Police switch to BMW bikes
By Kirsten J. Barnes
Montgomery (Alabama) Advertiser
February 17, 2006
The Montgomery Police Department is stepping up in class. At least its motorcycle officers are.
The department has decided to gradually phase out its cheaper Harley-Davidson and Kawasaki motorcycles in favor of more-expensive German-made BMW bikes.
The Police Department bought five BMWs last year and plans to purchase 10 this year, said Maj. Bobby Briscoe, commander of the traffic division.
The department has decided to switch to BMWs because of safety and added features that come standard on the BMWs, said Briscoe.
On average, the BMW motorcycles cost about $18,000 each and come fully equipped with sirens and blue lights. The Kawasakis and Harley-Davidsons cost the department about $17,000, but don't come with lights or sirens. The BMWs also come standard with heated handles and adjustable seats.
"They last longer and we've determined they're safer," said Briscoe. "The maintenance is also cheaper and the parts are supposed to last longer."
In addition, spare parts are available for BMWs for up to 15 years after the end of a model's production.
Officers who have ridden the BMWs say there is no comparison to the Harley-Davidson and Kawasaki models used by most of the motorcycle officers.
Sgt. D. F. Phillips, a traffic supervisor who has ridden a motorcycle for the police department for 13 years, was one of the first to receive a BMW.
"We got them in March of last year," Phillips said.
Over the years, he's ridden a Kawasaki, a Harley-Davidson and a Yamaha.
"Ain't no comparison to the comfort," Phillips said. "The suspension system doesn't beat up your back. I haven't had my back hurt once on this bike."
The Kawasakis and Harley-Davidsons require maintenance every 4,000 miles, while the BMWs require maintenance every 6,000 miles.
"They have the anti-lock braking system, which makes it easier for the officers to stop and brake to avoid danger," Briscoe said.
Phillips said having anti-lock brakes is a huge plus.
"It takes the human error out of braking. You can stop that bike on a dime," Phillips said.
Cpl. Matt Barrett, a certified motorcycle trainer, has ridden all three types of motorcycles in the department's fleet of 30.
"For police work, the BMW motorcycle is the best motorcycle out there," he said.
BMW has been manufacturing motorcycles for police work since 1928, according to its Web site.
Since 1970, more than 100,000 police departments in 146 countries have purchased BMWs, with France, Germany, Spain and Great Britain being the biggest customers.
In December 2001, California Highway Patrol Commissioner “Spike” Helmick noted that the Department [of Public Safety] has not lost an officer since BMW was first awarded a contract to provide motorcycles, and he added that the ABS brake system has reduced the number of injuries suffered in motorcycle-related accidents.
The quotations below are courtesy of Moto-Euro magazine.
“Sixty thousand miles in three years, and the bike has been trouble free. The only problem I have had was a broken sidestand. BMW now offers an improved unit. I was visiting with an officer who works out of Las Vegas. He was using the Harley. During the summer he shuts the bike off at stop lights. I told him that was crazy.” — Officer John Teachout, Oro Valley P.D., Arizona (Former Kawasaki rider.)
“The BMW is the best motor I have used by a great margin. You have to have a very expensive car to get away from me; this bike will rocket up toe 125 MPH. The Kawasaki was a good bike, but it would wiggle and weave in high-speed corners. Anything that takes your concentration away from the task at hand is a deterrent.” — Sergeant Michael Teixeira, Los Angeles P.D. (25-year motor officer who has ridden units from Harley, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, and now BMW.)
“The Kawasaki and Harley have a lower C. G., but the suspension on the BMW is far superior. It handles better and stays cool even during the long, hot summers we have here in Southern Arizona.” — Officer Jim Wright, Oro Valley P.D., Arizona (Former Kawasaki rider.)
“Really, there is no comparison; and I am a big Harley fan. I trained on all three, but the BMW is the best overall. The Kawasaki is easiest to ride at very slow speeds. The Harley is available with an oil cooler to help with the heating problem. But the BMW comes equipped with everything standard. When you purchase all of the options for the Harley to make it comfortable, it's as much or more money than the RT-P and it still isn't as capable or durable. With its superior engine, chassis, and features like heated grips and the excellent factory radar, the choice is pretty easy to make. The BMW is a superior machine, period. The ABS is a blessing.” — Officer Richard Jackson, Woodbury P.D., New York
“These bikes are tough. We get into some pretty difficult situations at times, but the high speed stability is excellent and the bike is very powerful.” — Officer Ed Holdinsky, Oro Valley P.D., Arizona (Former Kawasaki rider.)
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