CHP moves from Harley to BMW RT’s

Harley never even competed for the contract. CHP has a number of requirements that Harley does not offer. A single dealer in Oakland has the contract and builds them in house for the entire state. I know they had trouble keeping up. It will be interesting to see why. It is a contract with a time limit so it can be as simple as a case of being outbid. I will be seeing a friend who is a retired SFPD motor officer and intend to ask him. I know in their case they couldn't wait to get rid of the BMW's. I used to ride with a few retired and active SFPD motor officers and they hated the BMW's. When they went away from the BMW I know one of the reasons was all up cost. The retired BMW's were worth a lot less so all up costs were higher. A lot factors go into it and it usually has little to do with what the guys riding them want.

I know like a lot of things, some hated the Crown Vics and some loved them, same is true of the bikes.

As far as mileage per year I bet it differs a lot. CHP parks the bikes in the rain for example. SFPD rides rain or shine.

 

Heard it was on a 2 year contract and expired. So Oakland HD won 3 2 year contracts in a row and got beat by a BMW store in Long Beach.

Also BMW and Harley both give a 60,000 mile life expectancy to police service bikes. I know a lot of departments keep them much longer. SFPD had some 6 figure HD's.

 

CHP officers in Nor Cal told me they hated the Harleys. Didn't handle, didn't stop. Said Commissioner makes decision based on cost. We ride what we are given Sir.

 

Yes, Harley builds police versions but none comply with CHP demands so Harley doesn't even bother to bid. Most departments shop for what a company builds and choose what will meet their needs but California being the disaster it is has found a way to spend a lot more money by specifying something no one builds. Every bike they buy is a custom build. It was a big surprise back in 2013 when Oakland Harley made a bid and won the contract. Now evidently a BMW dealer in Long Beach has done the same.

Back when common sense was the norm in California CHP, OPD and probably others actually had dealer status with Harley, bought bikes and parts direct, sent their mechanics to Harley service schools etc. No more. Buy at marked up prices and contract out service at far higher cost. Its the new " LOGIC FREE" California.

 

All the NorCal CHP motor officers?

You asked them all?

I don't think so. I used to have breakfast at the same place 3 of them did every morning in Alamo. One guy hated his Harley, one guy loved his and the woman didn't seem to care much one way or the other.

 

Do you actually think the Explorers they drive handle or stop as well as the Mustangs? Performance isn't one of the requirements. The higher ups really are not in favor of high speed chases. It gets people killed, sometimes tax paying innocent bystanders. They far prefer the officers use their heads and their radios to catch people. Nothing is faster than a Motorola.

 

Only reporting back !

 

Slightly petulant response no ? Did I claim that anywhere ? Sample size in my case was three. Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Not at all. Just try not to state things as universal fact.

 

Your interpretation of my intent is amazing !

 

I cannot interpret intent, only words.

 

Sorry you are having such a bad day Brian.

 

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The 3 guys told me that the 200 lbs Harley weight penalty over the BMW was a real drag over an 8 hour day. Los Gatos PD loves the Honda.

 

I have had and like lots of different motorcycles and they are all evolved and intended for different use. I like long distance riding and have done many 800+ mile days. Harleys are very well evolved for that. Most comfortable long distance motorcycle I have ever ridden. There are other good ones too. This is a picture of my riding partner at the Yukon River Crossing about 135 miles North of Fairbanks Alaska on the way to the Arctic Circle. On that trip we did probably 1000 miles on dirt, gravel and mud roads. The size, weight or seating position didn't seem to be an issue. We were in so many middle of nowhere places we both carried extra gas. The bottle can be seen on the rack of my motorcycle. Lots of places out there that are a long way from a gas station.
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Great day actually. But then I am just a glass half full kind of guy. Especially since I blew out of that dump of a state.

 

I don't think anyone is missing you here. Stay happy.

 

Harley, BMW, Honda, you guys are all wrong. Police should only be outfitted with Vespas!

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