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SEARCHThree newcomers to the police motorcycle market fared well during the Michigan State Police's annual evaluation of law enforcement vehicles that takes place each September.
Photo from 2013 model-year testing courtesy of MSP.
Three newcomers to the police motorcycle market fared well during the Michigan State Police's annual evaluation of law enforcement vehicles that takes place each September.
This year, troopers assigned to the Precision Driving Unit tested seven 2014 model-year motorcycles. The unit tested 15 four-wheel patrol vehicles as well.
This year, BMW brought the F800GTP to go with its R1200RTP. The F800 weighs about two-thirds less than the R1200. Also, Milan-based Piaggio S.p.A. may offer a police version of its Moto Guzzi California 1400 Touring ABS and Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 ABS. Returning cycles included the Harley-Davidson FLHP Road King, H-D FLHTP Electra Glide, and Victory Commander.
This year, the BMW F800 reached the top speed among the cycles, peaking at 139 mph. It was followed by the R1200 (130 mph), Norge 1200 (129 mph), California 1400 (122 mph), Commander (115 mph), Road King (110), and Electra Glide (107).
BMW's R1200 recorded the fastest 0-60 mph time, reaching the increment in 4.37 seconds. It was followed by the Norge 1200 (4.55 seconds), F800 (4.99 seconds), Commander (5.31 seconds), California 1400 (5.51 seconds), Electra Glide (5.53 seconds), and Road King (5.57 seconds).
The R1200 also reached 0-100 mph fastest (10.79 seconds). It was followed by the Norge 1200 (11.78 seconds), F800 (12.1 seconds), California (15.45 seconds), Commander (15.99 seconds), Road King (18.62 seconds), and Electra Glide (19.6 seconds).
In brake testing, the F800 stopped quickest from 60-0 mph, needing 128.4 feet. It was followed by the Norge 1200 (131 feet), California 1400 (133.2 feet), R1200 (138.7 feet), Electra Glide (143.4 feet), Road King (144.9 feet), and Commander (159.9 feet).
In vehicle dynamics testing, where times from five laps on a road course are averaged, the F800 recorded the fastest time at 1 minute, 39 seconds (1:39.59). It was followed by the R1200 (1:40.28), Norge 1200 (1:41), Road King (1:48.47), Electra Glide (1:48.67), California 1400 (1:49.51) and Commander (1:51.97).
Related:
2013 Vehicle Tests: Michigan Vs. California
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