Three things that it's unwise to scrimp on
1 - parachutes
2 - condoms
3 - radar detectors
Sure, you can save a few bucks but the penalty for failure can be high.
I'll stick with my Valentine 1
.Douglas von Roeder:
2 - condoms
3 - radar detectors
Sure, you can save a few bucks but the penalty for failure can be high.
I'll stick with my Valentine 1
.Douglas von Roeder:
Radar Detectors
One of the items you'll find on many LDR bikes is a radar detector Here are some of the reasons that some of our riders have chosen the one they have.
Here's a test a few years old.
And a more recent one
Here's a test a few years old.
And a more recent one
Anecdotes
Sunday coming home from Pinks I had a classic V1 incident. Was riding
north on US 101, just south of King City, in a well known enforcement
area. I was in #2 lane going 10-15 over. In my mirrors I see a gray
Japanese sedan coming up fast in the #1 lane. From the rate he passed
me, I think he was over the ton. Shortly afterward, the V1 starts
going off. It's the beep pattern of an oncoming cruiser in the
southbound lanes. I slow down in plenty of time, and am going the
speed limit when we pass each other. A couple minutes later the CHP
guy overtakes me on the left. He must have turned around over the
median. Of course, at this point I am traveling at a safe and prudent
speed. You know how this story ends. I passed Mr. Gray and the Chippie
parked on the right shoulder. You could have made this incident into a
Valentine TV commercial.
JerryJerry White jerrywhite518@gmail.com via ibdone.org 11/25/08to ldrider
north on US 101, just south of King City, in a well known enforcement
area. I was in #2 lane going 10-15 over. In my mirrors I see a gray
Japanese sedan coming up fast in the #1 lane. From the rate he passed
me, I think he was over the ton. Shortly afterward, the V1 starts
going off. It's the beep pattern of an oncoming cruiser in the
southbound lanes. I slow down in plenty of time, and am going the
speed limit when we pass each other. A couple minutes later the CHP
guy overtakes me on the left. He must have turned around over the
median. Of course, at this point I am traveling at a safe and prudent
speed. You know how this story ends. I passed Mr. Gray and the Chippie
parked on the right shoulder. You could have made this incident into a
Valentine TV commercial.
JerryJerry White jerrywhite518@gmail.com via ibdone.org 11/25/08to ldrider
Jerry, I have had so many similar incidents. There is just nothing I've found that gives as much information as the V1. Not a commercial as I have no interest other than avoiding those impromptu roadside conversations with public employees.
One of my favorites was a recent ride north of ATL on GA400. V1 beeps K a ways ahead. Hmmmm. it usually doesn't do that here. 1/2 mile later, V1 beeps K a slight bit stronger ahead. I says, traveling my way and ahead of me. I start to back off as I summit an overpass.... V1 screams K pretty close. He is trying to nail me as I come up from behind. So, I slow even more. About 2 miles later, I pull up beside a GSP cruiser at a light. He is behind me leaving the light and follows for a couple of miles then passes me. I hold speed and follow him for about a mile until he pulls into the left turn lane to do a U-turn. I'm watching my mirror and as I get a little over 1/4 mile down the road, he pulls back in the lane to follow. V1 gives a moderate beep -- K behind.
Yup, I woulda been a sitting duck without it. It may not be a life saver. But, it keeps my driving privileges intact and my insurance rates down. It just takes a little distraction to be going way too fast at the wrong time.WillieB motp08@live.com via ibdone.org 11/25/08to ldrider
Riding on I-80 through Truckee, CA I am cresting a grade (by the inspection
station) heading westbound in the hammer lane with a car rapidly coming up
on my rear like he is going to just run me over. I get a single beep from
the V1 indicating a patrol over the crest of the hill so I move over to let
Mr. "I gotta get to SF quickly" go on by. Just as he passes me (riding at a
nice stately 65 mph), we crest the hill to view the CHP cruiser on the
shoulder of the road.
He hits his brakes just in time for the cruiser to pull in behind him. Me I
stopped at Panda Express and had a nice lunch in Truckee.
Brian Roberts ifm.89408@gmail.com11/25/08
"So tell me about the Adaptive TPX vs the Valentine. Im
in the market for a radar again."
Congrats on the new ride, Robert! I can't compare the Adaptive with the
Valentine because I've not had experience with both.
Reports online indicate that the TPX is not as sensitive as the V1. Of
course, there aren't many systems that make that grade. But, the TPX
performed in the cluster just under the V1 in independent testing.
On the bike the TPX is a delight. First, it's very water resistant (I've
not tried to dunk the think in water so I'm trying to be careful in my
description). Second, very easy to use (large lighted buttons) with easy to
install LED visual and audio alerts via a well designed wiring harness.
Third, it works. I've avoided several close encounters of the LEO kind
(both interstate and local road) this season.
In short, the TPX works great for me.
Jim Weaver LDRJim@comcast.net via ibdone.org 6/16/09
in the market for a radar again."
Congrats on the new ride, Robert! I can't compare the Adaptive with the
Valentine because I've not had experience with both.
Reports online indicate that the TPX is not as sensitive as the V1. Of
course, there aren't many systems that make that grade. But, the TPX
performed in the cluster just under the V1 in independent testing.
On the bike the TPX is a delight. First, it's very water resistant (I've
not tried to dunk the think in water so I'm trying to be careful in my
description). Second, very easy to use (large lighted buttons) with easy to
install LED visual and audio alerts via a well designed wiring harness.
Third, it works. I've avoided several close encounters of the LEO kind
(both interstate and local road) this season.
In short, the TPX works great for me.
Jim Weaver LDRJim@comcast.net via ibdone.org 6/16/09
