Harley or BMW for CHP?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 1
From: USA
RE: Harley or BMW for CHP?
Having owned both an RT and a bagger, I have to give credit to the BMW. From an ergo standpoint, the Harley is more comfortable in in-town traffic but the BMW is a much better handling bike - especially in tight situations. In addition, the hexhead boxer engines reflect very little heat up on the rider - something to consider when you're doing traffic duty on those 90+ degree summery days.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
From: Newport TN
RE: Harley or BMW for CHP?
If the cop agencys want a lighter more manuverable quick machine why don'T HD modify the line of Superglides for them. That would be alot more in line with the size, handling, and power of the Beamer and Kaw then the RoadKing or Elcetraglides are.
Dont get me wrong the big Harley's will always be the cop bike to me. But they are a big step up in heavy over the Beamer/Kaw bikes.
Dont get me wrong the big Harley's will always be the cop bike to me. But they are a big step up in heavy over the Beamer/Kaw bikes.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 25
From: St George, UT
RE: Harley or BMW for CHP?
I read the news item where the purchasing guy said Harley's had a wobble at 70mph. Sounded like they sure were against Harley and smacked of some backroom dealing. I think that with the 07 FLHPI 110" engine and six speed, that it would make a great highway motorcycle.
Here in Utah, the UHP uses a police version of the Classic except for radio box. We don't see them down here except for special functions. Our city guys use the RK and they love them. When it gets hot, they just go get their cars or when its too cold or icy.
My Ultra never has had any tendecy to wobble at any speed.
[8D]
Here in Utah, the UHP uses a police version of the Classic except for radio box. We don't see them down here except for special functions. Our city guys use the RK and they love them. When it gets hot, they just go get their cars or when its too cold or icy.
My Ultra never has had any tendecy to wobble at any speed.
[8D]
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Harley or BMW for CHP?
I don't see the CHP going to the Harley, during testing they followed the Harley test rider around in a car while video taping the entire test. The conclusion was that the Harley sits to low and scrapes too much while exiting and entering on/off ramps at high speed.
The problem really lies with the kickstand mounted kill switch. When scraping the left floorboards the kickstand spring wears and eventually breaks, when it breaks the kickstand falls and the kill switch kills the motor. Not a good thing when coming out of a quick u-turn.
The heat related failures might also kill Harleys chance of a big contract with the CHP, It appears the BMW is here to stay OR, maybe the Honda ST 1300 which seems to be gaining popularity and is god awful fast.
The problem really lies with the kickstand mounted kill switch. When scraping the left floorboards the kickstand spring wears and eventually breaks, when it breaks the kickstand falls and the kill switch kills the motor. Not a good thing when coming out of a quick u-turn.
The heat related failures might also kill Harleys chance of a big contract with the CHP, It appears the BMW is here to stay OR, maybe the Honda ST 1300 which seems to be gaining popularity and is god awful fast.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Northampton, England
RE: Harley or BMW for CHP?
Tell you the truth, I nearly bought a BMW R1200RT 'bout a year ago - test ride was good and so was the price, package etc. BMW reliability is legendary, but I didn't do it. Why?....not sure, but the Heritage I did buy has character - tons of it - not sure 'bout the BMW though? Hmmmm, maybe when I'm old 'n grey LOL.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
RE: Harley or BMW for CHP?
If I were a cop and I were driving on the highway every day I would probably prefer the BMW. It has anti-lock brakes, it will handle better, accelerate faster, and has auto suspension adjustment, and auto winshield raising and lowering.
The Harley looks a lot better but if you are driving around on something 8 hours a day every day and you are trying to catch the bad guys the BMW is the way to go.
The Harley looks a lot better but if you are driving around on something 8 hours a day every day and you are trying to catch the bad guys the BMW is the way to go.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 897
Likes: 0
From: South-Central Minnesota
RE: Harley or BMW for CHP?
While my bike has never exibited any tendency to wobble at any speed, there are enough documented cases of it to drive an entire new product industry [Ride Str8/Tru-Track/Sta-bo]...
I think CHP and other agencies should all go with a BMW....Then maybe if it burns HD's as$ enough, maybe they'll fix the touring line once and for all by adding that third motor mount that the Tru-tracks do, and spec'ing a better swingarm bushing material. The CHP would be happier, the regular consumers would be happier (and safer), and the motor company would be happier in the long run.
The motor could be augmented by using the CVO bike motors for the cops.
So if every department ditched the harleys for 60,000 miles, or about three years, HD may be motivated to make a good product even better for all of us....if not, they may as well quit their f-in crying...cuz I couldn't care less.
I think CHP and other agencies should all go with a BMW....Then maybe if it burns HD's as$ enough, maybe they'll fix the touring line once and for all by adding that third motor mount that the Tru-tracks do, and spec'ing a better swingarm bushing material. The CHP would be happier, the regular consumers would be happier (and safer), and the motor company would be happier in the long run.
The motor could be augmented by using the CVO bike motors for the cops.
So if every department ditched the harleys for 60,000 miles, or about three years, HD may be motivated to make a good product even better for all of us....if not, they may as well quit their f-in crying...cuz I couldn't care less.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Harley or BMW for CHP?
I agree with Atomic..Love the Harley but the speed and acceleration are important when riding the highways with high speeds being driven. Frankly, the Harley is sluggish in acceleration and speed compared to the BMW...BUT, The Harley ABS brakes are incredible.