HD Police...why so cheap???
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
RE: HD Police...why so cheap???
In the Atlanta area the FLHTPI (Electra Glide police models) are used by two large motor escort businesses on one year leases. The bikes are very well maintained and very low mileage typically. RK models are also used, but the majority tend to be EGs. The bikes receive new tires, a 5K service and the service records are readily available when they are offered to the public as used bikes. I purchased my 04 in Feb. 05 and chose from about 25 bikes that had been returned from one year leases and been replaced by 05 models.
A one year old EG with under 5K miles, new tires and the balance of the two year factory warranty for under $14,000 plus sales tax was good enough for me to buy my first Harley.
A one year old EG with under 5K miles, new tires and the balance of the two year factory warranty for under $14,000 plus sales tax was good enough for me to buy my first Harley.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 637
Likes: 0
From:
RE: HD Police...why so cheap???
Copout, I like your new bike. I wanted one real bad, but I am a cop out here in So. Cal and I'm sure some knucklehead would recognize it and key it or something worse when no one was around.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From:
RE: HD Police...why so cheap???
HUMMMMM.... How about a Peace Officer Special Edition Road Glide......Sorry guys it doesnt exist (except in my garage).
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 0
From: Front Royal, Virginia
RE: HD Police...why so cheap???
Didn't read all the posts regarding the police bike but if it hasn't been pointed out already, these bikes see all day riding with lots and lots of extended in town riding and extended idling. 5000 to 10,000 miles of this kind of riding would seem to me to be hard on a bike. Spoke to some Knoxville Motormen a couple of days ago while at the Honda Hoot, yes I admit I was there, and one of the officers commented that he wouldn't want to buy the bike he patorls with. Is this why they are so cheap? There are good deals out there and I would keep looking. It does however seem that some board members have had good luck with their police bikes.
Gary
Gary
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: Southern California High Desert, here and there....
RE: HD Police...why so cheap???
That should be nothing for a twin cam motor. I just picked up a 2000 FLHTPI from a Northern CA dealership. The police bikes there have a pretty easy service life, and are well maintained by the dealer on a regular basis. The one I got is in almost flawless condition. A few minor scuffs over the rear fender from chaffing on the wiring harness the police use to go to the radio and rear lights. Most of it buffed out, the rest is barely visible.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 0
From: Front Royal, Virginia
RE: HD Police...why so cheap???
I'm 20 years old. You are 20 years old. I eat healthy, you eat pizza all the time. I get good rest, you stay up late every night. I don't smoke, you smoke 3 packs a day. I weigh what I should, you are 50 pounds overweight. I don't drink, you drink a six pack a day. I don't run around with wild women, you do. Now it is obvious you have had a better time than me, however, I should live to a ripe old age. You ain't going to. My point is that while 10,000 miles is nothing for a twin cam, just like you say. But if it is constantly being overworked and abused as in police work, it don't matter what it SHOULD do, it's going to live a shorter life. Or at least so it seems to me.
Gary
Gary
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: Southern California High Desert, here and there....
RE: HD Police...why so cheap???
Actually, genetic influence has a lot to do with one's expected lifespan. It's not always as simple as the 6 pack drinker and smoker is going to die sooner than the tea-totaller. Being in the health care field, we see it all the time. As an example, my grandfather smoked like a chimney since he was a teenager, and could put away a fair amount of gallo burgandy on regular occasions. Yet he lived to the age of 98 and was never sick. But the "facts" suggest he should have succumbed a lot sooner with pulmunary disease and liver failure. Had a full head of hair too till the day he died, but went gray at 20. LOL. But I understand your concern. However, 5-10 K of in-town riding and lots of idling isn't going to damage a twin cam. Police service duty does not necessarily equate to abused bikes. But I agree, you want to choose wisely.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Northern Illinois
RE: HD Police...why so cheap???
ORIGINAL: Matt8643
Copout, I like your new bike. I wanted one real bad, but I am a cop out here in So. Cal and I'm sure some knucklehead would recognize it and key it or something worse when no one was around.
Copout, I like your new bike. I wanted one real bad, but I am a cop out here in So. Cal and I'm sure some knucklehead would recognize it and key it or something worse when no one was around.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
RE: HD Police...why so cheap???
I thought the police bikes like mine(flhtpi) were glorified EG standards with an upgrade to a 45 amp alternator, run flat tires, single air ride seat,different switches and housings and less instrumentation. The stock horn is on the bike but doesn't work since the Whalen siren doubles as the horn. The driving lights are fitted with blue lights. Same housing, different lenses
The "football" also has a police insert, and the speedometer is "certified"
The "football" also has a police insert, and the speedometer is "certified"
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 2
From: Houston (Area)
RE: HD Police...why so cheap???
Addressing an original question.....I had never ridden a motorcycle a day in my life until I took the Rider's Edge class. After I completed the class I picked up my brand new Road King. I stayed in the neighborhood 1 day and back roads for about a month. I haven't looked back since. I didn't have money to buy an old practice bike or buy a sportster and trade it in. Buy what you want, but just take it slow.