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Cruise the American highways or surf the channels and you’ll see cops on bikes. “CHiPs” popularized the image of the California Highway Patrol officers riding big white cruisers to solve ridiculous crimes. Hell, even Robocop hit the streets on a sportbike in the 2014 remake. Still, they’re always on bigger bikes. So, why don’t motorcycle police units ride sportbikes instead of big cruisers? 

Police-spec motorcycle models offer storage, comfort, and practicality you won’t find on a sportbike

Sportbikes are fast. I know; talk about an obvious statement. But, in all seriousness, a Kawasaki H2R will hit 150 mph in as little as four and a half seconds. That’s quicker than a Ferrari 355 GTS’s sprint to 60. That is some neck-snapping, adrenalin-pumping, hold-on-for-your-life speed. 

However, police officers don’t typically ride these razor-sharp road weapons, opting instead for large, accommodating cruisers. Well, there’s a reason for that. Put simply, a Harley-Davidson FLHTP or BMW R 1250 RT-P is more comfortable and carries more vital police gear than a Suzuki GSX-R or Ducati Panigale V4. Still, some departments will field a sportbike or two. But those are more of a public relations tool. 

Of course, just because police officers on motorcycles don’t ride sportbikes doesn’t mean that bike-bound cops are obsolete. According to Police Magazine, “motor officers” work everything from routine tasks to specific emergency responses and escort duty.

For instance, the Simi Valley Police Department fields BMW RT-Ps and Kawasaki 1000s to patrol their California streets. Those officers state that the Boxer twin-powered BMW is a quality law enforcement tool, with aggressive tires and a long service interval.

However, even with more accommodating storage solutions than a performance-oriented sportbike, cargo space is still an issue on police motorcycles. “We have such limited storage for the amount of stuff we need to carry that if we can just put it in the saddlebag and forget it, and have the things we go to every minute right there on the outside of the bike, that’s what we wish the manufacturers would do,” Simi Valley PD Officer Patrick Coulter said about the BMWs.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).