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CVO Social => In The News => Topic started by: JCZ on October 25, 2006, 03:52:23 PM
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The CHP Motorcycle contract has fallen through, once again.
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[highlight]CHP testers declared that the modified Electra Glide wobbled at high speeds[/highlight]
Hummmmm, now where have I heard of that problem before? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
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I wonder if enough of this information gets out there if H D would take a look into the problem???? Maybe there will be a recall somewhere down the road.
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Can you cut & paste the text? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
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Here is a try at it:
The California Highway Patrol, whose motorcycle officers became the stuff of legend as the result of a television show, has been unable for more than a year to buy new bikes.
After a deal to buy BMWs fell apart in July 2005, the state canceled a bid to buy Harley-Davidson police motorcycles earlier this month.
CHP testers declared that the modified Electra Glide wobbled at high speeds. The state's contracting arm, the Department of General Services, said it couldn't draw any conclusions about the testing because the CHP was using fuzzy criteria and declared it was time to start over.
The Santa Cruz dealership that lost the contract says the CHP testing was prejudiced by the department's preference for another brand: BMW.
"It was pretty obvious ... we were experiencing a bias, not a problem with the vehicle," said Mike James, owner of Santa Cruz Harley-Davidson.
The CHP, whose motorcycle corps was featured on the television show "CHiPs" almost three decades ago, countered that its high-speed motorcycle test is recognized nationally and has been in place for three decades.
"We're going to fairly evaluate the bikes," said CHP spokeswoman Fran Clader. "We're looking for a bike that meets our specifications and safety standards at the lowest cost to the people of California."
The development represented a fresh setback in the state's police motorcycle contract, which was canceled in July 2005 after the Department of General Services discovered that one of its employees involved in writing bid specifications had a conflict of interest.
For more than a year, the CHP has been unable to buy motorcycles to replace ones with high mileage. The department says it has increased the mileage limit from 60,000 miles to 100,000 miles, which it still considers to be safe.
"Safety is our number one priority," Clader said.
Local law enforcement agencies likewise have been unable to piggyback on the state's high-volume contract, which normally offers a low price.
Now that the state has started from scratch, contracting officials say they don't know when the state will finally award a contract to a police motorcycle supplier.
The cancellation of the bid Oct. 6 was an abrupt end to a process that started a year earlier, when the state invited bids for a two-year contract to supply a total of 400 motorcycles to the CHP and local law enforcement agencies.
For more than six years, the CHP bought BMW bikes through a dealership in Roseville, eventually replacing its entire fleet with the German brand. Although a majority of police agencies in the United States use Harleys, the CHP said it wanted anti-lock brakes included on BMWs. For several years, BMW was the only manufacturer of police motorcycles with anti-lock brakes.
In 2004, Harley-Davidson wrote several letters to state officials to complain about being excluded. Also that year, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell wrote one of Harley's most famous customers, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, urging him to open the bidding to the company, the Associated Press reported at the time. Harley's police motorcycles are built in Pennsylvania.
After the prior contract was canceled in July 2005, the low bidder on the new contract was Santa Cruz Harley-Davidson, whose bid of about $5 million, including a credit for trade-ins, was almost $1 million cheaper than the closest BMW dealership.
Last December, the state sent a letter to the Santa Cruz dealership accepting the bid contingent on the motorcycle passing an inspection and the CHP's performance test.
That's when the trouble began.
CHP riders who tested the bike at the CHP track in West Sacramento said it wobbled at speeds approaching 100 mph, James said. The CHP would not discuss the results of its testing.
"Any motorcycle displaying unsafe or inferior stability and/or handling characteristics shall be subject to disqualification," according to the specifications.
Santa Cruz Harley-Davidson argued that the test was subjective and vulnerable to bias.
It produced statements from riders it hired that the motorcycle performed well at high speeds.
James said he complained to the Department of General Services.
The department cited the lack of clear testing criteria in its decision earlier this month to cancel the procurement.
"We are saying that the test could not be completed because of an inadequate definition of stability in the specifications," said Department of General Services spokesman Bill Branch.
The testing was also hampered by the difficulty in scheduling time at the CHP test track and bad weather last spring, Branch said.
The new specifications will include clearer benchmarks for testing the stability of the motorcycle at high speeds, he said.
James said that building a motorcycle to meet the CHP specifications cost his dealership a quarter of a million dollars, taking resources away from another project.
"It was a year's worth of work that came to a grinding halt," he said.
The dealership is preparing a claim to be submitted to the state, a precursor to filing a lawsuit.
"It's an egregious thing," James said of the state's actions. "We don't have a choice."
The CHP says that its motorcycle operations have not been hurt by the contracting delay.
Although 24 bikes have been taken out of service, leaving a fleet of 492, no motorcycle officers have been left without rides, Clader said.
The CHP formerly sold the motorcycles back to BMW at 60,000 miles because that was part of the contract, she said, but "there's nothing to say the bikes can't be run to 100,000 or even beyond."
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Thanks MJZ ... interesting. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
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I have heard of one dealer that was delivering new Harley's to the local police and trying to figure out what to do with the BMW's. The main reason for the change back to Harley was the BMW's were having a lot of tranny problems and upkeep was around five thousand on each to keep those Beemers going.
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Thats interseting Washington state patrol just bought new HDs, as well as several local counties around are area. The city of Vancouver is testing HDs as we speak.
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The BMW that my agency has left in its fleet continues to have the tranny issues..... our motor guys have gone back to the EGlide but are now looking at the Honda also ( Co Springs PD has those) and many times its a case of monkey see monkey do
stay tuned
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Santa Sruz Harley Davidson argued that the test was subjective and vulnerable to bias. It produced statements from riders [highlight]it hired[/highlight]
I bet I could hire the right people to say what I want them to say. Guess the Santa Cruz dealership has never ridden a FLHT over 55. If they had, they would know there is a problem!!! Could this be big brother teching the dealership about denial. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
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Santa Sruz Harley Davidson argued that the test was subjective and vulnerable to bias. It produced statements from riders [highlight]it hired[/highlight]
I bet I could hire the right people to say what I want them to say. Guess the Santa Cruz dealership has never ridden a FLHT over 55. If they had, they would know there is a problem!!! Could this be big brother teching the dealership about denial. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
Hey Dude,
My new Road Glide only shakes at Otis speeds. Cops got no business goin that fast, only HBRR members and nuts like me chasin em. [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif] [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]
B B
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Hey Dude,
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Don't forget the HBRR "Prospects". Wooo Hooo!!!! Only bad thing is once you go fast you want to go faster.
/me 's drug of choice "TQ/HP"
[smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
[smiley=fireman.gif]
dOOd, good job,,your catching on!
It's called OHD,,, obsessive horsepower disorder!
[smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
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Our local department just switched from HD to BMW.
http://www.saanichpolice.ca/about/pdfs/SaanichBMWR1200RT-Particle.pdf
The city of Victoria switched from HD to the ST1300p about two years ago.
I think the RCMP still use RKs here on the island.
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Can you cut & paste the text? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
I posted the link in consideration of the band width that cut and paste takes up (gotta look out for the best interest of the site!).....as well as copyright infringement. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
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I posted the link in consideration of the band width that cut and paste takes up (gotta look out for the best interest of the site!).....as well as copyright infringement. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
OOOOOOOOOPS [smiley=dunce.gif] [smiley=dunce2.gif] [smiley=dunce.gif] [smiley=dunce.gif] [smiley=dunce2.gif] [smiley=oops.gif]
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I wouldn't worry about it, Mark. The credit to the Sac Bee is clear and as far as the bandwidth, if that was a problem, we'd have to start by removing all the photos we post around here. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
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I wouldn't worry about it, Mark.
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I wouldn't worry about it, Mark.
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Where did this bandwidth come from [smiley=nixweiss.gif] Thought we were letting D00d tell his wife how he needed some more money to keep up with Otis [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
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Where did this bandwidth come from [smiley=nixweiss.gif] Thought we were letting D00d tell his wife how he needed some more money to keep up with Otis [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
That's right Brian.
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And also have a comment ready for when they regain conscience.
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That's right Brian. THAT is the bandwidth we should be talking about! [highlight]Someone needs to be brave enough to walk up to Mrs D00d and say, "Woman, Gary NEEDS his bike to go faster, dammit!"[[/highlight]/b]
[size=9]Fortunately for all parts of my anatomy I am not brave.[/size]
Please note that Twolane said [highlight]SOMEONE[/highlight]
What an instigator! Duck and cover!!
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That's right Brian.
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I believe twolane is missing that fine line between "brave" & "stupid".
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OOOOOOOOOPS [smiley=dunce.gif] [smiley=dunce2.gif] [smiley=dunce.gif] [smiley=dunce.gif] [smiley=dunce2.gif] [smiley=oops.gif]
No big thing. Naitram had suggested that we just post a link rather than the cut and past.... back when a previous member was cutting and pasting large amounts of information from manuels, publications, etc. I just followed suit out of courtesy.
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Chip,
Is there any cure for this It's called OHD,,, obsessive horsepower disorder!
The real questions is why would you want to cure it depending on your point of view :)
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Chip,
Is there any cure for this
The real questions is why would you want to cure it depending on your point of view :)
Harry
I found a cure one time.
It was my 177 H/P Hayabusa.
Saw 175 way to many times.
I'm thinking the limit for me is 1 pony for every 3 pounds of weight!
That would be around 200 H/P on the Dyna and 240 on the Frontier.
Right now the Frontier is at 6.5 and the Dyna is 5.45!
So there is a lot of work to be done. :'(
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Maybe I should show her this post, and then dial up Twolane and let him tell her this??? [smiley=nixweiss.gif] [smiley=evilgrin.gif] [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]
[smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
[smiley=fireman.gif]
Go ahead. I'll lie (I'm really good at it) and will tell her you actually said it out loud at Maggie Valley. Then I'll tell her about all the applause you got for your bravery. Then I'll fax her the post I'll create where it looks like you actually said it. Then I'll visit you in the hospital and be really really sorry for the damage I caused and I will bring you beer.
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Go ahead.
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she will no doubt say you're full of chit. ;D
Speaking of that, it will not be far from the truth. [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]
[size=9]dammit !![/size]
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[size=9]dammit !![/size]
[smiley=zroflmao.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_6.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]
[smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
[smiley=fireman.gif]
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[highlight]The CHP, whose motorcycle corps was featured on the television show "CHiPs" almost three decades ago, [/highlight] Weren't they running Kawasaki's back then? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
[highlight]CHP riders who tested the bike at the CHP track in West Sacramento said it wobbled at speeds approaching 100 mph, James said. The CHP would not discuss the results of its testing. [/highlight] Since when did CA start going over 100 mph in any of their pursuits? All the high speed chases I've seen on TV have been the bad guys at high speeds! JMHO! [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
[highlight]CHP was using fuzzy criteria [/highlight] Must have been the fuzzy criteria that came off the CVOharley board using the high speed wobble thread! [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]
[highlight]"We're looking for a bike that meets our specifications and safety standards at the lowest cost to the people of California."
[/highlight] Wouldn't that be the Honda Goldwing....Safety (airbag), lowest cost (Japanese)! ;D
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[highlight][highlight]CHP riders who tested the bike at the CHP track in West Sacramento said it wobbled at speeds approaching 100 mph, James said. The CHP would not discuss the results of its testing. [/highlight] Since when did CA start going over 100 mph in any of their pursuits? All the high speed chases I've seen on TV have been the bad guys at high speeds! JMHO! [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
They gotta go over 100 MPH everytime they pull me over for speeding....... [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]
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Someone correct me if I'm full of chit again, but other than the CHP I wasn't aware of any police department that uses motorcycles as high speed pursuit vehicles.
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Jerry, every department or agency I know someone in does not do high speed pursuit with motorcycles. And several don't do high speed pursuites of motorcycles (at least for traffic offences). Too dangerous to not just let them go and find them later.
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They gotta go over 100 MPH everytime they pull me over for speeding....... [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]
I can vouch for that! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
Could be a west coast prospect for HBRR [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
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They gotta go over 100 MPH everytime they pull me over for speeding....... [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]
JC if you slow down they could buy the harleys.
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JC if you slow down they could buy the harleys.
HMMMMMM
So JC is the reason they don't buy Harley's???? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
NOW. the picture is becoming very clear!
JC-------> all signs are pointing toward you for causing this problem.
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Twolanerider, I believe you need to help D00d by telling Mrs. D00d face to face that he needs the money to go faster. I will buy your airplane ticket [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]then video tape your whipping, [smiley=nervous.gif]sell copies to everyone, and order my new CVO.
Man I love this place [smiley=banana.gif] [smiley=banana.gif]
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Twolanerider, I believe you need to help D00d by telling Mrs. D00d face to face that he needs the money to go faster. I will buy your airplane ticket [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]then video tape your whipping, [smiley=nervous.gif]sell copies to everyone, and order my new CVO.
Man I love this place [smiley=banana.gif] [smiley=banana.gif]
Don't forget me, don't I get a percentage of the proceeds??? [smiley=nixweiss.gif] [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]
[smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
[smiley=fireman.gif]
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Don't forget me, don't I get a percentage of the proceeds??? [smiley=nixweiss.gif] [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]
[smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
[smiley=fireman.gif]
Any lawyers present?
We need a contract
If we do this correctly D00d, we both can get what we want for Christmas [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
You think Twolane will do his part for us?
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Any lawyers present?
We need a contract
If we do this correctly D00d, we both can get what we want for Christmas [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
You think Twolane will do his part for us?
We don't need any lawyers. I trust you, besides getting lawyers involved would only cut into our profits. Which in turn would cut into what we get ourselves for Christmas. ;) Now if only Don will do his part? [smiley=nixweiss.gif] ;D
[smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
[smiley=fireman.gif]
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Any lawyers present?
We need a contract
If we do this correctly D00d, we both can get what we want for Christmas [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
You think Twolane will do his part for us?
Just to help you guys out I'll go along. But I want residuals! (and health insurance!!)
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Just to help you guys out I'll go along.
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[smiley=ROFLOL.gif] Funny I don't remember showing you my bruises? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
And before you give me this.. [smiley=worthless.gif] it ain't going to happen. :P [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]
[smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
[smiley=fireman.gif]
uh oh [smiley=oops.gif] whatdahell did I get myself in to?
(better get a tetanus shot before the op begins)
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Expecially with those pink thongs and your [smiley=hat.gif] on.
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HMMMMMM
So JC is the reason they don't buy Harley's????