Cops in the USA primarily use specialized motorcycles from a few key manufacturers, most notably Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Kawasaki. These bikes are selected for their durability, performance, and ability to be outfitted with specific law enforcement equipment.
Leading Motorcycle Manufacturers for U.S. Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies across the United States choose motorcycles based on various factors, including the specific needs of their patrol duties, budget, and historical relationships with manufacturers.
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Harley-Davidson: For decades, Harley-Davidson has been an iconic and dominant presence in U.S. police fleets. Their touring models are popular choices due to their robust design, comfortable ride for long patrols, and powerful engines.
- Common Models:
- Harley-Davidson Road King Police: Known for its classic cruiser styling combined with police-specific features.
- Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Police: Offers more touring amenities, including a full fairing and saddlebags, ideal for highway patrol and longer shifts.
- Common Models:
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BMW: BMW motorcycles have gained significant traction among U.S. law enforcement agencies due to their advanced engineering, reliability, and nimble handling. Notably, more than 550 law enforcement agencies in the United States incorporate BMW authority motorcycles into their fleets.
- Common Models:
- BMW R 1250 RT - P: This "authority version" is specifically designed and equipped straight out of the factory for police duty, offering high performance and sophisticated features. It's favored for its balance of power, maneuverability, and rider comfort.
- Common Models:
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Kawasaki: Kawasaki also contributes to police fleets with their high-performance touring motorcycles, often chosen for their speed and agility.
- Common Models:
- Kawasaki Concours 14 (ZG1400P): This model is a sport-touring bike modified for police use, known for its powerful engine and excellent handling characteristics, making it suitable for high-speed pursuits and traffic enforcement.
- Common Models:
Why These Motorcycles Are Chosen
Police motorcycles are not just standard civilian bikes with lights and sirens. They are purpose-built or heavily modified to meet the rigorous demands of law enforcement work. Key factors influencing their selection include:
- Performance and Reliability: Police motorcycles require powerful engines for quick acceleration and top speeds, along with robust build quality to withstand constant use in diverse conditions.
- Specialized Features: These bikes are equipped with:
- High-intensity LED emergency lights and sirens.
- Reinforced chassis and engine guards (crash bars) for protection.
- Integrated communication systems (radios, intercoms).
- Heavy-duty electrical systems to power all auxiliary equipment.
- Enhanced braking systems for quick stops.
- Comfortable ergonomics for officers spending extended hours on patrol.
- Maneuverability: Motorcycles offer unique advantages in traffic, allowing officers to navigate congested areas, narrow streets, and conduct effective escorts and patrols in ways larger patrol cars cannot.
- Officer Training: Police departments invest in specialized training for motor officers to ensure they can safely and effectively operate these powerful machines in various enforcement scenarios.
Summary of Popular Police Motorcycle Models
To give a clearer overview, here's a table summarizing the most common police motorcycle models used in the USA:
| Manufacturer | Popular Police Models | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson | Road King Police, Electra Glide Police | Iconic American cruiser, durable, comfortable for long patrols, strong low-end torque. |
| BMW | R 1250 RT - P | Advanced engineering, high performance, nimble handling, factory-equipped for police. |
| Kawasaki | Concours 14 (ZG1400P) | Sport-touring performance, powerful engine, agility, suitable for high-speed enforcement. |
Ultimately, the choice of motorcycle for a police department depends on its specific operational needs, geographical area, and the preference of its motor unit. However, Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Kawasaki remain the primary suppliers due to their proven reliability and suitability for law enforcement duties.
