According to Texas-based newspaper the Austin American
Statesman, the distinctive V-twin rumble that has followed
law-breaking motorists for decades will soon be replaced with the
precision-engineered sound of a BMW boxer engine.
A few years ago, the Austin Police Department decided it needed
anti-lock brakes (ABS) on its motorcycles to improve officer
safety. But because its existing supplier didn't offer the option
at the time, officials looked elsewhere.
Early next year, the department will replace its remaining 21
motorcycles with 1200cc BMWs that come as standard with ABS,
completing a transition of its 72-strong motorcycle fleet that
began in 2002. Officers say that the BMWs have better manoeuvring
capability and - perhaps more significantly - a brake system
especially designed to prevent skidding.
"When you slam on the brakes on the Harley-Davidson, there's a
tendency for the brakes to lock up, and then you have no choice but
try to steer where you're going to crash," Sgt. Ruben Fuentes
said.
Despite extensive training, according to Fuentes, officers often
would end up on the ground after someone stopped or pulled in front
of them abruptly during a chase. He said that last year; an officer
crashed and injured his leg so badly that it had to be amputated.
The anti-lock brakes quickly decelerate the wheels, giving the
rider more control, said Fuentes, who patrols on one of the
department's new BMWs.
BMW Motorrad's R 1200 RT Authority machine is a specially
adapted version of its best selling touring Boxer and is equipped
with many unique features, fittings and modifications designed
especially for authority use. These include a large 27-litre fuel
tank that allows for a greater range before refuelling, and a
shorter first gear ratio, which offers better low speed stability
and allows the motorcycle to be easily ridden at walking pace
speeds for sustained periods (for example, when performing escort
duties). The rear suspension strut has also been strengthened to
cope with the extra stresses put on it during operational
riding.
In addition to the options already offered for the civil version
such as heated grips, seat heating and an anti-theft warning
system, the authorities version also has several unique features.
For example the panniers have upper lids, which can be opened with
one hand while seated and without using the key. A new, high
accuracy authorities speedometer with two digital displays enables
exact current speed to be viewed at the push of a button.
The domestic manufacturer didn't offer an ABS braking system
until 2005 on police models, but this was just too slow for the
Austin police, which bought three anti-lock-brake-equipped BMWs to
test in 2002.
"It was hard to find a car that didn't have ABS on it," said
Sgt. Bruce Lutringer, who led the push for better brakes. "But we
were still riding motorcycles that didn't have it."
Since then, the number of crashes has gone down as the
department has increased its fleet of BMWs by 20 a year for the
past two years. Last year, there were 15 collisions involving
motorcycle officers in Austin, and only three of them were riding
BMWs, police spokesman Kevin Buchman said. This year, there have
been six collisions involving motor officers, only two of whom were
on BMWs.
BMW Motorrad has been operating for more than 75 years in this
specific business, starting at the end of the 1920s. The first
motorcycle prepared for authority use was an R 24 with 12 hp, sold
in 1928. Since 1970, more than 100,000 authorities motorcycles have
been supplied in 146 countries.
For further press/media information
contact:
Alexander Corne
Communications and Specialist Media Manager
BMW Group Australia
Phone: 03 9264 4150
Fax: 03 9562 2799
Mobile: 0439 568 819
Email: alexander.corne@bmw.com.au