Do Loud Pipes Save Lives?

Re:Do Loud Pipes Save Lives? by rudedogg on Saturday April 06, 2024 @05:00PM (#39955480)

Most police bikes I see in the US are Harleys, I don't think they're buying anything out of practicality. If they were, you'd see a lot more BMW police motorcycles.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Do Loud Pipes Save Lives? by jrwoodruff on Saturday April 06, 2024 @05:10PM (#39955597)

Michigan State Police somewhat controversially switched to BMW motorcycles in 2012, and actually disbanded the motorcycle unit for awhile because of safety issues. Apparently it's returning this year, still using the BMWs.

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2024/02/15/m...

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Do Loud Pipes Save Lives? by defrost on Saturday April 06, 2024 @09:11PM (#39957245)

BMW models with direct shaft drive and horizontally opposed twin pots are better for safety in several ways.

Lower centre of gravity, some "extra" leg protection in sideswipes | converging hits on roundabouts (from the pots and pot crash bar protectors), and zero chance of chain wear with better direct power pickup | engine braking from the shaft.

These are all grounds for some heated debate wherever two wheels gather, but I'll swear by them.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Do Loud Pipes Save Lives? by ProjectArcturis on Saturday April 06, 2024 @05:03PM (#39955508)

US police buy almost exclusively domestic vehicles.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Do Loud Pipes Save Lives? by zoky on Saturday April 06, 2024 @06:09PM (#39956091)

Not when it comes to motorcycles. BMW and Honda are both extremely common police bikes. LAPD’s motorcycle fleet used to be almost entirely Kawasakis.

[ Parent | on HN ]