Police Motorcycle Report: LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department released a report on their police fleet, and like it or not, these are the documented facts.

http://www.bmwmc.net/uploads/tm7/LAP...t%20Report.pdf

[Monkeyshines]

good morning steve

[VStarMan]

This in Not Good....

Repairs and Maintenance of Harley-Davidson
The Los Angeles Police Department has experienced an abnormal number of repairs due to
design deficiencies and poor workmanship in the initial assembly of Harley-Davidson
motorcycles. The problems encountered during the introduction of Harley-Davidsons into the
fleet in late 2005 were manageable. The problems, however, have steadily increased and include
the 2006 and 2007 models. During the last ten months of 2007, some of these design flaws
escalated to unacceptable levels and required all of Harley-Davidson's motorcycles to be taken
out of service for numerous inspections and repairs to ensure officer safety. For example, in mid
2007, the observation of a worn brake line during a scheduled PM led to an inspection of the
entire fleet of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. An analysis and inspection of the brake lines
revealed that on most of the motorcycles, the brake lines were not routed, secured, and supported
properly. This created a condition that caused the brake lines to move, vibrate, and rub against
each other or against other parts of the motorcycle. The number of replacement brake lines
needed to correct the problem were not available from the dealers or manufacturer, which created
major delays in completing repairs. Motor Transport Division has had several meetings with
Harley-Davidson representatives and engineering staff to express our disappointment with their
product and poor response in addressing design issues, warranty work, and parts availability.
Harley-Davidson has still not developed a permanent solution for the brake line defects, which
are inspected diligently during every service or inspection. Another defect is the premature
failure of starters, some of which failed in less than 1,000 miles. Harley-Davidson addressed the
starter problem by replacing the cylinder heads, which lowered the strain of the starter. However,
the replacement cylinder heads were not readily available and caused some motorcycles to be out
of service for as long as two months while waiting for parts. Other examples of design related
failures encountered on the Harley-Davidson motorcycles were shift linkage breaking, exhaust
pipes cracking and falling off, electrical problems, and seat bladder air leaks. There have also
been about 43 major engine failures from what appears to be defective camshaft bearings.
Harley-Davidson believes the type of oil being used could be a contributing factor towards the
engine failures. However, they approved the type of oil being used and have not made any
recommendation to change to a different type or brand of oil.
In addition to the major failures listed, there have been minor recalls on voltage regulators,
ignition locks, and brake line routing at the steering head.
Motor Transport Division has not experienced this volume of warranty repairs and
recalls with other motorcycle manufacturers. Harley-Davidson's standard warranty is two years
On average, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle was out of service 19 days more per year than the
Kawasaki motorcycle, or 190 percent more during the first two years of service, for unscheduled
repairs.

[VStarMan]

Excessive Engine Heat
Motorcycle officers have expressed strong concerns with the excessive amount of engine heat,
common to Harley Davidson motorcycles, when driving at slow speeds and idling. The engine
and exhaust pipe heat makes the officers very uncomfortable and is most pronounced during
parades and in the summer months. Various types of heat shields were tried with limited
success. Excessive heat appears to be inherent in the design of their engine.

[Pattimelt]

You are right Mr. VStarMan, it is not good.

The Icon of American motorcycling has had more than enough time (and money) to produce a truly reliable, durable, machine.

Why have they not been able to deliver?

[Pattimelt]

Originally Posted by MrFirebutt

Oh, how cute is this little bugger? I want to pick him up.

[VStarMan]

Mr. Shines is going to be unhappy...

Very Unhappy!

[Monkeyshines]

looks like he monkeypooped in his costume

[Monkeyshines]

Originally Posted by VStarMan

Mr. Shines is going to be unhappy...

Very Unhappy!