The Seattle Police Department’s Motorcycle Traffic Unit has completed a year-long evaluation of five police motorcycles in order to determine which motorcycle would best meet the continuing needs of the Department. Five motorcycles were evaluated: the Kawasaki Concours, the Honda ST1300PA, the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, the Victory Commander and the Harley-Davidson Road King (our current motorcycle). This test and evaluation process was one of the most thorough ever conducted by the Motorcycle Unit.
Thirty-one officers rode each motorcycle for one week and evaluated each one of them in the following categories: ergonomics, handling, equipment and storage, maintenance and comfort. Upon completion of the testing and evaluation process, officers rated each motorcycle and the clear winner was the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.
The mission of SPD’s Motorcycle Traffic Unit is unique (in comparison to other law enforcement agencies across the country) by the sheer number of hours motorcycle officers are assigned to special events. During the peak event months of April through September, motorcycle officers can be on their motorcycles for up to 18 hours a day. As a result, much consideration has to be placed on rider comfort and available storage space.
Because the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide is a different model than our current Harley-Davidson Road King, each operator will be required to attend a one day training course to further familiarize them with the new model. The new models will have the same paint scheme as the current motorcycles, so public identification will be easy.
“The Harley-Davidson motorcycles are well-liked and have been very well-received by our motorcycle officers. They are looking forward to patrolling Seattle on the new Electra Glide,” said Captain Dick Belshay, Commander of the Seattle Police Department Traffic Section.
*Public/Media Event*
Come see the new Harley-Davidson in person on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. The new Harley will be parked under the flagpole at the Seattle Police Airport Way Center located at 2203 Airport Way South. Traffic Sergeant Brian Johnson will be on hand to answer questions about the new police motorcycle.