[w3ub]

Radar Detector Installation Photos

I wanted a radar detector, chose the Adaptiv as it is waterproof. Seems to work well, used their handlebar mount positioned on the left side, all the way up against the mirror mount. It does not interfere with the bar/windscreen even with the bar hard over. Mounted the visual LED indicator top center of the MTS LCD.

 

[Silverthump]

W3UB,
I should identical parts tomorrow. How did you route your wiring to the battery?

 

[w3ub]

I routed it down the left side of the frame/engine. Found a few things to wire tie it to gently, made sure the fork could move freely without binding on the new wiring. At the battery I took off the plastic cover routing a few silver (if my memory is correct) tubes that covers the side of the battery, to ensure the seat would not chafe against the wiring. Tied it in right to the battery posts.

You also have to route the visual indicator wire along with the power wiring, because the connector for it is near the battery end of the radar detector harness.

/Doug

 

[805]

Nice! Could you share the mount part # or any info on that?

I wired the same detector on my Multi today, but I purchased a center mount that goes on the handlebar and it blocks the view of my display.

 

[805]

Tied it in right to the battery posts.

Wouldn't it drain your battery if you left it on over night? I installed my to power up when the bike is on.

 

[martys]

why aren't you using the gps power connector under the left side panel to provide switched power to your unit? there's no reason to direct wire a low current device like a radar detector directly to the battery.

 

[Dr. Greg]

why aren't you using the gps power connector under the left side panel to provide switched power to your unit? there's no reason to direct wire a low current device like a radar detector directly to the battery.

Marty, where exactly is that connector? Thanks.

--Doc

 

[MTScott2]

I'll chime in..
It is under the left fairing panel. A white connector with a small pig tail attatched , You cut the sealed end off and splice into the wires , so you have a way to simply disconnect. It is fused so it is a good idea to pull the fuse ,before hooking up the radar dector or Gps.

 

[JelmerF]

Just wondering, it's not illegal in the US I assume having a radar detector? In Europe it is, well, in most countries. The police even has radar detectors detectors. You're pretty screwed here when they catch you with one.

 

[w3ub]

This is the mount, 3-30912.
Bar Mounts
/Doug

 

[w3ub]

Yes, you could cut the power in as shown, I was not aware of that option when I wired it. Sounds like a good choice. You won't drain the battery if you turn off the detector even if hard wired. Not unless you leave it for multiple months without riding it. This detector has a nice disconnect plug a few inches from the unit, so you can remove it to stop theft or when not needed.
/Doug

 

[martys]

Yes, you could cut the power in as shown, I was not aware of that option when I wired it. Sounds like a good choice. You won't drain the battery if you turn off the detector even if hard wired. Not unless you leave it for multiple months without riding it. This detector has a nice disconnect plug a few inches from the unit, so you can remove it to stop theft or when not needed.
/Doug

the generally accepted best practice for wiring accessories to your bike is to never wire them direct to the battery, regardless of the accessory (except for battery tenders). you always want to wire them to a switched rely to definitively protect the battery and your bike.

but, if you're is already done no reason to change it, right?

vast amounts of useful info on Andy's MTS1200 site if you're interested at all.

 

[w3ub]

Thanks for the link to the site. There are a few really good nuggets hidden in different threads, perhaps someone who has been on the site longer could start a sticky with great external links or files. They are really helpful.
/Doug

 

[AKjitsu]

w3ub;

I certainly hope you have better luck with that unit than I had with mine. While the design is excellent (weatherproof, huge, glove-friendly buttons, display on the top) mine gave off so many false alarms that it was functionally useless. What I mean by false alarms: Full bars sitting inside my closed garage. (I live on a deserted dirt road.) Full bars in the middle of a Navajo reservation without a vehicle, cell phone tower, beer can, or chipmunk within 20 miles visual range in all directions. I tried it on three different bikes and sent it back to the manufacturer twice; all to no avail.

I would be interested to hear your impressions after you’ve ridden it for six months or so. If they have the electronics sorted out, I’d buy another in a heartbeat.

 

[Bob McCarthy]

"Land of the free, home of the brave"

It's only illegal in Virginia, I believe.

bob

Just wondering, it's not illegal in the US I assume having a radar detector? In Europe it is, well, in most countries. The police even has radar detectors detectors. You're pretty screwed here when they catch you with one.

 

[w3ub]

Sure, I will report back if I see issues with the detector. I am used to the Escort Passport, had them for a long time.

I have had this one for about two weeks. Seems to work OK. Some false alarms due to door openers which is normal and the Passport sees as well. Have spotted a few police radars with it already ...

So, so far not a problem with false alarms. Will report back in a while. The sensitivity seems lower than the Passport, but that is hard to tell without both side by side.

/Doug

 

[DanF]

Just wondering, it's not illegal in the US I assume having a radar detector? In Europe it is, well, in most countries. The police even has radar detectors detectors. You're pretty screwed here when they catch you with one.

Jelmer

It is not generally illegal to own and use a radar detector, here.

But I can suggest that if you are stopped for speeding on a motorcycle with a radar detector it would be best for you to somehow make the device magically disappear before the stopping officer sees it.

It's bad enough to be stopped in a car and have the detector visible but on a bike you are really playing with your wallet and even your ride.

Aside from all the wiring issues this thread is about try to also figure out how not to get stopped with one of these.

I know! That is the basic purpose. Pray it always works.

To your point about Europe and traffic laws and violations: we here in the states have no idea as to how bad it can be if stopped.....for anything....in other countries.

Some countries will even confiscate (vehicle forfeiture) your ride and auction it off. And they can do it after you spend a fortune with lawyers trying to stop them.

I'm not big on radar detectors. Especially for bikes.

Dan

 

[martys]

Jelmer

It is not generally illegal to own and use a radar detector, here.

But I can suggest that if you are stopped for speeding on a motorcycle with a radar detector it would be best for you to somehow make the device magically disappear before the stopping officer sees it.

It's bad enough to be stopped in a car and have the detector visible but on a bike you are really playing with your wallet and even your ride.

Aside from all the wiring issues this thread is about try to also figure out how not to get stopped with one of these.

I know! That is the basic purpose. Pray it always works.

To your point about Europe and traffic laws and violations: we here in the states have no idea as to how bad it can be if stopped.....for anything....in other countries.

Some countries will even confiscate (vehicle forfeiture) your ride and auction it off. And they can do it after you spend a fortune with lawyers trying to stop them.

I'm not big on radar detectors. Especially for bikes.

Dan

Hi Dan! :crazy:

 

[martys]

w3ub;

I certainly hope you have better luck with that unit than I had with mine. While the design is excellent (weatherproof, huge, glove-friendly buttons, display on the top) mine gave off so many false alarms that it was functionally useless. What I mean by false alarms: Full bars sitting inside my closed garage. (I live on a deserted dirt road.) Full bars in the middle of a Navajo reservation without a vehicle, cell phone tower, beer can, or chipmunk within 20 miles visual range in all directions. I tried it on three different bikes and sent it back to the manufacturer twice; all to no avail.

I would be interested to hear your impressions after you’ve ridden it for six months or so. If they have the electronics sorted out, I’d buy another in a heartbeat.

I had the same one, tossed it after one trip. Between false hits and no hits it was worthless. I love my Valentine One, it's never let me down.

 

[joshuaz2]

I had mine on my multi for almost two years with no problems. saved me many times. It was stolen along with the bike so now i will have to purchase another.