Motorcycle cops drop Harleys

Check this out. Overseas, some countries use the VFR. Now it looks like at least one poplice dept is going with the VFR's big brother, the ST1300.

Check it out:
http://www.gazette.com/articles/harley_21998___article.html/honda_motorcycle.html

 

Vman:

It's about damn time!

Good Article.

BZ

 

ST1300 has been used for years overseas, availible here too, don't know who use it
Australia had some BMW K1200RS's for zipping across the outback
seen KLRs used
BMW F650s
also seen pics of a Hayubusa

 

One of the local Honda dealers has a demo model that they are loaning out to police agencies. It's sweet, LED's all over it.

I begged, but my Captain said no. LOL

 

One of the local police agency's has switched to the ST1300 as well. Victoria I think. Apparently they asked the cops what they wanted and the answer was the ST.

 

Our local PD loves their Harleys, apparently being loud and slow is a way of life. In fact several have been wrecked "in the line of duty". Here in Oklahoma, OHP has Haybusas....that just ain't right!

 

Our local PD just upgraded from an overpriced POS BMW to the ST1300. Looks cool as a police bike. Too bad the motorcop is such a jackass that rides it.

 

After using the ST1100 for many years shame the ST1300 ( Pan European ) has been banned by the UK Police for having a potentially dangerous high speed weave.

ST1300 Motorcycle News linky:
http://tinyurl.com/yrlpq8

ST1300 News Story Linky:
http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/04/28/warning-on-police-motorbike/

 

I see alot more PD's dropping the HD's. Ever since they switched to the 96ci engine, they have nothing but overheating problems.

There are 3 things wrong with the ST1300.
1. If you look at the little stamps by the shifter, you don't see a #6. Even the Kawasaki Ninja250 has a freaking 6 speed for crying out loud.
2. No SSSA. If they can put one on the Goldwing, they can put one on the ST.
3. It uses non standard size tires. Put 120/70 & 180/55 on it.

If Honda rectifies the 3 issues I've noted, it will be my retirement present to myself. If not, I will probably get the BMW R1200RT.

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

Well the cops pretty much dropped bikes althoghether in my area due to the amount of gravel snow removal leaves on the roadside. I guess they were dropping them when people did the pull over and then run manuver. But on hte 4th of July we get a ton of chp and sherrifs from out of the area to help with the influx of the tourists. The CHP brings up some bikes and they are all BMW's.

 

CHP has been all BMW for quite a while now.

 

As far as I know only Japan has the VFR for the police. There was a video somewhere, white 5th gens with ABS.

I don't know if any Australian police use the STs any more. NSW police used to have the ST1100, but they changed to BMW when Honda wouldn't certify the ST for use over 130km/h with all the police equipment on.

 

I work a bike (LA County) in Malibu. We are going with the BMW and just got our first ones delivered. We tested the Harley (which was the cheapest), the BMW 1200RTP (P) for police, and ST1300. I would have like to see us get the ST1300 (or the 1098 if I had my choice!) however anything beats the KZ1000 so I am not complaining.

The Harley is not a bad bike at all however it is hell to do slow tight manuevers on.

 

One major problem with the BMR's is that there air cooled & a dated (although up dated) design & will not meet CA & Fed smog rules soon, & as I last recalled tha CA requires police use vehicles to meet smog regulations that other departments (Fire & Transportation) are exempt from.

Also my understanding the '08 ST's will meet the Higher speed certification tests !
I've ridden both the ST & BM'r & will take the ST hands down due to handling, cooler engine & exhaust temps on the legs @ slow speeds (for you officers in city patrol & parade duty know what I mean ), & general reliability.

AND most of all, because it's a Honda :first: .


p.s. like the 1098 idea, but only if it's patroling Mullholland & other like back roads, not putt, putting down PCH

 

No sh*t? Damn, that's about as serious as they can get!

Here in Baltimore, I've seen one or two BMW K1200s... they look sweet. Mostly it's POS Harleys, though. You can see the cops love riding them and projecting that "badass" vibe that only half a ton of chrome and 1940s technology can throw off.

 

& to make it more not right, there confiscated bikes converted to & for police :mod: use

 

Over here in the UK, Police forces are dropping the ST1300 due to reported problems with instability. There have been a few cases of accidents, including fatalities which are causing concern with this bike.

 

The R bikes are air/oil cooled, and if they can make them pass the stricter EU emissions standards, and they certainly will, they will pass US & CA emissions.

 

The K1200 or the R1200?
R1200RTP, and its predecesors is pretty common for a police bike
but didn't know there were any K1200's in use in the US

 

How is that not right? As a tax payer, I like the idea of that. And departments around the country have done the same for years with cars and boats, why not bikes? if they can make it work for cheaper than selling at auction and buying new, why not?