radar detectors

[T Legg]

I am looking at radar detectors. I am looking for one that is waterproof but I don't see any brands I recognize.Does any one have any suggestions? 

[Tuned forks]

Valentine One.

Joe

[ZOA NOM]

Valentine One.

Joe

+1... it's the only one worth buying IMHO.

[T Legg]

After researching the Valentine one I am impressed with its performance .There a lot of postings on the web wondering what's going on with the company.I read posts from back in May complaining about the item being out of stock and they are still out of stock.I called the company and the lady who answered said they expect to have a run done in January.I think it's worth waiting to see.Are you guys both using them(Joe and Rick)?If you are,are you using the weatherproof enclosures with remote readout?

[ZOA NOM]

I used a V1 for years when my daily driver Carrera was off the lift. I still have it. The advantage is that it uses proprietary patented technology to give you more information than other detectors. Mike Valentine was a Navy Electronic Warfare specialist before he opened the V1 company. The V1 will tell you how many sources of radar there are, as well as which direction they are coming from. This is valuable information when there is a multiple LEO trap awaiting you. My V1 paid for itself many times over. As for weatherproofing for motorcycle use, I never did that. I haven't used it on my bike.

[Tuned forks]

Travis, I recommended Valentine from the reputation they have earned in the automobile world and from the praise I've heard from a friend that uses one on/in his Ducati Multistrada.  I posed the question you asked to him.  Here is his response;

No I don't have a weather proof container.  I have a mount on top of my dash so the detector is well protected from the elements.  If it is really raining hard, I usually put it away because I'm not going above the speed limit in the rain anyway.

Joe

[Mike Ramos]

I am looking at radar detectors. I am looking for one that is waterproof but I don't see any brands I recognize.Does any one have any suggestions? 

Good evening,

I have long used the Passport Qi45 radar detector with excellent results.  It has three components: The antenna/receiver which mounts out of sight above the inside lower edge of the fairing (there is just enough room between the fairing and the lower support bar); the interface which is located inside the right side panel behand the fairing vents and the display/controller which is small & unobtrusive and located on the center top of the instrument panel.  There is a separate green warning light that blinks red when the detector is activated (initially the warning light was mounted directly in front on the dash, but then relocated to the right inside edge of the fairing where it is more noticeable in the peripheral vision). 

Also installed are the laser detectors just under the front of the fairing - however they are of questionable use. 

It operates in X and K bands and defaults to K if both are detected.  There are three levels of detection sensitivity.  Range is very good & coverage is 360 degree as well as pretty good over the hill & around the bend.

While I never speed when in town thus of no value, out in the country the unit has more than paid for itself, many times over.

While it did need servicing once during the first year, service was quite good & it has held up very well for over 200K miles without further issue.  It has proved durable and extreme heat, cold and rain have never been an issue.  The only waterproof connectors are on the antennae; the other connectors are not waterproof but are inside the fairing and have never caused problems.  The operating switches are on the diminutive display panel (small buttons when wearing gloves) so it is always on and I have installed a separate power switch located next to the driving light switches on the left handle bar. 

While no longer listed in their catalog, they are still available on line, priced lower than the initial price point!

Ride safe,

Midget. 

[yamaha fj rider]

Hello

     I use the Passport 9500ix. I bought it about 5 years ago. It works great, the main thing it does, is let me know LEO in the area. I slow down, after the threat has passed, back to my normal speed. It is not weather proof but, when the is bad in my tank bag or top box it goes. I slow down in the bad weather anyway.  The thing I like about it is the headphone jack. I plug a Bluetooth transmitter in to it and connect it to my Sena, when it goes off I know it and it requires no other attention. This is not the only answer, it may not be the best answer but, it is the answer I am currently using. Until something better comes along. Hope this helps.

Kurt

[Mike Ramos]

Travis, I recommended Valentine from the reputation they have earned in the automobile world and from the praise I've heard from a friend that uses one on/in his Ducati Multistrada.  I posed the question you asked to him.  Here is his response;

No I don't have a weather proof container.  I have a mount on top of my dash so the detector is well protected from the elements.  If it is really raining hard, I usually put it away because I'm not going above the speed limit in the rain anyway.

Joe

Good evening gentlemen,

Why a waterproof radar detector?

Well, sometimes the open road beckons and yet the weather chooses not to cooperate - so what is one to do?  Should you have a good motorcycle such as the Yamaha FJ with good all weather tires and an outstanding suspension that allows those tires to operate properly and to their full potential, perhaps the rain is of little consequence...!  Anyway, here's why it's a good idea to use a waterproof radar detector - even during a drought it sometimes rains, in fact it pours.

Below is an older post from April, 2014 (the video is long, however it's the first part that count).  Since then the tires have certainly improved, but the suspension components remain outstanding & the FJ is delightful as an all around sport touring motorcycle! 

Happy New Year to all.


Hello Everyone,

It is said California is in a drought however at times it seems difficult finding dry weather in the far northern reaches of the state.  About three weeks ago I was in the San Francisco Bay Area and it was raining steadily.  Upon departure and traveling north, the storms were coming in from the west making their way east across the valley.

The timing of the rain clouds was sporadic with patches of dry areas from time to time.  Traveling toward the north end of the valley, I turned west and skirted the mountains but to no avail as the rain was fairly constant.  I then returned to the valley floor and made my way east towards Mt. Lassen where in the distance a clear sky could be seen.

The problem was to get ahead of the storm front and arrive in the eastern foothills before the rain.  One more fuel stop and dry riding seemed possible.  The weather was inclement all day and once I was able to actually get ahead of the front it was evident that the road was, to a certain extent, still damp from earlier rains.  However while it was very wet most of the day the temperature was mild and pleasant.

Once the weather cleared it was about 17 miles uphill into the foothills to almost 3,000 feet in altitude with the last 3-4 miles a steep incline.  Towards the end of the video the oil temperature gauge indicates a modest 200*.

A few notes: it has been said "no video no proof".  Well here is a link with the video which clearly shows several things.  Among them, the statement that "spooling up" a rear wheel in the wet at slow speed correlates to riding in wet weather at speed is misinformed and ignorant.  The tires in use were installed on December 6th and conservatively estimated miles on the tires is at least 6,000 with many additional miles left in them.  They are dual compound tires and predominately the reason they wear so well has to do with the suspension which not only allows for comfortable highway riding; but as seen in the video enhances the sport bike ride significantly.  The suspension also enables the tires to be inflated to 42 psi at all times which substantially increases tire life, enhances performance and allows for neutral, positive steering throughout the performance envelope.

At 3:43 (of the video) I got into trouble with mud from a dirt road that had been tracked onto the pavement.  At 6:55 there is an entrance on the right followed by a driveway on the left that calls for extra caution.  And about 5:50 – 6:12 or so the question remains, what must the motorcyclist, especially on a damp road guard against?  Surely the 'resident scholar' who unlike the "spooling up" comment, has not a mere opinion but a definitive answer based on experience, not conjecture or false assumptions.

There has been a considerable amount of debate concerning sport bike vs. over the road cruisers.  Some claim that you cannot have both; or the FJ is more sport than cruiser or more cruiser than sport. 

It is clear that with the modern updates available to all who own a Yamaha FJ, this motorcycle is both an enjoyable over the road cruiser and a very competent sport bike as well.  I started this ride in the early morning hours before dawn and completed it in the early evening covering hundreds of miles.  For all around comfort, ride quality and sporting ability across a broad spectrum of conditions it is difficult to surpass.

Reviewing the Forum, I see that the new exhaust from R.P.M. has now progressed from prototype to production.  Although the sound quality of the video is poor, the pleasant sound of the exhaust note is indeed of that particular prototype.  Here is to anticipating a production unit – although the carbon fiber muffler will remain...! 

In closing, the songs says "....hold tight we're in for nasty weather...". Perhaps, but a modern FJ takes it all in stride, mile after mile after mile...At times it seems like sitting in an easy chair.

Stay in good humor and ride safe,

Mike Ramos.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UD_C0yhLiik&feature=youtu.be

[ribbert]

..... the 'resident scholar'.....

'Resident scholar' is indeed high praise from someone such as yourself Mike and I know it's not a title you'd bestow lightly.
I'm sure everyone here would like to know the identity of this person for whom you have so much admiration, perhaps you could share his identity so we might all benefit from his wisdom and experience in future.

......the statement that "spooling up" a rear wheel in the wet at slow speed correlates to riding in wet weather at speed is misinformed and ignorant.....

Mike, I know it's an old post but it's safety related and an interesting subject.

Are you still of the same opinion (above), that the rate at which one can accelerate or brake in the wet before losing traction is not an indication of a tyre's grip? If so, how do you do it?
Do you still consider the writer to be misinformed and ignorant for conducting frequent 'traction checks' on the road when circumstances deem it prudent?

If the road surface has changed and for some reason I suspect has become more slippery than appearances might suggest, wet or dry,  I often touch the rear brake (until I can feel it momentarily let go) to gauge the grip.  On dirt at slower speeds in lower gears I sometimes do it with the throttle.
How would you suggest getting a rough idea of traction levels of both your tyre and road surface in the wet, keep leaning until the wheels wash out? I doubt it.

Having the best feel for how one's tyres will grip at any given time is a crucial part of staying upright, it is why I practice max braking on every ride, so it's reflex, especially in the wet. I will use whatever means at my disposal to gauge traction levels at all speeds and under all conditions. I agree with the writer you were deriding in your post.

Seasoned riders build a mental cache of road surfaces and conditions in their minds that help identify traction levels by sight and experience but it never hurts to check and keep it fresh. If it helps to keep it upright, I'm all for it.

Ignorance is blissfully barrelling down the highway in the wet with no idea where your traction limits are, misinformation is believing if you suddenly need to brake hard, swerve or tighten a turn, you will magically know those limits.


Happy New Year Mike and safe riding on your over the road trips in 2020


Anyone have any tips on wet weather riding they'd like to share


Noel

[Mike Ramos]

Good morning Gentlemen,

Noel, it's a post from almost six years ago – if after all these years the question regarding the "resident scholar" so intrigues you, it seems reasonable for you to put forth the effort to review posts prior to April 26, 2014 and determine the context of that particular statement.

Re: your comment: "If the road surface has changed and for some reason I suspect has become more slippery than appearances might suggest, wet or dry,  I often touch the rear brake (until I can feel it momentarily let go) to gauge the grip.  On dirt at slower speeds in lower gears I sometimes do it with the throttle".

Hmmm.... That may work in your style of riding and splashing through mud puddles and such, however it is impractical in a real world situation.  It is inconceivable that a rider is going to "gauge the grip" by using your "technique" (I'd say antics but let's keep it civil, although humorous would apply as well) as he rides along merrily tapping the brakes...... Well it is the Season...!

Dashing through the mud
Or riding down wet roads
Over the fields Noel goes
Tapping all the way
Brake light blinking on & off
Making spirits bright
Oh what fun it is to ride his old FJ tonight!

Re: your other comment: "Ignorance is blissfully barreling down the highway in the wet with no idea where your traction limits are, misinformation is believing if you suddenly need to brake hard, swerve or tighten a turn, you will magically know those limits."

In contrast to your previous comment, the sheer stupidity of this statement is intriguing.  No apologies put forth, but no humor to be found in this, none at all.  In fact, if not beyond contempt, it's borderline contemptible.  

Now listen closely:  Wet or dry, one knows the limits are always observed and a rider certainly does his best to remain within those limits.  To willfully exceed those parameters is more than unwise, it is folly at best and it is reasonable to say nihilistic is not too strong a word.

For example – if a particular speed is possible in the dry, then in the wet weather that speed MINUS a certain percentage may be deemed acceptable within the aforementioned parameters.

Here's a little quote to always keep in mind: "Willingness to take risks is sometimes rewarded; however foolhardiness is always punished".

In closing:

RIDING MOTORCYCLES IS A DANGEROUS SPORT, LET US NOT JINX OURSELVES FURTHER WITH THESE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND WORDS.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all!

Ride safe,

Midget

(Additional comments best directed to the P.M. department)

[ribbert]

....conjecture...... false assumptions......misinformed and ignorant....inconceivable......antics ....sheer stupidity....No apologies ..... no humor ..... beyond contempt....borderline contemptible.....unwise.....nihilistic...... JINX....NEGATIVE....

Good on you Mike, it is indeed a treat to kick off the new year with some true to form 'classic' Ramos (including spelling mistakes!). Let's hope this does not set the tone for the rest of the year and you can find it in yourself to lift your game.

Noel

[Mike Ramos]

....conjecture...... false assumptions......misinformed and ignorant....inconceivable......antics ....sheer stupidity....No apologies ..... no humor ..... beyond contempt....borderline contemptible.....unwise.....nihilistic...... JINX....NEGATIVE....

Good on you Mike, it is indeed a treat to kick off the new year with some true to form 'classic' Ramos (including spelling mistakes!). Let's hope this does not set the tone for the rest of the year and you can find it in yourself to lift your game.

Noel

Hmmm....  tsk tsk (or it tut tut?) Noel!  Keep swinging - just like old Casey at bat, eventually something may dawn on you, but certainly not here & not now.

Over to the P.M. department we go...

Ride safe.

[racerrad8]

....conjecture...... false assumptions......misinformed and ignorant....inconceivable......antics ....sheer stupidity....No apologies ..... no humor ..... beyond contempt....borderline contemptible.....unwise.....nihilistic...... JINX....NEGATIVE....

Good on you Mike, it is indeed a treat to kick off the new year with some true to form 'classic' Ramos (including spelling mistakes!). Let's hope this does not set the tone for the rest of the year and you can find it in yourself to lift your game.

Noel

Hmmm....  tsk tsk (or it tut tut?) Noel!  Keep swinging - just like old Casey at bat, eventually something may dawn on you, but certainly not here & not now.

Over to the P.M. department we go...

Ride safe.

I am still trying to find the spelling errors in the post.

I did find an error from the kettle who is calling the pot black...

Great to here Pete....

Noel

Randy - RPM

[ZOA NOM]

I love it when a grammar/spelling Nazi does this IN THEIR RANT... 

hint: you missed a comma