Whistler Cruisader Motorcycle Radar Detector

[JamesB]

Has anyone tried this? What has been your experience?

[namtinker]

Have one. Works fine. Takes a bit of fiddling to set up the warning blue LED so you can always see it. Unless you go for the wireless in-helmet module. Definitely more work to initially install, but looks neat. The cover around the display is for added sun protection.

[ShovelStrokeEd]

FWIW, the most expensive way to buy a V1 is to go through about 3 other detectors first.

[JamesB]

Seems like not many have tried the Whistler. Doesn't make it undesireable. V1 is well-designed but does not seem the best choice for one that would be mounted within a fairing with audio connected to an Autocom. I want one that is "built in" rather than "on a shelf" or tank bag. Will continue reviewing options. (What I'd really like is one with just a few led's that would show through the instrument panel, a minimalist set of push button controls & an audio output that is compatible with intercoms.....just not out there....)

[ShovelStrokeEd]

All that you desire is availabe with the V1.

V1 mounted on your fairing stay, out of sight, of course you lose Laser detection but you would on anything else as well.

V1 Remote audio adaptor mounted behind your dash with only the knob and volume protruding. Gives you on/off control and volume control for both the alarm and muted alarm. Takes a 1/8" hole and your all set. Hooks easily into your intercom system via a monaural jumper cable.

V1 Remote display. Many have stuck these behind speaker grills for the ultimate in stealth mode. I mounted mine atop the GPS with a little square of 3M Dualock. Michael Glass once explained to an irate LEO that had stopped him that the flashing red 4 on his dash was a gear indicator.

 

Around these parts its probably 70% V1, 25% Escort and 5% other brands. Most have tried the other stuff over the years and found the V1 to best suit their needs. I would tend to go with the consensus here.

[FIRST_BEEMER]

I think you should buy a less chepo brand. Not good for the money, poor performance. Buy the 8550 escort. 299.00 or less. It has the best performance for the money.

I have two. one on the bike and one for the cars. works great.

[ShovelStrokeEd]

It'll work great until the first or second time it gets wet and then bye bye. I used to use Escorts and they just don't hold up to weather. In Florida, I'm pretty sure its raining somewhere just about every day. I get caught in it enough. If you leave your radar detector out, sooner or later its gonna get wet and the V1 is a whole lot better able to take it than is the Escort.

 

Never had an Escort last a year and never had a problem with my V1 in the last 3. Magazine and Consumer Reports testing ain't the last word. Side by side on motorcycles, I typically get signals a second or two before my Escort equipped friends and about 1/2 the false alarms.

[FIRST_BEEMER]

Thats odd. I have been running my escort (same one) on all my bikes for over two years and have had no problem.

I know it`s matter of preference and personal opinion as to what is best. Mine has been good with the escorts.

V1 also has some programming that will not allow it to pickup some signals that are used.

Go to the radar test pages and you can find more info.

Try RadarRoy.com for starters. Just my 2 cents. Don't by the cheapo whistler junk. WASTE OF MONEY.

[sshallen]

Coincidences abound... RadarRoy sells the detectors that fare best in his tests.

 

He can't sell the Valentine 1, and (you're not going to believe this!), it does poorly in his tests.

 

 

Valentine 1 is NOT perfect, however. Not until it gets IPX7.

[johnt650]

I am absolutely astonished; probably no more than Mike Valentine when he finds out that his detector is not picking up all the signals that are in use.

 

Valentine has saved me so much money frankly that the investment is pretty insignificant. When I traveled for a living I wouldn't have considered anything else, and still don't for my RT.

[ShovelStrokeEd]

C'mon, Salinas has the annual rainfall average of less than 2" per month. We can see that in an hour during a typical Florida thunderstorm. Turn you garden hose on your powered up Escort for 10 minutes and then get back to me.

 

As to the V1 not picking up signals, let's just say I averaged a ticket every 8 months before I got the V1, I haven't changed my riding habits at all in the 3 years since and I remain ticket free.

 

Every once in a while, I'll get popped by an instant on and a LEO who really knows how to use it. It does happen. For the most part, there is no defense against that. Thus far, I haven't been in a hurry when they popped me. It's pretty rare and I'll almost always get a warning. Learning to interpret the warnings is the tricky part.

[FIRST_BEEMER]

Yes it`s true we get very mild rain around here.

I also do not wash the bike with my radar dector on the dash.(as you requested )

You could have an argument for the valitine on that.

Maybe you could buy me one so I can test it. That`s a good Idea.