NCJ Number
204589
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2004 Pages: 24-26,28,30
Date Published
February 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article presents the opinions of motor officers and motorcycle fleet managers regarding their likes and dislikes of certain makes and models of police motorcycles.
Abstract
While motorcycle police officers have been painted in romantic tones by television programming, the truth is it can be a difficult job. After a few hours on a traffic shift motorcycles become increasingly uncomfortable, they offer officers no protection in the event of an accident, and they cannot be used to transport prisoners. Despite, these drawbacks, the motorcycle officer can be one of the most coveted jobs in many police departments. The author asked motorcycle officers and fleet managers not only about their likes and dislikes about different makes and models of motorcycles, but also inquired about the types of modifications and new features officers would like to see on police motorcycles. Currently, three motorcycle manufacturers dominate the police motorcycle market: BMW, Harley-Davidson, and Kawasaki. Comparisons are offered of these three types of motorcycles, such as the fact that the BMW Boxer twin engine has a service interval nearly twice as long as the Kawasaki inline four. However, Kawasaki’s narrow tires offer run-flat capability while BMW’s less expensive 17-inch radials do not. BMW’s clutch design makes a great highway patrol vehicle but does not do as well in an urban area that requires more slow riding. However, the BMW electrical system is well suited to urban environments and its dual battery system was highly regarded among motor officers. As far as motorcycle storage space for police equipment, manufacturers are beginning to design better storage options, such as Harley-Davidson’s addition of a combination rechargeable flashlight/baton holder. The adjustability of the fit is discussed, with each make of motorcycle having different advantages, such as the comfort of BMW’s design, which places the rider in a more forward cant to absorb road shock. Opinions are also offered for the speed and power of different motorcycles, their breaking capacities, and automatic transmissions. Motor officers should be more vocal about letting the motorcycle industry know what types of adjustments and accessories they want for their police motorcycles.