SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 2, 2025 – For decades, BMW motorcycles have patrolled the roads of Europe and Asia, but their journey to becoming a mainstay of American police fleets was anything but smooth. Today, more than 3,500 BMW R 1250 RT-P motorcycles serve over 500 U.S. police agencies—thanks to innovation, persistence, and a game-changing deal with the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The First Foray and Early Challenges
BMW first attempted to break into the American police market in 1984, supplying 150 R 100 RT motorcycles to the San Francisco Police Department. While that initial program showed promise, BMW retreated after a liability lawsuit involving Kawasaki bikes cast a shadow over the authority motorcycle business.
A few years later, BMW returned with the K 75 model. But as Frank Stevens, then BMW Motorrad USA’s National Sales Manager, explained, “We did some test sales, but the K 75 was not an ideal police motorcycle because of its riding position, its saddlebag design and storage. It was expensive if you dropped it or fell over, because the protection system wasn’t very good.”
Winning Over the California Highway Patrol
Things began to change in 1994, when the CHP agreed to test 20 ABS-equipped BMW K 75 RT-Ps against their aging Kawasaki KZ1000Ps. The advanced anti-lock braking system impressed officers, even if statistical proof of its benefits proved elusive. Armed with feedback from this trial, BMW developed the R 1100 RT-P, adding key upgrades like:
- Improved protection bars
- A second battery with enhanced charging
- An auxiliary fan to prevent overheating
- Stable handling and tight-turn agility
But there was a catch: the R 1100 RT-P’s price tag of $15,828 was more than double that of a Kawasaki. To win the CHP contract, Stevens negotiated a creative buy-back agreement: “We didn’t want the liability of a lease, so we sold the motorcycles with a buy-back clause. California agreed to pay much more up front because their total cost would be less, if the motorcycle survived to the end of the term.”
BMW’s buy-back offer reduced the net cost of each bike to $5,900—undercutting Kawasaki’s price while offering better long-term value.
Overcoming Obstacles and Perfecting the Ride
Approval wasn’t immediate. A CHP sergeant detected a wobble during final tests, prompting Stevens and his team to scramble. They replaced wheels, changed tires, and modified parts until the BMW passed CHP standards. “Thank goodness [local Sacramento dealer] A&S had a bunch of RTs in the showroom,” Stevens recalled. Ultimately, BMW’s efforts paid off, and A&S, a trusted BMW dealer since 1988, delivered the initial fleet.
Driving Reliability and Loyalty
BMW’s engineering made a real difference for officers. Maintenance intervals were longer than Kawasaki’s—6,000 miles between services instead of 3,000—and the shaft drive eliminated frequent chain adjustments. Many bikes hit 60,000 miles in under two years, leading the CHP to extend their service life limits to 80,000, then 100,000, and eventually 120,000 miles.
Officers also appreciated BMW’s support. “They discovered how well BMW dealers take care of their customers, which created a bond of loyalty that certainly didn’t exist with Kawasaki,” Stevens noted. Officers could even buy discounted civilian BMWs, spreading goodwill for the brand.
Continuous Improvements and Nationwide Adoption
BMW didn’t rest on its laurels. The R 1100 RT was replaced by the R 1150 in 2001, the R 1200 RT in 2004, and the current R 1250 RT in 2019—each adapted as an RT-P Authority bike. Features like electronic engine management allowed BMWs to run on regular fuel, saving agencies thousands each year.
BMW also introduced innovations such as modern sirens, integrated lighting, improved alternators, and even rifle holsters tailored to police needs. As Stevens put it, “They experienced a relationship that radiates through all of the people within their orbit of influence, and it really did contribute noticeably to sales of motorcycles in California.”
Though the CHP briefly switched to Harley-Davidsons, they continue adding new BMWs to their fleet. Today, BMW RT-P motorcycles serve major agencies including the Los Angeles Police Department, the Phoenix Police Department, and the Honolulu Police Department.
A Legacy of Excellence on America’s Roads
BMW’s dedication to police motorcycle design, unmatched customer support, and willingness to innovate transformed their bikes into trusted partners for law enforcement. Officers and agencies across the country continue to rely on BMW’s legendary performance and commitment to rider safety.
Learn more at www.bmwmotorcycles.com.