HD Police-Kawasaki to Harly

[gregorytx]

At my department, the senior motor officer responsible for evaluating the available police bikes is not an HD fan, but he chose the HD over the Honda and BMW. Reason being cost, availability of parts, and dealer service. HD dealer guarantees priority for police bikes over others and the other dealers would not guarantee this. As a result, when bikes go in, there is less down time for the motor officer, and less down time equals more productivity. He also did not care for the way the Honda handled under heavy braking, the ones that he has ridden had a lot of front end dive under hard braking. The mainentance issues with the BMW's was also a big concern. Motorjocks ride the **** out of their clutches, and a dry clutch is not very conducive to this. I think that his decision is probably representative of why other departments go with HD's rather than the others. It always comes down to the bottom line. Who's cheaper, who gives better service, and which bike is going to keep the motorjock on the road the most. He rode the Kawi for many years, and he is disappointed that they are not staying in the business of offering police bikes.

 

[timk]

A deputy sheriff in my small county gets a Harley for $1 per year lease from a local dealer.

 

[PapaUtah]

St Paul Police Dept. went with Harley-Davidson® due to the favorable lease that was offered to them, $1 per year per bike. The Motor Company® has to do something with the excess inventory being created.

 

[Pending]

Same thing in Champaign, Il. $1 per year lease from a local dealer.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

$1/yr/bike is also the story I've heard. But, you gotta admit, the service issue is an important one, too. I once asked an experienced rider why he bought an H-D? He said, "If I take it to the dealer -- at least someone in the back-room has seen a v-twin before." Un-like the foreign bikes; where owners get treatment like they bought sixties French or Italian cars......

I was in the service dept. of San Jose BMW when two Chippies were just about ready to draw their service revolvers (I think?) and shoot something -- maybe those continuously troublesome RTPs?

Bring back the LAPD Guzzis.....

 

[Indian Scout]

A deputy sheriff in my small county gets a Harley for $1 per year lease from a local dealer.

You have to remember that when the dealer gets this bike back at the end of the year he can still sell it to the general public for what the MFGs suggested price is on police bikes. Customer thinks he got a good deal and dealer has a profit.

 

[PapaUtah]

A deputy sheriff in my small county gets a Harley for $1 per year lease from a local dealer.

You have to remember that when the dealer gets this bike back at the end of the year he can still sell it to the general public for what the MFGs suggested price is on police bikes. Customer thinks he got a good deal and dealer has a profit.

MFG Suggested List minus about 15%. The "Police Specials" have been falling in price as there are now many, many available. All about supply and demand. All of the police bikes are handled through the local dealers then to H-D® HQ. They are subsidized bikes for the local law enforcement agancies. Maintenance contracts are negotiated with H-D via the local dealer. A very good deal for many departments. I am actually very happy with the way Harley-Davidson® handles this program. Truly a valuable community service they are performing by subsidizing the costs. :clapping:

 

[FLOWBACK]

I agree MNF. Good on Harley.