Water Resistant Radar Detectors?

[twilmotte]

I'm looking to add a radar detector to my RT that I could also use in my car. In all my research so far, none of the major manufacturers even mention water resistance. Are the popular ones for motorcycles (Valentine V1, Escort Passport & Solo, etc) water resistant? I'd like to hear from some experienced owners before I spend $300 to $400 on a piece of electronics that it going to be exposed to some rain. TIA.

[Mike]

I'm not aware of any radar detectors that are water resistant, except the motorcycle-only TPX. You can, however, house a conventional radar detector in something like this.

[realshelby]

In my opinion there is only one REALLY good radar detector. It is not water resistant or water proof. The top sellers next in line are....not advertised as water proof. I do remember seeing one that is advertised as recommended for motorcycle use. My experience with other brands of detectors leads me to think that if they don't work really well, don't bother with them. That said, I have a Valentine 1 mounted in a case on the shelf of the RT. Not totally waterproof, but it has been holding the V1 for years with no problems. I do have the V1 off the bottom of the case about 1/8" so pooling water cannot hurt it.

[Paul Mihalka]

I have my Escort 8500 mounted close to the windshield so it doesn't get really wet. If it's going to seriously rain I take it off - I don't need it.

[Don M]

+ one for the TPX by Adaptiv Technology. I've had one on my 04 RT for a couple years now and it's paid for itself many times over. I ride year round here in western Washington and its still working so so I guess it must be water proof.

 

For what it's worth, I just noticed that the BMW dealer in Seattle is carrying them. I also don't know why you couldn't order a second wiring harness and mounting base from TPX and attach the unit to one of the RAM mounts for use in a car.

[markgoodrich]

Or: check Escort's ebay store, and buy two factory refurb units for about $300. Mount the bike unit under the front fairing, in front of the right speaker grill (assuming you don't have a speaker ...dunno how much room you would have if there's a speaker. Just cushion it with some foam and use a couple zip ties to tie it down to the frame.

 

Uhhhh...this assumes you use an Autocom or have earphones; my setup is bike-powered, audio out to the Autocom. If you want, I can send you more specific info on how I installed it...might be a few days.

 

The MAJOR advantage to this setup is it's out of sight, as well as being protected from the elements. Get stopped, no RD seen, you may get a warning. If you have a visible RD, guaranteed ticket.

 

I'll let others bash the Escort over Valentine, etc. Works for me.

 

EDIT: you'll want to install a remote mute button if you do this; about ten bucks on ebay.

[FLrider]

 

Uhhhh...this assumes you use an Autocom or have earphones; my setup is bike-powered, audio out to the Autocom.

 

 

Uhhhh...this assumes you want hear it ( the RD) at the expense of music or conversation.; I prefer the Viz Alert. I can SEE the alert AND it tells me which band is coming at me. Ka , K, X etc., The Alert is in my helmet, in my periphery. I can't not see it.

 

I too will leave the comparisons to others. Me,.... I like the arrows.

[peterbonly]

Just to be perfectly clear, radar is not used during rain...

 

That said, my V-1 sits behind my RT shield without much more than turning it off during rain; if the road looks bad ahead I sometimes add a small plastic baggie over it and keep it on with a rubber band. All this comes off at the first stop after the rain is behind me.