Since
long times ago the police motorcycle generally use big capacity
engines. Even now that condition has not changed much. Of course this is
something special, because most accessories/special component of police
motorcycle is very special or due to the use of police motorcycles based on a special need.
As
in America, where the police riding a Harley-Davidson or Kawasaki. While in
Europe, BMW motorcycles earn trust as a police patrol fleet. Not only
fast, but the performance and acceleration are also the first-class.
But
we will discuss this time is not the police fleet based modern
motorcycles, but a fleet of classic motorcycle. It was looks and counts
from the population can be said to super rare. Are you curious? Here are
the list:
1. 1941 Indian Four Police Special
Indian,
a motorcycle manufacturer has long involved the police motorbike
production that begins with the Ace Four types in 1928. This bike was
the one of the American police favorite motorcycles and then up grade
into a Police Special. This bike uses a 4-cylinder engine that has a
capacity of 1,265 cc, and be able to driving with a maximum speed of 144
kph.
This
bike is also equipped with strobe lights and sirens which driven by the
front wheel rotation. The average speed as generally four wheel drive
in that time, still below the 100 kph. And so, the Indian Four Police
Special bikes much use as the city patrol rather than for chasing the
criminals.
After
a few years makes the Police Special, Indian start developing their
product. This time they glance at twin engine format, as used by
Harley-Davidson. And then both motorcycle manufacturers become the
backbone of the American police for the motorcycles fleet procurement.
2. 1949-1966 Triumph 6T 650 Thunderbird 650
The
Triumph 6T 650 Thunderbird was loved by police around the world who
ever been use it. Because at the time they could be riding this
motorcycle with speed up to 161 kph. Naturally, because this motor was
the work of Edward Turner and Jack Wickes, the racing bikes tuner in the
Triumph-racing team.
In
fact, when it first launched in September 1949 and ended in 1966, the
motorcycle's speed is still about 149 kph. In order to suit the American
market, its 650 cc engine was repaired and eventually capable of
driving up to 161 kph. With that ability, some other state police also
began to snap it for their fleets.
With
time, its achievement was not exactly recorded as the reliable and
tough police fleets, but becomes a winner on the racecourse. This is
evidenced by the development of multiple versions of Thunderbird which
ruled the motorcycle racetrack, including the TR5, the champion of AMC
Racing 'Class C' to 1969.
3. Norton 500 cc + Sidecar
To
found the Norton police motorcycle version may be difficult. In the UK
too, the origin of this brands may be called nothing. The reason, the
Norton with side-car models is only used by the Hong Kong police. And
Hong Kong in that time were under the British protectorate.
Conversely,
if we sought the racing version of Norton 500 cc was easier to find.
Where the 1950s was the era of racing event, especially in Europe. No
wonder if this variant was the one of competitors of Gilera 500 cc in
that time.
The
appointment of Norton as the police motorcycles thanks to engine
performance and responsive acceleration. The addition of 'side-car' to
be more adequate as the neighborhood patrol vehicle.
With
the standard version there was virtually no difference. There are
striking differences in the color of the body as well as the Police's
accessories and the word 'police', in addition to the 'side-car'
attached. Unfortunately, there are no official records on the number of
units of the police's version of Norton 500 cc.
4. 1966 Honda CB450 Police Special
In
the 1960s, if you see one of these motorcycles in the streets of
America with a flash of red light that lights up on the side of the
bikes, there is a possibility you are being chased by police officers.
There is no public who had this bike other than the police. A total of
25 units of Honda CB450 Police Special imported from Japan to America.
The goal is to smooth the law enforcement task in there.
 |
| 1966 Honda CB450 Police Special on display in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1s6AlkQ) |
Actually
the CB450 Police Special similar to the CB450 production in 1955. Both
the engine composition and body format. The most striking difference is
the police's fleet is equipped with the police accessory therefore it
called the Honda CB450 Police Special.
Unfortunately,
the CB450 Police Special failed to perform the task. Not because the
specifications are not adequate, but in that time the Harley-Davidson
varian so dominating. Finally, the 25 units is the total number of the
Honda CB450 Police Special in America.*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME]
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