California Highway Patrol & the Connie 14

[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.