New traffic bike well received by officers
The new police motorcycle has arrived after the contract for 235 bikes of the R900RT model was awarded to BMW earlier this year. The prototype R900RT in full Force livery has been shown to Traffic Formations, and Transport Division and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department are now working hard to ensure that the new bike would be ready for the road and delivered to Traffic Formations as soon as possible.
Inspector Cheung Kai-hoi of Transport Division, who is coordinating this job, said the first batch of 124 of the R900RT model is due to arrive at the end of this year and the remaining bikes early next year.
The new police motorcycle was first introduced to the public at the Hong Kong Motorcycle Show 2010 at Chater Road, Central on November 28. Senior Inspector David Bennett of Traffic New Territories North, who was in charge of the police motorcycle display at the show, said the new bike attracted a lot of public attention, as well as favourable comments from many visitors.
Police Constable (PC) Chan Ka-ki and Woman Police Constable (WPC) Yip Pui-lam of Traffic New Territories North had tried out the new bike after it was delivered to their Formation. They both reported that the vehicle performed exceptionally well in all areas and it was a pleasure to ride on it.
Said PC Chan on the new bike's performance: "It is very stable at high speeds yet very manoeuvrable in slow traffic. The engine is very powerful and the handling was superb."
Echoing PC Chan's views, WPC Yip said: "This motorcycle is definitely an improvement over the ones being used by Traffic and it will undoubtedly be a big help for traffic enforcement and control operations."
Speaking of his impression of the new bike, Superintendent Martin Cadman of Traffic New Territories North said: "The new BMW motorcycle is both light to handle and balance. The livery and emergency light are very eye-catching to other road users, which can only enhance officers' safety."
The new motorcycle has several safety features, including an anti-lock braking system and a windshield that can be electronically adjusted with a press of the button to suit different conditions. The seat is easily adjustable in four different heights at 20-millimetre increments, so officers can use the bike to suit their own needs.
Compared with the older and smaller ones it is going to replace, the new bike is more powerful yet fuel economic, and will meet the latest motorcycle emission standards in Hong Kong and Europe.
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Bennett, PC Chan and WPC Yip