Tracers for new police bikes

[mulletman]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/300154003/police-pick-new-motorbikes-as-hunt-continues-for-next-patrol-car

[R650R]

Weird choice, be good for urban busts of cellphone users in traffic I guess.
You think they’d go with something more adventure styled for easier kerb hopping but prob an accountant madecfinal decesion

[pritch]

Weird choice, be good for urban busts of cellphone users in traffic I guess.
You think they’d go with something more adventure styled for easier kerb hopping but prob an accountant madecfinal decesion

Being a government department the decision would be made by a committee, all members of which will have had the appropriate seniority, but likely no knowledge of the subject.

[nerrrd]

Looks ok to me.

https://global.yamaha-motor.com/business/omdo/products/mt09trp/

https://global.yamaha-motor.com/business/omdo/products/mt09trp/img/mt09trp_sl_001.jpg

[Jeeper]

They could've gone with BMW for both cars and bikes. They supply to many law enforcement agencies in Europe both cars and bikes for policing work.

That way deal with one manufacturer.

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[TheDemonLord]

My only real thought on the bike is Rider comfort, especially on the open road, it's not a fully faired bike and the one time I got to sit on a 1300, it was very comfy (if not a bit on the heavy side, but then I rode a 'Busa - so....)

[roogazza]

They could've gone with BMW for both cars and bikes. They supply to many law enforcement agencies in Europe both cars and bikes for policing work.

That way deal with one manufacturer.

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Trouble is, the bean counters in HQ are looking for a bargain. That's why we've always had HQ's ,HZ's then Comodes etc etc...

Going European always costs,well, has in the past...:confused: lol.

[Autech]

They could've gone with BMW for both cars and bikes. They supply to many law enforcement agencies in Europe both cars and bikes for policing work.

That way deal with one manufacturer.

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Lack of dealer network will throw that back though, they need to be able to service them all around the country not just in the main centres. Holden had dealers evvvverywhere so they could do the servicing where ever the cars were based

[pritch]

Many years ago, in another life, I worked in the office that purchased government vehicles. Including cop bikes. Back then the govt paid no tax on the bikes, they'd run them for three years then the bikes would retail for what the govt paid for them new. I was running a new CB500 at the time and the price they would have paid for a Suzuki 750 water bottle brought a tear to my eye. From memory about half what I paid for the Honda. Still, that must have been too expensive, they didn't buy the Suzuki.

The tender invite form had various questions regarding the specifications. One such was "maximum angle of lean."
BMW, who only made air heads in those days, always replied, "Dependant on rider ability."

[TheDemonLord]

One such was "maximum angle of lean."
BMW, who only made air heads in those days, always replied, "Dependant on rider ability."

Ah, the legendarily rare, but witty German sense of Humour.

That made me smile.

[Jeeper]

https://riders.drivemag.com/news/london-police-scorpion-squad-receives-bmw-f750gs/

Because they are lighter and more nibble.

But as you guys are saying, probably decided by someone who has never ridden a bike themselves.

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[Jeeper]

Lack of dealer network will throw that back though, they need to be able to service them all around the country not just in the main centres. Holden had dealers evvvverywhere so they could do the servicing where ever the cars were basedDealerships need base business to open service shops. Opportunity for more employment lost.

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[FJRider]

Lack of dealer network will throw that back though, they need to be able to service them all around the country not just in the main centres. Holden had dealers evvvverywhere so they could do the servicing where ever the cars were based

Not really an issue. I often see Police vehicles on transporters heading for the big city repair shops. If they can do it for the four wheeled Police vehicles ... A motorcycle should not be a big issue to pick up.

[george formby]

But as you guys are saying, probably decided by someone who has never ridden a bike themselves.

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Dunno, a few years ago my old bro in law spent the day at Pukekohe trying to flog some Subarus to the Federales. I can't recall how it turned out, they didn't sell any WRX's, but apparently the guy testing the vehicles was very handy indeed.

I see no reason why these bikes weren't selected by someone who likes dragging the pegs and the occasional poppa wheelie.

[mulletman]

Dunno, a few years ago my old bro in law spent the day at Pukekohe trying to flog some Subarus to the Federales. I can't recall how it turned out, they didn't sell any WRX's

They sold at least one to the Tekapo/Twizel station way back when

[Gremlin]

The tender invite form had various questions regarding the specifications. One such was "maximum angle of lean."
BMW, who only made air heads in those days, always replied, "Dependant on rider ability."
Fun timing... for a while with the Road 5s, I was complaining that Michelin needed to give us 150/70/17 shod bikes more lean angle as I was off the edge of the tyre. Last weekend heading through the Kaimais to Mt Maunganui for the Tinman Triathlon, I realised that actually the tyres and the bike weren't far apart...

Heading into one corner up the passing lane I start dragging something. While trying to figure out what I'm also adjusting my lean angle as obviously pushing too far will unload at least one wheel. At my new lean angle I'm now trying to figure out if my arc will keep me going around the corner or not... ah, excellent, all good, straighten up and carry on.

Later on I inspect the bike, initially thinking the side stand foot again, until I eventually discover a nice long scrape on the crash bar extension under the cylinder head. Bearing in mind it has Ohlins suspension, it's more capable than it was leaving the factory! Only took me just under 10 years to discover the limit :lol:

Back on topic of the Yamaha, looks like side loading panniers, when the police have usually run a variant which is top loading, while civilian was side loading... I can see the attraction of the lower weight, but yes, all round wind protection etc.

[caspernz]

Later on I inspect the bike, initially thinking the side stand foot again, until I eventually discover a nice long scrape on the crash bar extension under the cylinder head. Bearing in mind it has Ohlins suspension, it's more capable than it was leaving the factory! Only took me just under 10 years to discover the limit :lol:

Back on topic of the Yamaha, looks like side loading panniers, when the police have usually run a variant which is top loading, while civilian was side loading... I can see the attraction of the lower weight, but yes, all round wind protection etc.

Was your bike riding lower on account of the luggage you were carrying at all?

Rumour had it the FJR was rejected a few years back on account of the clamshell panniers on the demo units, but it may have been a "commercial arrangement" of another kind that swung the deal to Honda :laugh::confused:

The Tracer is an ok bike, but feels decidedly budget compared to an FJR :devil2:

[Hoonicorn]

I'm amused by journos just googling MT09 and putting images of the naked bike up, which is a completely different style of bike to the yammie tracer 900. Kinda says something about the level of journalism in 2020.

[george formby]

Yup.

Prolly the Tracer GT. It has hand bags already attached.

[Jeeper]

I'm amused by journos just googling MT09 and putting images of the naked bike up, which is a completely different style of bike to the yammie tracer 900. Kinda says something about the level of journalism in 2020.Tracer 900, MT09 and XSR900 all share the same engine and frame. Then they apply make-up to sell to different segments.

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[rastuscat]

Its the chain that's really interesting. First chain on a cop bike in a very long time.

[Gremlin]

Its the chain that's really interesting. First chain on a cop bike in a very long time.
Hope they're better than me at maintaining it! :shutup:

[rastuscat]

Hope they're better than me at maintaining it! :shutup:

Scottoilers or similar being fitted.

[Autech]

Not really an issue. I often see Police vehicles on transporters heading for the big city repair shops. If they can do it for the four wheeled Police vehicles ... A motorcycle should not be a big issue to pick up.

I was referring to the question of what to replace the car fleet with, bikes are no drama as we only have them in the cities anyways

[Scuba_Steve]

They could've gone with BMW for both cars and bikes. They supply to many law enforcement agencies in Europe both cars and bikes for policing work.

That way deal with one manufacturer.

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Insider knowledge told me the reason they went Holden over BMW last car tender wasn't cause Holden were cheaper (they weren't when purchase & service was accounted) but because Holden was perceived by public as cheaper.
They didn't want the general public thinking they were wasting tax money so they wasted tax money to achieve that look

[FJRider]

I was referring to the question of what to replace the car fleet with ...

AS I said in my post ... vehicle transporters already bring (Marked) Police vehicles back to city centers for repair ... or service ... or for any other logistical purpose. There is no reason why it cannot continue ... regardless of the manufacturer of the vehicle. Your point is ... ???

[FJRider]

Insider knowledge told me the reason they went Holden over BMW last car tender wasn't cause Holden were cheaper (they weren't when purchase & service was accounted) but because Holden was perceived by public as cheaper.
They didn't want the general public thinking they were wasting tax money so they wasted tax money to achieve that look

If they only leased them ... or purchased them for the period of the warranty period (as per most rental companies policy) ... vehicle servicing costs would be a non issue.

[F5 Dave]

For the cars at least there is a shit ton of customisation and requirements you just wouldn't think of. To have a considered conversation here would be to miss reams of considerations.

The brakes for example, sheesh..

[Autech]

AS I said in my post ... vehicle transporters already bring (Marked) Police vehicles back to city centers for repair ... or service ... or for any other logistical purpose. There is no reason why it cannot continue ... regardless of the manufacturer of the vehicle. Your point is ... ???

That may be the case in a few small cases but I've seen Holden Police cars being serviced at every provincial dealership I've worked in Nationwide (I've worked at a few too).

It makes financial and logical sense that going with a brand with the dealer network in place to service vehicles will be high on the priority of the people in charge of making the decision. BMWs make no sense at all in little old NZ. I'm almost certain that every time a car needs an oil change in *insert small town here* the Police don't want to be paying to put it on a transporter to go to the nearest larger city (or paying someone to drive it there) to get it serviced.

That's just thick.

My money is on them going with a Toyota or Ford of some sort next time round, no other dealers have the network to support such a large fleet.

Happy to be proven wrong though, but that's who I'd be putting a tenner on.

[FJRider]

That may be the case in a few small cases but I've seen Holden Police cars being serviced at every provincial dealership I've worked in Nationwide (I've worked at a few too).

It makes financial and logical sense that going with a brand with the dealer network in place to service vehicles will be high on the priority of the people in charge of making the decision. BMWs make no sense at all in little old NZ. I'm almost certain that every time a car needs an oil change in *insert small town here* the Police don't want to be paying to put it on a transporter to go to the nearest larger city (or paying someone to drive it there) to get it serviced.

That's just thick.

My money is on them going with a Toyota or Ford of some sort next time round, no other dealers have the network to support such a large fleet.

Happy to be proven wrong though, but that's who I'd be putting a tenner on.

Servicing is one thing ... but probably NOT during the warranty periods. Most towns of any size have Government contract garages. But there are plenty of areas in the North AND South islands that are a long way from any such contracted garages.

For the numbers of vehicles involved in the vehicle purchase requirements ... the price paid would be substantially lower than normal retail costs. What YOU think 'Financial Sense" would be ... might vary a bit without knowing all the various financial costing's in the contract. Or even full details of the contract. Both of which will be unlikely to be publicized ... for "Commercial Sensitivity " reasoning.

Financial and logical sense may not even be applicable in the Jacinda led Government contract reasoning. Lada's ... ??? :shutup:


Time will tell.

Servicing clauses in the purchase contract might likely feature as well. Transporter costs to remoter places will often occur for replacement vehicles (delivery of one and removal of the other). Be it for repair or service.

[Jeeper]

Insider knowledge told me the reason they went Holden over BMW last car tender wasn't cause Holden were cheaper (they weren't when purchase & service was accounted) but because Holden was perceived by public as cheaper.
They didn't want the general public thinking they were wasting tax money so they wasted tax money to achieve that lookI remember the fuss created when crown cars were bought (BMWs). Perception is sometimes more powerful than reality.

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[Jeeper]

For the cars at least there is a shit ton of customisation and requirements you just wouldn't think of. To have a considered conversation here would be to miss reams of considerations.

The brakes for example, sheesh..Roads policing units (RPU) in UK are mostly BMWs, they would have been a manufacturer who does them already.

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[pritch]

For the cars at least there is a shit ton of customisation and requirements you just wouldn't think of. To have a considered conversation here would be to miss reams of considerations.

The brakes for example, sheesh..

A guy of my acquaintance, fomer MOT and a relatively recent Police retiree, was telling me that the Holden police cars are nothing special, except especially cheap. NZ Police do not have "pursuit cars," what they have is similar to a budget model taxi.

If a sevice network is desireable it'll pretty much have to be Toyota or Ford as already pointed out. Whatever they buy, blaming the PM would be a stretch, she's not the minister of police.
Poto Wiliams is.

[Autech]

Servicing is one thing ... but probably NOT during the warranty periods. Most towns of any size have Government contract garages. But there are plenty of areas in the North AND South islands that are a long way from any such contracted garages.

For the numbers of vehicles involved in the vehicle purchase requirements ... the price paid would be substantially lower than normal retail costs. What YOU think 'Financial Sense" would be ... might vary a bit without knowing all the various financial costing's in the contract. Or even full details of the contract. Both of which will be unlikely to be publicized ... for "Commercial Sensitivity " reasoning.

Financial and logical sense may not even be applicable in the Jacinda led Government contract reasoning. Lada's ... ??? :shutup:


Time will tell.

Servicing clauses in the purchase contract might likely feature as well. Transporter costs to remoter places will often occur for replacement vehicles (delivery of one and removal of the other). Be it for repair or service.I am going off some insider knowledge here, but its hearsay so ya never know.

Time will tell, I'm just greatful they'll be ditching the thirsty Holdens, though the recent batch of fwd turbo jobbies they went to was apparently much more economical, faster but not as stable at high speed (according to the cop who was finger printing at my house)

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[FJRider]

I am going off some insider knowledge here, but its hearsay so ya never know.

Time will tell, I'm just greatful they'll be ditching the thirsty Holdens, though the recent batch of fwd turbo jobbies they went to was apparently much more economical, faster but not as stable at high speed (according to the cop who was finger printing at my house)

Even Plod on the beat ... or even your fingerprinting mate ... are not privy to ... or have much in the way of "Final say" ... in the vehicle procurement process. I would say ... Public image of Police, end Price of each vehicle ... and practicality of the vehicles and suitability for their end use ... would be the base of vehicle purchase requirements. And probably assessed in that order too.

Currently ... marked Police vehicles on transporter trucks are a common (although not excessively so) sight on NZ roads ... even with Dealerships in most (if not all) large towns and/or cities. Not all such vehicles seen are noticeably bent or buckled. So other reasons for their movement must be there. Reasons that possibly outstrip the resources, abilities and equipment available at the local service center ... where (or near) the respective vehicle was based. Or ... just simply repositioning Police resources. Something that would be still required REGARDLESS of Manufacturer.

You might not have noticed ... but "High Speed" Police chases are fast going (if not already gone) out of fashion/Political correctness ... so that is no longer any real factor in the great scheme of things. Police view of the Public's Health & Safety requirements ... will let more ass-wipes go free. Free to try again.

[FJRider]

I remember the fuss created when crown cars were bought (BMWs). Perception is sometimes more powerful than reality.

With the ongoing Pandemic ... International NEW vehicle sales will have dropped considerably. Any large number item of vehicle purchase announced ... will attract some very interested manufacturers to line up with their products. Especially if the vehicles are already built ... and just awaiting the ability to sell them ... and a paying customer wanting to buy them.

[R650R]

You might not have noticed ... but "High Speed" Police chases are fast going (if not already gone) out of fashion/Political correctness ... so that is no longer any real factor in the great scheme of things. Police view of the Public's Health & Safety requirements ... will let more ass-wipes go free. Free to try again.

Out of sight out of mind but record numbers here in the bay. The smart cops develop “radio trouble” when offenders start going too fast.
My neighbour has a scanner and it’s a VERY regular source of entertainment here.
Our police district doesn’t really talk to our poor excuse for a newspaper so heaps of stuff happens that doesn’t make the news.

[Gremlin]

Scottoilers or similar being fitted.
They run out of oil quite frequently :oi-grr:


I'm almost certain that every time a car needs an oil change in *insert small town here* the Police don't want to be paying to put it on a transporter to go to the nearest larger city (or paying someone to drive it there) to get it serviced.

That's just thick.
Police don't pay if everything is under lease. It's not their problem. For the bikes at least, there is very often one at the dealership, and the cop swaps over, dropping one off and collecting another. Also good for when something unexpected happens to one.

[Autech]

Even Plod on the beat ... or even your fingerprinting mate ... are not privy to ... or have much in the way of "Final say" ... in the vehicle procurement process. I would say ... Public image of Police, end Price of each vehicle ... and practicality of the vehicles and suitability for their end use ... would be the base of vehicle purchase requirements. And probably assessed in that order too.

Currently ... marked Police vehicles on transporter trucks are a common (although not excessively so) sight on NZ roads ... even with Dealerships in most (if not all) large towns and/or cities. Not all such vehicles seen are noticeably bent or buckled. So other reasons for their movement must be there. Reasons that possibly outstrip the resources, abilities and equipment available at the local service center ... where (or near) the respective vehicle was based. Or ... just simply repositioning Police resources. Something that would be still required REGARDLESS of Manufacturer.

You might not have noticed ... but "High Speed" Police chases are fast going (if not already gone) out of fashion/Political correctness ... so that is no longer any real factor in the great scheme of things. Police view of the Public's Health & Safety requirements ... will let more ass-wipes go free. Free to try again.My information doesn't come from the plod btw, that was just his remarks on the new Holden cars they got.

Time will tell, but if its a BMW I'll eat my hat. Or would eat my hat if I owned one :D

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[Scuba_Steve]

I remember the fuss created when crown cars were bought (BMWs). Perception is sometimes more powerful than reality.

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Yea but they also never help themselves by just fronting up & blatantly saying "these cars were the cheaper option"... That's all people want to hear

[BMWGSER]

Its the chain that's really interesting. First chain on a cop bike in a very long time.

1987/8 Tamaki City Council Traffic department with their Honda VFR700F . No Panniers just a pack on the back ,flashing lights and siren and radio. Later taken over by MOT.

[R650R]

1987/8 Tamaki City Council Traffic department with their Honda VFR700F . No Panniers just a pack on the back ,flashing lights and siren and radio. Later taken over by MOT.

Thise we’re the days ... NCC had 2L Nissan bluebirds 😂😂😂😂😂

[george formby]

I wonder if this is what the Federales are getting? Nice.

https://advrider.com/yamaha-tracer-9-gt-gets-serious-upgrades/

[rastuscat]

I wonder if this is what the Federales are getting? Nice.

https://advrider.com/yamaha-tracer-9-gt-gets-serious-upgrades/

Looks like it. Factory Police specials though, so the electronics will likely be different.

Factory Police bikes normally have a different wiring loom than the civilian version, to accommodate the bells, whistles, radio etc.

[Kickaha]

For the numbers of vehicles involved in the vehicle purchase requirements ... the price paid would be substantially lower than normal retail costs.


They don't buy them, they lease them

[rastuscat]

They don't buy them, they lease them

Things might have changed in the 5 years I've been gone, but they used to buy them.

[Kickaha]

Things might have changed in the 5 years I've been gone, but they used to buy them.

Actually you could well be right, it may just be they are maintained through the lease company

[F5 Dave]

I've seen the cars fully gutted fitting new looms etc.

[FJRider]

Actually you could well be right, it may just be they are maintained through the lease company

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/119696661/police-will-need-to-think-outside-the-square-following-holden-axing-says-association-president

In one of the paragraphs ...


General Motors promises to uphold all warranties, guarantees and free scheduled servicing offers while providing services and spare parts for at least 10 years.

and ...


Overseas, the Dodge Challenger was widely used as a patrol vehicle and there were still European makes that could be phased in, but it would need to be a good servicing deal to make it financially viable, Cahill said.

Also ... this I found ...


https://www.motoringnz.com/news/2020/8/5/toyota-out-to-cuff-police-contract

[Jeeper]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300167005/nz-police-select-skoda-to-supply-new-cop-cars-as-holden-rolls-into-sunset

Police going with Skoda (basically Audi/VW).

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[george formby]

In breaking news....

Flying Penis to replace Holden Police cars.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300167005/nz-police-select-skoda-to-supply-new-cop-cars-as-holden-rolls-into-sunset

[pritch]

In breaking news....

Flying Penis to replace Holden Police cars.



Interesting. What's the Skoda dealership network like?

[Jeeper]

Interesting. What's the Skoda dealership network like?Skoda is onwed by VAG (VW Audi Group). VW Audi dealers in all towns would service Skodas as well (same drivetrain on a lot of the models).

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[malcy25]

I've just bought a 2016 vRS Octavia for my wife. Super impressed with it, noting that we stepped out of chipped 335i BMW wagon (twin turbo intercooled, making probably 350hp at the crank, that was probably quicker than the M3 I had).

The 206kw superb is basically an A4 Audi / VW Passat with a different coat and will be an impressively good car, especially with the 4wd in all conditions. the VW 4wd drive system is torque sensing shifts/front/back as required and is very good.

[george formby]

Interesting. What's the Skoda dealership network like?

This is a good question.

I'm still waiting for a daytime running light bulb for my Yeti. Seems a simple enough thing but no. Specific bulb only through a dealer at $89.. :pinch:

[MD]

Having done 40,000km on my 2017 MT09 I reckon it's a good choice. Comfy, more than capable of doing the fun chase. Even comes standard with a 'Fun chase power mode'. Finally they have a bike that won't crush them if it falls over and economical to run and service and can slip between a traffic gap less than 3m wide. Time for them to catch those bastard car drivers on their mobiles.

[nzspokes]

Having done 40,000km on my 2017 MT09 I reckon it's a good choice. Comfy, more than capable of doing the fun chase. Even comes standard with a 'Fun chase power mode'. Finally they have a bike that won't crush them if it falls over and economical to run and service and can slip between a traffic gap less than 3m wide. Time for them to catch those bastard card drivers on their mobiles.

Ive got a tuned 09 and it would have no trouble going fast enough to be a pursuit bike.

[george formby]

Ive got a tuned 09 and it would have no trouble going fast enough to be a pursuit bike.

Quite a few years ago some of the Scottish Federales were riding R1's on motorway patrol.

Hard ass indeed.

Last time the PM was up here I spotted a group of patrol bikes getting very enthusiastic heading to Paihia. I suspect the moto popo are quite excited and have made a strong case for the fun button to stay in place.

[rastuscat]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/123341266/what-police-dont-want-you-to-know-about-new-unmarked-highway-patrol-vehicles

[Scuba_Steve]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/123341266/what-police-dont-want-you-to-know-about-new-unmarked-highway-patrol-vehicles

So they "don't want you to know make or model" but I'm assuming these are the Holden Equinox that they've previously stated as "police introduce new unmarked SUV's"

Also good to see they're focusing on real problems like... speed :facepalm:
"our enforcement is up"... "fatalities are up"... funny that!

[george formby]

It's quite remarkable how a car roof with extra aerials stands out like a mutts nuts.

Maybe this is just a bike riding thing but unmarked cars are still obvious from far, far away.

So are the hi viz flak jackets nicely hanging off the back of the seats so they don't get creased.

AOS seem to use a lot of random vehicles but the Bondesque polo necks and hemlets are hard to miss.

Plain clothes all look like Bodie and Doyle up here and drive mid life crisis cars. Turbos and brown leather jackets are still very much a thing.

Moral of the story? Don't be naughty when peeps are watching.

[rastuscat]

It's quite remarkable how a car roof with extra aerials stands out like a mutts nuts.

Maybe this is just a bike riding thing but unmarked cars are still obvious from far, far away.

So are the hi viz flak jackets nicely hanging off the back of the seats so they don't get creased.

AOS seem to use a lot of random vehicles but the Bondesque polo necks and hemlets are hard to miss.

Plain clothes all look like Bodie and Doyle up here and drive mid life crisis cars. Turbos and brown leather jackets are still very much a thing.

Moral of the story? Don't be naughty when peeps are watching.

Situational awareness is what its called.

[IronPawz]

Lighter seems an understatement. I'm sure some of the riders will appreciate no longer being on a two wheeled tank at 300+ for mostly slow riding. I remember an officer talking about how they wear the lower gears due to so much use. I'd be thinking in those situations a lighter bike might be nice.