SFPD Regional MotoCop Competition--August 2-3

[James Burleigh]

Just a heads up: Next Friday and Saturday (August 2-3) the San Francisco Police Department will be holding its first-ever regional motorcycle police officer riding competition at AT&T park. Practice is on Friday, with the competition being held Saturday.

I will be there as a moto-journalist representing Friction Zone magazine, assigned to take pics and write a cover-story article. My journalist credentials will get me onto a cop bike Friday during practice for a try at the cones.

I'm open to hearing suggested questions to ask the officers participating in the competition. (For example, at a MC show I once asked a uniformed moto-cop how they train for that, and he said you start with a beater bike you don't mind dropping, a lot....)

Here is the link to the event webpage.

 

[Niehart]

escapefjrtist and I went to a regional finals in Washington state two years ago.

Those motor cops are dang impressive on the bikes.

 

[Greg 03]

As a police motor officer myself I would be very interested in what their opinions are on protective riding gear, high vis uniforms, multi season gear, etc. Our dept refuses to listen to reason and we're stuck with old school mentality. We have 1920's style knee high steel toe boots, half helmets, and still have to wear our standard issue ballistic vests with dark navy blue wool blend uniforms including non-motor specific pants. Don't get me wrong, I'm on the road king every day that I can be because that's what they get for us. I despise Harley's though and the reasons why are enforced every day I'm out there. I truly believe we need much better bikes and much better gear to increase our safety, reduce department liability, and thereby increase our effectiveness.

 

[SeattleTy]

What it great way to see the show, you could ask them what does it feel like when you are competing, what types of feeling and emotions are running through them at the time of competition. From there you could ask them their pre-emotion before the competition and follow with post. Hopes this helps, I am sure the answer will vary among different competitors

 

[user 31223]

I would be interested in how much time they are given to train and practice skills for this competition and in general. For example are they given time to practice for this or is it just based on acquired skills on the job and off duty. Especially would be nice to see how much practice the winners did, vs others., on and off duty. Nice to compare how much we should all be practicing as a comparison, to the professional best in class

 

[escapefjrtist]

escapefjrtist and I went to a regional finals in Washington state two years ago.
Those motor cops are dang impressive on the bikes.

Would love to see to see a regional competition again. Motor Cops can ride!

?? -- What is involved in the final decision(s) of bike choice, performance, reliability, politics?

--G

 

[garyahouse]

Wouldn't it be great if some FJR police bikes could get in on the competition? After the results were in, the conversation would quickly turn to why these other bikes were so much better in so many ways. Perhaps this discussion would make it's way to some of the higher-ups that are calling the shots?? Questions to ask? What improvements would enable you to get through this course faster? Maybe bring along some pictures and info about FJR police bikes found elsewhere in the country/world. This could lead to an interesting discussion which would allow you to quote officers' responses and generate an interest in FJR police bikes. Is it possible that decision makers don't even know that there are other and probably cheaper options?

see one here: CLICKY

Gary

darksider #44

 

[dcarver]

You are a lucky Pup, JB. Do us proud in the Zone, 'k?

 

[James Burleigh]

Thank you, all, for the good questions suggestions. I plan to write them down and bring them with me for interviewing. I've already learned about how decisions are made regarding the difficulty of the course--whether it's the "Eliminator" or the "Lollipop." And Harley floorboards are an issue (No sh*t). I will go there tomorrow after lunch during their practice runs to observe, photograph, get in some interviews, and (I think) ride an ST1300 around the course (which will NOT be the "Eliminator," but something more accessible for "B" level riders).

BTW, Saturday's competition ("training") will go on all day from about 8AM. The public is invited to come out and watch. I will probably get there in the early afternoon--a fellah's gotta sleep in on weekends after all.

You are a lucky Pup, JB. Do us proud in the Zone, 'k?

Roger that, DC.

 

[rickysnickers]

escapefjrtist and I went to a regional finals in Washington state two years ago.
Those motor cops are dang impressive on the bikes.

Would love to see to see a regional competition again. Motor Cops can ride!

?? -- What is involved in the final decision(s) of bike choice, performance, reliability, politics?

--G

Bottom line is money. The public agencies look at service plans and cost of the initial outlay for the bikes. They also look at what price the bikes will be bought back at. There is some input by the actual riders, but not a lot. Recently, CHP just made the decision to go back to Harleys. I can't understand that myself. There are a few Kawis out there, but Harley got the contract.

 

[James Burleigh]

You are a lucky Pup, JB. Do us proud in the Zone, 'k?