Improvements

Radar works on motorcycles much the same way it targets cars. A motorcycle radar detector on a motorcycle also works pretty much the same as one on a car, but the notification system had to be designed a little differently.

Developers and manufacturers didn’t even think about motorcycle radar detectors for a long time; most of the detectors on the market are designed with a sound alert. These could not be heard – and therefore weren’t effective — on motorcycles.

New innovations from manufacturers such as Escort, Whistler, and Mantis all have an available visible alert system either as an original feature on their motorcycle radar detector or as an optional add-on. This device has a small light that fits into the front of the helmet and flashes for the driver’s attention to let them know radar has been detected.

Some of these visible alert devices are wired and some are wireless, depending on the amount of money the owner is willing to spend. Some manufacturers have designed a motorcycle radar detector specifically for the bike and others have added an earphone plug that can either supply an earphone worn by the driver or be plugged into speakers built into the helmet. Either can be effective in giving the driver the alert he or she needs.

Features Matter When Making a Choice

A few detectors also come with suction cups so the unit can be attached to the windshield. Regardless of the brand of motorcycle radar detector you choose you will still want to compare features such as sensitivity and range, type of alert available, and how to attach it to your bike. Cost will be a major consideration so keep in mind the more features you want on your motorcycle radar detector, the more you can expect to pay.

Speed Measurement Labs (SML) recently conducted tests on a motorcycle outfitted by “Radar Roy,” a former police officer and certified radar trainer. They found that with the motorcycle radar detector equipment installed on the bike, along with countermeasures, the bike was virtually invisible to all forms of radar.

With the success of his “Stealth Hog” at defeating radar, SML was so impressed it featured the bike in its February 2004 issue of American Iron Magazine. “Radar Roy” now works at testing radar detectors for manufacturers and gives his opinions and test results on his website at www.radarbusters.com.