Rare ONES - For a long time, police motorcycles have generally been equipped with large-capacity engines, and even today, this remains largely unchanged. This is not without reason; police motorcycles require special features and modifications to support law enforcement duties. Many of their accessories and components are specifically designed to enhance performance, durability, and functionality, ensuring they can meet the demanding operational needs of the police force.
St. Louis police officers (circa 1923) on Indian Four Police Special motorcycles. (Picture from: Old School COPS)
Just like in America, where the police ride Harley-Davidson or Kawasaki motorcycles, in Europe, BMW motorcycles are trusted as a police patrol fleet. These motorcycles are not only fast but also offer first-class performance and acceleration.
However, what we will discuss this time is not modern police motorcycles but a fleet of classic police motorcycles. In terms of both appearance and rarity, these bikes can be considered extremely rare. Are you curious? Here is the list:
1. Indian Four Police Special
Indian, a renowned motorcycle manufacturer, has been involved in the production of police motorcycles for decades. Their journey in this field began in 1920s with the introduction of the Ace Four model. This motorcycle quickly became a favorite among American police forces due to its reliability, power, and smooth performance. Over time, it was further enhanced and rebranded as the Police Special. Equipped with a 1,265 cc, 4-cylinder engine, this bike was capable of reaching a top speed of 144 km/h, making it well-suited for high-speed pursuits and patrolling duties.
This bike was also equipped with strobe lights and sirens, which were powered by the rotation of the front wheel. At that time, the average speed of most vehicles, including four-wheelers, was still below 100 km/h. Due to this limitation, the Indian Four Police Special was primarily used for city patrols rather than high-speed pursuits or chasing criminals. Its smooth ride, sturdy design, and reliable performance made it well-suited for maintaining order and enforcing the law within urban areas.
1941 Indian Four Police Special. (Picture from: MotorcycleMuseum)
After producing the Police Special for several years, Indian began developing new models to enhance their offerings for law enforcement. This time, they shifted their focus to a twin-engine format, similar to the one used by Harley-Davidson. This strategic move allowed Indian to compete more effectively in the police motorcycle market. As a result, both Indian and Harley-Davidson became the backbone of American police motorcycle fleets, supplying reliable and powerful bikes that played a crucial role in law enforcement operations across the country.
2. Triumph 6T 650 Thunderbird
The Triumph 6T 650 Thunderbird was widely loved by police forces around the world who had the opportunity to use it. One of its biggest appeals was its impressive speed, capable of reaching up to 161 km/h. This performance was no surprise, as the motorcycle was the creation of Edward Turner and Jack Wickes, both renowned racing bike tuners from the Triumph racing team.
When the Thunderbird was first introduced in September 1949, its top speed was around 149 km/h. However, to better suit the American market, its 650 cc engine was refined and upgraded, ultimately allowing it to reach 161 km/h. This increase in power and speed caught the attention of several other police forces, leading to its adoption in various regions.
Over time, however, the Thunderbird's legacy was not primarily as a tough and reliable police motorcycle but rather as a dominant force on the racetrack. This was proven by the development of multiple versions of the Thunderbird, including the TR5, which became the champion of AMC Racing’s 'Class C' competition until 1969.
3. Norton 500 cc + Sidecar
Finding a police version of a Norton motorcycle can be quite difficult. Even in the UK, where the brand originated, its use as a police motorcycle was almost nonexistent. The reason for this is that the Norton sidecar model was primarily used by the Hong Kong police when Hong Kong was still under British rule.
The Hong Kong Police Force's Norton 500cc motorcycle with side-car in early 1950s. (Picture from: HongKongPoliceForce)
On the other hand, racing versions of the Norton 500 cc are much easier to find, as the 1950s marked the golden era of motorcycle racing, particularly in Europe. During that time, this model was one of the main competitors of the Gilera 500 cc in high-profile racing events.
Norton was chosen as a police motorcycle due to its impressive engine performance and responsive acceleration. The addition of a sidecar made it more suitable for neighborhood patrol duties, providing stability and additional carrying capacity.
1950 Norton ES2 500cc. (Picture from: BSA-C15)
Mechanically, the police version was nearly identical to the standard model. The most noticeable differences were the distinctive police accessories, body color, and the word 'POLICE' displayed on the bike, along with the attached sidecar. Unfortunately, there are no official records detailing the exact number of Norton 500 cc units produced for police use.
4. Honda CB450 Police Special
In the 1960s, if you saw one of these motorcycles on the streets of America with a flashing red light on its side, there was a good chance you were being pursued by the police.
This motorcycle was exclusively used by law enforcement—no civilians owned it. A total of just 25 units of the Honda CB450 Police Special were imported from Japan to the United States, intended to support law enforcement operations.
1966 Honda CB450 Police Special on display at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio. (Picture from: MotorcycleMuseum)
The CB450 Police Special was essentially identical to the standard CB450 model, first introduced in 1965, in terms of engine composition and body design. The most noticeable difference was that the police version came equipped with specialized law enforcement accessories, earning it the name Honda CB450 Police Special.
Unfortunately, the CB450 Police Special failed to gain widespread adoption. This was not due to any shortcomings in its specifications but rather because Harley-Davidson models completely dominated the American police motorcycle market at the time. As a result, only 25 units were ever used in the U.S., making it one of the rarest police motorcycles in American history.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops....... *** [EKA [12112014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME | BAZAMOTO | HONG KONG POLICE FORCE | OLD SCHOLL COPS ]
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Just like in America, where the police ride Harley-Davidson or Kawasaki motorcycles, in Europe, BMW motorcycles are trusted as a police patrol fleet. These motorcycles are not only fast but also offer first-class performance and acceleration.
Unfortunately, the CB450 Police Special failed to gain widespread adoption. This was not due to any shortcomings in its specifications but rather because Harley-Davidson models completely dominated the American police motorcycle market at the time. As a result, only 25 units were ever used in the U.S., making it one of the rarest police motorcycles in American history.
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