GDay Guy's, all done and very happy with the results.
See below pics.
Reason for my choices on the setup are as follows.
Mount
After doing a fair amount of research and seeing pics and also actual radar detector installations on motorbikes, I wanted a setup that did not in any way impact my body positions while riding, was not "in your face" but moulded into the bikes cockpit as much as possible, did not conflict with other existing accessories I had previously installed, and importantly did not cover any of the bikes instrument gauges as so many other radar detector installs seem to do. It took a while to figure out where the detector should sit and find the right solution for my 14, but the mounting system that ticked all my requirements was the Adaptiv Sportsbike Mount. Top quality (but pricey), very adjustable, easy/solid attachment to the bikes triple tree nut and looks really great. After adjustment it allows the radar detector to sit in a non intrusive position that allows it full frontal scanning access, provides visual access to all instruments and dials so they are all 100% visible and also allows the radar detector to be very easily and quickly installed and uninstalled.
Getting this aspect organised was 90% of the battle sorted.
Radar Detector
Next I needed to decide which radar detector was right for me and the roads/areas I would be riding.
I found there was a huge selection to choose from.
The first option I looked at was the Adaptiv TXP 2.0 as it is the only detector specifically designed for motorbike use. It is weather resistant and has large buttons for gloved hands. The screen is also set on an angle so it can be easily seen in a riding position. All good but unfortunately the reviews were not great for its actual radar detection capabilities so I decided against it.
After much investigation, I ended up selecting the Escort Redline.
This unit is primarily designed for installation in cars but not too difficult to adapt to a motorbike. One of the big advantages of this choice was I could also use this unit in my car as well.
Its main claim to fame is outstanding top of the range long distance detection over hills and around blind corners which is perfect for me as 95% of my riding is done on country roads in New Zealand.
Im not so sure the Redline is the choice for constant big city use as its great sensitivity is potentially it's disadvantage therefore it can unfortunately be susceptible to false alerts. It also has no built in GPS capability and no automatic learning facility to lockout these constant false alerts like some of the newer units that are now available. It does however have band segmentation which allows you to turn off frequency ranges not used by the police in your country/area which does help a lot.
But one thing it does better than just about every other detector currently available is it gives maximum range warning that your speed is about to be scanned and that is what I require above all else.
Plus there are minimal false alerts in the country areas where I ride due to there being very few automatic door openers and cars with radar detector impacting technology.
Regarding weather issues (as the Redline is not waterproof), I will either cover it with a childs shower cap or remove it completely (un-mounting takes around 5-10 seconds) when it rains as riding fast in the wet is a very rare event for me.
If you want more information, take a look on YouTube as there are many radar detector reviews, but it is obvious that the Redline is in the top echelon.
Alert System
Lastly I needed an alerting system as the detector alone is no where near loud or bright enough to be noticed on a motorbike every time.
Prerequisites were the system had to be very efficient, did not have hardwires going from the detector to my helmet, did not have constant unit charging requirements (for bluetooth alert systems), and as I already run the Scala G9 intercom system I didn't want more weight and hardware added to my helmets such as the H.A.R.D system and like products. I also have 4 helmets and ride with different ones at different times, so this was also a consideration.
I ended up choosing the Marc Parnes visual alert system that is custom designed for most well known radar detectors including the Redline. It is a visual alert solution only that has no audio facility.
This unit is permenantly mounted on the bikes dash and plugs directly into the detectors audio/earphone jack. It is then automatically powered by the detector. As long as the 6 red LED lights are mounted to point in the general direction of your eye line they are extremely bright, even in broad daylight, and are very effective. You don't have to be looking directly at them. Your spherical vision will pick them up with no problem. The flashes are powered by the audio warnings from the radar detector, so as you get closer to detection the flashes get quicker till there is a constant light being emitted letting you know the source is very close.
Just remember to ensure your radar detector's auto mute is turned off or the visual alerts lights will only initially flash for a couple of times with nothing further!
Also be aware that riding at night can possibly be an issue with the brightness of these LED's (blinding and quite disconcerting when they suddenly come on in the dark) so the brightness intensity can be reduced by simply turning down the detectors volume level.
So mount it and forget it.
Very simple and efficient plus works extremely well.
Summary
So there it is. Again very happy with the results of the initial setup.
The package is set and forget without having to worry about charging and or constantly connecting/disconnecting wiring with no external hardware additives to helmets.
I hope the investment pays off over and over.
I will try and provide an update after I ride with it in the real world for a while.
Let me know if there are any questions and I will be happy to try and answer them.
Hope this helps...
* Last updated by: yannih on 8/30/2016 @ 10:44 AM *
2012 Metalic Spark Black Kawasaki ZX-14R.
Yoshimura carbon R-77 slip ons,Custom dyno ECU flash,Striker rearsets,Hyperpro RSC steering damper,HM Plus quickshifter,ASV C5 levers,Hel SS transparent red front/rear brake and clutch lines,Kawasaki/MRA vented spoiler screen,Carbon heel guards,R&G radiator guard,Powerbronze carbon rear hugger,ZX-10 front fender with fender extender,Yoshimura frame sliders,M-Factory rear stand stoppers,Escort Redline radar detector,Techspec tank grips and tank protector,Versys 1000 fender eliminator,Kaoko cruise control,Moto red oil cap,Oxford heated grips,Red magnetic oil drain plug,Red and black Bagster Spider rear seat bag (for touring only).