MSP patrols may switch from Harley's to BMW bikes - WNEM TV 5

Michigan State Police may be saying bye-bye to the American-made Harley-Davidson and Vroom! Vroom! to BMW as its motorcycle of choice.

The Detroit Free Press reports (http://on.freep.com/QfnBuq) Monday that Harleys make up a majority of the department's fleet of 24 motorcycles, but nine of the German-made bikes were bought in April.

Performance tests showed the BMW R1200s handled better, were faster and cheaper. The motorcycle's top speed is 131 mph. The Harley's top speed is 104.

BMW bid $23,549 and $24,022 this year. Harley-Davidson's bids were $24,406 and $24,791.

State police spokeswoman Shannon Banner said the BMW was outperforming other bikes in tests and the department "could no longer ignore" what it was seeing.

A state police analysis did say Harleys are a "capable vehicle for parade and ceremonial use."

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