2010 Harley-Davidson FLHTP
November 24, 2024 7:38 AM Subscribe
Why would I not want to bid on this decommissioned police motorcycle?
Suppose I get it dirt cheap. Is it worth the trouble?
I would paint it at the very least.
Suppose I get it dirt cheap. Is it worth the trouble?
I would paint it at the very least.
Is this the bike for the kind of riding you want to do? Or is it just a bike you think is cool to buy?
A police-issued bike is more likely to have been laid down than other bikes, maybe? Maybe not. I'd guess officers are much more skilled riders than the average rider, but are much more often in situations where the bike goes down.
Have you checked any active HD rider forums for typical issues with that year-make-model? Have there been any recalls? Will you be able to plate it and inspect it? Are you in CO? Emissions laws are state-based. You could call an inspection place and see if there are any barriers. How are the tires? Yes, you'll almost certainly be legally required to paint it.
posted by cocoagirl at 7:49 AM on November 24 [1 favorite]
A police-issued bike is more likely to have been laid down than other bikes, maybe? Maybe not. I'd guess officers are much more skilled riders than the average rider, but are much more often in situations where the bike goes down.
Have you checked any active HD rider forums for typical issues with that year-make-model? Have there been any recalls? Will you be able to plate it and inspect it? Are you in CO? Emissions laws are state-based. You could call an inspection place and see if there are any barriers. How are the tires? Yes, you'll almost certainly be legally required to paint it.
posted by cocoagirl at 7:49 AM on November 24 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Is this the bike for the kind of riding you want to do? Or is it just a bike you think is cool to buy?
Yes
posted by falsedmitri at 8:09 AM on November 24 [2 favorites]
Yes
posted by falsedmitri at 8:09 AM on November 24 [2 favorites]
Legally required to paint it? I’m pretty sure you can have any paint job you want. Impersonating a police officer is certainly illegal, but the only Soviet-era vehicle paint laws I’m familiar with are ones about school buses: “think of the chiiiiiiildren…”
It certainly depends on what state you are taking it to. You might check that.
Police bikes are the only Harleys I’d consider riding, but I’m too old for a bike now. Thirty-some years of luck has been exhausted.
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 8:26 AM on November 24 [2 favorites]
It certainly depends on what state you are taking it to. You might check that.
Police bikes are the only Harleys I’d consider riding, but I’m too old for a bike now. Thirty-some years of luck has been exhausted.
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 8:26 AM on November 24 [2 favorites]
Police equipment tends to see a great deal of use, but at the same time, maintenance tends to be done at the required intervals. This is going to be a project; do you have the time and space available? There will be extra wiring for radios and lights you do not need, likely added to the already complex wiring harness.
posted by nickggully at 8:39 AM on November 24 [1 favorite]
posted by nickggully at 8:39 AM on November 24 [1 favorite]
Why would I not want to bid on this decommissioned police motorcycle?
Because it's a Harley, and you have self-respect.
posted by flabdablet at 8:44 AM on November 24 [9 favorites]
Because it's a Harley, and you have self-respect.
posted by flabdablet at 8:44 AM on November 24 [9 favorites]
> legally required to repaint it
True, maybe not repaint it, but I'm surprised the decals aren't off already. And falsedmitri probably shouldn't wave cars toward the right-hand lane in an authoritative manner. :)
posted by cocoagirl at 8:44 AM on November 24 [1 favorite]
True, maybe not repaint it, but I'm surprised the decals aren't off already. And falsedmitri probably shouldn't wave cars toward the right-hand lane in an authoritative manner. :)
posted by cocoagirl at 8:44 AM on November 24 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Did you see the red banner on the top of the page saying that this particular auction item is for law enforcement agencies only? Their FAQ says under “restricted auctions” that you’ll have to send ID and be purchasing for the official use of a tax-payer funded agency.
posted by easy ice at 8:48 AM on November 24 [8 favorites]
posted by easy ice at 8:48 AM on November 24 [8 favorites]
Response by poster: >> this particular auction item is for law enforcement agencies only?
I did not see that. I guess that settles it.
posted by falsedmitri at 9:09 AM on November 24
I did not see that. I guess that settles it.
posted by falsedmitri at 9:09 AM on November 24
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
The odds of any used motorcycle being as complete disaster are never zero, and this at least was professionally maintained and runs right now.
I'm a fool, but I would say that getting this bike for a few grand would be a win for me.
posted by Acari at 7:47 AM on November 24 [1 favorite]