[mscuddy]

Re: EL MONTE CA Area police departments opting for Harley-Davidson over BMW etc..

Mostly, it's turning radius why city Cops opt for Harleys vs. the BMW. Ask the CHP.

Also, Kaws overheat when stuck in traffic.

Lastly, from someone who breaks in Harleys for a rental palce, all Harleys have are anti-lock brakes, 'cause they don't work that well in the first place.

 

[mscuddy]

Re: EL MONTE CA Area police departments opting for Harley-Davidson over BMW etc..

One of my dirt bike buddies is a CHP motor officer. A few months ago, over several pitchers of beer at Murphy's (in El Mirage), he lamented about the rotten turning radius the big beemers have versus the kawi. Not that the CHP has to make any quick u-turns much, but he noticed it just the same.

Also, it seems those old 'sakis were darn near indestructible to boot. Don't know where this article is getting its maintenance cost figures.

You're right about the Harley layout. Low and slow. The main reason some police forces (read that the LAPD) got rid of HD's way back when was because of reliability problems, and the lack of acceleration. Not that Moto Guzzi was any better. Now, with the semi-modern Harley configuration and the resulting reliability, HD may be a force in the city-bike cop squad again.

Just don't expect them to be successfully running down any new GTOs on the freeway. Leave that to the Kawasakis and BMWs.

 

[mscuddy]

Re: EL MONTE CA Area police departments opting for Harley-Davidson over BMW etc..

Too bad they don't use dirigibles.

 

[mscuddy]

Re: How many 100,000 mile Harleys have you seen?

It could be too because Kawasaki has quit producing the police model in 2004.

 

[mscuddy]

Re: EL MONTE CA Area police departments opting for Harley-Davidson over BMW etc..

Here's a cut from a California law enforcement bike site regarding the retiring Kawasakis:

"Now that Kawasaki is not competing in the police motorcycle market, police departments can expect to dig deeper into their pockets to purchase other models, this could also be the end of many traffic department motorcycles because of initial motorcycle cost's.

BMW entered the market on a give away program, whereas Kawasaki Police 1000 was a modest priced police motorcycle that to some may have been low tech but to most the Kawasaki Police 1000 was reasonably priced and it gave its value through reliable, dependable service. When Kawasaki entered the police market in 1975 their goal was to market the motorcycle with law enforcement so the Kawasaki motorcycle would be seen on city streets, and over the years the Kawasaki Police 1000 proved itself to be a thoroughbred.

With wonderful people such as Henry Schnittker ( kawasaki's first Police Sales Manager) Bill Zito ( Kawasaki's police technical guy) the Kawasaki Police 1000 reached its peak in the late 90's. Our hats are off to you guys and KMC for providing us over the years with not only super people to work with, but a smart looking, economical, dependable Kawasaki Police 1000. Like the "C" models, the "P" models will continue to live on with collectors.

Thank you Kawasaki, it was a great run."