BMW has begun offering the F800 GT-P sport motorcycle to law enforcement agencies as a compact and more affordable option to the R1200 RT-P touring cycle.

The F800 GT-P, a police conversion of the F800GS, is a lighter weight sport bike with ABS brakes that could appeal to a more cost-conscious buyer, according to BMW. It will be offered for $17,890 for a fully-equipped version with emergency lights, sirens, ABS, traction control, and electronic suspension. It weighs about two-thirds less than the R1200.

The Michigan State Police evaluated the F800 GT-P along with other police motorcycles as part of its annual police vehicle evaluation. It logged the top speed of the cycles at 139 mph and stopped the quickest from 60 mph.

The F800 GT-P offers more than 60 miles to the gallon on gasoline and includes a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty.

BMW will begin stocking dealerships with the F800 GT-P following completion of fleet testing. BMW is now taking fleet orders, a spokesman told Government Fleet.

BMW is developing an alternative front light on the cycle based on the RT-P front pods to meet challenging lighting requirements in California, said Frank Stevens, BMW Moterrad USA's sales development manager.

The vehicle BMW first considered bringing the F800 GT-P to the Michigan State Police vehicle tests in 2011. The bike is similar to the BMW 650 once offered to law enforcement agencies.

By Paul Clinton