after watching some vidoes of Japaneses police i would have to disagree, the japanese courses are abit more open allowing faster speeds, and they can put thier feet down around the hard corners from a stop. plus as has already pointed out a VFR weighs much less than a St1300 or Harley, learned skils do not change the laws of physics.
Oh for crying out loud, don't be so ignorant. These techniques are LEARNED, they're not some intrinsic characteristic of "these bikes". The skills learned by these officers can be executed on ANY motorcycle.
You CANNOT lean a sportbike over that far and counterlean at the same time. The reason is because, for the lower handlebar to be down that far and counterleaning at the same time your arms would have to be 150% longer. Don't call me ignorant. I have owned both types of bike. While a sportbike can be fun for this sort of practice, it is nowhere near as agile. Don't be a punk. My previous comment was in NO way meant to be disrespectful to the riders in this video.
When your out east, try to come to an east coast competition. If you come to NY I'll show you NYPD Highway Patrol station house and training facility.
From 1992-2000 I was the best Motorcycle cop in Police motorcycle competitions on the east coast riding a Harley road king. I competed against Bmw's, Kowasaki's, Honda's, and FXRP's, even though those motorcycle's turned tighter and were faster in the top end, they were'nt able to compete with the road king. I was an instructor from NYPD Highway Patrol.
That's impressive, Al... Although I never really enjoyed riding the HD in our city and under our varying conditions, I know that you guys that do ride them are simply incredible. My helmet's off to you. Next time I'm back East, I'll have to look you up. Only been to the Big Apple once, but had a great time...
I also was the fastest through the speed run and the slowest through the slow rides on the Road King. I have over 60 1st place trophies to prove it. Any way I wish they had youtube when I rode. Al
The ST1100 is the best bike I ever owned, and I own(-ed) a few (a.o. HD -never again!- FJ1200, R100RT, and 4 more Guzzi's) The way you can corner this bike is incredible, it almost beats my Guzzi Lemans V1000.
I think a beter motorcycle has yet to be built, that goes even for the ST1300 of which I know that a.o.(Dutch) traffic cops prefer the ST1100 because of its more predictable and calmer roadhandling.
(besides that, Honda has a enginetemperature problem with the ST1300)
The ST1100 is a great bike. I tested them, but once I'd ridden the ST1300, I was sold. The ST1300 has had some problems with the engine thermostat failing, but since it fails in the open position, the bike just runs a little rougher at colder temps. Any "heat" issues referred to are typically the heat felt by the rider on their legs, and the reports are subjective. It's an "issue" in the Summer, and a "feature" in the Winter.
I would say that all you comments are right, it was a shame that officer came off and did not make it but it was due to lack of experience, he was only on the bike course for about a week or so. i ride a st1300 every day to and from work and its fully loaded with most of honda's extras, but even then still very easy to contral and throw about in trafic. still would like a HD tho.
Mauga, the BMW obviously takes a different kind of riding style than the HD, and not everyone likes it. The Honda ST1300 that you see me riding here is similar to the BMW's, but with a lower center of gravity and more torque, making it easier to ride. The HD is a fine bike, to be sure, and some officers can absolutely work magic on them. But, I prefer the speed and handling of the Honda.
Islandcopp, the BMW has the dry clutch which takes 18 hrs labor and over $1000 to fix. The HD wet clutch is forgiving and takes 1 hr with a HOTT motor and $350 to repair. The BMW and Honda has ZERO storage and what little either does have is not very officer friendly. On the HD, which I can work magic on, I never have to get off the bike. Just laser the violator, drop the laser in the bag and I'm off. The resale on the HD is unbelieveable as well. (see part 2)
We recently sold a 5 yr old Road King for 10K at auction. Hell, we didn't pay but $12,500 for it. I don't care how good you ride, if you train like we do, you'll drop it. The HD takes the rigors of training without any serious damage. Drop a BMW or a Honda and get out your checkbook. We spent over $100K in repairs on those 6 BMW POS's in 2.5 years. HD is the true police bike. The crotch rockets are for the youngun's.
Maugwa, I'm glad you're happy on the HD. You should ride what you're comfortable with. It sounds like you have time on a BMW, but not with an ST13. That's fine, but you have been given some bad info. The Honda has plenty of storage, with two bags large enough to hold a full-face helmet in each. It's no Crown Vic trunk, but it holds quite a bit. As for dropping it, if you drop a Honda, you might scratch up the $9.00 plastic tip-over winglet cover. (see Part 2)
The ST also has a wet clutch, and is similar in repair cost. If you look on my protection bar, there's a convenient LIDAR holder. It was made by a very talented cop who makes accessories.
Congratulations being able to work magic on the HD - I was never comfortable on the HD. Just different styles, I guess. As for the younguns & crotch rockets, I'm the youngest guy in my unit at 42 years, and none of us seemed to mind the power and handling of the ST13.
Some of our BMW;s had the Lidar "sleeve" as well and it had a lock on it as well. I just lined one of my saddle bags with soft foam and threw my laser in there after zapping a speeder. Ride safe and swing that leg high motorman!!!
Nope never road the Honda but you are correct in your statement....ride what you are confident on! The BMW really sucks for storage and is a terrible "office" for a motorcop. You have to get off the thing to put up anything or get anything. There is NO POSSIBLE way to carry a leather jacket AND rain gear. If you could, where would you put all the stuff you need to perform your job on a daily basis? (see pt 2)
You can throw a KZP out of an airplane and ride away on it. Mine's been on the deck 20 times some nights playing in teh cones. And I can do a full clutch swap in about 20 min if I lay it on its side. The KZP is a great performer if you are talking cones or cost of operation. You can do things and go places on a KZP that a HD can't.
Terrible bike the ST1300. UK Police are withdrawing it from service following a number of accidents, one of which led to the death of an officer. Take a look at the BBC News website and search for ST1300A or ST1300.
Hey Cheese... Yes, I heard about the loss of the officer, and was very sorry to hear it. However, we're not experiencing the same issue that is blamed for his death, the high-speed wobble. I've had this bike well into triple digits many times, and have not had any wobble... Hopefully they'll work out whatever that problem is.
Yeah, that operator is well trained on that bike...But that is not , or at least does not look like the Harleys that the cops ride on duty. They look a lot lighter.
imathestorm, thanks very much. No, we don't ride HD's on our dept. The weight is similar, but it's obviously laid out completely different than an HD.
Our Tax Money:(
spacebrdcst 3 months ago
It's easy on any bike...with practice.
SoCalDualSport 8 months ago
Music is gay - but the riding skills are elite....nice tight turns.
TBaker1964 8 months ago
Excellent performance. Thanks for sharing.
mutatedrock 9 months ago
Great control for a big machine!
tartan1985 1 year ago
the riding is impressive
the video isnt too bad
the music sucks A S S
ace1sod 1 year ago
some one should give him a ticket for reckless driving....
onefugowie 1 year ago
Cops, motorcycles and...Madonna? WTF?
fkerpants 1 year ago
going around cones on an St1300 is sure tough..VFR would be much lighter and easier to ride...good job Mr.Policeman!
weissen888 2 years ago
Dave you are the best!!!!!!!
GuyHarleytcu 2 years ago
Dude can ride!
patrickcline7106 2 years ago
wow. FAIL!
eurovictor 2 years ago
No offence to the Coppers on here, but it looks to me like the Japanese moto cops would run circles around y'all on this course. ;}
Scooted32 2 years ago 3
diffrent bike they ride , these pan europeans, compared to VFR's are miles apart, I have a ZZR1400, and its heavy when slow in traffic,
tigerbricks 2 years ago
Definitely the impression I get.
American cops seem to be riding heavier bikes, though.
Besides, Japan is THE bike country.
z98908 2 years ago
after watching some vidoes of Japaneses police i would have to disagree, the japanese courses are abit more open allowing faster speeds, and they can put thier feet down around the hard corners from a stop. plus as has already pointed out a VFR weighs much less than a St1300 or Harley, learned skils do not change the laws of physics.
Shad0hawK 2 years ago
excellent riding! what is the name of the song?
joder6669 3 years ago
"Hella Good" - No Doubt
Buddykitchen 2 years ago
I would be impressed if they could do this on an unmodified sport bike like a Kawasaki ZZR 600. These bikes were built for this type of riding.
FindlaySucks 3 years ago
Oh for crying out loud, don't be so ignorant. These techniques are LEARNED, they're not some intrinsic characteristic of "these bikes". The skills learned by these officers can be executed on ANY motorcycle.
Buddykitchen 2 years ago
You CANNOT lean a sportbike over that far and counterlean at the same time. The reason is because, for the lower handlebar to be down that far and counterleaning at the same time your arms would have to be 150% longer. Don't call me ignorant. I have owned both types of bike. While a sportbike can be fun for this sort of practice, it is nowhere near as agile. Don't be a punk. My previous comment was in NO way meant to be disrespectful to the riders in this video.
FindlaySucks 2 years ago
You are so right...it is easier riding an 800 lb Harley round a course like this than a Yamahondakawasuzki sportbike.
doowaditti 2 years ago
Sport Tourer ;) I got a 2005 ZZR 600. I wish I could do this with her. Greetz from Columbus, OH
mikejr879 2 years ago
whats the best way to really learn how to do low speed handling??
JerryMopar 3 years ago
When your out east, try to come to an east coast competition. If you come to NY I'll show you NYPD Highway Patrol station house and training facility.
aferriso 3 years ago
That sounds great, thanks. If you make it out to the left coast, you know where I am. Stop by...
Islandcopp 3 years ago
It looks like a moped with saddlebags.
aferriso 3 years ago
Yeah, but it's an ANGRY moped... =}
Islandcopp 3 years ago
Only Kidding Islandcop it was a good run,
I know what a good run looks like.
From 1992-2000 I was the best Motorcycle cop in Police motorcycle competitions on the east coast riding a Harley road king. I competed against Bmw's, Kowasaki's, Honda's, and FXRP's, even though those motorcycle's turned tighter and were faster in the top end, they were'nt able to compete with the road king. I was an instructor from NYPD Highway Patrol.
aferriso 3 years ago
That's impressive, Al... Although I never really enjoyed riding the HD in our city and under our varying conditions, I know that you guys that do ride them are simply incredible. My helmet's off to you. Next time I'm back East, I'll have to look you up. Only been to the Big Apple once, but had a great time...
Islandcopp 3 years ago
@aferriso Road King...No pursuits
SoCalDualSport 8 months ago
PS
I also was the fastest through the speed run and the slowest through the slow rides on the Road King. I have over 60 1st place trophies to prove it. Any way I wish they had youtube when I rode. Al
aferriso 3 years ago
The ST1100 is the best bike I ever owned, and I own(-ed) a few (a.o. HD -never again!- FJ1200, R100RT, and 4 more Guzzi's) The way you can corner this bike is incredible, it almost beats my Guzzi Lemans V1000.
I think a beter motorcycle has yet to be built, that goes even for the ST1300 of which I know that a.o.(Dutch) traffic cops prefer the ST1100 because of its more predictable and calmer roadhandling.
(besides that, Honda has a enginetemperature problem with the ST1300)
panlemans 3 years ago
never had engine temp problem with mine... and never heard that there was one!!
turboman865 3 years ago
The ST1100 is a great bike. I tested them, but once I'd ridden the ST1300, I was sold. The ST1300 has had some problems with the engine thermostat failing, but since it fails in the open position, the bike just runs a little rougher at colder temps. Any "heat" issues referred to are typically the heat felt by the rider on their legs, and the reports are subjective. It's an "issue" in the Summer, and a "feature" in the Winter.
Islandcopp 3 years ago
Whats the name of the soundtrack?
imbobby0 4 years ago
I would say that all you comments are right, it was a shame that officer came off and did not make it but it was due to lack of experience, he was only on the bike course for about a week or so. i ride a st1300 every day to and from work and its fully loaded with most of honda's extras, but even then still very easy to contral and throw about in trafic. still would like a HD tho.
turboman865 4 years ago
Won't argue with you about the Kawasaki. It's a shame they stopped manufacturing them.
Maugwa 4 years ago
BMW is the worst Police bike ever built. We shitcanned all 6 of ours and went back to the HD Road King.
Maugwa 4 years ago
Mauga, the BMW obviously takes a different kind of riding style than the HD, and not everyone likes it. The Honda ST1300 that you see me riding here is similar to the BMW's, but with a lower center of gravity and more torque, making it easier to ride. The HD is a fine bike, to be sure, and some officers can absolutely work magic on them. But, I prefer the speed and handling of the Honda.
Islandcopp 4 years ago
Islandcopp, the BMW has the dry clutch which takes 18 hrs labor and over $1000 to fix. The HD wet clutch is forgiving and takes 1 hr with a HOTT motor and $350 to repair. The BMW and Honda has ZERO storage and what little either does have is not very officer friendly. On the HD, which I can work magic on, I never have to get off the bike. Just laser the violator, drop the laser in the bag and I'm off. The resale on the HD is unbelieveable as well. (see part 2)
Maugwa 4 years ago
We recently sold a 5 yr old Road King for 10K at auction. Hell, we didn't pay but $12,500 for it. I don't care how good you ride, if you train like we do, you'll drop it. The HD takes the rigors of training without any serious damage. Drop a BMW or a Honda and get out your checkbook. We spent over $100K in repairs on those 6 BMW POS's in 2.5 years. HD is the true police bike. The crotch rockets are for the youngun's.
Maugwa 4 years ago
Maugwa, I'm glad you're happy on the HD. You should ride what you're comfortable with. It sounds like you have time on a BMW, but not with an ST13. That's fine, but you have been given some bad info. The Honda has plenty of storage, with two bags large enough to hold a full-face helmet in each. It's no Crown Vic trunk, but it holds quite a bit. As for dropping it, if you drop a Honda, you might scratch up the $9.00 plastic tip-over winglet cover. (see Part 2)
Islandcopp 4 years ago
The ST also has a wet clutch, and is similar in repair cost. If you look on my protection bar, there's a convenient LIDAR holder. It was made by a very talented cop who makes accessories.
Congratulations being able to work magic on the HD - I was never comfortable on the HD. Just different styles, I guess. As for the younguns & crotch rockets, I'm the youngest guy in my unit at 42 years, and none of us seemed to mind the power and handling of the ST13.
Enjoy the HD - it's a great bike.
Islandcopp 4 years ago
Some of our BMW;s had the Lidar "sleeve" as well and it had a lock on it as well. I just lined one of my saddle bags with soft foam and threw my laser in there after zapping a speeder. Ride safe and swing that leg high motorman!!!
Maugwa 4 years ago
Nope never road the Honda but you are correct in your statement....ride what you are confident on! The BMW really sucks for storage and is a terrible "office" for a motorcop. You have to get off the thing to put up anything or get anything. There is NO POSSIBLE way to carry a leather jacket AND rain gear. If you could, where would you put all the stuff you need to perform your job on a daily basis? (see pt 2)
Maugwa 4 years ago
You can throw a KZP out of an airplane and ride away on it. Mine's been on the deck 20 times some nights playing in teh cones. And I can do a full clutch swap in about 20 min if I lay it on its side. The KZP is a great performer if you are talking cones or cost of operation. You can do things and go places on a KZP that a HD can't.
xrm1996 4 years ago
These bikes look enormous and bulky. Is that why they are terrible?
elisan693 4 years ago
can w8 2 try 1 of those .....yap its lyk riding in d wind it must be feels great....hope smday can ryd 1 of those..............????
vienavie 4 years ago
Great bike the ST1300
Zwerten 4 years ago
Terrible bike the ST1300. UK Police are withdrawing it from service following a number of accidents, one of which led to the death of an officer. Take a look at the BBC News website and search for ST1300A or ST1300.
cheesybrit 4 years ago
Hey Cheese... Yes, I heard about the loss of the officer, and was very sorry to hear it. However, we're not experiencing the same issue that is blamed for his death, the high-speed wobble. I've had this bike well into triple digits many times, and have not had any wobble... Hopefully they'll work out whatever that problem is.
Islandcopp 4 years ago
Are those the 1000cc engines? And, was he in first gear the whole time?
akagrin 5 years ago
Akagrin, it's a 1300cc, V-4, and first gear the whole way through...
Islandcopp 5 years ago
Thanks. They were very skilled. I want that kind of training =]
akagrin 5 years ago
You're very kind, sir...
Islandcopp 5 years ago
Yeah, that operator is well trained on that bike...But that is not , or at least does not look like the Harleys that the cops ride on duty. They look a lot lighter.
imathestorm 5 years ago
imathestorm, thanks very much. No, we don't ride HD's on our dept. The weight is similar, but it's obviously laid out completely different than an HD.
Islandcopp 5 years ago
Again the weight is nearly the same, much better bike for patrol work, however, HD still look cool
JKBEEBE 4 years ago
would love to as controlled as that, wouldnt mind the bike either!
aj466202 5 years ago
Impressive!
DArmstrong1982 5 years ago