New L/E BMW?

[muleskinner]

I had to go down to traffic madness land, Los Angeles, today. The cops down there are riding some new design looking BMW. Good looking bike. Anyone know what it is?

 

[TriumPhil]

Here you go: LAPD Selects BMW For Motor Patrol - Vehicles - POLICE Magazine

 

[muleskinner]

That's the one. The bike looks way better than the last version. Did you read the only reason the ST1300's were not chosen was the run flat tires? I call BS on that. If LAPD wanted Honda to supply run flat tires I would think they would.

It appears Kawasaki has not made large in roads with their new police bike like I thought they would. I heard Kawasaki stopped selling the bike to police departments, as there were a few crashes and the bike was not a "P" rated model. Seems strange to me Kawasaki would come out with a police bike and not make it a "P" rated model,,,,?

 

[TOMCAT]

Bit of a slap in the face for the MoCo having BMW's chosen rather than them. The times they are a'changin .. Dylan was right

 

[TriumPhil]

A bit odd as BMW has the highest rate of recall/problems of any bike sold here in the US due to their car-like, overly sophisticated digital and other electronic components???

 

[ponters]

Wayne Clev.....
The US needs "Jobs" So why are police departments buying BMW's and Japanese bikes. Shame on the buyers and Dept. heads!!!!

LOL...does that mean the greek cops should still be riding ****in donkeys?

the bm's are a good thing. as for lapd id give them a billycart with broken glass on the seat....

 

[muleskinner]

Buying American would be a nice thing, but the Harleys are way too expensive to maintain and over heat in heavy traffic. I can't even believe Las Vegas, NV uses Harley baggers for police bikes! Really.....? With the heat in LV a Harley is the LAST bike I would want my motors riding! A Harley however, is a better low speed parade bike. No bike I have ever ridden was as easy to do low speed parking lot maneuvers with as my Harley Baggers. That includes my 05 ST1300. My Rocket is a close second. But,,,, once you stop the weight can become an issue.

 

[cardinal93]

Those 1200RTs are nice bikes. Have several friends over here with them. They corner like a dream, and plenty of power!
Don't think there's a truly "American" P rated cycle available? Like pretty much every bike out there, all the major parts are subcontracted from outside and only assembled in country. I guess they could at least claim HD is an "american owned" company?

 

[barbagris]

Bit of a slap in the face for the MoCo having BMW's chosen rather than them.

Won't be the first time Harley cringes - They used Guzzis at one time.

There was at one time an issue with the Police ST's in the UK. Can't remember exactly what - but accidents happened.

Traffic cops here use big beemers - And I've seen where they get sent to do some of the real world rider training. Those things are fast and stable even in VERY tight bends.

And before anybody starts - Yes on an open straight road an R3 can probably leave them - But in curves they'll catch up and the cops can call for road blocks and carry guns.

 

[GPMAZ]

The BMW P series have been proven worldwide and BMW offers very good support with a long warranty. And, when every kid on a 600cc sport bike can leave a Harley Bagger for dead, especially on a winding road, the big BMW gives them a sporting chance.

Not to mention preferred parking for BMWs at Dunkin Donuts....