157-Mile Ride This phase tests how the motorcycle func- tions during extended operating periods, simulating an eight-hour patrol shift. The 157-mile loop consists of 33 miles of urban streets, 76 miles of freeway, 21 miles of the Pacific Coast Highway, and 28 miles of mountain and canyon riding. Each motor- cycle is ridden by all four evaluating riders. The bikes are driven normally, and


during this test phase the riders simulated 10 traffic enforcement stops. They prop- erly positioned the bike, dismounted with a two-minute pause, remounted the bike and accelerated into the flow of traffic. Each motorcycle was driven through this test loop by each of the four evaluators, who evaluated each motorcycle individu- ally. Fuel consumption is recorded during each loop and averaged. Both the Harley-Davidson®


Road King® and Electra Glide® models received high


marks from the evaluators for seating and ride comfort, handle bar placement, ease of operating controls, storage accessibility and space, and performance—acceleration and brakes. A note on the brakes: The evaluators rated the brakes a 10, for fade resistance, stopping ability and ABS operation. The Electra Glide®


model went to the head of


the class in shortest 60-0 mph deceleration, bringing the bike to a halt in 139.9 feet! While the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s


Department does not recommend any specific vehicle or other equipment, such as tires, their complete test results are published annually and are available on their website: www.lasd.org. For further information on the program contact: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Communications and Fleet Manage- ment Bureau, 1104 N. Eastern Avenue Door #50, Los Angeles, CA 90063; phone (323) 267-2511.


JOHN BELLAH IS A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER WHO SERVED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FOR MORE THAN 32 YEARS AND WRITES EXTENSIVELY ON LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE ISSUES. HE CAN BE CONTACTED AT PFMTECHED@YAHOO.COM.


SPRING 2014 | THE MOTOR OFFICER™ 15


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