UPDATED with New Pics! Buell Firebolt Mods

[RedSaki]

Interesting... Please reply back to the thread once you get everything setup and tweaked with the speaker setup. I'll be curious to hear more! Thanks!

[atypical1]

Nice set up Rogue!

james

[RedRocket]

I just did a 400+ mile ride with my Escort X50 on my Firebolt.

It most definitely works just like it did in my car.  Except that I am unable to hear the audible alarms of the detector at speed.  I need to hookup an in-helmet speaker to allow me to hear the radar's chirps.  

 
Thus, for my bike setup, I need to use an internal in-helmet speaker (just one) that allows me to wear hearing protection yet still hear the detector's tone.  I have yet to set this side up but I'm shopping around for the speaker setup.

Try an FM radio first.

[Rogue]

Upon further testing, I discovered that my Etymotics ER-6i stereo earphones DOES WORK with my Escort X50.  I was told earlier that because these earphones were in stereo, they would NOT work with the Escort because the Escort uses a 2.5 mm Mono earplug socket.  

I originally bought my Etymotics ER-6i from the glowing recommendations by BMW-K.  The suckers really do work with stereo.  Not only do they provide excellent hearing protection by blocking outside noise, they also provide clear sound from a music source.  Here is the original thread about the ER-6i's.  http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,125.0.html

Thus, now I have the best of both worlds.  Noise suppression AND radar detector audio capability.  The only catch is that the sound from the detector only comes out from the left earphone.  That's okay by me as long as I can hear it good!

If I want to listen to both the detector and music, I will need an automatic switching device.  This will require me to mount this switching device somewhere, along with the music device.  Yes.  I can stuff them inside my tank bag.  But I hate tank bags!  

Anyway, my setup is now complete.  Detector with in ear audio that I can easily and quickly bring with me on all my rides without the need for a bulky tank bag.  

[Rogue]

Try an FM radio first.

Do you have this setup?  How well does it work?  What frequency?

My experience with local FM radio transmissions from devices are iffy at best due to recent FCC regulation that cut down on transmission power.  For example, my I-pod hooked to a transmitter sounds like ass and has a lot of static when listening inside the car with car stereo tuned to the specific frequency.  I can't have that kind of unreliability with a detector!

Anyway, I will try since I do have a small FM receiver/MP3 player.  

[rauchman]

Picture of ZG ST Screen

What a kick ass looking bike that is!!!!!  Enjoy!!!!

[RedRocket]

Do you have this setup?  How well does it work?  What frequency?

My experience with local FM radio transmissions from devices are iffy at best due to recent FCC regulation that cut down on transmission power.  For example, my I-pod hooked to a transmitter sounds like ass and has a lot of static when listening inside the car with car stereo tuned to the specific frequency.  I can't have that kind of unreliability with a detector!

Anyway, I will try since I do have a small FM receiver/MP3 player.  

Not long term, and not in the city.
I know FM sounds shittier than everything else, but it may help in terms of being cheap and easy to do right now.
Maybe the ticket is to not be on any station, so you have silence other than the radar detector.

[Rogue]

What a kick ass looking bike that is!!!!!  Enjoy!!!!

Thanks!    

[Rogue]

I got to do some more further testing of the mods.  

Here is a more detailed and clearer picture of the RAM mount with the Escort Radar Detector hooked on.  The RAM baseplate uses a magnet to attach the Escort Radar detector on.  The detector goes on and comes off in seconds using a single hand.  Sweet.

[Rogue]

Here are some cool before and after photos.  Notice the lower position of the Buell Rider footpegs.

This picture was taken the day I took the Firebolt home last year!


This is today.  Notice the Buell tailbag in compact mode.


Here is a pic with the tailbag expanded.

[Bueller]

Wow

No radical change from new.  Just a neat well adapted bike that looks great.

[RedRocket]

I've got a question for you Rogue.

As I rode to work this morning I noticed how often I squeeze my knees against the gas tank.
Do you, and if so how is it heat-wise?

[Rogue]

I've got a question for you Rogue.

As I rode to work this morning I noticed how often I squeeze my knees against the gas tank.
Do you, and if so how is it heat-wise?

I don't feel any engine heat whether I'm wearing Jeans or my JR Ballistics.  The perimeter frame stays cool enough to the touch.  Okay it does get warm on a hot day but nowhere near roasting.  The plastic "tank" never gets hot.  

Even when the fan goes on, it directs heat out back towards the rear wheels.

[OldSalt]

Here are some cool before and after photos.  Notice the lower position of the Buell Rider footpegs.

This picture was taken the day I took the Firebolt home last year!


This is today.  Notice the Buell tailbag in compact mode.


Here is a pic with the tailbag expanded.

Rogue,
  The location of the second picture looks oddly familiar?  I think I might have been there before a time or two.  The 'Bolt is looking good brother, I might have to give it another try come November.    

OS

[Rogue]

Rogue,
  The 'Bolt is looking good brother, I might have to give it another try come November.    
OS

First the VFR, then.....

Okay but, I draw the line at wives okay?

     

[OldSalt]

First the VFR, then.....

Okay but, I draw the line at wives okay?

     

Having been away for so long I can't make any promises or be held accountable for my actions.    Can you use PTSD as a defense for speeding?    

[steve.ski]

Having been away for so long I can't make any promises or be held accountable for my actions.    Can you use PTSD as a defense for speeding?    

Hey, Salt!

Good to see you on the board. You'll be back in November? Sweet!!!

Howzabout a welcome home ride? Maybe it'll be over 38 degress this time!

Hope you're doing well...

Steve

[Rogue]

Old Salt plans to be on leave November but only for a very short time.  We're hoping he returns for good sometime in April I think.  Perhaps with a new bike as well.