Harley wins bid over BMW

[TheForceCHP]

Well i was doing some searching on the net and found this topic on another site. There is a LOT of info. but it was a great read. I have talked to Captain about this in the past and it was a very interesting discussion. From the way that he felt, and how his officers felt(this doesn't mean everybody feels this way), he described how some felt the BMW was almost too good. He meant that it made the officer feel far more secure and do things that pushed the bike too far. After reading the thread i believe that they BMW will make a better choice. I currently ride a Suzuki and think that both BMW and Harley make great bikes, but i believe that the BMW is far better suited for the CHP then the Harley.

From what i read, Harley has 30 days to submit a bike, if it fails they have another 30 days to fix it. If they still fail then the second place bike(probably BMW but maybe Honda) will get its chance.

How do you guys feel about this? Officers opinions?

[TheForceCHP]

sorry i forgot the link

http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/610402/page/0/fpart/all/vc/1

[dw]

As mentioned on the referenced thread, my understanding is the bike still has to meet the performance spec, which is not a done deal.

[FuelInjection09]

I heard that the CHP was going to be making a switch to Harleys as well. :confused: There's a lot of pressure on LE in this country to use "American made" equipment, especially with a lot of jobs being outsourced these days. If the CHP would of switched to a Japanese manufacturer, for instance, the Big 3 would scream bloody murder and I'm sure a lawsuit would follow... Much like Harley did when BMW was awarded the motorcycle contract over a decade ago. The BMW R 1150 RT-P is twice the motorcycle the Kawasaki Police 1000 was, and I'm sure it will run circles around the Harley too. The Bimmer is a top end bike, and that's what makes it so right at home for highway patrol. Hopefully the Harley contract drops. I'm sure the motor officers on this forum are following the developments closely, I'm curious as to what they think of this.

[Tom]

I heard it's a done deal with the announcement coming in January. I'll ride what they give me but I've never been a Harley fan.

Tom

PS - We switched to BMW's in 1998

[Lucky Seven]

I rode both Kawasaki and Harley. The Harley beat the Kawasaki for over all performance and stability. Neither bike could corner too well because of the foot boards and other low flying objects. I did not get a chance to ride the BMWs but motor officers and civilian riders I have talked to all place the BMW at the top of the class.

If Harley makes the grade with a superior m/c then great. If it is less then a stellar performance m/c then it will just be another low bid decision.

[lomotor]

I too will ride what they give me. Everyone I talk to says they want to see us on Harleys. I have not had the oppertunity to ride the Kawi or the Harley but I do know that the Beemer is a great bike. Would rather see us go to the Honda if we switch to anything. Lots of PD's are turning in their Harelys for the ST-1300. They look great in the police package and stat wise a great bike. I heard that Harley got the bid but not sure if it a done deal yet or not. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[FuelInjection09]

PS - We switched to BMW's in 1998

Your right, I stand corrected. But, the CHP began testing Bimmers in late '95.

[Kurt]

I'm really disappointed to see this, though hopefully Harley will surprise me with what they bring out. Those CHP issue BMW's are so rad! I race a bike out at Willow Springs and I'd really like to be a moto cop someday. Safety is important with a motorcycle, so I hope Harley puts some good brakes on this thing. With the linked front and rear ABS that the BMW has, it can probably stop almost as fast as my race bike can even though it weighs more than double. Oh well. (though I should probably be more concerned with just making it through the application process right now than who makes the CHP motorcycles, huh. ;) )

[16528]

http://img283.imageshack.us/img283/5207/wtoflhtpspssc177xu.jpg

I'm not liking it....

[bcjack]

I heard it described as a "Hardley Able-son" before. Nothing as good as the KZ1000 police special...

[TheForceCHP]

i went to my local harley dealership yesterday and guess what... they where selling an electa glide(what is supposed to be used) that was being used by the LAPD. I talked to the guys there about it and they said that LAPD ordered 300 or so of them, they already have 75 or so and are waiting for the rest. the used price they where trying to get was $17,000. after checking the bike out is still say that it doesn't look like the best choice. hopefully it turns out to be better then i am expecting

[Kurt]

http://img283.imageshack.us/img283/5207/wtoflhtpspssc177xu.jpg



You're kiding? Well, at least it looks comfortable.

[FuelInjection09]

Talk about taking a step back. :sad:

[Lucky Seven]

Ugly.

[bcjack]

It looks soooooooo slooooow compared to the BMW or the KZ1000 Police Special.

[Tom]

Dude, the KZ1000P was SLOOOW. 90 mph and a big high speed wobble. Fun dirt bike though.

Tom

[lomotor]

I'm not sure that I see the pedals on there so we can pedal when we need to get up to speed. Not liking it at all!!

[Mac]

I don't think the styling of Harley's police bikes has changed much since, oh, the 1950s or so. They look very "retro", if you're into that sort of thing. I think the Beemers look much more modern. The only problem with the Beemers is that you unconsciously start wearing topsiders with no socks off-duty and insisting that everybody call you "Skippy", and the bike can't pass up a Starbucks coffee shop! :lol:

[Kurt]

Ironically I saw a Harley police bike on my drive home from work yesterday, down Beach BLVD in Anaheim. It said POLICE on the side, but I didn't see a city name name on it anywhere, so I don't know where it was from. It looked just like the one pictured on the previous page.

[Die Hard Motor]

3 bids were submitted to the CHP in mid December after several extensions. HD, Honda, BMW. No bikes have been provided for testing. Relax my rumor mill friends, ain't nothing happening until after the New Year and no time soon after that. As of now, keep riding your BMR's even past 60,000. By the time this process is over, the entire CHP motor fleet will probably be changed out. In addition, if your all jacked about not chasing crotch rockets because you may ride a HD, it's probably better you are on a slowr bike so I don't have to wear my green jacket for ya. Just ride whatever you get cuz crying ain't gonna change the biding and testing process. Most of all, whatever we get...ride it safe, pleeeeze.

[16528]

Sorry, I had to do it...

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/6664/2005hondast1300policeabs16dz.jpg


Me likey!!!!!

[Phil the Frenchy]

Something funny here: on november, I met H-D Police Division France Sales Manager; his aim is to sell H-D to french PDs; I discussed of that with friends of mine who are motor officers and they told our state police agencies never buyH-D because of maintenance and gas cost and the high speed abilities. But cities PDs could be interested in. The city of Montpellier located in south already operates 3 Crown Vics since 2002, why not H-D ?
As an american vehicule lover, I'd like to see police H-D on french roads.

[Tom]

Hey Die Hard Motor-

Not sure where you got your info from...however, reading the posts in this thread I don't see anyone saying anything about chasing crotch rockets ( certainly none of the chippies)

If your information is correct......great, we appreciate that. Also, those of us that are Chippies have identified ourselves..it would be nice for you to do the same. Again, I don't think any of us were "crying" either. A couple of guys said, "we will ride what they give us." Oh and we are well aware of the bid process as well.

Do me a favor - if indeed I do meet my demise on this job you have my permission not to attend my funeral - so you can keep your green jacket nice and clean.

Tom (320-CoCo)

[Your Mentor]

Frenchy,
You know what's funny? We'd give anything to drive BMW patrol cars, as they do in Europe. We tested Volvos for a couple of years and they performed better than anything we've ever had. The interior was too small and it sounded like a sewing machine compared to our V-8's but it screamed and drove like a dream.

As with the motors, I'll drive whatever they give me as long as a gas card comes with it and I can use as much as I like. But we can all dream. I'd like to see us getting Dodges but would drive a Toyota Corolla if that's what the bid went to.

I drove a 77' Honda 750 Four from 1977 to 1979 during my Junior and Senior years of high school. It was a beast compared to the enduros being driven by my classmates. I got hit by a car shortly after graduation, entered the military, and haven't driven a bike since. I've marveled at all the beautiful bikes that have come out since and coveted the idea of riding again. I really thought the Beull was a neat machine when it first came out and nearly bought one. After reading the reviews since it's first year I'm glad I didn't. I've never had the inclination to ride for work. Actually, I've never worked in an area where they were practical or available. I carry too much crap to load onto a bike. My camera kit alone is bigger than most officer's war bag. Anyway, I respect motors a great deal. Their rate of injury is higher than car cops and we need them for traffic management. As long as the respect is mutual, I'm proud to transport an in custody for a motor beat partner. If they'd let me join them for coffee, I'd do so in my slacks.

I hope you guys get whichever bike pleases you. You deserve a sweet ride, as do so many car cops I know. Just know I'll be there with push bumpers if you need it.

[Tom]

As of yesteday -

My current motor Sergeant is slated to be the next motor Sergeant at the Academy, he was contacted by the Academy Captain (they are friends) and according to him Harley has won the bid. They have until the 16th to present the bike.

That last part may be the out. I don't know. Those were the quotes as I heard them.

Tom

[TheForceCHP]

the other day i also heard more about Harley winning the bid, but it seems to be that nobody thinks that Harley can put toghether a good enough bike in time

[16528]

I heard the turning radius might be an issue.

[Phil the Frenchy]

[quote=Your Mentor]Frenchy,
You know what's funny? We'd give anything to drive BMW patrol cars, as they do in Europe. We tested Volvos for a couple of years and they performed better than anything we've ever had. The interior was too small and it sounded like a sewing machine compared to our V-8's but it screamed and drove like a dream.

Yes I know that, I even saw a CHP tested Volvo for sale on eBay. I also konw Toyota Camry were tested some years ago.
Poor french cops, they drive 4 cylinder diesel engine powered sedans, wagons or minivans from Peugeot, Renault and Citroen and we have no police package here ; from a while, Ford Europe has provided some sedans and wagons, but these Fords have nothing to do with american ones !!!!!!!!
Anyway, my Vic is always a hit when I cross french cops, I even have been proposed to trade it for a police Peugeot. :smile:

Speaking of police bikes, Yamaha has won the last bid here with a 1350cc engine one. Some bikes have been delivered yet. Previously, 1150cc BMW were used.

[Fuller]

[quote=Your Mentor]Frenchy,

As with the motors, I'll drive whatever they give me as long as a gas card comes with it and I can use as much as I like. But we can all dream. I'd like to see us getting Dodges but would drive a Toyota Corolla if that's what the bid went to.



I have a dumb question. You mentioned a gas card and using it as much as you like. Do you guys have limits on the amount of fuel you can use throughout your shifts (a budget)? Or is it "use as much as it takes to do your job?" Is fuel conservation part of the reason why I see chp's parked on the side of the road with their radar guns? Or does that not have anything to do with it?

[Mac]

I have a dumb question. You mentioned a gas card and using it as much as you like. Do you guys have limits on the amount of fuel you can use throughout your shifts (a budget)? Or is it "use as much as it takes to do your job?"
We use however much gas it takes to do the job....no budgets or allotments. Mileage driven during a shift varies greatly from office to office - in the more rural areas where you have a lot of ground to cover, you'll usually rack up more miles than an officer working in a metro area where the beats are typically much smaller.

...Is fuel conservation part of the reason why I see chp's parked on the side of the road with their radar guns? Or does that not have anything to do with it?
Nothing to do with it - radar is just one of the enforcement methods we use. It's not something you'd do for the whole shift anyway - you're still responsible to check your beat, help out disabled motorists, clear hazards, respond to calls, etc.

[16528]

http://www.wattco.net/st1300p/shot2lg.jpg

East Bay Regional Park Police

http://www.wattco.net/st1300p/shot1lg.jpg
http://www.wattco.net/hondast1300p.htm

[TheForceCHP]

yahh i have read about the Honda, but those are the best pics i have seen so far. from what i hear though the CHP likes the BMW more though

[Tom]

As of yesterday the Harley Davidson Electra Glide is at the Academy and waiting for the testing process.

Tom

[TheForceCHP]

keep us informed!!!is this the first test one or the second? if it is the second and they fail then they loose the contract

[Tom]

OK, this is what I know about the Harley as of yesterday. Bear in mind that this testing process, I have been told, is confidential. Therefore, I don't know the results. I do know that the Road King failed on a couple of tests and that is why the Electra Glide is now in the process. The process began yesterday and will continue. I think that if this bike ultimately fails, the contract will go to the next bidder..........BMW.

Tom

[lomotor]

I heard, like us all that Harley got the bid. They submitted the road king and Electra Glide. The king failed misserably. Hence the electra became the model. I heard that we tested it and then sent it back and gave it our marks. It failed in some areas. I heard that we told Harley that THIS is what we need it to do and gave a list of modifications that it would need to meet these expectations. I've heard that Harley has till March 1 to get us a bike back that meets our specs. I also heard that it's going to cost Harley too much to meet these specs and therefore it would go to the next bidder, BMW. It's going to need a screaming eagle exhaust and cam to get it even close and that it's going to cost some $4000 more and Harley's not sure they want to loose money on this deal. Anyway that's just the rumor that I've heard.

[retchp]

Electra Glide in Blue???
shock:
Does anyone but me and chippy Sgt. even get the reference???

[16528]

I heard, like us all that Harley got the bid. They submitted the road king and Electra Glide. The king failed misserably. Hence the electra became the model. I heard that we tested it and then sent it back and gave it our marks. It failed in some areas. I heard that we told Harley that THIS is what we need it to do and gave a list of modifications that it would need to meet these expectations. I've heard that Harley has till March 1 to get us a bike back that meets our specs. I also heard that it's going to cost Harley too much to meet these specs and therefore it would go to the next bidder, BMW. It's going to need a screaming eagle exhaust and cam to get it even close and that it's going to cost some $4000 more and Harley's not sure they want to loose money on this deal. Anyway that's just the rumor that I've heard.

Have you been talking to Kyle??

[Dipmo]

Electra Glide in Blue???
shock:
Does anyone but me and chippy Sgt. even get the reference???

Maybe I?m thinking of the wrong thing, but I seem to vaguely remember and old movie where a policeman gets shot off of a bike at the end. Or do I have that all wrong. I'm only 30 and that movie was bit before my time (I could lie and tell you I'm 15, but what good would that do).

[dw]

I heard, like us all that Harley got the bid. They submitted the road king and Electra Glide. The king failed misserably. Hence the electra became the model. I heard that we tested it and then sent it back and gave it our marks. It failed in some areas. I heard that we told Harley that THIS is what we need it to do and gave a list of modifications that it would need to meet these expectations. I've heard that Harley has till March 1 to get us a bike back that meets our specs. I also heard that it's going to cost Harley too much to meet these specs and therefore it would go to the next bidder, BMW. It's going to need a screaming eagle exhaust and cam to get it even close and that it's going to cost some $4000 more and Harley's not sure they want to loose money on this deal. Anyway that's just the rumor that I've heard..
As I understand it, the next bidder is also a Harley dealer, so we may have to go through a few before we get to BMW.

[retchp]

You got it dipmo The Electra Glide in the color blue was THE MOTORCYCLE of it's day. That is the title of the movie which starred Robert Blake. Although it actually starred the MC. It is still on cable sometimes and if you like motorcycles and violent movies it is worth watching although it is a very strange movie. It looks like the Department may have come full circle if they go back to HD.

[gofly]

How do you motor officers really feel about the Harley Police Motorcycles? I've seen a few lately and they seem to be perfect for the Airport, but I'm not sure about much else. The LAPD and the LA Airport Police have a few and I was next to one at the light. It looks cool, kind of retro but very slow and not very agile. It seems for the CHP mission that the BMW or the other bikes in the pictures seem like they are more able to do the job. That's just my view and I don't even ride.

What do motor officers look for in their bikes? What are necessary features? What are cool features? What are the good and bad points of the current BMW's? What would you like to see changed on the new bikes, whatever they may be?

good luck...be safe

[Chippysgt]

Electra Glide in Blue???
shock:
Does anyone but me and chippy Sgt. even get the reference???


Officer John Wintergreen at your service.

There is some kind of mystic about Harley Davidson. I also like the fact that they have a special line of American made motorcycles that they will only sell to active or retired police officers. I also like the idea of American made!!!
"There is something undeniably right about a cop on a Harley". We got our indoctrination to motorcycles on Harleys back in 1966 and they still look pretty darn good to me.

:cool:

[TheForceCHP]

Electra Glide in Blue???
shock:
Does anyone but me and chippy Sgt. even get the reference???


Officer John Wintergreen at your service.

There is some kind of mystic about Harley Davidson. I also like the fact that they have a special line of American made motorcycles that they will only sell to active or retired police officers. I also like the idea of American made!!!
"There is something undeniably right about a cop on a Harley". We got our indoctrination to motorcycles on Harleys back in 1966 and they still look pretty darn good to me.

:cool:

do you have a link to the officer only bike???

[Chippysgt]

:cool: [/quote]

do you have a link to the officer only bike???[/quote]

Here you go......................good luck if you are trying to get on the job. May the Force be with you...............

http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/POLI/2006/en/06_police_landing.asp?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US&section=police

[TheForceCHP]

:cool:

do you have a link to the officer only bike???[/quote]

Here you go......................good luck if you are trying to get on the job. May the Force be with you...............

http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/POLI/2006/en/06_police_landing.asp?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US&section=police[/quote]

thanks for the link

you really wanted to use the Force line didn't you:lol:
so far i am doing good, passed the PAT today :biggrin:

[motabella]

That harley is one fugly lookin bike.

It'll probably break down before it leaves the station:lol:

[Delrin]

Harley builds a good bike, in fact 9 out of 10 Harleys built are still on the road today. The rest somehow made it home ;)

Just kiddin, I mean the HD no disrespect (though the BMW is better).

[(Deleted)]

I'm not a motor but I've heard the following from others on the job.

The HD continues to fail the testing process miserably. Gov. Schwarzenegger continues to give extensions to HD to make the mods needed to win. Arnold is buddies with Wisconsin governor, Jim Doyle. Wisconsin is the home to HD. Arnold just accepted a brand new HD M/C from his buddy Jim Doyle. That just happened to coincide with the extension HD got. Should HD fail, BMW will get the bid again. The question is will HD be allowed to fail? Any truth to any of this?

Related. I've heard the Honda will never get picked because Honda won't deliver the M/C with the police package installed. It's something the local dealer would have to do. This would make them cost prohibitive.

Finally, when I was at the Academy, the EVOC instructors at the time mentioned the BMW 5 Series was tested. They said it was the best car they had ever driven. Problem was BMW could deliver it for around ~$40k. Compared to ~$19k for the CV's. The answer was simple after that comparison. A BMW would be great but not exactly roomy.

[NorCalN00b]

I'm not a motor but I've heard the following from others on the job.

The HD continues to fail the testing process miserably. Gov. Schwarzenegger continues to give extensions to HD to make the mods needed to win. Arnold is buddies with Wisconsin governor, Jim Doyle. Wisconsin is the home to HD. Arnold just accepted a brand new HD M/C from his buddy Jim Doyle. That just happened to coincide with the extension HD got. Should HD fail, BMW will get the bid again. The question is will HD be allowed to fail? Any truth to any of this?

Related. I've heard the Honda will never get picked because Honda won't deliver the M/C with the police package installed. It's something the local dealer would have to do. This would make them cost prohibitive.

Finally, when I was at the Academy, the EVOC instructors at the time mentioned the BMW 5 Series was tested. They said it was the best car they had ever driven. Problem was BMW could deliver it for around ~$40k. Compared to ~$19k for the CV's. The answer was simple after that comparison. A BMW would be great but not exactly roomy.


BMW M5 = total pwnage as Chippy cruiser :-)

[16528]

BMW M5 = total pwnage as Chippy cruiser :-)
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3466/sc8bmw7zc.jpg

South Carolina........

[bcjack]

What State has the $$$$ to afford that BMW????:confused:

[Delrin]

The M5 Pictured above was donated by BMW to South Carolina when they build their new factory in Spartanburg. If I recall they actually leased it to the state for $1 a year including service. Not a bad deal!

[bcjack]

Could I get one for $1 a year, including service???:lol: