mounted up front, along with icombi, chatterbox on helmet. I can also bluetooth my phone into the helmet and can actually have phone conversations with people on slower roads... not freeway. My phone also has an MP3 player so I get music as well. Again, music is good on slower roads, not so much on freeway. I just travelled 4 hours from Vegas to the CA coast of Memorial Day weekend, and heard every single blip and beep from my radar detector way before I got a visual on the cops. Did roughly 110MPH the whole way.

[Scubalong]

So, I almost got nailed by a cop last weekend.
I look down and there is my V1 looking like a xmas tree. Arrow lights going crazy. Luckily, the cop was resting on a nice shaded area and probably sleeping.
I need something in my helmet to alert me of the radar detector going off.

So far, I see 2 options.
Vizalert Radar.
H.A.R.D display.

Any others?

I'm looking for feedback on either. The vizalert seems huge and seems to attach on the outside of the helmet.

Thanks.

VFRchick and I just install chatterbox XBi and we love it so far, You can link the radar to your head set so the sound will alert you when there are danger I like the XBi cause you can link another unit (Phone, GPS...) also you can talk to your passenger if he,she have the same set up. This well worth for the money and big bang for the bucks my 2cents

[Scubalong]

Nevermine chick beat me to it :)

[FrankoQ]

I got the Chatterbox xbi and used their icombi earphone to bluetooth adapter. The Chatterbox works via bluetooth, so there are no wires. Radar detector mounted up front, along with icombi, chatterbox on helmet. I can also bluetooth my phone into the helmet and can actually have phone conversations with people on slower roads... not freeway. My phone also has an MP3 player so I get music as well. Again, music is good on slower roads, not so much on freeway. I just travelled 4 hours from Vegas to the CA coast of Memorial Day weekend, and heard every single blip and beep from my radar detector way before I got a visual on the cops. Did roughly 110MPH the whole way.

Wow. Thanks. This looks like a better option.
Which Radar do you have?
how is the sound quality for PM3s?

[Badbilly]

If cosmetics are not all that important, the audio output will drive an LED setup with a couple of resistors in the circuit. My rig is hard wired and attaches to the inside of my windscreen with a suction cup. My detector sits on my tankbag on a strip of marine grade Velcro. The rig is about ten years old and works fine. Since I put it together there have been advances in LED technology making for some really bright ones.

The question of the day is, with all this stuff that seems to be popular is there still anyone who can dress in and get wired up in less than an hour? Are bikes becoming the two wheeled Winebagoes of the 21st century where one must not be seen on the road with any less than 71.8% of thier worldly posessions?

[vfrchick]

Wow. Thanks. This looks like a better option.
Which Radar do you have?
how is the sound quality for PM3s?

I'm not sure I'd be a good one to judge this, as I never rode with music in the past, so have nothing to compare to. IMHO, the sound quality is great though. This has taken me over a month to figure out... :-) I got the radar detector (Escort 8500-x50) approx. 2 months ago based on Derstuka's recommendation. I think Scubalong has one of the more pricey models. I also got the "direct connect" cable from them instead of the cigarette plug for power. The wire runs from the battery up the frame to the handlebars and I just plug it in or unplug it, depending on which way I'm going. Definitely remember to unplug when stopped though... it doesn't go off with the bike.

Then, tried to figure out mounting options and decided on a techmount, which mounts right in between the handlebars. That seemed a little to low to get the signal over the instrument panel, so I got a metal plate from Home Depot and some long screws and spacers to put between the Techmount and "plate" and got it raised up about an inch or so. The radar detector velcros onto the plate but I also use double sided velcro AROUND the radar detector to make sure it's on there solid. Then, I realized that, with my tank bag, I couldn't see the display and definitely couldn't hear it, so started looking at options. I bought the Chatterbox XBi blindly, not knowing if I would be able to connect the radar detector or not, and went to all the electronics stores to find the earphone to bluetooth adapter. They all said it exists, but nobody carried it. Low and behold I found it from Chatterbox!! I actually bought mine from Motorcycle Superstore. I don't think it was a better price or anything, but they give me coupons and stuff. So, I have the icombi thingy velcro'd to the "handlebar" right next to the techmount.

About the only thing that's a pain is just remembering to make sure radar detector, icombi and chatterbox are all on. But I get my helmet on, then turn on the radar detector to make sure I can hear the startup blips. Once I hear that, I know all is good to go. I dont' have any pics of the mounting setup, but if you want to see pics, let me know and I'll try to get some done and posted.

And last... yes, with the cost of the radar detector and everything to along with it, it was quite pricey, but after my ride last weekend, seeing all of the cops that "might" have snagged me if I didn't have it, or knowing that I probably wouldn't have been able to go as fast, it is well worth the money. I'm sure this setup has already saved me from at least two tickets, made the longer rides more enjoyable, and therefore has already paid for itself close to if not more than twice over already.

The question of the day is, with all this stuff that seems to be popular is there still anyone who can dress in and get wired up in less than an hour? Are bikes becoming the two wheeled Winebagoes of the 21st century where one must not be seen on the road with any less than 71.8% of thier worldly posessions?

Wow, an hour? None of the above takes me any more time than usual. Maybe two seconds extra to make sure all is turned on, but for me, it's still don helmet and gloves and GO! If you take 71.8% of your worldly posessions on your bike you must not have much and I salute you!! We all need to live in a more minimalistic world.

[FrankoQ]

VFRchick,
Thank you so much for your feedback.

Looks like we have a similar install for Radar detector. I went with a Valentine 1
and love it.
Here is my set up:
http://vfrworld.com/forums/body-modi...l-4th-gen.html

I also did the fusebox install for all these electronics...
http://vfrworld.com/forums/body-modi...tion-4gen.html

If you have pics of yours, I'd love to see them.

I need to see if your set up works with the V1.

Agree. All these gizmos cost a lot. But, I'd rather do this that to risk
tickets and points in my license.

You listen to Derstuka's advice? He's a little loco

LOL. Kidding.

Cheers.
Frank

[Badbilly]

"Wow, an hour? None of the above takes me any more time than usual. Maybe two seconds extra to make sure all is turned on, but for me, it's still don helmet and gloves and GO! If you take 71.8% of your worldly posessions on your bike you must not have much and I salute you!! We all need to live in a more minimalistic world."

If that is all you wear I can certainly agree. Any pix?

[NorcalBoy]

Technology isn't for everyone.