California Highway Patrol Officer Saul Gomez explains why BMW's R1200-RTP offers an ideal package for highway enforcement in Southern California. Read more at www.policemag.com.
@@bryanduncan1640 I’ve never ridden or owned a Harley. They’ve just never appealed to me. I’ve owned Honda & Yamaha most of my life but bought my first BMW last year. Love my BMW and my ‘18 Goldwing.
@@kylepayne9657 - I’ve owned two; an HD 1200 Sportster (joke!) and an HD Dynaglide - along with (in chronological order) BSA A7, BSA Rocket Gold Star, Triumph Thunderbird, BSA A65, Suzuki 750 W/cooled, Kawasaki ZRR, Yamaha R6, Suzuki GSXR 1000, BMW GS1100, GS1200, BMW 1200 GS Adventure x 4 and currently a Triumph Tiger 800. I had to downsize to the Tiger because at 75, I found the BMW too heavy. Don’t get me wrong, HD’s are fun - if I want to bumble along for a short distance going nowhere on a sunny afternoon, they’re great. But if I want to use a bike for what they were designed for, then why would I choose a bike that does not go, does not stop and does not go around corners. And don’t get me started on the ergonomics of HD’s.
@@bryanduncan1640 Wow, you’ve had quite a few scooters!! I had a Triumph Trophy which I traded for my BMW 1200RT. Best upgrade ever. My Beemer is my daily rider but when I go visit family in TX it’s the Goldwing. A retired (HD rider) police officer told me about BMW. He was a HD lifer until his friend talked him into riding his BMW K1600GTL. He converted and never looked back and now so have I.
Really neat comment. I worked as a motor officer in Los Angeles for 26 years, not for the CHP. Everything this officer has said is true, especially in Los Angeles. I salute him for his service.
Thats great,thanks for giving us the heads up about your bike,I can tell your proud of it and I think you have one of the best policing duties in the world.Good luck and keep it safe officer
Although CHP, as it is operated by the Gov. is nothing more than Revenue Generator by theft, I have always recognized how Professional and Performance Oriented they are. While most other Dept. were going all Macho and trying to prove their manhood, by going all Harley Davidson, they saw the benefit of high performance Japanese bikes. It's some shithead move, to outfit your squad with Harley Davidson, that toast the riders legs and torture them with vibrations, on 8-12 hr shift. Someone kind of smart, probably fingered the opposed twin engine on the BMW, as Ideal smooth running machine on a long shifts. But in reality, opposed twin/boxer is not a zero secondary vibration engine, and needs a balancer to make it acceptable. No doubt LAPD and LASD are just a copy cat, in purchasing these. But ultimate in comfort and low end torque, would be the BMW with transversely mounted INLINE 6 cyl, although it is a bit porky. More ideal is the Honda VFR, which is almost as smooth, but more powerful and agile. VFR Should be the Industry Standard. It is in Smart Depts.
I sure wish we had lane splitting in Florida, i've done it several times in very heavy standstill traffic but it's sadly not legal here. I wish more states like Florida would take notes from California and allow lane splitting.
I'm from California and it feels odd that California is one of the few states that allow lane splitting. Usually we have overbearing rules and regulations...
Been lane splitting for 55 years, finally moved to Ca. 7 years ago, now I am NOT AN OUTLAW anymore. Safety bullshit negativity doesn't hold any weight. Been done for many years with no problems, except for out of state drivers who get pissed off you don't have to sit and wait in 100* heat with them!
I LOVE my R1200RT!! Some police departments in my town ride this bike too. My bike is also white like the police bike. People just get outta my way 😂🤣 I wonder why?
Very nice... As a 100K rider on BMWs (counting or including a two-day test ride on a R1200RTP on loan from Bobs BMW in Jessup, MD) I can certainly agree that when you mount up, it's with the comfortable knowledge that you have the best under you... Great report on what you guys need and want.. The only thing you left out is that that model (the RTP) comes with a bigger output alternator and a fan cooling that the "civilian" models don't have.... As a "pre-owned" purchase, you're riding a good deal for us - the civilian population - when it comes to a next purchase..... Thanks... Gordon in Maui..
They are getting Harleys, but only because BMW didn't bother bidding for the new contract. The BMW's are superior in every respect: quicker, faster, cheaper, and with a better warranty than the Harleys as well as a better maintenance record.
BMW is used by French Police since the flat engine 600cc exists. With excellent safety records. I have been driving a 900cc with a cameraman seated in the back during bicycle racing, going downhill at 60 kmh behind the leaders, I would not have made it in any other bike. The 600cc was still in use for basic training in French Gendarmerie some years ago.
From a guy that really appreciates what you guys/ girls do every day, day in and day out, I'm glad you pick the best brand there is. BMW . I respect you, I have much respect for your jobs, the professional manner you present to the public, and your love for motorcycles. SALUTE! HERE , in Arizona, it's no different. DPS is awesome! CHP , DPS, what a bunch of Cool People! !! God Bless You All!!
They have been using Harleys for political reasons. Actually, a lot of motor police officers have been very disappointed when CHiP/CHP reverted back to Harleys. Now, they have to call for assistance, radio, blocks, helicopters as they cannot catch up with anyone that is not cooperative when they flag them. Going Harley was a step backward, Ciao, L
David Greve Yes they are along with the classic Kawasaki once the electrical mods done by the American police-equipment retro-fitter (in the US) fixed the problem with the electrical system. CHiP became famous. Ciao, L
lancelot1953 that is so convoluted and far fetched, it's okay if you don't like harley davidson motorcycles, but don't create this weird scenario/ fantasy where they are so bad that they have to call for back up, lol. I've seen the police harley handle very nicely at shows and catch speeders on the highway at the hands of skilled riders by the chp and local police, I see no reason why they deserve anything but a good rep.
Thanks for this overview of the Bayerische Motorenwerke R1200RTP as a duty machine. It has very capable competitors in the Honda STP1300 and Kawasaki ZP 14 (a development of the ZG14 Concours). One of the few pieces of equipment not replaced so far in the California Highway Patrol motorcycle fleet is the aging General Electric radio installation - the S815 CDU and the HF transceiver it controls are 1980's technology. I'd like to see a Collins/Rockwell radio/ELS control system developed for a Consolidated Patrol Motorcycle Environment package (to complement the Consolidated Patrol Vehice Environment hardware used across the rest of the CHP fleet); but one of the few producible machines sure to handle such a package for testing would be the Harley-Davidson FLTP, a fleet-specific development of the Tour Glide with pursuit lights where early Tour Glides had flush front directionals, a touch-screen CDU located where the stereo mounts on the FLTR, and most likely a police-specific King Tour-Pak to hold all the mission electronics.
Back in the 70's the CHP rode Moto Guzi bikes,I bought 3 of them at there auction,rebuilt the motors using 350 Chevy pistons for about a 3rd of what stock Guzi pistons cost, really good highway cruiser 😎
Although CHP, as it is operated by the Gov. is nothing more than Revenue Generator by theft, I have always recognized how Professional and Performance Oriented they are. While most other Dept. were going all Macho and trying to prove their manhood, by going all Harley Davidson, they saw the benefit of high performance Japanese bikes. It's some shithead move, to outfit your squad with Harley Davidson, that toast the riders legs and torture them with vibrations, on 8-12 hr shift. Someone kind of smart, probably fingered the opposed twin engine on the BMW, as Ideal smooth running machine on a long shifts. But in reality, opposed twin/boxer is not a zero secondary vibration engine, and needs a balancer to make it acceptable. No doubt LAPD and LASD are just a copy cat, in purchasing these. But ultimate in comfort and low end torque, would be the BMW with transversely mounted INLINE 6 cyl, although it is a bit porky. More ideal is the Honda VFR, which is almost as smooth, but more powerful and agile. VFR Should be the Industry Standard. It is in Smart Depts.
@@andrewjackson7476 vfr much better idea. soichiro san's boys turn out quality product on many levels. vfr has always been up there (if you forget the original pearlescent white one that chewed cam-gears).
Yeah never seen an episode where they pulled their guns.lol if they made a new Chips there would be beatings tazing shootings choking to death and all sorts of ill ass sh!t with today's policing. Don't think people would be watching it. There's enough of that bulshit on RU-vid. Donald Trump needs to get law enforcement under control and hold them accountable for their actions. Ever heard the saying if you can't beat them join them. Well I guess since the cops can't beat the thugs they're just going to start acting like them. Way to make America great again Donald Hitler oops I mean Trump. Just talking out loud you don't like it here's a suggestion....... FUCK OFF!!!
Those crash bars are a big selling point. Yes, bodily protection is always good, but added protection on the bike makes a laydown much less of a harsher thing. After laying down a DR650 at low speed and nearly losing my leg over it, I'm never getting on a bike that doesn't have the crash bars equipped.
+Pabla Digital As he stated, much of the protective gear is integrated into the bike. The crash bars, boots, and overall design of the bike contribute to the proven safety record of this system. Also, by having so much safety borne by bike configuration, the poor guys can sit there in the heat without passing out- also a safety concern.
I can't understand how they patrol in a short-sleeved shirt. In the event of falling, which sometimes happens, terrible injuries can occur. I understand that in California they have good weather most of the year, but there are summer jackets that protect the biker very well.
@Howie Loso yes before the Police model introduced, they use KZ900 later the KZ1000P which is the police model. One can spot the difference between this bike by its wheels (Spoke vs Sport), the 900 didnt have front fairing as 1000P have. Some KZ1000P is still in service with CHP and various law enforcement in the US such as LAPD
I've not seen a single CHP Harleys. Maybe you mean LAPD. Although CHP, as it is operated by the Gov. is nothing more than Revenue Generator by theft, I have always recognized how Professional and Performance Oriented they are. While most other Dept. were going all Macho and trying to prove their manhood, by going all Harley Davidson, they saw the benefit of high performance Japanese bikes. It's some shithead move, to outfit your squad with Harley Davidson, that toast the riders legs and torture them with vibrations, on 8-12 hr shift. Someone kind of smart, probably fingered the opposed twin engine on the BMW, as Ideal smooth running machine on a long shifts. But in reality, opposed twin/boxer is not a zero secondary vibration engine, and needs a balancer to make it acceptable. No doubt LAPD and LASD are just a copy cat, in purchasing these. But ultimate in comfort and low end torque, would be the BMW with transversely mounted INLINE 6 cyl, although it is a bit porky. More ideal is the Honda VFR, which is almost as smooth, but more powerful and agile. VFR Should be the Industry Standard. It is in Smart Depts.
I love my 1200RT. I might try to pick up a 1250RT-P one of these days. As a civilian most motorists behave better around you when they see you initially thinking you are CHP. It adds a whole other level of safety to the ride.
You guys are absolutely the best they really are and they're often times more than fair although don't give me wrong they giving me a few tickets but in general the a.m. or the distance really really unique and in competent police officers patrol officer I don't think police is right there I would close and in the end 
The BMW (aka "Messerschmitt") is superior to the Harley. Not that this is any great achievement. I miss the Kawasaki, though, and wish that they had simply updated the KZP with ABS. BMWs and KZPs are comfortable to ride, the HDs not so much. When on major operator went from KZP to HD, they discovered that the type of citation shifted -- when they were on Kawasakis, most of the cites were "hunted," meaning that the cop was moving when the violation was observed. HD cites are often "gathered," meaning the cop was by the side of the road, observing traffic. BMWs are also mostly hunted rather than gathered. Even a lot of BMW radar cites are from moving radar rather than sitting there with phasers set to stun, the way most Harley guys do it.
There is some textile fiber protective gear. I don't know, but for me it is a stark violation of workplace safety. Compare it with what construction workers have to do to prevent injuries.
They don't have a left brakelight. The blue "cruise lights" identify copcycles at a distance at night, useful if you've been called to back up an officer at a traffic stop.
Officer Gomez. Do you know Officers Baker or Ponch ??? How about Grossman? ? ?? lol your in ,in my book one of thee best Law Enforcement agencies if not the best hands down in the U.S. But for cities department Police Departments my hats off to my home town N.Y.P.D. best of the best city Police Departments ever and Period.
Those “crash bars” will do absolutely nothing for the rider in a crash. All they do is protect the engine and saddle bags if the bike is dropped or tipped over at low speeds. This is why they’re actually called engine guards and bag guards.
I commented on that also (why they are in a button down shirt). Wonder what happens if they go down with liability and insurance. Seems careless to me. Regardless of skill, there are other motorists out there.
Ebay, Craigslist, etc. As far as miles, some agencies let them go at about 110,000 miles, others based on age, still others ride them as long as they can -- it's usually cheaper to refurb than to replace.
Funny cuz our local motor cops couldn't make to a press release to promote motorcycle safety month yesterday because their BMW motorcycles were broken down! ATGATT on the protective gear!!!
Warning on radar guns..!! We lost a very dear friend last year due to bone cancer in the leg. This was directly related to him putting the radar gun on his leg between uses. Stay cognoscente of it.
By chance I just bought an ex Dutch police FJR1300... 2009 with 63k miles on it... it is as basic as it gets, and banged up. But it was cheap as chips, and even after spending some money on it will be still a lot cheaper than if I would have bought the same bike but with a private life.
Fun watching, but I would disagree with how it was adopted into the fleet. BMW had a "buy back program". Going from the RTP to the Electra glide would not be considered by someone in their right mind.
riding the R1200 for WOT for 5 mi. wouldn’t be that scary... but whoooweeee try that with a Busa or anything inline-4 and 1Kcc’s and above and you better have some room!!
carlos, i can see what you're thinking. it's on my bucket list. i nearly did it in the 80s when i lived in london, britain, cop bike parked in the middle of the road, while he walked off. i'm 70 now and if the opportunity offers itself again, i won't hesitate - just for 'the craic'
@ 1:27... what exactly is a "single sidearm" motorcycle? I guess he meant a "single-sided swingarm"??? I'm also a bit concerned that he thinks those bars are going to help in the event that bike is involved in a multi-vehicle collision... unless it's a very light fender bender, those probably won't do jack, except for maybe breaking your legs.
he did mean single sided swingarm for sure. And as an owner of one of these bikes, I can tell you what the bars are for. For one thing, the bike (without the extra battery and police equipment) is 570lbs. Its a VERY heavy bike. In the case of a wreck the MOST those bars are gunna do is keep the super exposed motor of these bikes from getting completely obliterated. But then, thats only in some cases not all. Also the crash bars are so that the police officer can lay the bike down on its side without damaging the bike. Like if he needs to get off his bike and start chasing someone or providing assistance at an accident where seconds (including the time it would take to put a kickstand down) are crucial. And in personal experience, its alot easier to pick up a 600lbs bike that is not completely on its side, the bars hold it up so that the tires still touch the ground.
henry i have two Harleys one with over 70000 miles evo motor and the other twin cam 103 inch had it up to a 100 stright as an arrow and never had one wobbling in my life and i probably have close to a million miles in my life now my question are you letting prisoners/ trustee repair your motorcycles
+ethan m I gather it's for better communication with others, and a desire not to look like Robocop or something similar. It makes them look much less personable if you can hardly see their faces
I traded my R1200RT in for a K1600GTL and I can't for the life of me understand why the CHP and other cops don't buy these... the K1600 is so much faster and smoother.
The cops don't go looking for equipment, the manufacturers market to the cops. Some companies don't want to make the changes necessary for patrol use, or they try but can't do it. Either way, it can be more expensive than it's worth to the company.
@James Barrett : Back East, HD pretty much has the market. In the West, Kawasaki owned it from the late 1970's until the KZP went out of production 15 years ago (this month). BMW made some inroads (so to speak), and became popular when the Kaws went away. HD had been doing all kinds of creative marketing to get contracts, but with their current money woes, that may not be practical (or even possible) in the future, so their days in blue may be coming to an end. I prefer the Honda to either BMW or HD.
Nice! However, with regard to safety gear, on the bike for 12 hours in short sleeves, in addition to safety issues, they are set up for sunburns unless using high sunblock every few hours. Remember squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma. Short sleeves and half helmet may look cool to some, but there are consequences, risks. ATGATT.
BMWs know wonder why taxes are so high in California.. The State has no clue how to save money.. Speeders give me a break they should drive in Germany now that's speeding..
