If you are here, then you are either beginning or working your way through a search for a ex police bike or police special. There are many very good reasons to be looking for such a specific purpose-built motorcycle, but your choice will be ultimately limited by what make and model of motorcycle your local constabulary purchases – they are a bit limited, after all. However, at least you know that no matter which used police motorcycle you ultimately buy, you will have made a good deal on a solid bike.
The typical choice from police departments around North America are the old standard Kawasaki KZ1000 Police, the hard-to-buy Harley-Davidson FLHTP Electra Glide, the much sought after BMW R1200 RT-P, or the late-comer to the U.S. Honda ST1300PA. Any of these machines are a fine mount for everything from running errands around town up to and including Iron Butt long-distance events when properly equipped, and that they are.
Most police motorcycles are outfitted with some rather useful options like upgraded electrics, top of the line suspension, specialized luggage, expanded lighting, extra crash protection and other technological wonders which give them some serious added value. Many of the standard ‘wear’ parts are sturdier versions and only the best available suppliers are used since return on investment is of vital importance. Of course, this also leads to prevention efforts which are second to none in the industry.
The individuals responsible for taking care of these machines – police mechanics or maintenance chiefs - must put a great deal of effort into taking care of them in every possible way due to the intended use of the vehicle. Each motorcycle in the fleet has its own specific documentation and an in-depth service checklist which is adhered to with an almost religious vigilance. Police bikes are maintained to a standard above and beyond those of a brand new, factory-fresh bike, at least mechanically.
Keep in mind, though, there are usually cosmetic issues with a former police mount, but that will always be the case when you are dealing with a bike that has such high mileage. Police motorcycles get ridden for many miles and over rough areas both with and without pavement, so bodywork and paint condition will usually suffer some. If a dinged part of the bike is not connected to rider or public safety and it does not have any effect on street-worthiness, it will wait until more important work is done. This is easy to clean up once the bike is in your possession and will likely be inexpensive as parts are usually plentiful.
The search will usually take you to the Internet since there are not many places where you are able to purchase a police motorcycle. Of course, there are police auctions, but again these are not that easy to get into and they only occasionally sell ex-enforcement bikes. Your best bet is to get familiar with any local departments which may be replacing their fleet and get in contact with someone at their office who can tell you when and where the old units will be disposed of – it never hurts to ask.
Once a former cop bike is in the hands of a civilian owner, though, all that maintenance and attention to detail may be lost if the new owner does not keep it up. So, when buying from a private party, the normal used motorcycle procedures should apply – get it checked by a mechanic.
Pricing for used police motorcycles is very dependent on condition more so than the year of manufacture, make and model of the bike in question. Thus, getting a good buy can be a bit of an effort in some cases, though much of this is up to your ability to bargain. Remember that you can always walk away and again wait for the right used police motorcycle to become available. Use the various pricing guides – NADA and Kelly Blue Book – to help you with this; both are available in print and on the Internet. But, remember that police bikes are maintained at a very high level compared to civilian machines of the same vintage, so they get a premium for mechanical condition.
Once you have done all your homework, searched out, checked out and then purchased your perfect used cop bike, now you need to make sure it is legal to ride on your local roads. Some municipalities and states have very specific laws on what can and cannot be installed on a street-legal motorcycle, so make sure your new mount does not violate any of these (police get special consideration). Be vigilant as a former police motorcycle WILL get noticed by the police, so extra scrutiny will be applied to you when you are riding it.
Since the machine you have just purchased will often be very mechanically sound, ensure that you keep up that work. This will save you untold amounts of money and frustration in the long haul, and you will be able to sell the bike again very easily.
Now that you have done the work, get out and ride!