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."