First Ride: 2018 BMW R1200RT-P Decommissioned Police Bike

Decommissioned Police Bike Features

• 🏍️ The 2018 BMW R1200RT-P is a police-spec touring motorcycle, featuring crash protection on the luggage, sirens, and fog lights.
• 💡 Unique to the police model is a special housing for extra mechanical and electrical components that power the sirens and lights.
• ✨ The bike is equipped with an Acropovic exhaust and a mounting bracket that could hold a radar unit.

Rider Experience and Comfort

• 🧍 The rider, at 5'10" with a 32" inseam, found the seat height good but noted legs had a hard time finding a comfortable position due to peg placement.
• 🛣️ The riding position is described as relaxed and easy, with a comfortable, long-term cruisy position suitable for all-day wear.
• 💨 The electronically controlled windshield in its tallest position is phenomenal, deflecting wind over the helmet and shoulders, making it ideal for long-distance touring.

Performance and Handling

• 🚀 Powered by BMW's 1170cc flat twin boxer engine, producing about 125 horsepower and 92 foot-pounds of torque, the bike weighs around 640 lbs with a 6.6-gallon tank.
• 🏙️ Despite its weight, the bike exhibits shocking maneuverability in city streets, weaving through traffic with surprising ease and balance.
• 🚦 The throttle delivery is smooth and easy, making it manageable in traffic, though a strong pull on the brakes reveals impressive control with minimal front dive.

Technology and Controls

• ⚙️ The bike features multiple riding modes (Road and Rain) and cruise control, essential for long patrols.
• 📱 The dashboard includes analog dials for speed and tach, plus a customizable middle screen displaying information like average speed, range, and consumption.
• 🌡️ Heated grips are a welcome feature, especially on colder days, and the bike also has a tire pressure monitor.

Chase Score Breakdown

• 📈 Throttle Response received a 7/10 for being smooth and manageable.
• ⚖️ Agility scored 7/10, noting surprising capability for its size but acknowledging its weight.
• 🛑 Brakes were rated 6/10 for being adequate but having a soft initial bite.
• ⚡ Acceleration also got a 6/10, with strong torque but a functional rather than thrilling pull.
• ☁️ Suspension earned a high 9/10 for its exceptional comfort and stability.
• 😊 Comfort was a perfect 10/10, highlighting all-day ergonomics and an excellent windscreen.
• 🚨 Tech scored 8/10, considering its 2018 police-spec features including sirens and lights.
• 👍 Ease of Use was rated 6/10, noting it rides easy once rolling but police controls add complexity.
• 🗺️ Versatility received a 7/10, being great for touring but mission-specific and road-only.
• 💰 Fun for the money was rated 3/10 due to limited legality of features and age, though it could be a 10/10 for the right rider.
• 🏆 The total Chase Score is 69/100.