Tapatio Posted July 7, 2008 Posted July 7, 2008 What is it about the RT that makes it more compatible with police applciations than the GT? Can't be speed. Is it reliability and maintenance costs or something else?
FlyingFinn Posted July 7, 2008 Posted July 7, 2008 More relax riding position? Gives also better visibility to what's happening all around. I'd also guess the RT is more nimble at low-speed maneuvering. I don't think PD's choose most of their fleet with maximum top speed in mind... -- Mikko
smiller Posted July 7, 2008 Posted July 7, 2008 Higher initial cost, maybe higher maintenance cost, and the performance advantages of the GT probably aren't of much value to police given that an RTP is still faster than 99% of what's on the road. Plus the mellower RT riding position is probably a little more practical for typical patrol duty.
pedro cerveza Posted July 7, 2008 Posted July 7, 2008 Don't want the motor officers getting speeding tickets
NickRT Posted July 10, 2008 Posted July 10, 2008 The R1200RT(P) has a different FD ratio to the civvy bike and different fuel injection mapping. These changes make the police version significantly faster accelerating than the machine you ride. I ride a R1200RT(P) every day at work and have a graphite 06 at home so can really appreciate the differences. The RT(P) can lift the front wheel in second and third gears under hard acceleration on a slightly bumpy road! The majority of police forces around the world want twin cylinder bikes as opposed to multis. Prolly cheaper acquisition and running costs are the biggest drivers.
Mike Posted July 10, 2008 Posted July 10, 2008 As already mentioned, the RT is faster than 99% of the vehicles it would have to chase down. As illustrated by the prevalence of Harley-Davidsons in police use, ultimate speed is far from the only criterion for a police bike. I haven't ridden a GT, but what I've read indicates that the RT is somewhat better handling and more nimble in slow-speed maneuvers. The thinking of most law enforcement agencies these days is that high-speed chases are fraught with peril and should be strictly limited. Any agency that sanctioned pursuits at speeds greater than what the RT is capable of would be incurring a potentially huge liability. Simply stated, the RT has more than enough speed for any prudent pursuit.
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