Photo from 2013-MY testing courtesy of MSP.
A three-wheeled motorcycle joined the carryover models during the Michigan State Police's annual testing of cycles offered to law enforcement agencies.
Troopers from the agency's Precision Driving Unit tested the Can-AM Spyder RTP, a police version of Bombardier Recreational Products' retail Spyder that uses a single rear-wheel drive and snowmobile layout on an ATV-like chassis. The unit also tested 10 sedans and four SUVs.
The Spyder couldn't match its two-wheeled brethren in top speed or dynamic handling, but excelled in the agency's braking test. The unit also tested the BMW R1200 RTP, Moto Guzzi California 1400, and Moto Guzzi Norge 1200. Harley-Davidson brought three cycles, including the FLHP Road King, FLHTP Electra Glide, and FLHTP Electra Glide Special with a performance kit.
Once again, BMW's R1200 recorded the top speed at 141 mph, followed by the Norge (127), California (117), Spyder (114), Electra Glide (113), Road King (113), and Electra Glide Special (110).
The BMW also captured the fastest 0-60 mph time at 3.99 seconds. It was followed by the Norge (4.69), California (4.94), Electra Glide Special (5.27), Road King (5.49), Electra Glide (5.62), and Spyder (6.55).
The R1200 also recorded the top 0-100 mph time at 9.14 seconds followed by the Norge (12.51), California (15.01), Electra Glide Special (15.48), Electra Glide (19.34), Road King (20.11), and Spyder (20.56).
In brake testing, the Spyder earned the crown by stopping from 60 mph to 0 mph in 126.1 feet. It was followed by the Norge (130.4), R1200 (133.3), California (134.1), Road King (143.3), Electra Glide (144.5), and Electra Glide Special (146.4).
Troopers also evaluate the bikes with vehicle dynamics testing, where times from five laps on a road course are averaged. This year, the R1200 had the fastest time at 1 minute, 39 seconds (1:39.84).
For more preliminary results, visit the driving unit's page here.
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