California Highway Patrol & the Connie 14

[stew71]

So there I was. On tonight's commute home. On the westbound 16th St. exit from Highway 50 and minding my own bidness at the stoplight. Whoa. What's that?

CHP on a bike that's doesn't look Germanic. Those aren't BMW side cases. And that ain't a Beemer opposed-twin. Hmmm...WTF. An inline??  So I creep forward a bit. Yep....

A Kawasaki Concourse 14. In black and white CHP colors. The officer sees me checking his bike out and and gives me a nod. I give him a thumbs-up. He smiles, waves, and takes off.

Nice.  

I've heard a couple of rumors that the CHP was less than satisfied with the Beemers they've been using lately. I guess they're true.  A buddy of mine who's an auto mechanic for the CHP told me that several local BMW shops were busted for overcharging on maintenance and warranty issues. I guess Kawasaki managed to get some inside track.

Didn't the CHP use Kawa's back in the 70's?

[Mac]

Yeah, Ponch and Jon rode Z1000s if I remember right. Or was it K1000s?

[stew71]

I think it was the KZ1000...wait....Google awaits....

Yep.  That was it.  

[Orson]

So I creep forward a bit. Yep....

A Kawasaki Concourse 14. In black and white CHP colors.

That's like a kiss of death.

Once a bike becomes a police bike, it becomes saddled with a "dad's bike" image.

It took years for Moto Guzzi to recover its sporty bike image after they produced police bikes

[coho]

That's like a kiss of death.

Once a bike becomes a police bike, it becomes saddled with a "dad's bike" image.

It took years for Moto Guzzi to recover its sporty bike image after they produced police bikes

Berlin* Polizei Norge 850.



I don't really have a point, I just wish I could get a Norge 850.  The Polizei livery would be cool, too.



*Where the BMW motorcycle factory is, the cops ride Italian.  Awesome.

[GTS_Rider]

Saw one on the way back from the Long Beach moto-show in SoCal on the 405. Not sure if it was CHP or some other agency because I was car-pooling with a couple friends shopping for motos, couldn't catch up for the side-view...   .  One thing for sure, an SV650s could smoke that C14 in a lane splitting competition on LA freeways. I can say that because I've owned a C-14. Those mirrors and bags stick out pretty wide. Though, also of note, I know for sure a Ninja 250 can smoke a KZ1000P lane-splitting, even uphill over the Sepulveda Pass. That doesn't prevent the cop from cheating and running up the right-side shoulder instead. Eh, they don't have to pay for tire repairs...  

Also, saw a fake one on 101 South between Hollywood and Downtown LA about a month ago. When I say fake, I mostly mean the rider. It was a Black C-14, but the rider was in full cop regalia. Black/white half-helmet, cop looking jacket and pants, even a holstered side-arm. I hate those fuckers. As soon as I inch up close enough to determine they have tags on the license plate, I make it a point to get around them asap and blast down the road on my way, because those fuckers never move over to let me by!

Sorry, done drunk rambling, here's a link on point to the thread...

http://www.government-fleet.com/News/Story/2010/09/CHP-Adopts-Kawasaki-s-Concours-14-P-Motorcycle.aspx?prestitial=1


  






  

[zer0netgain]

NCHP went with BMWs because they were overall safer, but BMWs are not cheap machines to own and maintain.  It's not surprising that the shops were padding the bills.  They probably figured nobody would bother to check.  

[Blunder]

The CHP is always looking for vehicles. Up here in the north state they put lots of miles on their vehicles. A few years ago they even tried Volvos.



The Birkenstocks didn't fit the image, though Ponch liked 'em.

[scottzilla]

So there I was. On tonight's commute home. On the westbound 16th St. exit from Highway 50 and minding my own bidness at the stoplight. Whoa. What's that?

CHP on a bike that's doesn't look Germanic. Those aren't BMW side cases. And that ain't a Beemer opposed-twin. Hmmm...WTF. An inline??  So I creep forward a bit. Yep....

A Kawasaki Concourse 14. In black and white CHP colors. The officer sees me checking his bike out and and gives me a nod. I give him a thumbs-up. He smiles, waves, and takes off.

Nice.  

I've heard a couple of rumors that the CHP was less than satisfied with the Beemers they've been using lately. I guess they're true.  A buddy of mine who's an auto mechanic for the CHP told me that several local BMW shops were busted for overcharging on maintenance and warranty issues. I guess Kawasaki managed to get some inside track.

Didn't the CHP use Kawa's back in the 70's?

Satisfaction has little to do with why companies get contracts.

[Royal Tiger]

Every year the Michigan State Police hold trials for all police vehicles; bikes, cars, SUV's, & trucks.  The Concourse 14 smoked the BMW and Hardley in every performance catagory.  The Kawasaki also had lower cost of maintance estimates then the BMW.  The reviewers preferred the side cases on the BMW though.

[Flying W]

My neighbor is a CHP motor officer and will soon be getting a C-14.. He said they accelerate alot faster than the BMW's but because of a issue with stability the CHP version has a speed restrictor set at 125 mph..

[DogBoy]

The CHP will get bikes from manufacturers for evaluation before the next round of bids. The evaluation period can be a few years (70,000 miles or so, IIRC). I've seen the C-14s for over a year around town. I don't remember reading anything about BMW dealers overcharging. The maintenance is part of the contract and the rates and estimated maintenance are part of the contract. Dealers around the state provide maintenance for the local CHP offices but only one dealer wins the bid to sell the bikes to the state.

A&S BMW in Sacramento had the contract to sell the bikes to the CHP (A&S also did CHP maintenance). It was discovered that a state employee involved in the bidding process had a side business as a DJ. A&S had hired that person for several events but never reported that there was a conflict of interest. A&S lost the contract to sell bikes to the CHP but that doesn't appear to have impacted the use of BMWs by the CHP. The A&S "scandal" happened two or three years ago.

[Jim Chamberlin]

I am biased I know but believe the c14 is the best looking Police bike I've seen.  Here is a link to a discussion of the c14 as a Police bike;  
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=95.0

[Cablebandit]

but because of a issue with stability the CHP version has a speed restrictor set at 125 mph..

Could be they don't want officers exceeding that speed.  The bike is rock solid at speed.

[county]

My neighbor is a CHP motor officer and will soon be getting a C-14.. He said they accelerate alot faster than the BMW's but because of a issue with stability the CHP version has a speed restrictor set at 125 mph..

  They shoulda bought FJR

[mxvet57]

  They shoulda bought FJR

So they can go faster.

[crispiegee1]

That's like a kiss of death.

Once a bike becomes a police bike, it becomes saddled with a "dad's bike" image.

It took years for Moto Guzzi to recover its sporty bike image after they produced police bikes

I'm sorry Orson, that is absolute nonsense.

First, the Ambassador/Eldorado series were Guzzi's first foray into the American market and - for years afterward - their best selling bikes ever. And the existence of a big-engined Guzzi in the police and touring market raised the profile of Moto Guzzi in the American consciousness. In 1972, the Eldorado was arguably the best touring bike available, with five speeds, shaft drive and 64 hp (claimed). The Japanese bikes were more powerful, but had flimsy frames and the Harley was a chain driven paint mixer.

Secondly, when De Tomaso eradicated the traditional Eldorado styling, Guzzi was left with nothing but angular, European looking bikes. Maybe people just thought the majority of Guzzis in the 1970's and 80's were pretty ugly, or that a Japanese inline four was sexier and faster (which they were). I doubt anyone looked at a Lemans III and thought, "I'm not buying that because they once made police bikes." Inline fours became much more popular than twins in the 70's because they were smooth and powerful. It was the style then.

Third, the motorcycle magazines always panned Moto Guzzi sport bikes as being "quirky," inferior in quality, slow and poorer handling than the Japanese bikes. They complained about shaft jacking and all sorts of other sins. If sales of Guzzi sport bikes suffered, it was more likely due to these poor reviews than because people wanted to disassociate themselves from a police bike.

Finally, did Kawasaki's sporty image suffer because they had police bikes? No. Does Honda sell fewer CBR600's because it also makes Goldwings? No. (Did Ford sell fewer Mustangs because they also sold Crown Victoria police cars? No.)  Nearly every motorcycle manufacture has a mix of modern and classic bikes.

You can have both touring bikes (and police bikes) in the same lineup as sport bikes and have no ill effect on the sales of either. The fact that Moto Guzzi has been mismanaged ever since their second day of business is more likely the reason why they didn't have a sporty image or competitive products.

[USAFRider]

How bout one of these

[Cablebandit]

They already wrecked that one.  (or should I say...laid it down)

http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=12520384

[Orson]

I'm sorry Orson, that is absolute nonsense.

You can have both touring bikes (and police bikes) in the same lineup as sport bikes and have no ill effect on the sales of either.

I was being tongue-in-cheekish, but unfortunately, there is no tongue in cheek icon available

I wuz trying to troll for C-14 riders, but it appears that my aim wuz way off  

[atadaskew]

My neighbor is a CHP motor officer and will soon be getting a C-14.. He said they accelerate alot faster than the BMW's but because of a issue with stability the CHP version has a speed restrictor set at 125 mph..

To be fair that's not because the bike itself is unstable, but because over 125mph the short sleeve shirts and donut bellies result in a harmonic 'misbalance'.

[crispiegee1]

I was being tongue-in-cheekish, but unfortunately, there is no tongue in cheek icon available

I wuz trying to troll for C-14 riders, but it appears that my aim wuz way off  

You mean I spent 15 minutes writing that response for nothing?  

It didn't help my mood that you posted the ugliest possible iteration of the Guzzi police bike.     A CHP Eldorado in black & white was a pretty hot looking setup. Way better than the KZ1000 police bike.

[Orson]

You mean I spent 15 minutes writing that response for nothing?  

sowwy  

I didn't think anyone took my pontificating seriously. I go on about Ducati labeled man purses, but don't mention that I have a '78 Darmah back home  

[atadaskew]

The earliest CHiPs episodes used Guzzi Calis.
But that was made up for later by Clint Eastwood using Guzzis in Magnum Force.

[crispiegee1]

The earliest CHiPs episodes used Guzzi Calis.
But that was made up for later by Clint Eastwood using Guzzis in Magnum Force.

There may have been a couple in the background, but I doubt it. The pilot episode came out in 1977 and they were always sponsored by Kawasaki. If you spot a scene where there's a Cali, I'd love to see it, though.

[crispiegee1]

I go on about Ducati labeled man purses, but don't mention that I have a '78 Darmah back home  

Wait, now you're being serious again.  

The Darmah is a nice looking bike, but reminds me of a CB750 with a v-twin engine stuck in the frame. When my dad bought his Eldorado, the dealer also sold Norton, Triumph (I think) and Ducati. As a four-year-old, my favorite bikes were the Nortons, because I liked the lettering on the tank.

[atadaskew]

There may have been a couple in the background, but I doubt it. The pilot episode came out in 1977 and they were always sponsored by Kawasaki. If you spot a scene where there's a Cali, I'd love to see it, though.

Apparently they were used on stills, promos and one opening sequence, but then replaced by the Kawis.

Word on the street had it that Guzzi yanked their support for the show because they were worried the exposure would result in a flood of orders.  And no one back in Mandelo del Lario was willing to either:
1/ Work a 5 day week
or
b/ give up the 3 hour lunch break to make it happen.

[crispiegee1]

Apparently they were used on stills, promos and one opening sequence, but then replaced by the Kawis.

Word on the street had it that Guzzi yanked their support for the show because they were worried the exposure would result in a flood of orders.  And no one back in Mandelo del Lario was willing to either:
1/ Work a 5 day week
or
b/ give up the 3 hour lunch break to make it happen.

I need you to find me a still that used a Moto Guzzi. I believe you're misinformed. When I was a kid, I was a fanatic of that show and never saw one... and I was in a house with a Guzzi in the garage, so I would have noticed.

In addition, the last year of a Guzzi CHP bike was 1975, two years before the show debuted. A V1000 would have been cool, but didn't happen. If you can find a photo of CHiP's (the TV show) with a Guzzi in it, I'll eat my words, but I contend none exist.

[Royal Tiger]

Does anyone remember the CHiPs remake with the BMW's?

[Kat-Rider]

Does anyone remember the CHiPs remake with the BMW's?

i remember it

[tjhess74]

on topic:  
as a c14 owner and former leo, i can say that the c14 is an excellent platform on which to base a police bike.  the ones that i have seen (in print, not in person yet) have some tweeks to make them more suited for the job.  some have adjustable handlbars, altered saddle bags, etc.  im looking forward to south carolina getting rid of their st's and getting connies!

off topic:

They already wrecked that one.  (or should I say...laid it down)

http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=12520384

i know its old, but i didnt realize they wrecked...err, ahem...had to lay her down...

so, the officer is going 55 mph, has time to flash lights, activate siren, and do 'everything else', but couldnt use the brakes??!!  that bike, those brakes, at only 55...im calling b.s. on that story!

besides, classic example of why horns and loud pipes are useless when it comes to 'happening right now' collision avoidance...use those brakes kids!    bike must not have been equipped with abs  

[Ralf]

Berlin* Polizei Norge 850.



I don't really have a point, I just wish I could get a Norge 850.  The Polizei livery would be cool, too.



*Where the BMW motorcycle factory is, the cops ride Italian.  Awesome.

Weird... didn't think that the German police used anything but BMWs (and MZs for a time).

[Orson]

Weird... didn't think that the German police used anything but BMWs (and MZs for a time).

I read on the internet that the reason given for the switch was because Guzzis were considered more intimidating.

[atadaskew]

Didn't the Papal City just get some Ducatis as their po-lice bikes?
Posted on: December 16, 2011, 11:34:16 AM

I need you to find me a still that used a Moto Guzzi. I believe you're misinformed. When I was a kid, I was a fanatic of that show and never saw one... and I was in a house with a Guzzi in the garage, so I would have noticed.

In addition, the last year of a Guzzi CHP bike was 1975, two years before the show debuted. A V1000 would have been cool, but didn't happen. If you can find a photo of CHiP's (the TV show) with a Guzzi in it, I'll eat my words, but I contend none exist.

I refuse to cave to the likely possibility that I may be wrong.  Again.

Anyway, Starsky and Hutch was a much cooler shown than CHiPs...

[Royal Tiger]

I read on the internet that the reason given for the switch was because Guzzis were considered more intimidating.

I haven't heard that yet.  It's interesting though.  Either way I love the Norge in Polizei colors.  I do believe though that they are changing from silver & green to silver & blue.  I saw some new sedans in silver & blue start showing up at the stations.

[heinee]

yup

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,63383.0.html

[CLAY]

I read on the internet that the reason given for the switch was because Guzzis were considered more intimidating.

Well, I, for one, never get sick of your comments.  

[spd2918]

To be fair that's not because the bike itself is unstable, but because over 125mph the short sleeve shirts and donut bellies result in a harmonic 'misbalance'.

I read Vespa imbalances occur well under the 45 MPH top speed if your boyfriend doesn't snuggle up real tight with you.

[spd2918]

The Concourse 14 smoked the BMW and Hardley in every performance catagory.

Not really:  http://www.government-fleet.com/News/Story/2011/10/Troopers-Test-New-Police-Motorcycles-in-Michigan.aspx?prestitial=1

[atadaskew]

I read Vespa imbalances occur well under the 45 MPH top speed if your boyfriend doesn't snuggle up real tight with you.

 

[Royal Tiger]

Not really:  http://www.government-fleet.com/News/Story/2011/10/Troopers-Test-New-Police-Motorcycles-in-Michigan.aspx?prestitial=1

That's a partial synopsis.  It did indeed smoke it in 0-60 and 1/4 mile.  The BMW according to that article achieved a 5 mph top speed.  Since "regular" concourse 14's see far higher then 126mph you have to assume there is indeed a governor.  I used to have the full test results but must have got rid of them after reading as I can't seem to locate it.

[USAFRider]

THAT'S WHY WE CAN'T HAVE NICE THINGS!!!

They already wrecked that one.  (or should I say...laid it down)

http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=12520384

[Ralf]

I read on the internet that the reason given for the switch was because Guzzis were considered more intimidating.

Can't argue with you there  

[spd2918]

That's a partial synopsis.  It did indeed smoke it in 0-60 and 1/4 mile.  The BMW according to that article achieved a 5 mph top speed.  Since "regular" concourse 14's see far higher then 126mph you have to assume there is indeed a governor.  I used to have the full test results but must have got rid of them after reading as I can't seem to locate it.

Clearly it didn't "smoke" the Beemer in every performance catagory as was written.  1/2 a second to 60 (less margin last year for the same bikes) is a clear win, but is it a "smoking?"  There are a lot of other things that make a good patrol bike.

[Cablebandit]

I always thought they preferred  the BMW RT because the front mounted radio antennae made for a convenient place to store the donuts.



 

[tjhess74]

I always thought they preferred  the BMW RT because the front mounted radio antennae made for a convenient place to store the donuts.



 

ROTFLMAO!!!  it is very handy in deed, just reach forward and viola, snack!!!

[Royal Tiger]

Clearly it didn't "smoke" the Beemer in every performance catagory as was written.  1/2 a second to 60 (less margin last year for the same bikes) is a clear win, but is it a "smoking?"  There are a lot of other things that make a good patrol bike.

I know what you are saying.  Half a second is a huge margin as is the 1/4 mile times.  Having not ridden them both in P trim I can't say.  The testors liked the layout of the the BMW better which makes sense as that model has been real world tested.  I like BMW's.  I want them to be the outright winner, but the Concourse 14 is an impresive platform in the motor department.  I keep hoping for a K1600GT-P.  

[spd2918]

I used to want a ST1300P because I thought it would improve my off duty ST1300A riding.  But I like the variety that comes from riding different bikes.  And I don't need a fast bike for my city work.

[Royal Tiger]

I used to want a ST1300P because I thought it would improve my off duty ST1300A riding.  But I like the variety that comes from riding different bikes.  And I don't need a fast bike for my city work.

I hear that.  I think the Councours will do well with State agencies.

My city uses Hardleys.  

[X1Glider]

I saw one C-14 cop while in LA back in November.  I was on my best behavior in his presence.  Let around me.  Moreso so I could see what all was done to the bike and be familiar with it in case I saw some more over the next 6 days.

I remember the fiasco with stability on the ST1300s.  Was a stupidly simple matter of putting a higher rate rear spring on it to handle the extra 50-70 pounds of police specific equipment.  Do the same to C-14P and they'd be up to the real top speed with no handling issues.

[veefer800canuck]

They already wrecked that one.  (or should I say...laid it down)

http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=12520384

Dear Lord, not the "lay her down" defense!

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says he was going less than 55 miles an hour when a pickup began to change lanes in front of him.

"He flashed his lights, hit his siren and everything else trying to get that person's attention," said Trooper Matt Hughart, Oklahoma Highway Patrol. "They looked on and continued on into the lane."

Am I he only one to wonder if he actually took evasive action instead of flashing lights and turning on the siren then he wouldn't have had to "lay her down"?

I mean, all that's gotta take up like 2 seconds right?
That's what, 160 feet at 55 MPH?

[spd2918]

I remember the fiasco with stability on the ST1300s.  Was a stupidly simple matter of putting a higher rate rear spring on it to handle the extra 50-70 pounds of police specific equipment.  Do the same to C-14P and they'd be up to the real top speed with no handling issues.

Could you link a source on that?  I often ride with the wife and I hate to admit it but she weighs more than 70 pounds.  Heck, she loads that much for a two week trip.  No high speed issues I assure you.

[X1Glider]

I had a mistype in there.  I meant to say 150-170 lbs.  This would include a custon top box with radio equipment, lights sirens and various forms of protection.  The bikes looked like a motorboat going down the road.  Plus there was this issue with a light pole on the rear that would oscillate the rear end at high speeds.  I think they called it the Pan weave.  Anyway, some UK cops were killed from this and some Texas departments decommissioned the STs in fairly quick form.  We still have some in Texas but the word is that the spring rate was changed from 900 to 1400 lbs.

[spd2918]

I read too, about the light pole being offset to the side and disturbing the air flow.  On the ST site a newbs will bring it up three times a year.