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We can all agree that going over the speed limit happens quite often when riding a motorcycle. Most people get carried away, and crossing the limit even a little bit is enough for a speeding ticket.
Luckily, there are several ways in which you can prevent this from happening. Most riders choose motorcycle radar detectors that inform you if any speed detection equipment is near you.
It’s an efficient device that helps you adjust your speed accordingly when there’s police nearby. Most detectors alert when you go over the speed limit, even without police being near.
Take the time to read the article below to discover the best radar detectors and how to choose one.
6 Top Rated Police Radar Detectors for Motorcycles Reviewed
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
Uniden  | Uniden Features: Voice notifications, digital signal processor Dimensions: 8.3 x 7.1 x 3.2 inches | Check Price |
Escort Passport  | Escort Passport Features: Radar and laser detection, color LED display Dimensions: 5.3 x 1.4 x 2.9 inches | Check Price |
ESCORT MAX360  | ESCORT MAX360 Features: Intelligent speed sensitivity, bluetooth connectivity Dimensions: 1.4 x 5.4 x 3.6 inches | Check Price |
Cobra  | Cobra Features: Several mounting options, shows early warnings Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.8 x 1.2 inches | Check Price |
Adaptiv Technologies  | Adaptiv Technologies Features: Oversized buttons, easy to use with gloves Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches | Check Price |
TPX  | TPX Features: Waterproof design, easy to use with gloves Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 4 inches | Check Price |
Uniden – Long Range
This one offers advanced performance with false alert filtering, protecting you against speeding tickets. It uses GPS to remember and mute false alerts such as automatic store doors on your regular routes.
Uniden uses free database and firmware updates to alert you of speed cameras and red lights. This way, the device is always up to date, ensuring reliable alerts.
It features an easy-to-read OLED display with user-friendly controls and features. Another thing worth noting is the option of using voice warnings. This allows hands-free operation while providing the same reliable information.
Keep in mind that the voice alerts are easy to program so that the detector can fit your driving style. It comes with advanced K/KA Band filtering to prevent false alerts.
The 360° protection covers a large area around you, informing you if there’s radar anywhere near.
PROS
- Voice notifications
- Comes with mounting brackets
- Digital signal processor
CONS
- Too quiet for some
Escort Passport – GPS Capable
This one uses traffic sensor rejection to eliminate false alerts. It features countless of preloaded locations, allowing you to add your own hot sports.
It shows alerts of police, tailored according to your speed and location. Also, its easy-to-use preferences make the entire device simple to use even if you’ve never used one before.
You can also use Escort Live and other detector tools that are compatible with both PC and MAC. This allows you to download updates and scan new threat locations.
Its screen is bright, showing clear and easy-to-read information so that you can make the best possible decision quickly.
Also, this one is unlikely to show false alerts thanks to its variable speed sensitivity. Plus, it uses the latest GPS technology to show only the most precise info.
PROS
- Radar and laser detection
- Always available updates
- Color LED display
CONS
- Not the safest mounting (might fall off)
ESCORT MAX360 – Bluetooth Connectivity
You may want to consider this Escort detector if you come across speed detection equipment frequently. It uses IVT filtering, GPS intelligence, and Auto Sensitivity to customize radar detection to your particular riding style.
It eliminates false alerts using variable sensitivity while learning your route and usual speed. Plus, it offers 360° protection, pinpointing threats all around you. It alerts you with on-screen arrows that face in the direction of the threat.
One of the best things about this one is its community of riders on the Escort Live App. Many people share and receive alerts such as speed limits, speed camera locations, and red light and police radar alerts.
It comes with True Digital Signal Procession, providing a fast and accurate response. The package also includes a travel case, a SmartCord USB, and a sticky cup for mounting.
PROS
- Intelligent speed sensitivity
- All-direction protection
- Bluetooth connectivity
CONS
- The app drains your phone battery
Cobra – IVT Filtering
Cobra uses LaserEye technology to detect radars in front of and behind you. This means that you can easily avoid speed detection equipment that was in your way.
Also, you can use the iRadar app to learn what lies ahead before getting on your bike. The app provides real-time alerts for when you’re near red lights, law enforcement, and speed cameras.
The device has an updateable IVT Filter along with anti-falsing circuitry that helps to reduce false alerts from blind spots.
What’s great is that it provides faster processing for all signals, rapidly showing accurate alerts so that you have time to respond in the best possible way.
The detector comes with a 12V power cord, a hook and loop fastener, and a suction cup for easier mounting.
PROS
- Several mounting options
- Updatable IVT filter
- Shows early warnings
CONS
- Somewhat small display
Adaptiv Technologies – Shock Resistant
This may be your best choice if you usually ride across bumpy terrain. It’s made to resist shock and rough use, showing accurate alerts without being disrupted by the shock.
Although this one looks the same as all the detectors from Adaptiv Technologies, it’s actually quite different. More precisely, it features increased detection sensitivity along with three additional user modes.
It does a great job of detecting radar and laser bands. Plus, it’s important to note that this one is certified by Speed Measurement Labs.
It’s easy to use, as it shows both audio and visual alerts. This allows versatility, providing you the option of hands-free use.
Apart from being resistant to shock, it’s also resistant to water. This means you don’t have to remove it each time it rains.
PROS
- Oversized buttons
- Easy to use with gloves
- Highly resistant to shock, water, and vibration
CONS
- Might pick up on false signals
TPX – Ultra Bright
You should consider this TPX detector if you’re looking for a plug-and-play product. It features a simple design that’s easy to use.
This one detects police radar and laser bands while preventing false alerts. Plus, it provides 360° protection, which means that no radar around you will go undetected.
Another important thing to mention is that TPX is waterproof. It’s safe to use in different weather as it won’t stop working if it rains or even snows.
It features an ultra-bright and adjustable LED alert. Plus, it has oversized buttons that you can use with gloves on.
The device is powered from your bike’s battery using the wiring harness. It has a 3.5mm mono auxiliary-out jack. Also, it comes with a quick-release mount plate that makes it easy to set it up in a few seconds.
PROS
- Bluetooth
- Waterproof design
- Easy to use with gloves
CONS
- Too sensitive at times
What to Consider in Buying a Radar Detector
Performance
The overall quality of performance depends on many different things. It’s an important factor to consider since the main reason for getting a detector is to avoid getting tickets.
Look for an accurate device that can easily identify all the signals used by law enforcement. In most cases, these are Instanton POP, Superwide Ka, K, and X radar.
Another thing you should look for is 360° protection that allows the device to detect all the signals around you.
Make sure to consider the detection range as well. The best models can detect signals from afar, which should provide you enough time to react accordingly.
Accuracy
Accuracy is another significant factor to keep in mind because the last thing you want is to go by radar that your detector didn’t alert you of.
The market is packed with different devices, some of which aren’t the most accurate. They show alerts when passing automatic store doors and other radar detectors in people’s cars.
For this reason, you should look for an advanced model that is less likely to alert you of anything you don’t generally care about.
The best way to figure out whether or not the device is accurate is by checking customer reviews.
False Alert Filtering
False alerts aren’t as uncommon because there are many signals that the detector comes across. As we said, the most common one is found on automatic doors.
This may not seem like an important factor, but living in an urban area means frequent false alerts that can be misleading and annoying.
Luckily, most detectors have special features that allow you to adjust the sensitivity. Models that use GPS can remember all the locations and fake alerts, filtering them so that they don’t trigger the system.
Your detector may still show fake information, but this type of filtering will bring that to a minimum.
Detection Range
As we mentioned, you should consider the detection range as one of the most critical buying factors. You want a device that can detect signals from a long distance of at least a mile away.
The point is in having enough time to react accordingly. So, a longer detection range gives you more time to adjust the speed before reaching the radar.
Make sure that the detector of your choice has both visual and audio alerts. This allows you to use it without having to look at it all the time.
Camera Alerts
Having a radar detector that can warn you of speed cameras and red lights makes all the difference. Such a device makes it easy to avoid getting a speed ticket.
The good news is that most models support camera alerts, so you probably won’t go wrong with either one we reviewed.
Radar and camera alerts aren’t the same, which means a basic radar detector won’t notify you when there’s a speed camera.
Manufacturers almost always list this feature so that you can know whether or not the model of your choice can pick up on this signal.
Benefits of Police Radar
The most significant benefit of a radar detector is its ability to notify you when there’s an active radar near you.
Once you know that there’s radar, you can check your speed and adjust it accordingly. This makes it easy to avoid getting a speed ticket regardless of how fast you were going.
However, this doesn’t mean you should ride fast, putting yourself and others in danger. It’s meant to help you in case you get carried away, slightly crossing the limit.
No detector can help you if you’re going too fast because the officer will detect your speed nonetheless.
Where to Place Detectors
Brake or Crutch
This is one of the best choices if you want the detector close and within hands reach. It’s where most people keep the device, depending on the motorcycle in question.
One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need a pinch bolt mounting in order to secure your detector in one of these two places.
Mirror
Placing the detector on your mirror is another popular option. However, you’ll need a special mirror mount that rarely ever comes included with the device.
This location is good because you’ll have the detector where you can see it the best. But, you want to make sure that it’s tightened and secured so that it doesn’t fall off.
Handlebars
This may be the most common spot where most riders place radar detectors. Keep in mind that some models come with suitable mounts while others don’t. This is something you should look into if you want to place it on the handlebars.
The mount should have rubberized brushings to reduce vibration.
Fork Tube
This may be the best mounting spot for Kawasaki, Suzuki, BMW, Yamaha, and Honda motorcycles. It’s the easiest way to mount a detector on these bikes.
All you have to do is put a stem mount on the fork tube before attaching the device.
Motorcycle Fairing
You should consider this spot if you have a chopper or a cruiser. Other bikes with big fairings are equally as suitable.
Contrary to popular belief, motorcycle fairings won’t interfere with the detector. They’re typically made of plastic, so they shouldn’t affect the device’s performance.
Some of the Best Brands
ADAPTIV Technologies
This brand is well-known as it offers reliable and accurate products. It uses the latest technology along with innovative designs and functionalities.
As a result, these detectors are easy to use and have an impressive range. Many of these models can also be used with gloves on.
ADAPTIV Technologies have won many awards for their overall performance, which says a lot about their overall quality.
Escorts
Escort has been around for over 40 years as one of the industry’s leading companies. It uses patented detection technology along with Escort Live app empowering drivers and riders all over the world.
These detectors provide real-time alerts, providing an overall smooth experience regardless of the vehicle you use them with.
Escort detectors are simple to use, offering supreme performance on all kinds of motorcycles. They’re easily adjustable and customizable.
TPX
TPX is a reliable company, offering a wide range of top-performing detectors. The company uses innovative technologies that allow these devices to detect radar and laser bands that the police usually use.
Also, these are simple to use even when it comes to changing settings with gloves on. Many TPX units are highly durable and resistant to vibrations, shocks, and all kinds of elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal?
Using a motorcycle radar detector is allowed in most of the USA as a way of being more aware of your driving speed. However, rules and laws can always vary, so we suggest checking what applies to the area you live in.
Washington DC and Virginia ban the use of motorcycle radar detectors.
Does it work in rainy weather?
Most models work in rainy weather, although you want to be a bit careful when riding in heavy rain. Some models are water-resistant, while others are entirely waterproof.
This is something you should check before you make a purchase, especially if you live in an area where it rains quite often.
How to read a radar detector?
Brands read X, K, and Ka radar codes that refer to the frequencies coming from a traffic radar gun.
X-band is a code that shows up when you come near an automatic store door. K-band is another false alarm that you may notice.
Ka-band is used by traffic radars and is typically the most difficult to detect.
Conclusion
Having a radar detector doesn’t mean you should go over the speed limit. The easiest and safest way to avoid getting a speed ticket is to ride by the rules.
However, a device like this can help to stay alert of your speed. If you’re like most riders, you probably get a bit carried away at times, especially when there’s no traffic.
Hopefully, we helped you understand what a detector is for and how to choose the one that fits your needs and preferences the best.
