Why so few motorcycles in today's emergency services?

[Jack Miller]

On another thread Ocean1 wrote:
Bring back the patrol bikes. Bring back the expertise in using them that used to command genuine respect from the public, two wheeled or more.

I think this maybe deserves a thread of its own. It's a bloody good idea! Bikes are a very rapid first response unit able to filter through traffic jams and get to the scene. If they are adventure style bikes they can even use berms, verges and cross-country shortcuts. If there were more bikes in these roles they would raise the profile of motorcycles in the minds of other road users who all too often "don't see" us, and re-legitimise motorcycles in the face of increasing belief that we shouldn't be on the road.

Are there any emergency service employees on the forum who can tell us why motorcycles are so scarce in their services?

[oneofsix]

On another thread Ocean1 wrote:

I think this maybe deserves a thread of its own. It's a bloody good idea! Bikes are a very rapid first response unit able to filter through traffic jams and get to the scene. If they are adventure style bikes they can even use berms, verges and cross-country shortcuts. If there were more bikes in these roles they would raise the profile of motorcycles in the minds of other road users who all too often "don't see" us, and re-legitimise motorcycles in the face of increasing belief that we shouldn't be on the road.

Are there any emergency service employees on the forum who can tell us why motorcycles are so scarce in their services?

If you can check out emergency bikers on sky. Next week they introduce a fire service first response bike. They don't use adventure bikes but the ability to ride in malls and railway stations is used by the paramedic first responder bikers. The govt. would have like comment in last Sunday's one about the cop bikers being able to pull over 4 times the truckers of the cars, checking for rest period abuse.

[allycatz]

Our emergency ambo response here in Kapiti has a bike now....it was donated to our EMS unit.

[oneofsix]

Our emergency ambo response here in Kapiti has a bike now....it was donated to our EMS unit.

So true, how did I forget that :facepalm: I haven't seen it on the road yet. Believe it a Kawasaki 1300 that was originally bought in for a sales pitch to the police.

[allycatz]

So true, how did I forget that :facepalm: I haven't seen it on the road yet. Believe it a Kawasaki 1300 that was originally bought in for a sales pitch to the police.

I was thinking its a beemer...whatever, its a nice looking bike and I believe he (Dr Chris Lane)has found it useful filtering through traffic to get to emergency scenes

[oneofsix]

I was thinking its a beemer...whatever, its a nice looking bike and I believe he (Dr Chris Lane)has found it useful filtering through traffic to get to emergency scenes

It would be great on the Pak waterfront, getting through by the WRB, as long as he stays off the WRB.
The UK program gave an example of 3 miles in 4 minutes filtering through rush hour traffic, I think it is Manchester. Those extra minutes can save a life.

[allycatz]

It would be great on the Pak waterfront, getting through by the WRB, as long as he stays off the WRB.
The UK program gave an example of 3 miles in 4 minutes filtering through rush hour traffic, I think it is Manchester. Those extra minutes can save a life.

I remember getting amboed into Welly Hospital when my twins were going to arrive early and we went along most centennial highway and through Pukurua Bay all along the yellow lines with sirens going....bloody scary it was, not that a bike would be any use in that situation:laugh:

[James Deuce]

Itz cos their dangerous innit?

[oneofsix]

I remember getting amboed into Welly Hospital when my twins were going to arrive early and we went along most centennial highway and through Pukurua Bay all along the yellow lines with sirens going....bloody scary it was, not that a bike would be any use in that situation:laugh:

no, true but the mental picture of a woman in labour on the back of a bike cracked me up.
If you were stuck in one of the laybys on the Centennial Highway in steady traffic the EMS bike would be about the only thing that could get to you so I'm glad they have it. Surprised Akld don't have a few of them.

[rapid van cleef]

I went with my son to a Police force open eve for people thinking of joining up. He fancied being a bike cop. We were amazed to be told that NZ doesnt really have many bike cops and that they were being phased out. This was 2 years ago. I must admit, Ive never seen a bike cop here in 5 years. It would do wonders for police/ biker relations if we saw some of them out on the road and offering training courses too, like what happens overseas. From my experience in the UK, bike cops are very highly skilled. Comes down to money i spose.

[oneofsix]

I went with my son to a Police force open eve for people thinking of joining up. He fancied being a bike cop. We were amazed to be told that NZ doesnt really have many bike cops and that they were being phased out. This was 2 years ago. I must admit, Ive never seen a bike cop here in 5 years. It would do wonders for police/ biker relations if we saw some of them out on the road and offering training courses too, like what happens overseas. From my experience in the UK, bike cops are very highly skilled. Comes down to money i spose.

I think attitude more then money. You see them around Welly as escorts of course but also as speed traps.

[Dodgy_Matt]

I think attitude more then money. You see them around Welly as escorts of course but also as speed traps.

You quite often see one of the bike cops at the top of Ngauranga, Jville off ramp, trying to catch speeders around 4-6pm

[Devil]

There's at least 10 cop bikes up here. I work across the road from the AKL central cop shop. Looked like they were practicing VIP escorts the other day, supported by what must have been every cop bike in auckland, sent ahead to control the intersections.

[oneofsix]

There's at least 10 cop bikes up here. I work across the road from the AKL central cop shop. Looked like they were practicing VIP escorts the other day, supported by what must have been every cop bike in auckland, sent ahead to control the intersections.

yeah, with the RWC I guess there will be a lot of escort duty coming up for the Akld cops

[allycatz]

I reckon its because the govt. would have to pay all those extra ACC levies .......:Police:

[slofox]

Itz cos they're dangerous innit?

Fixed...:whistle:


Perzackerly. Couldn't have them murdercycles used by legitimate persons as opposed to all us bastards out there...

[Renegade]

i think its just auckland, wellington and christchurch that have bike cops, rotorua had a bike that was shared but apparently each bike counts as a vehicle on paper which means why have a bike that costs more to buy that a holden and carries less crap = sell bike.

I did hear a story about a couple of cops that cranked the bosses visa in christchurch after the quake purchasing a couple of dirt bikes so they could get around, story goes that they got an ass kicking because technically they could of just commandeered the buggers, now they own them :Police:

[Ocean1]

I fell in with a flotilla of 5, (FIVE) a couple of years ago on the Hutt non-motorway. We played that game where you all stick as close as possible to 100k while looking determinedly and casually nonchalant. They were obviously on training manoeuvres and it occurred to me then that I hadn’t seen one for a while. I’ve seen one perhaps 5 times since.

They do have a place other than escort duties, I’d be fascinated to hear whatever justification head office might have for what’s obviously the almost complete abandonment of the fleet.

Actually I wouldn't be that fascinated, Jim's nailed it, the H&S Nazis have had their wicked way.

[davereid]

Our emergency ambo response here in Kapiti has a bike now....it was donated to our EMS unit.

Yep. ESL Security in Kapiti-Horowhenua use a motorcycle for alarm responses especially during holiday weekends when the traffic is terrible.

[James Deuce]

Fixed...:whistle:


Perzackerly. Couldn't have them murdercycles used by legitimate persons as opposed to all us bastards out there...


It didn't need fixing dunnit? It is cos vey is fick vat vey have no motorcycles innit?

[rastuscat]

On another thread Ocean1 wrote:

I think this maybe deserves a thread of its own. It's a bloody good idea! Bikes are a very rapid first response unit able to filter through traffic jams and get to the scene. If they are adventure style bikes they can even use berms, verges and cross-country shortcuts. If there were more bikes in these roles they would raise the profile of motorcycles in the minds of other road users who all too often "don't see" us, and re-legitimise motorcycles in the face of increasing belief that we shouldn't be on the road.

Are there any emergency service employees on the forum who can tell us why motorcycles are so scarce in their services?

Well well, Jack, have I got an answer for you.

Back in the MoT days, the accountants dragged the R80RTs off the road because they cost 19c per KM to operate. That was quite a lot in 1991. A V3000 cost only 22c per km (not just petrol, but overall costs), but a car is cheaper for the road policing role i.e. 2 cops can fit in a car, so you need less of them.

I championed the reintroduction of the Chch Popo bikes in 2005, and we finally got them in 2007. I had to write a substantial business case. Out of interest, a vehicle is a vehicle, so to get 2 bikes, our district had to relinquish 2 cars. Since then they have cost a bloody fortune to keep them on the road. The reasons we got them were because the boss got sick of me nagging about it, and I promised him strategic advantages. I delivered, but at what has turned out to be a high financial price.

In this world of risk aversion, only the best gear will do, and that's damn dear. The bikes we have (R1200RT-P models) are great, but pricey to buy, fix and operate. E.g. A helmet costs about $1K, coz we don't buy junk, and they're a long term consumable.

It's all about money, Jacko, if that answers your question. In my mind they're worth it, for all the reasons you probably know, but the guy writing the cheques has his doubts.

Post me a list of questions, and I'll spend a month giving you some answers. Until then, know that it's basically hard and expensive to keep even a small bike fleet on the road, so largely, we don't.

Harumph.

[rastuscat]

I went with my son to a Police force open eve for people thinking of joining up. He fancied being a bike cop. We were amazed to be told that NZ doesnt really have many bike cops and that they were being phased out. This was 2 years ago. I must admit, Ive never seen a bike cop here in 5 years. It would do wonders for police/ biker relations if we saw some of them out on the road and offering training courses too, like what happens overseas. From my experience in the UK, bike cops are very highly skilled. Comes down to money i spose.


Have said it before on KB. There's about 26 of us left, but we're a hard core and are working to keep bikes in existence.

Trouble is, the bosses don't actually see the justification for them, just the hassle.

Donuts.

[Katman]

Have said it before on KB. There's about 26 of us left, but we're a hard core and are working to keep bikes in existence.

Trouble is, the bosses don't actually see the justification for them, just the hassle.

Donuts.

Concentrate on riding sensibly instead of doing donuts then.

[Ocean1]

Post me a list of questions, and I'll spend a month giving you some answers.

Do I get a couple?

How come the bike budget has to stretch to beemers but the car budget only has to afford the cheapest in class? What’s wrong with white bandits, you’d get twice the bang for yer buck.

Or as someone else suggested: V-Stroms, would that get your fingers into some CD budget too?

Did your business case analyse time spent gridlocked in cars during the highest risk parts of the day vs higher effective performance offered by superior mobility of bikes?



Damn, mebe these patrol bikes aren’t such a good idea...

[baptist]

Do I get a couple?

How come the bike budget has to stretch to beemers but the car budget only has to afford the cheapest in class? What’s wrong with white bandits, you’d get twice the bang for yer buck.

Or as someone else suggested: V-Stroms, would that get your fingers into some CD budget too?

Did your business case analyse time spent gridlocked in cars during the highest risk parts of the day vs higher effective performance offered by superior mobility of bikes?



Damn, mebe these patrol bikes aren’t such a good idea...

Save money... stick the :Police: on Scorpio's ... Jokes aside they would work really well in rush hour traffic and around towns (save heaps on the cops budget)... and be of little use on the open road :msn-wink:

[Jack Miller]

Well well, Jack, have I got an answer for you.

Back in the MoT days, the accountants dragged the R80RTs off the road because they cost 19c per KM to operate. That was quite a lot in 1991. A V3000 cost only 22c per km (not just petrol, but overall costs), but a car is cheaper for the road policing role i.e. 2 cops can fit in a car, so you need less of them.

I championed the reintroduction of the Chch Popo bikes in 2005, and we finally got them in 2007. I had to write a substantial business case. Out of interest, a vehicle is a vehicle, so to get 2 bikes, our district had to relinquish 2 cars. Since then they have cost a bloody fortune to keep them on the road. The reasons we got them were because the boss got sick of me nagging about it, and I promised him strategic advantages. I delivered, but at what has turned out to be a high financial price.

In this world of risk aversion, only the best gear will do, and that's damn dear. The bikes we have (R1200RT-P models) are great, but pricey to buy, fix and operate. E.g. A helmet costs about $1K, coz we don't buy junk, and they're a long term consumable.

It's all about money, Jacko, if that answers your question. In my mind they're worth it, for all the reasons you probably know, but the guy writing the cheques has his doubts.

Post me a list of questions, and I'll spend a month giving you some answers. Until then, know that it's basically hard and expensive to keep even a small bike fleet on the road, so largely, we don't.

Harumph.
Why so expensive?

[rastuscat]

Do I get a couple?

How come the bike budget has to stretch to beemers but the car budget only has to afford the cheapest in class? What’s wrong with white bandits, you’d get twice the bang for yer buck.

Or as someone else suggested: V-Stroms, would that get your fingers into some CD budget too?

Did your business case analyse time spent gridlocked in cars during the highest risk parts of the day vs higher effective performance offered by superior mobility of bikes?

Damn, mebe these patrol bikes aren’t such a good idea...

'ere we go.

The dept is supplied with vehicles under a gubbermint tender. If you want a vehicle, you write a spec stating what your requirments are, put it to tender, and see who bids for the business. It's all got to be transparent, accountable, blah blah blah.

When we bought beemers the tender had specified a bike bigger than 1000cc, shaft drive, specific luggage capacity, specific power output (electrical power, for running radios,neenars and lights), all that sort of thing. Basically, the specs ruled most vehicles out.

Back in the day we used to buy a civilian bike, then wreck its handling capability by hanging lights, sirens, luggage etc all over it. These days we specify a patrol package i.e. it has to be designed for the purpose. Out in the world that limits things. There's a Yamaha FJ, a Honda ST, the Beemers, all these are produced as a police special. The RT-P comes out of the factory with two batterys on the police model, a different wiring loom, it's quite different to the civilian model.

There are others too. Guzzi does one, and obviously Harley. Can you see us ever riding Harleys? Yeah right. Kawasaki does one, but the most common ones are the FJ, the ST and the RT-P. I personally like a police version of an F800ST, but's that coz I have a personal one. The police special of the 800St exists, they use them in the UK.

Anyway, the last tender was won by BMW, so they have been our supplier. We have 2 RT-Ps in Churchur. They are a fantastic bike, but it's fair to say that they cost a lot to keep on the road. E.G. a clutch runs in at $1300-$1500, as you have to basically dismantle the bike to replace it.

Before you blame the bike though, look at what we do with them. They were supposed to be a tourer on open roads. In Churchur, we give them harassment like frequent acceleration and braking up and down the speed bands. Overcoming the inertia of an RT on a dry clutch just plain wears the bikes out very prematurely. We do snap U-turns in heavy traffic, so we wear out the right hand side of tyres very quickly. It's a high wear environment.

In regard to advantages, we long ago identified that Churchur had a problem (bigger than most) with intersection crashes. We have more traffic lights per square km than most villages. Turning and crossing represents a high proportion of our crashes. It's difficult to enforce intersection rules in a car. Not impossible, just difficult. At the start of a shift, if given a set of car keys, a Popo will head out of the city centre, as congestion kills a cars strategic ability. Drive past someone on a cellphone in Manchester Street (before the EQ) and you have to sit in your car and watch the offender drive away. Now, on a bike, whip a a quick u-turn and write the ticket.

At intersections, a bike rider can park pretty much anywhere to observe problem traffic movements, apply the bells and whistles and get after transgressors. It's a lot harder to park a patrol car in a position to observe and apprehend bad drivers.

Having said that, as previously stated, to get 2 bikes we had to give up 2 cars. It's a national policy, not worth wasting time arguing. Remember that 10% fleet reduction? That's why Rotorua now has no bike. It meant they didn't have to give up a car. Certainly you wouldn't want to get rid of all your cars and have just bikes, as there are things that bikes can't do. I'd have to carry a spare helmet for the people I lock up. I can't carry equipment needed at a crash scene.

Out of interest, I note that in the last couple of years the tender has been talked about, and the specs have been broadened. Chains may be on the go, given the low maintenance with a Scottoiler. I'm hoping for one of these

http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-au/atv-ranger/Pages/Home.aspx

Budget wise, I can't see it being beat..............

[Jack Miller]

I'm hoping for one of these
http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-au/atv-ranger/Pages/Home.aspx
Budget wise, I can't see it being beat..............

For some other low cost alternatives look here:
http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/universal-threads/5364-police-motorcycles.html
I particularly like this one:
http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/attachments/universal-threads/987d1224048509-police-motorcycles-child-police-motorcycle.jpg

[rastuscat]

For some other low cost alternatives look here:
http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/universal-threads/5364-police-motorcycles.html
I particularly like this one:
http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/attachments/universal-threads/987d1224048509-police-motorcycles-child-police-motorcycle.jpg


The second one appears good, given it's low tyre wear.

I'll suggest it to my boss.

Over and under.

[oldrider]

Out of interest, I note that in the last couple of years the tender has been talked about, and the specs have been broadened. Chains may be on the go, given the low maintenance with a Scottoiler. ..............

Pro-oiler way out performs Scottoiler and would be more suitable for police bikes!

The problem is not the cost of the bikes, it's the cost of "official pigheadedness"!

They can't see past their dogma! :brick:

Bikes are not not cheap to run, that's true but I thought it was about traffic control and "road safety".

Keep up your campaign, it makes sense. :yes:

[rastuscat]

Keep up your campaign, it makes sense.

I'll start campaigning closer to the election.

DOH !! Which campaign are you talking about?

The one I have to make bikers safer? The one to keep Popo bikes on the road? The one to keep my 13 year old in check? The one to have everybody wear seatbelts?

No wonder I'm confused.

[willytheekid]

There are others too. Guzzi does one, and obviously Harley. Can you see us ever riding Harleys?

:laugh:....Hmmm but a Guzzi :yes: ....well....as long as they came with a copy of Guzziology and a good set of road tools....you'd be fine!:laugh:

Mind you, I'd LOVE to get a go on one of those BMW's, seem to be a very nicely sorted bike....and the guys usually riding them around Chch seem to be enjoying themselves most of the time.
I always give them a friendly biker Nod or wave when I see them out and about, they always happily wave back.....Just another Biker out enjoying the ride to me :yes:

....you ride the cop bikes rastuscat?, are they nice to ride?, any difference compared to the civy model? (whats your opinion of them)

[Jack Miller]

I agree there's a place for bikes in traffic enforcement but the case seems even stronger for emergency situations, like when people are bleeding and / or being attacked. In those situations a bike arriving so much sooner than a cage could really save lives - and show bikers as heroes (in contrast to the popular, biased, ill informed view that we're all mayhem on two wheels.) And they'd be a lot cheaper than helicopters, which is about all that could get there quicker.

Although, small, cheap helicopters maybe ...? A mosquito could carry a decent first aid kit for the ambo service, and a machine gun for the armed offenders squad.
http://www.innovator.mosquito.net.nz/mbbs2/index.asp

[Parlane]

rastuscat,

Do you have access to a patrol car as well as a bike?

Like if the weather is absolutely terrible can you just grab a car, or are you stuck on the bike?

If you're stuck on the bike, what did you do during the snow and grit storms?

[davereid]

The issue for the Police seems to be the specification. Mind you it does give them nice bikes. But IMHO lots of smaller quick little bikes would be ideal, especially for Urban Patrols.

I had a Kawasaki ER6F for a while, and it was a great bike.

Quick enough to catch any realistic car in an urban environment, and still pretty quick on the open road.

Amazing fuel economy and easy on tyres and chains.

The old days when bikes needed extra batteries for radios, sirens lights etc are pretty much gone.

LED Lights and electronic sirens draw under an amp, radios fit on belts, and really the bikes need minimal storage.

I guess in the modern world fitting a set of panniers to carry a ticket book and a laser gun would require hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of testing to ensure they didn't change stability at speed etc etc.

Even if charging systems proved a little marginal its a very easy fix - simply rewire so that the bike runs day running lamps at 3 watts instead of a 55 watt headlight and the job is done.

[Parlane]

The issue for the Police seems to be the specification. Mind you it does give them nice bikes. But IMHO lots of smaller quick little bikes would be ideal, especially for Urban Patrols.

I had a Kawasaki ER6F for a while, and it was a great bike.

Quick enough to catch any realistic car in an urban environment, and still pretty quick on the open road.

Amazing fuel economy and easy on tyres and chains.

The old days when bikes needed extra batteries for radios, sirens lights etc are pretty much gone.

LED Lights and electronic sirens draw under an amp, radios fit on belts, and really the bikes need minimal storage.

I guess in the modern world fitting a set of panniers to carry a ticket book and a laser gun would require hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of testing to ensure they didn't change stability at speed etc etc.

Even if charging systems proved a little marginal its a very easy fix - simply rewire so that the bike runs day running lamps at 3 watts instead of a 55 watt headlight and the job is done.

While the bikes might be more economical, what is the distance you can get out of a 1200 anyway? I assume it is still less than a car? The tank can only be so big on a bike.

[wysper]

i think its just auckland, wellington and christchurch that have bike cops, rotorua had a bike that was shared but apparently each bike counts as a vehicle on paper which means why have a bike that costs more to buy that a holden and carries less crap = sell bike.



Pretty sure I saw a cop bike in the 'tron the other day. Bloody good to see. Almost stopped just to say hello!

[Renegade]

and with training like this it could be considered a dream job!!

http://www.policeone.com/Motorcycle-Patrol/articles/4103030-Video-Officer-puts-on-amazing-motorcyle-skills-show/?fb_ref=homepage

sorry if its a repost, but this dudes draggin frame yeah!!

[GrayWolf]

Save money... stick the :Police: on Scorpio's ... Jokes aside they would work really well in rush hour traffic and around towns (save heaps on the cops budget)... and be of little use on the open road :msn-wink:

That isnt as daft as it sounds, back in the 1970's the UK brighton Police had the venerable Honda CB175, and 200's as 'city patrol bikes'... I think they also used them for initial training of Police riders. Those little 175's were bloody good in traffic conditions.
Other thing I find a little strange here is that they only have one car in the fleet. maybe as there is much less traffic, agreed. But for city, town centre and local patrol cars, again the UK used small engine cars, like Ford Escort 1300 back then, and the 'big cars' were reserved for the traffic division who were the fully trained pursuit drivers. TD cars were obvious by being white not blue, and had the twin blue lights, or the light bar on the roof. I wonder how much fuel the NZ police could save by adopting a similar vehicle policy.

[baptist]

That isnt as daft as it sounds, back in the 1970's the UK brighton Police had the venerable Honda CB175, and 200's as 'city patrol bikes'... I think they also used them for initial training of Police riders. Those little 175's were bloody good in traffic conditions.
Other thing I find a little strange here is that they only have one car in the fleet. maybe as there is much less traffic, agreed. But for city, town centre and local patrol cars, again the UK used small engine cars, like Ford Escort 1300 back then, and the 'big cars' were reserved for the traffic division who were the fully trained pursuit drivers. TD cars were obvious by being white not blue, and had the twin blue lights, or the light bar on the roof. I wonder how much fuel the NZ police could save by adopting a similar vehicle policy.


100% !!!! I remember the cops on little bikes (just) and the Panda cars (Austin Alegros of all things)... you are so right, why do you need big Holdens to police city streets...
245484

[baptist]

Itz cos their dangerous innit?

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2009/06/17/move-to-axe-police-bikes-left-force-exposed-72703-23898769/

Read the second page, that's one of the reasons the Chief Constable gave for getting rid of his bike cops... short sighted or what!!!!!!:laugh:

[rastuscat]

....you ride the cop bikes rastuscat?, are they nice to ride?, any difference compared to the civy model? (whats your opinion of them)

I'm da boss on the section the bikes are attached to, and I'm a trained rider. I only get to ride when my full time riders are on leave, but I love it when I can.

I've never ridden a civvy model, but I can say that the ones we have are gems to ride. When they were new they were identical, but before long they did the BMW thing, and each developed their own personalities. I liked them both, but each of my three full time riders had their own favourite.

One of the bikes is broken just now, so we're down to one. Bugger.

Donuts.

[Parlane]

I'm da boss on the section the bikes are attached to, and I'm a trained rider. I only get to ride when my full time riders are on leave, but I love it when I can.

I've never ridden a civvy model, but I can say that the ones we have are gems to ride. When they were new they were identical, but before long they did the BMW thing, and each developed their own personalities. I liked them both, but each of my three full time riders had their own favourite.

One of the bikes is broken just now, so we're down to one. Bugger.

Donuts.

Bring it over, we can fix it together. Should be a good time.

[rastuscat]

rastuscat,

Do you have access to a patrol car as well as a bike?

Like if the weather is absolutely terrible can you just grab a car, or are you stuck on the bike?

If you're stuck on the bike, what did you do during the snow and grit storms?

Funny thing. One of my riders jumps off the bike when a cloud comes east of Arthurs Pass. The other two are hard core, and would ride in any weather if I let them. We have okay wet weather gear, but no amount of gear keeps you dry for a 10 hour shift.

I did the grit storms just after the quakes. Would have liked a GS instead of an RT, but did it anyway. It was surreal, riding a bike after the quakes. You could access places the cars couldn't. One of my guys worked the whole quake operation (like, right through the weeks of disaster) on one of our bikes. Legend.

I always give my troops the option to hop in a car if it's too shitty. Basically they can't do paperwork etc in the rain anyway, and attending crashes in the rain is just a bloody misery.

I don't let them out in the snow, coz it's bloody dangerous.

As stated elsewhere, I'm a qualified rider, but coz I'm da bwana I only get a bike when my permanent riders aren't using them. I get out as often as I can, but not as often as I'd like. My three riders are damn fine Popos, so I want them loose as often as possible.

Over and under.

[rastuscat]

Bring it over, we can fix it together. Should be a good time.

God, if only it were that simple.

It's a wrestle between us, the fix it guys and the maintenace contract company. It's been going on for weeks, and we've had a loan 1150RT-P until the last few days. Now we're back to one steed.

[Parlane]

God, if only it were that simple.

It's a wrestle between us, the fix it guys and the maintenace contract company. It's been going on for weeks, and we've had a loan 1150RT-P until the last few days. Now we're back to one steed.

Just threaten them with extortion charges? It's obvious from the little information you have given me that they know how badly you need the bike. And are just trying to get the most money off you and the maintenance company.

(This was not a serious post)

[rastuscat]

I always give them a friendly biker Nod or wave when I see them out and about, they always happily wave back.....Just another Biker out enjoying the ride to me

Please let me know when you see one of my troops looking like they are enjoying themselves. I'll put a stop to it.

We're hoping to maintain the pretence that we ride the bikes for work, not coz we love riding.

[\m/]

Pretty sure I saw a cop bike in the 'tron the other day. Bloody good to see. Almost stopped just to say hello!
I saw a couple at the the v8s in april, thought they had come down from Orcland, would be good if Hamilton did have bike cops though.


When we bought beemers the tender had specified a bike bigger than 1000cc, shaft drive, specific luggage capacity, specific power output (electrical power, for running radios,neenars and lights), all that sort of thing. Basically, the specs ruled most vehicles out.
Any reason for the shaft drive requirement? Chain maintenance isn't that bad...

[Hopeful Bastard]

Seen 2 in Wellington roughly 2 months ago. And 1 in Lower Hutt :confused: just the other day as i was sitting in work on my lunch break..

Also seen 5 or so on the road bout a year ago on SH1 near the Police College.


IMHO - Best bloody thing there is! I download and watch Emergency Bikers (Bloody awesome UK show) because i dont have sky. 'Tis a fabulous program.. If anyone wants some copies (have 10 shows all up) PM me and send me a DVD/USB. Each show is appx 350MB

[BoristheBiter]

no, true but the mental picture of a woman in labour on the back of a bike cracked me up.
If you were stuck in one of the laybys on the Centennial Highway in steady traffic the EMS bike would be about the only thing that could get to you so I'm glad they have it. Surprised Akld don't have a few of them.

They do have a few ambo bikes up here as well as the nice motorway bikes as well.

The ambos i think have had them for a few years now.

[rastuscat]

They do have a few ambo bikes up here as well as the nice motorway bikes as well.

The ambos i think have had them for a few years now.

First saw an ambo bike back in the 90's. Looks like a great option, especially with those portable wee defibrillators onboard.

[BoristheBiter]

First saw an ambo bike back in the 90's. Looks like a great option, especially with those portable wee defibrillators onboard.

Are they any good for starting a bead battery too?:laugh:

[Maha]

If your house was on fire and you called 111 to report....
The response ''ok sir, a motorbike will be there soon'' would not be what you wanted to hear...:confused:

[rastuscat]

Also seen 5 or so on the road bout a year ago on SH1 near the Police College.

You might see them again. There's a qualifying course on this week and next. A friend of mine (ex-UK bike cop, Lothian and Borders police) is on the course, so he can ride the bike that works in Nelson over the summer months. It's not a Nelson bike, they borrow one from the College just for summer.

[willytheekid]

Please let me know when you see one of my troops looking like they are enjoying themselves. I'll put a stop to it.

We're hoping to maintain the pretence that we ride the bikes for work, not coz we love riding.

:laugh:....the Public wouldn't spot it, but other riders can...but only if they look really hard!

And your one to talk!!....Ive seen you having LOTS of fun on that little BMW of yours! (It certainly gets through traffic alot quicker than my PhatGirl)

I believe we met on the ONLY day my Guzzi wasn't running 100% (blown clutch input bearing)....and it just "had" to be a BMW that pulls up beside me :laugh:...so embarasing :o

[rastuscat]

:laugh:....the Public wouldn't spot it, but other riders can...but only if they look really hard!

And your one to talk!!....Ive seen you having LOTS of fun on that little BMW of yours! (It certainly gets through traffic alot quicker than my PhatGirl)

I believe we met on the ONLY day my Guzzi wasn't running 100% (blown clutch input bearing)....and it just "had" to be a BMW that pulls up beside me :laugh:...so embarasing :o

Well spotted. I was on my 1150GS when I first chatted to you, then on my 800ST the next time. How's the clutch?

I hear that all the time. I stop someone for not wearing a seatbelt, and they tell me it was the first time ever in their life they've not worn it. I have the same feeling now...................the only day my Guzzi wasn't running 100%.................yeah right :)

My F800ST started missing the other day. I found that it does that when it runs out of gas. DOH !!

[davereid]

....so he can ride the bike that works in Nelson over the summer months. .....

Gizza job. I could do dat.

with full credit to Yosser Hughes

[rastuscat]

Gizza job. I could do dat.

with full credit to Yosser Hughes


Hear that lots. Thing is we employ Popos who ride bikes, not bike riders who want to be Popos. Subtle difference.

Join da Popos, do your time in jobs you don't want, then years later you might get a chance at selection to a Popo bikers job.

[willytheekid]

Well spotted. I was on my 1150GS when I first chatted to you, then on my 800ST the next time. How's the clutch?

I hear that all the time. I stop someone for not wearing a seatbelt, and they tell me it was the first time ever in their life they've not worn it. I have the same feeling now...................the only day my Guzzi wasn't running 100%.................yeah right :)

My F800ST started missing the other day. I found that it does that when it runs out of gas. DOH !!

:laugh:....BMW showoff lol....its not a malfunction:oi-grr:
....its just too much Guzzi "character" (And it served me right for not replacing it when I orginaly rebuilt the clutch)
But yeah, the little....german..... bearing arrived :o ...and now the clutch is back to making the "usual" scary sounds and she's been running so well that she got her end of winter degrease/clean/polish early!
So just one more small job to do on her now :wings:(new threads cut for some of the new tappet cover bolts)....and then Ive pritty much ran out of things to tinker with & Fix....total rebuild only took me a rather casual & enjoyable 2.5yrs.

Always good to see you out and about & enjoying the ride tho Rastuscat , that ST of yours is a very nice lookin bike...how did it go on your mountain trip? (no snow etc I hope)

[rastuscat]

...how did it go on your mountain trip? (no snow etc I hope)

Baltic cold. Like, ice cold down the side of Lake Pukaki. Mrs Cat froze coz she no listen to her husband, and she wore too few layers. Hated having to say tol' ya so.

Roads were clear tho, the snow had all gone apart from a thick coating at the rear of the Hermitage, in the carpark.

Stark difference in protection between the 1200RT-P and my wee ST. The screen on the patrol bikes virtually has a micro climate behind it, wheras the 800ST is a little..........erm..............fresher !!

Laughed at your admission that the Guzzi needed a Cherman bearing.

[wysper]

If your house was on fire and you called 111 to report....
The response ''ok sir, a motorbike will be there soon'' would not be what you wanted to hear...:confused:

But if you were stuck in Auck traffic with a spouse who was having a heart attack and heard they could have a bike to your location in minutes or an ambo in about 45 min give or take traffic, what would you rather hear?

[willytheekid]

Laughed at your admission that the Guzzi needed a Cherman bearing.

Yeah....:o....It was really a necessity, the original three peice bearing just wasn't up to the job due to stiffer clutch springs being put in.(...Nice way of saying I was replacing cheap crap!),

....damn those germans & their finely engineered two peice bearings! <(just gotta show the italians up don't ya!):laugh:

Take care on the road & Hope to catch up again.

......GOD I hope PhatGirl keeps running perfectly...gettin shown up by these flashy BMW riders has to stop!:laugh:

[Maha]

But if you were stuck in Auck traffic with a spouse who was having a heart attack and heard they could have a bike to your location in minutes or an ambo in about 45 min give or take traffic, what would you rather hear?

Hope the bike brings a spare helmet for the pillion ride to hospital..:confused:

[Parlane]

Hope the bike brings a spare helmet for the pillion ride to hospital..:confused:
They will obviously send the ambulance too. But if you can keep the person alive until it can get there, then you have succeeded.

All paramedics do is keep people alive.

[Maha]

Subtle humour is being lost over and over...<_<

[Parlane]

Subtle humour is being lost over and over...<_<

:facepalm: Apparently too subtle for me.

[wysper]

Subtle humour is being lost over and over...<_<


:facepalm: Apparently too subtle for me.

I wasn't sure he was taking the piss, that Maha can be a slippery bastard! Just ask Mom. Or maybe not, what happens on tour stays on tour :Police:

[oneofsix]

I wasn't sure he was taking the piss, that Maha can be a slippery bastard! Just ask Mom. Or maybe not, what happens on tour stays on tour :Police:

He did have a point though. A motorcycle for the fire brigade at a fire piss might be the only weapon they will have :innocent:

I'm sure there is more to it than fires as the fire brigade also have to attend accidents, trapped kids etc. Also even for fires having a bike there early to start organising and assessing might prove to be an advantage

[wysper]

He did have a point though. A motorcycle for the fire brigade at a fire piss might be the only weapon they will have :innocent:

I'm sure there is more to it than fires as the fire brigade also have to attend accidents, trapped kids etc. Also even for fires having a bike there early to start organising and assessing might prove to be an advantage

I think that is the key, they are the first response vehicle, not necessarily the only response vehicle but in many cases some expert help will be vastly better than no help for a while longer while waiting for the full response vehicles and staff arrive.

[BoristheBiter]

He did have a point though. A motorcycle for the fire brigade at a fire piss might be the only weapon they will have :innocent:

I'm sure there is more to it than fires as the fire brigade also have to attend accidents, trapped kids etc. Also even for fires having a bike there early to start organising and assessing might prove to be an advantage

It looks like the idea is for cars fires on the roads.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-10736678

[oneofsix]

It looks like the idea is for cars fires on the roads.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-10736678

that does start to make sense especially with this quote

"Anti-social behaviour fires, such as wheelie bins and skips, account for 62% of our total fire call-outs.

[BoristheBiter]

that does start to make sense especially with this quote

It's like the guy in the vid says a small fire like that takes out a whole truck with 4 guys so these just seem to make sense.

[Dodgy_Matt]

SO on the way home just heading toward the Paramata inlet; I had a convoy of boys in blue on bikes. :yes:
I nodded to the first officer and got a wave from all the others as well...
Made me happy to see them out for a ride..
:woohoo:

[rastuscat]

SO on the way home just heading toward the Paramata inlet; I had a convoy of boys in blue on bikes. :yes:
I nodded to the first officer and got a wave from all the others as well...
Made me happy to see them out for a ride..
:woohoo:

They are on a training course. One of them was instructor (mate of mine) and another was an ex-UK bike cop who works in Nelson (another mate of mine).

We're a close bunch, coz there's so few of us. Biking has kinship, and I love that.

[Big Dave]

Itz cos their dangerous innit?

Do you not read KB? No they innt. It's entirely down t' rider.

[Dodgy_Matt]

I found a cheaper alternative cop bike!


http://liberallifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/cop-VMMC1_DSC1101.jpg

[rastuscat]

I found a cheaper alternative cop bike!


http://liberallifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/cop-VMMC1_DSC1101.jpg

I've forwarded that to my boss. We could get 15 of those for the price of a Beemer.

:Police:

[Dodgy_Matt]

I've forwarded that to my boss. We could get 15 of those for the price of a Beemer.

:Police:

Should keep up with an R1 sweet as :mellow: