Police motorcycle

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A Boston Police Department motorcycle on St Patrick's Day In 2008 Boston Police Motorcycle.jpg
A Boston Police Department motorcycle on St Patrick's Day In 2008
Baden-Wurttemberg Police officers on police motorcycles Neckargemund - Police Motorcycle - BMW - 2018-08-26 13-24-51.jpg
Baden-Württemberg Police officers on police motorcycles

A police motorcycle is a motorcycle used by police and law enforcement. They may be custom designed to meet the requirements unique of a particular use. Units that use motorcycles are often called motorcycle units or motor units, and police officers assigned to these units are known as motorcycle officers or motor officers.

Contents

The maneuverability of the motorcycle on crowded streets offer advantages not provided by larger, more traditional police vehicles. The motorcycle's relatively small size allows it to get to accident scenes more quickly when incidents such as traffic collisions slow down access by four-wheel vehicles, and to access routes unavailable to other motor vehicles, such as narrow streets and footpaths. Police motorcycles are also used in police escorts for parades, funeral processions, motorcades, Olympic torch relays, and other events.

History

The Seattle Police Department's motorcycle fleet outside a Harley-Davidson dealership in 1940 Seattle police officers with motorcycles, circa 1940 (52112668283).jpg
The Seattle Police Department's motorcycle fleet outside a Harley-Davidson dealership in 1940

Police officers have used motorcyclesprimarily for the enforcement of traffic laws and as escort vehiclessince the early 20th century. Chief August Vollmer of the Berkeley Police Department is credited with organizing the first official police motorcycle patrol in the United States in 1911. [1] However, several police forces around the country reported using motorcycles as patrol vehicles earlier. Harley-Davidson credits Detroit, Michigan as being the first purchaser of police motorcycles in 1908. [2] The police department in Evanston, Illinois also purchased a belt-driven motorcycle for its first motorcycle police officer in 1908, [3] and the Portland Police Bureau had a police officer who used his personal motorcycle to patrol the city as early as 1909. [4]

Birmingham City Police officers on BSA motorcycles in the mid-20th century Day 198 - West Midlands Police - Historic photo of police bikes.jpg
Birmingham City Police officers on BSA motorcycles in the mid-20th century

The role of the motorcycle as inexpensive public transportation evolved in the 1930s, and their use by police and the armed forces also grew, providing a stable production market for the more utilitarian machines, especially as Europe rearmed after World War I. [5]

Motorcycles used

A Harley-Davidson FLHP used by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department LVMPD Electra Glide on Lone Mountain Rd During Taffic Control (2).jpg
A Harley-Davidson FLHP used by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

As of 2004 police departments in the United States typically use purpose-built motorcycles marketed by Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, or BMW Motorrad. [6] Kawasaki police motorcycles, which were built for the US market in Lincoln, Nebraska, ceased production in September 2005. However, the Kawasaki Concours 14 is being modified and marketed for police use in some markets.

In Germany, BMW Motorrad is the largest provider of motorcycles for authority use.[ citation needed ]

In the United Kingdom, the most common police motorcycles are the BMW R1200RT and the Yamaha FJR1300. Some police forces also use scooters within towns for parking enforcement, or special-purpose machines such as unmarked (covert), [7] or off-road motorcycles. [8]

Of the British manufacturers themselves, Triumph motorcycles, built at Meriden, were used by many British (including the Metropolitan Police) and Commonwealth police forces until 1983 when the factory closed. [9] From the late 1940s, Triumph was also, for a time, the choice of the Parisian police, a fact promoted in a factory-produced movie, It's A Triumph !. The police version of the 650cc 6T Triumph Thunderbird was nicknamed the SAINT, an acronym of "Stops Anything In No Time". [10] By the mid-1970s, with industrial problems and closures affecting their spares supply and service, Triumphs and other British marques were increasingly replaced by the smoother BMW R80 (and to a more limited extent, Norton Interpols) than by then-current Triumph police bikes. [11] In an attempt to win back orders from BMW, Meriden marketed Triumph Bonneville and Tiger models of 750cc size with anti-vibration mountings as well as electric starting but these still only achieved limited sales success. In 1981, the UK newspaper, Motor Cycle News reported Derbyshire's Chief Constable comparing these Triumphs very unfavorably to BMW, in particular, its anti-vibration engine mounts. Supported by an article in rival publication, Motor Cycle Weekly, [12] this criticism was strongly refuted by the factory and Derbyshire eventually accepted evaluation of police versions of the new Triumph T140W TSS in anti-vibration mounts. [13] Norton's Commando Interpol [11] and later Wankel rotary engine Interpol 2 motorcycle were used by some British forces until that firm's collapse in the early 1990s. Other marques such as BSA were used by some forces, although only the Velocette LE "noddy-bike" model proved as popular with the police as the Triumphs.[ citation needed ]

A BMW R1200RT-P used by the Hong Kong Police Force R1200RT in Hongkong.jpg
A BMW R1200RT-P used by the Hong Kong Police Force

In 2008, BMW claimed to be the largest seller of motorcycles for authority use, as more than 100,000 BMW motorcycles were in official use in over 150 countries on five continents. In 2007, BMW sold 4,284 police motorcycles worldwide. [14] BMW produces factory built police-specific models such as the R1200RT-P and R900RT-P. More than 225 U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, have BMW authority motorcycles in their fleets of patrol vehicles. [15] The new BMW bikes outperformed the aging Harley-Davidson fleet. [16]

Harley-Davidson has maintained a long relationship with police departments and law-enforcement agencies in some countries. [17] For the 2009 model year, Harley-Davidson offers the Harley-Davidson FLHTP Electra Glide, the FLHP Road King, the XL883 Sportster and the new XB12XP Buell Ulysses Police motorcycle. [2] The FLHTP Electra Glide and the FLHP Road King are also offered as Fire/Rescue motorcycles.

In 2014, the Los Angeles Police Department added the Zero Motorcycles MMX electric motorcycle to its fleet. The motorcycle was praised over the traditional bulky Harley-Davidson and BMW bikes for its stealth, low operational costs, immediate tactical advantage, and low environmental footprint. [18]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harley-Davidson</span> American motorcycle manufacturer

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is an American motorcycle manufacturer headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1903, it is one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression along with its historical rival, Indian Motorcycles. The company has survived numerous ownership arrangements, subsidiary arrangements, periods of poor economic health and product quality, and intense global competition to become one of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers and an iconic brand widely known for its loyal following. There are owner clubs and events worldwide, as well as a company-sponsored, brand-focused museum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California Highway Patrol</span> State law enforcement agency in California, USA

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is the principal state police agency for the U.S. state of California. The CHP has primary patrol jurisdiction over all California highways and roads and streets outside city limits, and can exercise law enforcement powers anywhere within the state. The California Highway Patrol can assist local and county agencies and can patrol major city streets along with local and county law enforcement, state and interstate highways, and is the primary law enforcement agency in rural parts of the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Café racer</span> Genre of sporting motorcycle

A café racer is a genre of sport motorcycles that originated among British motorcycle enthusiasts of the early 1960s in London. Café racers were standard production bikes that were modified by their owners and optimized for speed and handling for quick rides over short distances. Café racers have since become popular around the world, and some manufacturers produce factory-made models that are available in the showrooms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motorcycle engine</span> Engine that powers a motorcycle

A motorcycle engine is an engine that powers a motorcycle. Motorcycle engines are typically two-stroke or four-stroke internal combustion engines, but other engine types, such as Wankels and electric motors, have been used.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha FJR1300</span> Type of motorcycle

The Yamaha FJR1300A and FJR1300AE/AS are sport touring motorcycles made by Yamaha Motor Company. Both models have a 1,298 cc inline-four engine. The AE/AS model has an electronically controlled clutch and gear shifting system called YCC-S. The clutch and transmissions of the AE/AS models are identical to that of the standard FJR model.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kawasaki police motorcycles</span>

Kawasaki police motorcycles have been produced in four series:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harley-Davidson WLA</span> US military motorcycle

The Harley-Davidson WLA is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was produced to US Army specifications in the years during and around World War II. It was based on an existing civilian model, the WL, and is of the 45 solo type, so called due to its 45-cubic-inch (740 cm3) engine displacement and single-rider design. It acquired the nickname "Liberator".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW R1200RT</span> Type of motorcycle

The BMW R1200RT is a touring or sport touring motorcycle that was manufactured from 2005 to 2019 by BMW Motorrad to replace the R1150RT model. It features a 1,170 cc (71 cu in) flat-twin engine with a six-speed gearbox and shaft drive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Touring motorcycle</span> Type of motorcycle

A touring motorcycle is a type of motorcycle designed for touring. Although almost any motorcycle can be used for this purpose, manufacturers have developed specific models designed to address the particular needs of these riders. Touring motorcycles commonly have large displacement fairings and windshields that offer a high degree of weather and wind protection, large-capacity fuel tanks for long ranges between fill-ups, engines with a great deal of low-end horsepower, and a more relaxed, upright seating position than sport bikes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW R1200GS</span> Type of motorcycle

The BMW R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure ("R1200GSA") are motorcycles manufactured in Berlin, Germany by BMW Motorrad, part of the BMW group. It is one of the BMW GS family of dual sport motorcycles. Both motorcycles have a 1,170 cc (71 cu in), two-cylinder boxer engine with four valves per cylinder. The Adventure has a large-capacity fuel tank and long travel suspension. As of 2012, BMW's R1200GS bikes are their top-selling models.

The history of the motorcycle begins in the second half of the 19th century. Motorcycles are descended from the "safety bicycle," a bicycle with front and rear wheels of the same size and a pedal crank mechanism to drive the rear wheel. Despite some early landmarks in its development, the motorcycle lacks a rigid pedigree that can be traced back to a single idea or machine. Instead, the idea seems to have occurred to numerous engineers and inventors around Europe at around the same time.

BMW Motorrad is the motorcycle brand and division of German automotive manufacturer, BMW. It has produced motorcycles since 1923, and achieved record sales for the fifth year in succession in 2015. With a total of 136,963 vehicles sold in 2015, BMW registered a growth of 10.9% in sales in comparison with 2014. In May 2011, the 2,000,000th motorcycle produced by BMW Motorrad was an R1200GS.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Triumph T140W TSS</span> British motorcycle

The T140W TSS was the last motorcycle model made by Triumph Engineering at their Meriden factory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Police transport</span> Transportation used by police

Police transport refers to any form of transportation used by police in their duties. These primarily include methods for patrol and prisoner transport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Outline of motorcycles and motorcycling</span> Overview of and topical guide to motorcycles and motorcycling

The following outline is provided as an overview of motorcycles and motorcycling:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harley-Davidson CVO</span> Type of motorcycle

Harley-Davidson CVO for motorcycles are a family of models created by Harley-Davidson for the factory custom market. For every model year since the program's inception in 1999, Harley-Davidson has chosen a small selection of its mass-produced motorcycle models and created limited-edition customizations of those platforms with larger-displacement engines, costlier paint designs, and additional accessories not found on the mainstream models. Special features for the CVO lineup have included performance upgrades from Harley's "Screamin' Eagle" branded parts, hand-painted pinstripes, ostrich leather on seats and trunks, gold leaf incorporated in the paint, and electronic accessories like GPS navigation systems and iPod music players.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW R18</span> Cruiser motorcycle of BMW Motorrad

The BMW R 18 is a cruiser motorcycle manufactured by BMW Motorrad and was officially introduced in April 2020 and launched in September 2020 in Germany. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an official introduction at the BMW dealers was not possible, therefore it was presented virtually on the internet.

References

  1. "Our History". Berkeley Police Department Online, City of Berkeley, CA. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
  2. 1 2 "Harely-Davidson 2009 Police Motorcycles" (PDF). Harley-Davidson. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-09-20. Retrieved 2008-09-21.
  3. "Evanston Police Department History". City of Evanston, IL (2007). Archived from the original on 2007-06-07. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
  4. Officer Peter Bowman. "History of the Motorcycle Detail". Traffic Division, Portland Police Bureau, Portland, OR (1983, edited in 1999 by Officer Michael Clary). Retrieved 2007-06-16.
  5. Ian Chadwick (2001-06-30). "An overview of the British motorcycle industry and its collapse". British Motorcycle Manufacturers. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
  6. Kariya, Mark (February 2004). "Working on two wheels". Police Magazine. Retrieved 2013-04-14.
  7. "Unmarked patrols targets drivers". BBC News. 2007-10-31. Retrieved 2008-09-21.
  8. "Chief Constable's Electronic Newsletter" (PDF). Lothian and Borders Police. July 2007. p. 15. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2008-09-21.
  9. "Photography project looks back at West Midlands Police motorbikes". BBC News. 2012-03-08.
  10. Clew, Jeff (2007). Edward Turner: The Man Behind the Motorcycles. Veloce Publishing Ltd. p. 57. ISBN   978-1-84584-065-5.
  11. 1 2 A Million Miles Ago by Neale Shilton (Haynes Foulis 1982) ISBN   0-85429-313-2
  12. Currie, Bob Bonnie Beats The Rap ! Motor Cycle Weekly 6 Feb 1982
  13. Rosamond, John Save The Triumph Bonneville ! The Inside Story of the Meriden Workers' Co-Op (Veloce 2009)
  14. "BMW Motorrad presents authority motorcycles at GPEC in Munich". BMW Motorrad USA. 2008-06-16. Archived from the original on 2008-08-03. Retrieved 2008-09-21.
  15. "BMW Police Motorcycles". www.policeone.com.
  16. Jackie L. Larson (21 July 2011). "Police replacing Crown Victorias". Edmonton Sun. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012.
  17. "On Patrol" (PDF). 2005 Harley-Davidson Police Motorcycles. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-06-18.
  18. Nancy Dillon (20 June 2014). "LAPD now using new Zero MMX stealth electric motorcycle". NEW YORK DAILY NEWS.