Police motorcycle test results. Neat stuff

[CTHalk]

http://www.lasd.org/sites/motorcycle-test/2006.pdf

[BMWDEAN]

I am printing it so I can read the whole thing.

There was no summary page. What was decided??

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Well, I skimmed it.

The Harleys grind away in turns and their ABS systems pulse and buck -- reminded me of my old K100LT with its first generation of ABS. They accelerate slowly, and the four officers testing the bikes complained bitterly about the engine heat roasting their thighs. None of them liked the two Harleys for service use.

The Honda ST1300's forward lean was not liked by the officers, and its seat was hard and uncomfortable. Also, engine heat was again a problem. One officer actually burned his fingers touching the frame. When turning at speed, their feet would be knocked off the pegs, so they had to move their feet back so their toes were on the pegs. They did not care for the Honda as a service motor because of these things. Otherwise, its ABS brakes were great and it offered wonderful power.

From skimming the reports, the BMW stood out. No heat problem at all, and the ABS brakes were up to date (as were Honda's). All four officers said it was comfortable for duty use -- the only motorcycle about which they all made that comment.

From skimming this report it seemed to me that all four officer-testers would prefer to ride the BMW on the job. I understand that this has pissed off Harley no end and the CHP has no current motorcycle contract. Also, the Governator rides a Harley and apparently has influenced this matter such that BMW's contract has not (yet?) been extended.

The report makes fascinating skimming/reading. The report makes no official recommendation (politics?) but the conclusion of the testing officers is very clear.

[nhlkats]

i want that job. very cool link -- thanks for sharing!

[MCMXCIVRS]

There was no summary page. What was decided??

I got the impression that this report was not written to make reccomendations but to provide information to other departments looking to purchase. I would think that the reccomendation portion of the analysis would be kept confidential until a decision was made.

I noticed that they listed the RT's transmission as being integral with the engine.

2006 BMW POLICE MOTORCYCLE – R 1200 RT-P
ITEM MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATION TEST RESULT
Radiator Water N/A N/A
Engine Oil Maximum 260º to 300º 200°
Transmission Oil N/A – Part of the engine case. N/A
RADIANT HEAT
Radiator N/A
Brake Rotors L/F 115° R/F 117° R/R 200°
Engine 79°
Transmission Same as Engine
Exhaust 92°

Is this a new development that I was not aware of with the Hexheads, or should someone clue them in.

[BMWDEAN]

<center><img border=2 src=http://bmwdean.home.att.net/r1200rtp-1.jpg> <img border=2 src=http://bmwdean.home.att.net/r1200rtp-2.jpg></center>

This is the closest the four officers come to summary conclusions. They offered "additional rider comments" after the 157-mile test ride:

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LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF‘S DEPARTMENT

LAW ENFORCEMENT MOTORCYCLE TEST AND EVALUATION PROGRAM
SUMMER 2006

LEROY D. BACA, SHERIFF

COMMENTS BY OFFICES FOLLOWING 157-MILE TEST RIDE

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2006 BMW R1200RT-P POLICE MOTORCYCLE

DEPUTY S. BRYANT: This is an easy and comfortable motorcycle to ride. The bike has great braking and handling characteristics. It is a good bike for law enforcement.

OFFICER M. NOWLEN: Very easy to ride motorcycle provides a strong platform to do traffic enforcement and police work. Rider will definitely have confidence in the equipment.

DEPUTY M. BROWN: The BMW was very easy to ride and get accustomed to. The ergonomics, suspension and seating position provided all day comfort. After 158 miles and a short break, I was ready for more riding. The BMW had smooth power, excellent braking and excellent handling.

OFFICER P. WALTERS: Riding 160 miles in a variety of traffic conditions I was ready to go again. This motorcycle is very comfortable to ride as an enforcement vehicle for 8-10 hours a day. The BMW was equipped with full emergency lighting.

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2007 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE

DEPUTY S. BRYANT: After the first five minutes of the ride, the back of my right thigh became hot from the engine, and remained that way all day. Even at freeway speed I could feel the heat. In stop-and-go traffic it was really hot. It was very noticeable and annoying. If you put your left leg down at a stop your ankle/leg hit up against the clutch cover of the transmission which is all very hot!

OFFICER M. NOWLEN: The rider is subjected to extreme heat at the inside of the thighs. Even with double thick riding pants, I noticed this right away. It only got worse as the ride went on. The engine drops to one cylinder when idling at high temperature. I had to compensate by throttling-up early to slip the clutch, when accelerating from a stop.

DEPUTY M. BROWN: The engine‘s rear cylinder head and exhaust system provided a significant amount of heat. The insides and backs of both of my legs were hot to the point of discomfort. The heat generated by the engine was by far the greatest fatigue factor noticed throughout this 158 mile evaluation.

OFFICER P. WALTERS: Another day of 75 degrees in the morning and climbing into the low 100‘s throughout the day. The similarities between the two bikes are many, engine performance, engine heat, suspension, storage, controls, mounting and dismounting and riding position. The bikes handled about the same with the exception of the Electra Glide feeling a bit heavy in the front-end possibly due to the fairing. The fairing offers better protection from the wind and the elements and made an even better ride at the end of 160 miles. Different handlebars would also make for a more comfortable riding position.

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2007 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD KING

DEPUTY S. BRYANT: After the first five minutes of the ride, the back of my right thigh became hot from the engine, and remained that way all day. Even at freeway speed I could feel the heat. In stop-and-go traffic it was really hot. It was very noticeable and annoying. If you put your left leg down at a stop your ankle/leg hit up against the clutch cover of the transmission which is all very hot!

OFFICER M. NOWLEN: The first thing I noticed when riding in slow city traffic was the extreme heat. The heat was fatiguing to the back of the thighs and calf area. The motorcycle was fun to ride at cruising speeds, but a little challenging at high speed cornering.

DEPUTY M. BROWN: The engine‘s rear cylinder heat and exhaust system provided a significant amount of heat. The insides and backs of both my legs were hot to the point of discomfort. The heat generated by the engine was by far the greatest fatigue factor noticed throughout this 158-mile evaluation.

OFFICER P. WALTERS: The day of this test it was 75 degrees in the morning then climbed into the low 100‘s throughout the day. The first thing I noticed was when the bike gets hot the rear cylinder shuts down allowing only air into it for cooling. Before taking off, it is necessary to apply the throttle for a moment to get the rear cylinder to fire-up again. Not doing this caused the motorcycle to hesitate while accelerating. I started the test with an assumption that the bike produced more heat due to the larger displacement engine. I was surprised to find that compared to the 88 cubic inch engine the heat generated was about the same. With that said it is still a lot of engine heat to contend with during the summer months. The other assumption was that the floorboards and frame would drag during the canyon sections. I maintained a good speed through the canyons with the boards touching only a few times. The 103 cubic inch engine produces an outstanding power curve. Lots of torque in the mid range makes for good third gear riding during the surface street sections and in the canyons. Good roll-on power made down shifting unnecessary. After riding the Road King for a full day I felt a little tired due to the heat however the ride was not fatiguing, and I was ready to go farther due to the comfort of the motorcycle. The windshield does not give as much protection as the Electra Glide however it was adequate.

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2005 HONDA POLICE MOTORCYCLE ST1300PA

DEPUTY S. BRYANT: This bike can be tiring at the end of a long ride due to the seating position (forward lean), stiff ride and hard seat. Feels like more of a sport bike. In stop-and-go traffic you notice the bike getting hot. The heat radiates through the frame that runs by your legs and feet. This part of the frame got so hot it burned my fingertips. The fairing in that leg area also got very hot.

OFFICER M. NOWLEN: None submitted.

DEPUTY M. BROWN: The Honda was enjoyable to ride for short periods of time. I noticed a significant amount of engine heat while riding the Honda in stop-and-go city traffic. At the end of 158 miles, I was ready to park the bike. The motorcycle accelerates to top speed very quickly. In my opinion, it may not be the best choice for newer, less experienced riders.

OFFICER P. WALTERS: Emergency equipment was not mounted on this motorcycle for testing. Riding 160 miles with simulated traffic stops was a good test for a workday. I was fatigued due to the harsh suspension and poor padding in the saddle.

[sgtboring]

OFFICER P. WALTERS: The day of this test it was 75 degrees in the morning then climbed into the low 100‘s throughout the day. The first thing I noticed was when the bike gets hot the rear cylinder shuts down allowing only air into it for cooling. Before taking off, it is necessary to apply the throttle for a moment to get the rear cylinder to fire-up again. Not doing this caused the motorcycle to hesitate while accelerating. I started the test with an assumption that the bike produced more heat due to the larger displacement engine. I was surprised to find that compared to the 88 cubic inch engine the heat generated was about the same. With that said it is still a lot of engine heat to contend with during the summer months. The other assumption was that the floorboards and frame would drag during the canyon sections. I maintained a good speed through the canyons with the boards touching only a few times. The 103 cubic inch engine produces an outstanding power curve. Lots of torque in the mid range makes for good third gear riding during the surface street sections and in the canyons. Good roll-on power made down shifting unnecessary. After riding the Road King for a full day I felt a little tired due to the heat however the ride was not fatiguing, and I was ready to go farther due to the comfort of the motorcycle. The windshield does not give as much protection as the Electra Glide however it was adequate.
:fart :nra :rocker

How much do you want to bet that the purchasing punks will latch on to mister I am a little warm but other wise very comfee. I'm sure that the fine officer has a POW MIA flag on his personal bike parked in front of Starbucks :thumb

[Motor31]

I'm sure that the fine officer has a POW MIA flag on his personal bike

I'm confused as to what you are trying to convey with this bit of the post here. I'm not a Harley fan or anything but I don't see the relevence for this.

[BMWDEAN]

I just learned that in spite of this report and its copious criticism of Harleys, the LA PD went with Harleys!

Ah ... politics.

[Motor31]

Dean,

From what I've heard so has TPD but that's primarily due to $. I know how the city works.

[riderR1150GSAdv]

The 'Men in Blue' don't get to make the decision on what they get to use and do their jobs well. It is sad that politics decides the safety of these guys :cry

[sgtboring]

I'm confused as to what you are trying to convey with this bit of the post here. I'm not a Harley fan or anything but I don't see the relevence for this.


The relevance is that the P.O.W. MIA Flag has lost its meaning and become part of the HD Born Free fashion statement. I am a combat vet and I take the death of every soldier personally. Right now we have one soldeir missing in the current conflict and I would bet a paycheck that 99% of the folks with the Flags attached to thier bikes can't name the young hero ( http://www.powmiaff.org/gwstatus03.html )or any missing American P.O.W. from any conflict.

Life imitates Art and because of this the Fine officers in LA County will at least be uncomfortable or at worst dead because the piece of crap garage art could not stop fast enough or avoid an obstacle. Putting the officers on those bikes is the same as if they started issuing colt 45 single action revolvers as thier duty weapons. Old technology that is out of date and will not meet the needs of today's world.

I get very frustrated when fashion trumps safety. Particularly when its forced on others who do not get the right to chose.

[jmerlino]

Don't some states and/or municipalities have rules that they have to buy from American manufacturers if they're able?

[Montana]

Don't overlook that some motor patrol officers get to buy their ride when it's retired, so they aren't necessarily disappointed when the force buys HD.The Honda ST1300's forward lean was not liked by the officers, and its seat was hard and uncomfortable.Ha ha, some things never change...

[Motor31]

The relevance is that the P.O.W. MIA Flag has lost its meaning and become part of the HD Born Free fashion statement. I am a combat vet and I take the death of every soldier personally. Right now we have one soldeir missing in the current conflict and I would bet a paycheck that 99% of the folks with the Flags attached to thier bikes can't name the young hero ( http://www.powmiaff.org/gwstatus03.html )or any missing American P.O.W. from any conflict.

Life imitates Art and because of this the Fine officers in LA County will at least be uncomfortable or at worst dead because the piece of crap garage art could not stop fast enough or avoid an obstacle. Putting the officers on those bikes is the same as if they started issuing colt 45 single action revolvers as thier duty weapons. Old technology that is out of date and will not meet the needs of today's world.

I get very frustrated when fashion trumps safety. Particularly when its forced on others who do not get the right to chose.


Thanks for the clarification. I still have to state it wasn't relevent to the discussion and really didn't add anything to it. I understand your frustration with it, but even if those folks don't know the name of an individual POW/MIA, they still care about the group and the issue. That to me is far better than those who would simply sweep it under the rig and forget about it entirely.

As to the comments about the bike. It was just one reviewer that said anything remotely like "praise". Think about it not everyone is required to think the same or like the same stuff. He is still outnumbered over all and the points he makes aren't all that high up on the chart of reasons to buy the bike. The performance is more critical and Harley can't hang in there on it.

As to being old technology, I suppose the boxer engine is no newer tech than is the Harley design. It certainly doesn't equate to the SA pistol situation, but then again it's a matter of opinion. I still don't care for Harley but I understand that some city charters require using an American made product if one is available before going foriegn.

[BMWDEAN]

As to being old technology, I suppose the boxer engine is no newer tech than is the Harley design.
Actually, I would argue with that. Whether an engine is "newer tech" or not has little to do with its layout, be it boxer, V-twin, or vertical twin. It has to do with the technological evolution of the engines.

If you compare a modern BMW boxer engine to a modern Harley engine, I think you would find light-years worth of technological difference. The Harley engine could well have more in technological common with a Ural boxer than a BMW's.

As regards buying American, I think that would be very short sighted in a global economy and especially in a sitation where officer safety should be priority #1. Besides, if you want to buy American a Gold Wing comes out better than a big Harley -- it has more American made parts and is made in America.

[Motor31]

City charters don't give any consideration to the global economy. They just require the municipal agencies follow it's restrictions.

As far as Officer Safety is concerned, the Harley's will likely perform adequately. Just becaues they do not do as well as the beemers does not make them unsafe. Training is a more key isue in safe operation of the equipment.

Like I said before, I am not a Harley fan but after more than a decade of experiance I know that even the old Kaws will out perform the Harley. I'd be interested to see the turning radius comparison between the RTP and the KZ1000P.

[Visian]

uh-oh... (http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=politics&id=4863276)

looks like someone has an axe to grind.

[ultracyclist]

It is not so much about politics as it is about the budgets of municipalities or agencies.

[Rob Nye]

The R12RTP rocks.

Throw a aux fuel tank in the trunk and add lights on the cop brackets and presto, instant LD rally bike.

[The_Veg]

It is not so much about politics as it is about the budgets of municipalities or agencies.
And many municipalities do NOT consider any figure except the acquisition price. Harley beats BMW there, but BMW wins in the long run due to lower operational cost- or so it was told to me a few years ago, I forget by whom.

I've also heard that some departments won't purchase anything but Harleys because nothing else has floorboards.