Motorcycle Repair: Hooking up radar detector, escort passport 8500, cigarette lighter

Question
Hi Randy,
I have two Kawisakis; a 2002 ZX-9R and a 2003 ZRX1200R. I have one radar detector---an Escort Passport 8500. I would like to hook it up so I can switch it between bikes. It has a plug that fits into a cigarette lighter. I thinking getting a couple of 12V lighter sockets and trying to wire them in. Are those ones with the plastic caps over them pretty waterproof? And where and how would I wire them in? Any ideas appreciated. Thanks!
Blue

Answer
Hey again, I guess you have to ask yourself, is your Radar Detector Waterproof? I dont think it is. Thats an issue..but you probably have that covered. Go to your local Marine outfitter for the Waterproof 12v sockets. Remove seat and tank. Wire the unit directly to the battery. Run wires along an existing harness or cable until it reaches desired location near the fairing stay or cockpit mount for the detector. Zip tie the wires along the way to keep them from moving around. You may want to hard mount the socket to the fairing stay or inner fairing so it only takes one hand to plug it or unplug it. I realize the passport 8500 is the best detector out there but personaly I think they are only effective if the Radar is active on a vehicle preceding you, if you are alone and targeted  by a ka high speed gun... your had....then when the cop strolls up...not only are you riding a machine capable of outrunning anything the police have on the ground you've installed a device that attempts to evade speed detection. Any hopes for lienancy vanish as the officer notices the detector chillin there in the fairing. If there was a way to mount it where it was not easily seen, that would be optimum. Again, personaly, I think their just not effective enough to justify their cost. Furthermore they may actually antagonize an officer about to grant you some kinda break. One more very important Issue regarding Detectors or any device cockpit mounted on a modern sport bike..and that is, the distraction the device is likely to create and or ( in the case of a detector) loss of control attempting to rapidly decelerate ! Be careful have fun stay focused


sincerely
  randy