[6] Bmw Motorcycles Com On This Year News

BMW Motorrad | Michigan State PoliceThe BMW R1200 police model excelled during testing conducted by the Michigan State Police.

The Michigan State Police is standing by its decision to purchase a handful of foreign-made motorycles, pointing to a better experience for troopers and a better value for taxpayers.

As the Detroit Free Press first reported, the state agency earlier this year leased nine new BMW bikes, moving away from a long-standing relationship with Harley-Davidson.

State police spokeswoman Shannon Banner said the decision to lease the German-made bikes was not easy, but in the end was informed by performance rather than place.

"It was based on what's the best tool for the troopers," she said. "We knew there would be criticism for purchasing non-American made motorcycles, and that was in the forefront of our minds. But data for two years showed that BMW outperformed Harley-Davidson."

State police conduct annual vehicle evaluations, testing possible patrol cars and motorcycles in Lansing and -- in the case of motorcycles -- at the Grattan Raceway in Belding.

The evaluations are nationally recognized, and while the agency does not make explicit recommendations, its tests influence purchasing decisions by police departments around the country.

Last year, the MSP evaluated 2012 model-year motorcycles manufactured by BMW, Harley, Kawasaki and Victory. The BMW R1200, which got the best gas mileage of the bunch, outperformed its peers in top speed and dynamics testing, while finishing near the top in acceleration and brake testing.

The speed and acceleration figures were particularly telling. The BMW bike went from 1-100 mph in 10.75 seconds, while two Harley models pulled off the same feat in 21.28 and 31.6 seconds. The BMW reached a top speed of 131 mph, but the Harleys managed only 104 mph and 109 mph.

The performance testing, along with an annual savings of around $400 a bike, prompted the MSP to lease nine new BMWs back in April.

"Manufacturers make improvements and tweaks every year, so you can't make a once-and-forever decision," said Banner, adding the agency will evaluate the latest offerings again next year.

The agency maintains a 24-bike fleet -- most of which are still Harleys -- spread across posts in Detroit, Rockford and Lansing. Patrols typically are limited to urban areas, where motorcycles allow troopers more control to navigate congested areas.

Harley Davidson, a Milwaukee-based company, maintains manufacturing plants in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Missouri. It also has offices in Ohio and a trademark holding company in Ann Arbor.

Glennis Morrell, director of the MotorCity Hogs rider group of Metro Detroit, said she would like to see the state government support the Midwest company and its regional suppliers.

"It really would be better if they bought American-made, because it does help the economy in many different ways," she said.

"I'm sure they've done all their research on why they chose to go in the direction they did, but they've been riding Harley bikes for a long time, and it would be nice to see them continue that."

The MSP will continue to ride Harleys -- to some extent. The agency also signed two new leases for the American-made motorcycles this year.

"It's really a question of what the mission is," Banner said. "Harleys are used for escorts in parades and ceremonial-type things. There are needs for those bikes."