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Radar Detector

How to mount a radar dector on your GSXR

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Introduction Choices Installation Options
stemstand2

Introduction

I've tried five differnet systems to mount a radar detector on my sportbike. Save your self some trouble - the best thing by far is the "Stemstand". The manufacturer web site has changed it's name to "Techmounts®" now - and don't forget the -s- on the end!. Couple this with an Escort Solo® cordless, and you're all set to go with a total of 10 seconds of installation time. Here are some reasons why I prefer this combination:

Choices

  1. solo Detector choice - read detector reviews for the past 15 years, and you'll see over and over that two makers continue to vie for the top honors: Escort® and Valentine®. Either company makes fine detectors. My preference is based on the lack of false-positive alarms when you use an Escort. Their software really cuts out all the background noise, so that when my Escort goes off, I hit the brakes right away. One big danger with detectors is that (with other brands) they go off all the time - so much that you begin to ignore them. That's as good as having no detector at all. With an Escort, you know every alarm is a real alarm.
  2. Cordless - Sure, you would have no trouble running a +12V line up to your detector and hard wiring it. But why bother? Then you'd have to plug it in every time you get on the bike, unplug it when you get off the bike, and you'd still have an ugly wire dangling up around your handlebars. Remember, you're going to spend $300 - $400 on your detector, so you're sure NOT going to leave it outside in the rain, nor outside on the bike while you're somewhere else.
    Make things a lot easier - get the Escort Solo S2® radar detector. Then when you're ready for a ride, place it on your stemstand, hit the power button and go. When you park, pull if off the stand, power down, and stick it in your pocket. No wiring hassles, and you can also move it from bike to bike.
  3. techmount1 Stemstand - I have tried 5 different motorcycle mounts, and trust me - this is the way to go. Do not mount your detector on the windshield, nor on a handlebar, subject to rain and 100 mph winds while your riding. Instead, the stemstand puts the detector right under your chin. This way
    • You can hear the alarm. (You cannot hear it if the detector is anywhere else)
    • The detector is under the windscreen, protected from rain, rocks, and bugs.
    To order, click the image at right. Note that all GSXR-1000 have the same 13mm hole in the top of the steering stem, so product #10991 is what you want. - About $65.

To get more answers on how radar works, how detectors work, and to compare the products, see the following links:


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Installation

View the manufacturer's instruction notes. Just push the stemstand down into the 13mm hole at the top of your triple tree. Then adjust the allen bolts on the side, to move the mounting platform to the proper position. Once set up, you cover the top of the platform with Velcro (supplied) and likewise coat the bottom of your detector with Velcro. It's amazing how solidly this attaches the unit - wheelies, wind, railroad tracks - nothing will dislodge it. Here are some pictures for you...

stemstand1 stemstand2.jpg stemstand3 stemstand4
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Other Options

I think two other gadgets deserve mention: the Screamer and H.A.R.D., both of which are sold at motorcycleradar.com.

Click on the links and check them out. Though I would really love to make my detector louder, you should realize that if you purchase the "Screamer", it will work with the Escort Solo, but only if the solo is being run from a power cord, which pretty much eliminates the advantage of buying the cordless Solo in the first place. And it gives you the added hassle of having to hard wire the Solo. If you're planning on going to this extreme, you should buy the corded Escort 8500 instead.

Because the stemstand mount puts the detector right under your chin, you really can hear it adequately without the Screamer, but you do have to pay attention. For most of us who want an excellent detector tha-t can be heard, and is easy to pop on and off the bike, the stemstand with a cordless Solo is a good choice.


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