California CHP will soon be riding HD again..OR NOT 10/25/06

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FLHT02 · #11 Unread post by **FLHT02** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 5:29 pm

Motor Officers hold an annual "Top Gun" competition for both individual and Team riding skills. Harley Riders have consistently won both divisions. I suppose it could be coincidence but the Bike just does everything right.

Despite what you see in the movies, motorcycles are rarely used in high speed pursuits because it puts the officer to too much risk, what does a Bike do when it catches up to a guy who all over the road in a SUV? Also due to wind noise, communicating (extremely important) at high speed is very difficult.

As far as handling and the ability to carry all the first aid, safety, and electronic equipment Harleys have been the best thing available.

TechTMW · #12 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:33 pm

Well, that's also why alot of police over here use Moto-Guzzi also. Cheap (For italians) and they do everything pretty much the same as a Harley. I think they may be better on the maneuverability (More ground clearance IIRC.

Since the dollar is so stinking weak agains the Euro now, I wonder if Euro Police forces might swap to Harley as well.

freebird · #13 Unread post by **freebird** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:05 am

Polaris / Victory should have donated a fleet of bikes to the CHP. Would have been the best advertisment for the brand would have given the name some legitimacy and exposure.

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grymlocke · Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:12 pm

a couple of months ago I talked to a CHP motor about it (started the conversation by asking what he liked better, the kawa's, harley or b-mer's)...seems the BMW's are way expensive to maintain and around here their where problems with the contract with the local service center, and 'other things'.....

there is the police honda ST.....

I do miss that unique kawa fairing staring at me from my mirror...

< I Fly > · Sat Jun 17, 2006 2:35 pm

I still don't get how the cops think they are going to catch bad guys on slow Harleys.

ZZR-1200s seem more like what they want.
What criminal will think they have a chance against one of those... or for that matter a V-Max, or an FJR-1300.

Toss the cops onto monsters like those, and maybe someone will think twice about taking a stolen car on a cop-chase.

TechTMW · #16 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 9:44 pm

< I Fly > wrote: Toss the cops onto monsters like those, and maybe someone will think twice about taking a stolen car on a cop-chase.

OK .. what's the cop supposed to do after he catches up with the speeding car??

< I Fly > · Sun Jun 18, 2006 5:57 pm

TechTMW wrote:
< I Fly > wrote: Toss the cops onto monsters like those, and maybe someone will think twice about taking a stolen car on a cop-chase.
OK .. what's the cop supposed to do after he catches up with the speeding car??

Bullet + tire.

TechTMW · #18 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 8:01 pm

Brilliant.

Don't you think it's a little dangerous to purposefully force a vehicle to go out of control? Especially when there are other cars on the road and your "O Ring" is only riding a motorcycle!?

< I Fly > · Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:33 pm

Would a Harley even with a couple hundred extra pounds really be any more safe in that situation though?

#20 Unread post by **bok** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 3:45 am

Despite what you see in the movies, motorcycles are rarely used in high speed pursuits because it puts the officer to too much risk,..... communicating (extremely important) at high speed is very difficult.

that quote pretty much sums it up. also bikes cant do the PIT and many other things officers in cruisers can do.

where the bikes are good is lane splitting up a freeway to get to the scene of an accident or to any other non-pursuit incident where a normal vehicle is impeded.

the reason for the HD or similar bike over say any sport bike also has to do with how much they can carry in those hard cases without unbalancing the bike.