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GPS or Radar Detector (if you had a choice to buy just one)

E

edpatrickhanley1137

Member
Member
Title says it all.
Ride about 10k-12k/year usually on several longer distant tours.
Can only afford one option this year?
What would you do, which would you buy?
 
edpatrickhanley1137 said:
Title says it all.
Ride about 10k-12k/year usually on several longer distant tours.
Can only afford one option this year?
What would you do, which would you buy?
Click to expand...
GPS in an instant, especially if you are touring / long rides that can cover lots of unknown territory.

IMO value for the radar detector is meh…. We ride in a spirited fashion and have not had a full on speeding ticket (some warnings yes) in 10 plus years. Use the GPS on nearly every ride and have worry-free route planning allowing us to see and experience much more.

Wayne, Carol & Blue
 
Without a second thought, GPS. Although I never had a problem using maps, sight and my mind to navigate my direction and did for many decades. The GPS just makes it much easier. Although you still need to use your sight and mind when following the GPS as not to turn down a railroad track instead of a road and such. The GPS just works for most situations. Plus you can ask it for food, gas, lodging, museums, etc.
Where as a radar detector basically gives you a false sense of security to break the law. A lot of times it works and gives you warning of a possible invitation for a traffic citation. A lot of times it doesn't or warns you too late. As such I feel you're playing with fire if you depend on them other than driving/riding smart and using the radar detector as just an aid that might work, but might not. I have owned quite a few radar detectors over the years. But honestly stopped using them and instead try to be smart if I may exceed posted speed limits. But as I get older, I find that my desire to push the limits has reduced.
 
Hands down.... GPS. My choice would be Garmin Zumo XT. It may still be on sale $100 off all over. If you miss this sale, wait. It goes on sale several times per year.

I agree on above sentiments on the value of radar/laser detector. A no-cost option if already using a bluetooth helmet headset is to use the mobile app Waze. This uses crowd-sourced location of roadway issues, including LEO.
 
If you live where I do, the radar detector is illegal. If you are using any type of Bluetooth headset go with a motorcycle GPS. They will turn by turn to the headset. Auto units will not. I haven't upgraded to a Zumo xt yet, but have both a 396 and a 595. With the live time maps they still work very well and you may be able to find one used at a reduced price.
 
edpatrickhanley1137 said:
Title says it all.
Ride about 10k-12k/year usually on several longer distant tours.
Can only afford one option this year?
What would you do, which would you buy?
Click to expand...
I agree with all of the other folks, that is, yes, a motorcycle type GPS. It will cost more than an automotive one, but it will be worth it if when/if you get Bluetooth in your helmet and when you are riding on a bright day. It also seems to help with speeding in that the speed readout is so accurate that I have ridden through many a speed trap at 5 over the limit and as I look back at the LEO in my mirror expecting it to pull out behind me ...it doesn't. (Notice how I didn't assign the leo a pronoun??? ...what's happening to me? :eek: {this is not an invitation to start a political ranting...I just thought it was funny after I read it.})

However, if you habitually speed 10 mph or more over the limit on straight sections and while slabbing, then maybe a radar detector would be more fiscally responsible...in which case I recommend a Valentine One.
Steve is correct though that the WAZE app is a great asset for finding LEO ahead of you, but never as accurate as a radar detector (LEO like to move about) so even if WAZE shows them on the other side of the road (my WAZE does not currently verbally announce the other side) assume they have moved to your side since reported.
Radar detectors have vastly improved over the years, the Whistler I had back in the '90s was great at finding automatic door openers at grocery stores, drug stores, and Home Depots, but that made it have a credibility problem when it found a real speed radar. My Valentine One is much better even in today's world with many vehicles with bumper sensors and adaptive laser cruise controls which my Whistler never had to contend with.

My required off topic section (it's what I do): My hope is that someday self driving vehicles will have a special signal (similar to an aircraft transponder) that will signal our phones and radar detectors that they are near us so we can keep an eye out for them since we (motorcyclists) may not always present as a valid vehicle entity/presence to their sensors. :unsure:
 
I've run radar at work - There's no practically benefit to owning a radar detector because the person running radar waits until he sees a vehicle he/she can visually determine is speeding and then triggers the instant on and locks the target speed within seconds. While the unit is in standby it does not emit a detectable signal. The only 2 ways a radar detector will provide warning is if the trooper leaves the unit on before you come into range - or photo radar if you are in a state that uses it. But a focused trooper utilizing 30 year old technology can easily defeat a detector. When you are stopped because the detector didn't detect a signal until it was too late you can forget about getting let go with a warning.
GPS by far is more practical - as mentioned earlier the Zumo XT is an amazing unit.
 
....and when I worked the street, if u had a detector when I stopped you, it was an automatic no warning scenario. $$$
 
In this State, I have no choice - GPS. Radar detectors are illegal here.

Having said that, I also carry paper maps for the areas I intended on traveling in - JIC. The Garmin ZUMO I bought used quite a few years ago has had 2 digitizer/screens replaced, as well as the main battery, the internal battery, and the key pads. Fortunately, I was able to do all of the stuff. It's still going strong..... and have another digitizer/screen sitting in reserve in case the current one dies.

Never really wanted one, but my family got me a cheapie that worked pretty good given its limitations. Was a real help when doing our local and State Tag-o-ramas. When it died, I bought a new Garmin something at Best Buy, but it sucked sp took it back. That's when a local ADV inmate told me he had one for sale at a pretty good price with lifetime map upgrades, so scoffed it up, No regrets.
 
GPS without a doubt. Admittedly, some riding styles would demand a radar detector over a GPS. I find the functionality of a moto specific GPS to be handy/fun close to home, however invaluable on tour. Some data points a GPS can provide:

How long to sunset (deer, or just when do I need to get off the road or trail)
How far to fuel stop
Average traveling MPH (with or without stops)
Compass direction of travel
Temperature
Automatically adjusting all estimates when entering a new time zone
Calculator to verify MPG (not as handy on the Concours)
Ability to view texts (not a safe feature but it's there)
Local Weather Reports
 
kzz1king said:
What I wouldn't like about visual alert is not knowing what band I was picking up.
Click to expand...
The visual alert on my last detector was just visual. But it used three LED's aimed at my face, that got your attention pretty good. But it also had the audio part it used in conjunction. I had the audio in my helmet (along with the GPS and such) that differentiated between bands by the different tones. The combination did work quite well when it alarmed on time. But in all honesty, I normally took any alert as a reason not to push it and act accordingly just in case. Assess the situation second to determine possible threats.. If I deemed the alarm a low or high threat. I then would adapt to the situation. And here's where I can state the obvious. Blind dependance on the radar detector, is a sure fire way to get your very own performance award. :rolleyes:
 
I love my Gen 1 Valentine One. I've no doubt it's saved me many times. For directions I just use google maps. Last trip was 4k miles. If I had to give up one, it would definitely be the radar detector.
 
I want to get a Valentine Gen 2 radar detector.
Can some one point me in the direction of a good mount that will work with my 2014 C-14 Pls
TIA
Nick
 
Use something that has WAZE navigation. It is a social network that allows other people, and you to mark when police are present (also, slow traffic, accidents, potholes, animals near the roads, hazards on the road, construction). I find that about 90% of the time police are marked before I get there. It does not help with police that are driving, which here in AZ can be a real problem, because they have some stealth very non-cop looking unmarked cars that can get you.
Several people I know who ride with radar detectors have reported that cops are more likely to give a ticket if they see you have a detector.
 
nickrides said:
I want to get a Valentine Gen 2 radar detector.
Can some one point me in the direction of a good mount that will work with my 2014 C-14 Pls
TIA
Nick
Click to expand...
I use the ram magnetic base mounted to brake perch. I have a little case made that holds The detector and the Senna transmitter. I no longer need the transmitter so I could have the detector mounted directly on the base. It holds very well, I used to tether it but no longer worry about it. It's easy to unplug and secure the detector in rain or when parked.
 

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Daboo said:
Waze is great...but within limitations. If you're out in the boondoggles, there's no one else out there to tell you that a radar trap is just around the corner.

Chris
Click to expand...
Sounds like Indiana to me...... I ride around the cities so.....pretty much rural riding.

RD helped us down in TN and daily. When I see my LEDs light up I look over and see what band. Trucks emit enough to set the TPX off so on the occasional 4 lane I travel I am wary of trucks throwing K band.

We have several local LEOs light us up in the areas around Crossville and Lynchburg. Everyone with an RD commented on the headsets that were linked together. We politely slowed down and waved as we went by.

GPS down there is essential. Androids and iPhones dropping coverage in the hills of TN near Fall Creek Falls was pretty common.
 
GPS hands down. I don't speed too often and do have a few performance awards on my record. With a GPS I am more comfortable riding in an unfamiliar location and the unit keeps me confident in my riding and routing.
 
nickrides said:
I want to get a Valentine Gen 2 radar detector.
Can some one point me in the direction of a good mount that will work with my 2014 C-14 Pls
TIA
Nick
Click to expand...
I use a phone mount ball attachment for my Valentine One Gen 2 detector. It is a tight fit so I don't worry about it coming loose.

I am California so most of the CHP officers drive around with KA band locked in the ON position and I thank them for their laziness! lol ! We have a fair amount of Laser being used but overall the frequency for encountering Radar or Laser has been greatly reduced in my experience in recent years. Ever since the scamdemic the usage of speeding ticket equipment seems to have dropped considerably. Add to that the amount of traffic normally encountered out here and it's really hard to say how many good opportunities for an CHP, Sheriff or local law officer can identify a lone speeder in a crowd of speeders. Many variables exist in what I am saying here because time of day and location are really the major factors that make or break speed enforcement utilization in my opinion.

It has gotten a bit ridiculous out here with the average speed on interstate highways loaded with commuters. At times you will find yourself in the flow of traffic where everyone including Sheriffs in marked Ford Explorer's is driving at 85 mph... and some brave souls will even creep away from them at a few miles an hour higher. I while ago I mentioned this to a judge in an unrelated discussion and she said they ( police ) just don't care anymore. Perhaps she meant they have a higher level of tolerance for speeders... I did't persue that point any farther with the judge.

As far as GPS goes... I use my phone's GPS... No need to carry an extra GPS when I would rather preserve my perfect CDL driving record.

In the past when I was using a Valentine One detector ( 2003 till 2019 ) it saved me a number of times in situations where I would have been nailed big time in my ZR-1 Corvette if it were not for the detectors ability to pick up KA band ( instant on ) from other traffic miles ahead of me. If you go to the Valentine One website you can read the "V 1 Moments" section where the most funny and yet serious radar avoiding stories are told once a month.

One other major point of adjustment when it comes to my Valentine One Gen 2 detector. It is easy to turn off K and X band frequencies and just use the Ka and Laser frequencies. The older K and X bands litter the air out here and are nuisances. They are oftentimes used for those "Check you Speed" radar machines parked on the side of the road. Some of those are mobile on trailers while others are mounted stationary on a post... either way, they don't generate tickets... at least, not so far.

V1 Moments | Valentine One | Radar Detectors

Read stories from real customers about their experiences with the V1 radar detector.
www.valentine1.com www.valentine1.com
 
Last edited:
fartymarty said:
I agree with all of the other folks, that is, yes, a motorcycle type GPS. It will cost more than an automotive one, but it will be worth it if when/if you get Bluetooth in your helmet and when you are riding on a bright day. It also seems to help with speeding in that the speed readout is so accurate that I have ridden through many a speed trap at 5 over the limit and as I look back at the LEO in my mirror expecting it to pull out behind me ...it doesn't. (Notice how I didn't assign the leo a pronoun??? ...what's happening to me? :eek: {this is not an invitation to start a political ranting...I just thought it was funny after I read it.})

However, if you habitually speed 10 mph or more over the limit on straight sections and while slabbing, then maybe a radar detector would be more fiscally responsible...in which case I recommend a Valentine One.
Steve is correct though that the WAZE app is a great asset for finding LEO ahead of you, but never as accurate as a radar detector (LEO like to move about) so even if WAZE shows them on the other side of the road (my WAZE does not currently verbally announce the other side) assume they have moved to your side since reported.
Radar detectors have vastly improved over the years, the Whistler I had back in the '90s was great at finding automatic door openers at grocery stores, drug stores, and Home Depots, but that made it have a credibility problem when it found a real speed radar. My Valentine One is much better even in today's world with many vehicles with bumper sensors and adaptive laser cruise controls which my Whistler never had to contend with.

My required off topic section (it's what I do): My hope is that someday self driving vehicles will have a special signal (similar to an aircraft transponder) that will signal our phones and radar detectors that they are near us so we can keep an eye out for them since we (motorcyclists) may not always present as a valid vehicle entity/presence to their sensors. :unsure:
Click to expand...
Just curious what makes a motorcycle GPS different than an automotive one. I have used an automotive one on my motorycles for hundreds of thousands of miles without issue. Is the moto one just more robust? Waterproof?
 
HeathCreek said:
Just curious what makes a motorcycle GPS different than an automotive one. I have used an automotive one on my motorycles for hundreds of thousands of miles without issue. Is the moto one just more robust? Waterproof?
Click to expand...
GREAT QUESTION!!!

For me, may not be the same for your instance, but I used a Nuvi for years on the motorcycle and the the ZUMO XT motorcycle GPS is different by:
  1. Waterproof (actually it’s a high level of water resistance / practicl purposes it’s waterproof
  2. Tremendously different screen preventing glare / you can read at high noon no-prob
  3. Also believe shock resistance rated
  4. Software for motorcycle routing
    • (My experience this is… meh)
  5. Different, LARGE button features for easy gloved use
  6. Also can be used in car
There are some other features but that’s what I can think of that were meaningful for me.

For sure there will be others chiming in.

Wayne, Carol & Blue
 
2andblue said:
GREAT QUESTION!!!

For me, may not be the same for your instance, but I used a Nuvi for years on the motorcycle and the the ZUMO XT motorcycle GPS is different by:
  1. Waterproof (actually it’s a high level of water resistance / practicl purposes it’s waterproof
  2. Tremendously different screen preventing glare / you can read at high noon no-prob
  3. Also believe shock resistance rated
  4. Software for motorcycle routing
    • (My experience this is… meh)
  5. Different, LARGE button features for easy gloved use
  6. Also can be used in car
There are some other features but that’s what I can think of that were meaningful for me.

For sure there will be others chiming in.

Wayne, Carol & Blue
Click to expand...
Those differences alone would make it worth a couple hundred extra bucks for me. At the time, the $700 Zumos were out of my league. Seems like they have come down in price over the years so maybe I pull the string for next season.
 
HeathCreek said:
Those differences alone would make it worth a couple hundred extra bucks for me. At the time, the $700 Zumos were out of my league. Seems like they have come down in price over the years so maybe I pull the string for next season.
Click to expand...
Watch their pricing they have sales a couple times a year.

Wayne, Carol & Blue
 
HeathCreek said:
Thanks, Wayne. Where at? Amazon?
Click to expand...
Usually when Garmin has these authorized sales all major retailers follow suit and price the same marked down price, probably a contractual minimum retail price….

Amazon, Best Buy, Revzilla/ Cycle Gear, Walmart, etc. etc.

Looking in used market might find something, average motorcyclist rides 2500 miles a year(AAA stated) obviously at the COG we are above average… lol

Nonetheless, I expect there’s tons of barely used ZUMO XT’s out there. Now with the ZUMO XT2 out, uncertain on the upgrades, probably see a wave of trade-ups to have the best / latest greatest.

Wayne, Carol & Blue
 
Zumo will send turn by turn voice and music to your helmet intercom. Auto units will not. Different type of screen so it will work with gloves on. Better H2O and vibration resistance. Motorcycle mount provides power with all input covers closed. Hard wired to the bike.

My first failure point on auto units (nuvi) was the power connection plug. Vibration ate them up.
 
I tried to use a car GPS shortly before my post-retirement ride in 2017. I almost missed the exit I needed to take and did one of those last second turns off onto the paved non-exit portion. I was lucky I didn't puncture my tire riding through that. Then about a half mile from the motel, I took the wrong left turn. The sun was too bright to see the screen and being a car GPS, it had no audio to the helmet. I ended up making a tight U-turn in a very narrow street. I couldn't help but think how I was so cheap I wouldn't spend the $$$ for a motorcycle GPS, but could easily spend more than that on replacing tires and repairing tupperware if I dropped my bike on that U-turn.

And then I was thinking about the upcoming trip and how I'd be on the side of the road in desert heat trying to see the screen to see where my next turn would be because the screen was washed out. I'd "save" money by going cheap...but possibly ruin my post-retirement ride.

I bought a Garmin 590 when I got home. When I had that one depart the bike one day, I bought a Zumo XT. I've never regretted the decision.

BTW, on my recent "get-off", my Zumo XT survived just fine. I recommend buying a screen protector. When I looked at the screen, it looked like I had 3 or 4 impact points where the glass shattered in a star burst pattern. I'd forgotten about the screen protector and thought that was the Zumo's screen. When I removed the screen protector, the Zumo's screen looked perfect.

Chris
 
To reinforce what's already been said about vibration resistance: on my C10 I fabricated a simple mount for my car GPS on the center stem. After a few months, the connector stsrted giving me problems- it had worn out .
I purchased a used Garmin 2620 and used it for years with no issue. It also survived many rains, sun, and a high-speed getoff.
 
Daboo said:
I tried to use a car GPS shortly before my post-retirement ride in 2017. I almost missed the exit I needed to take and did one of those last second turns off onto the paved non-exit portion. I was lucky I didn't puncture my tire riding through that. Then about a half mile from the motel, I took the wrong left turn. The sun was too bright to see the screen and being a car GPS, it had no audio to the helmet. I ended up making a tight U-turn in a very narrow street. I couldn't help but think how I was so cheap I wouldn't spend the $$$ for a motorcycle GPS, but could easily spend more than that on replacing tires and repairing tupperware if I dropped my bike on that U-turn.

And then I was thinking about the upcoming trip and how I'd be on the side of the road in desert heat trying to see the screen to see where my next turn would be because the screen was washed out. I'd "save" money by going cheap...but possibly ruin my post-retirement ride.

I bought a Garmin 590 when I got home. When I had that one depart the bike one day, I bought a Zumo XT. I've never regretted the decision.

BTW, on my recent "get-off", my Zumo XT survived just fine. I recommend buying a screen protector. When I looked at the screen, it looked like I had 3 or 4 impact points where the glass shattered in a star burst pattern. I'd forgotten about the screen protector and thought that was the Zumo's screen. When I removed the screen protector, the Zumo's screen looked perfect.

Chris
Click to expand...
I could not agree more with you. I had stayed with our car GPS’s (three or four over the years) with 2 being irreversibly damaged from rain not wanting to make the investment or just being lazy…

The car GPS limitations: wrapping of the GPS in a baggie when it rained (always trying to wait it out too), struggle to see the screen at mid-day, non-glove friendly design: at the least ranged from inconvenient distractions to outright unsafe limitations. I have never regretted making the leap from car to motorcycle specific designed tools.

There is a car windshield suction mount bracket for the ZUMO XT - it is available and it is spendy…. I bought it and like having one GPS that works for all needs.

Wayne, Carol & Blue
 
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