Does anyone know if (Valentine) radar detectors can 'see' through a painted bike windshield?

tks

Escorts can't. I doubt that the science is any different brand to brand.

JDC, to the best of my knowledge and as far as standard radar no problem (with the dark screen), but with lasar (LIDAR) than the dark screen will (most likely) obstruct the "communicative signals" of the unit & the gun. LIDAR is a narrow point/shoot - "light" focused to object. You are fucked when LIDAR targeted anyways from what I understand. Stay away from the slabs where LIDAR is more prevalent. No fun there anyway.

* Last updated by: CoolWhip on 6/12/2009 @ 3:23 PM *

Thanks guys. Will have to rethink location, location, location.

It depends on many factors, the metalic content of the paint, any magnetic properties, etc. to an electromagnetic wasve (ie radar) at best there will be some attenuation, at worse case 100% adsorpsion = no signal to detector. that is the good news - as far as laser/lidar that again depends on the materials, screen, paint etc. but results are the same - if you want maximum performance from any receiver (light or radio) you do not block it's feed horn or detector. The bad news is if you want to know exactly what will work, the costs of EMI/RFI testing is many times the cost of the vehicle.
The only way the get the advertised performance of a detector is not to obstruct it in any way - which sucks for motorcycles.
I do this stuff for a living, senior systems engineering design specialist with major defense contractor in rf communication field, so trust me, mounting a detector on a motorcycle in a good place for performance (above the windscreen) is always the absolute worst place for looks and style.

I have my radar detector mounted on the back side of the gauges, with the feed horn pointing forward and the laser sensor is mounted where it can "see" through the windscreen. I have never had any hits on the laser side of things but the radar definately works in its present location. Warns me way in advance for a stationary shooter, and gives plenty enough time for when the operator is mobil and moving towards you.

I am using a whistler pro 3450. Although it is not marketed as such, it is great for motorcycles. The radar detector, laser sensors (front and rear), and the display are all individual units. Everything plugs in to the back of the display which is about 3/4" high x 2" wide. It fits nicely on top of the gauge cluster.

Interesting.

I am thinking of mounting my gadget into the ram air inlet, since it is not used any longer. If I can find a way to form shape a clear piece of plexiglass to the opening to make a 'window', to keep out the weather, and thieves.

I will loose the rear and side protection, however.

I like the idea of your setup, whistler pro 3450. I checked the side, and it has 1 laser pickup? as I can tell.

It has one included and a second available as an accessory. The radar unit also has an outside temp probe on a good length of wire.

I might have missed a post on this, but why is your ram air no longer needed?

* Last updated by: redtrace on 6/13/2009 @ 8:57 PM *

I installed a turbo.

I would say unobstructed like Cool Whip sed.... and agreed that radar detecting is easier than laser detecting also with exprience and training using both a radar gun and Laser speed measuring instruments....