Vanishing Point
By Johnny White
Republic Harley Davidson in Stafford, Texas, asked me to document a few of their special projects for the world to see. I have been privileged enough to be one of the only civilians allowed to test ride one of their Police-ready motorcycles, available to any officer who wants to apply his trade to the two-wheeled tradition of motorcycle police officer.
I recently rode a 2010 FLHTP 2010 Police Special Electra Glide which had been “tweaked” by Republic’s very talented Service Department. These beautiful machines come with a stock 103” and lots of bells and whistles to assure the law enforcement officer’s have the very best machine available while riding through the rough urban environment today’s mounted officer has become accustomed to traveling and working through. Republic decided to max this bike’s nastiness out by adding a Bad Boy big bore package, ultimately resulting in a Stage IV 103”. The only way I can truly describe this bike is to call it, well…scary fast.
The Bike’s motor-work wasn’t the only upgrades either. Republic added lighted floorboards, Kuryakyn Lizard Lights, and plenty of chrome to make this bike “show” as well as “go”. Neutral was a bear to find, but I attributed that to my limited experience with this bikes’ race-ready clutch and motor. There was no bolt left unturned when getting this monster ready for the road and she showed it with every trip.
The stopping power was extremely sharp due to H-D’s marriage to Brembo’s braking system and today’s technology of anti-lock braking. When you want to stop, this bike has no problem granting your wish.
While cruising the city streets of Houston, I was able to play with the incredibly crisp throttle response from the drivetrain. Combined with Republic’s upgrade, H-D has a performance monster on their hands. I have heard rumors that you can make a 103” perform better than the CVO equipped 110”, but I cannot imagine more power out of a heavy V-Twin. This bike has V-Rod acceleration coupled with a beautiful batwing styled fairing to block the wind. Freeway riding was a breeze as I could easily cruise at 85 mph in 4th gear without ever having to break 4000 rpm’s. This bike is a highway MONSTER!
I tested the bike in a parking lot trying to emulate some of the corner turning drills I have seen police and sheriffs perform in the past and this bike handled everything I could throw at it. While it is not the lightest machine in the stable, you can easily control the bike using basic counter-steering techniques, as well as looking through your turn while giving it plenty of gas on the backside. I was more than pleased with the nimble nature of this radical beast. The refinement of the machine combined with the reputation and honor of H-D makes this the perfect motorcycle for any police officer who’s as serious about his ride as he is about his career. This is the bike all departments should be looking at.
Check out a display of the Lizard Lights as well as listening to the motor on this beautiful machine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSFYzdZk9FQ
Harley Davidson has a long history of working with the Law Enforcement departments all over the world, check into the H-D magazine directed to that genre as well as the link to their storied history.
Link to the Motor Officer Magazine on H-D.com
Link to the History of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company and the Police Department’s relationship.
|
Dimensions |
U.S. UNITS |
|
Length |
95.1 in. |
|
Overall Width |
38 in. |
|
Overall Height |
61 in. |
|
Seat Height |
|
|
Laden |
27.3 in. |
|
Unladen |
30.7 in. |
|
Ground Clearance |
5.1 in. |
|
Rake (steering head) |
26 (deg) |
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Fork Angle |
29.25 (deg) |
|
Trail |
6.69 in. |
|
Wheelbase |
63.5 in. |
|
Tires |
|
|
Type 3 |
Dunlop® Harley-Davidson Series, bias blackwall front and rear |
|
Front Model |
D408F |
|
Front Specification |
BW 130/80B17 |
|
Rear Model |
D407 |
|
Rear Specification |
BW 180/65B16 |
|
Extended Description |
Bead-retention tires designed to remain on wheel during sudden loss of pressure. Sealed, automotive-style wheel bearings requiring no end play adjustments and service interval of 100,000 miles (160,000 km). |
|
Fuel Capacity |
6 gal. |
|
Reserve Fuel Capacity, Fuel Injection (warning light) |
1 gal. |
|
Oil Capacity (w/filter) |
4 qts. |
|
Transmission Capacity |
1 qts. |
|
Primary Chain Case Capacity |
1.4 qts. |
|
Coolant Capacity |
N/A |
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Weight |
|
|
As Shipped |
794 lbs. |
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Weight, In Running Order |
831 lbs. |
|
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating |
1,360 lbs. |
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Front |
500 lbs. |
|
Rear |
927 lbs. |
|
Powertrain 1 |
|
|
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103™ |
|
|
Valves |
Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder |
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Bore |
3.875 in. |
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Stroke |
4.375 in. |
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Displacement |
103 cu. in. |
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Compression Ratio |
9.6:1 |
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Fuel System 7 |
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
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Air Cleaner |
Fiberglass, washable |
|
Lubrication System |
Pressurized, dry-sump |
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Drivetrain 1 |
|
|
Primary Drive |
Chain, 34/46 ratio |
|
Final Drive 8 |
Belt, 32/68 ratio |
|
Clutch |
multi-plate, wet |
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Transmission |
6-Speed Cruise Drive® |
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Gear Ratios (overall) |
|
|
1st |
9.593 |
|
2nd |
6.65 |
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3rd |
4.938 |
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4th |
4 |
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5th |
3.378 |
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6th |
2.875 |
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Chassis 1 |
|
|
Frame |
Mild steel; tubular frame; two-piece stamped and welded backbone; cast and forged junctions; twin downtubes; bolt-on rear frame with forged fender supports; MIG welded |
|
Swingarm |
Mild steel, two-piece drawn and welded section, forged junctions, MIG welded |
|
Front Fork |
41.3 mm telescopic |
|
Rear Shocks |
Air-adjustable |
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Wheels |
|
|
Optional Style Type 3 |
N/A |
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Front Type |
Black, Slotted Disc Cast Aluminum |
|
Wheels, Front Width |
3 in. |
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Front Height |
17 in. |
|
Rear Type |
Black, Slotted Disc Cast Aluminum |
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Rear Width |
5 in. |
|
Rear Height |
16 in. |
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Brakes |
|
|
Caliper Type |
32mm 4-piston front and rear |
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Rotor Type |
Patented, uniform expansion |
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Front Diameter |
11.81 in |
|
Front Width |
0.28 in. |
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Front Dual |
Yes |
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Rear Diameter |
11.81 in. |
|
Rear Width |
0.28 in. |
|
Anti-Lock Braking System |
Optional |
|
Suspension Travel, Rear |
3 in. |
|
Engineered for sidecar |
Yes |
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Performance 1 |
|
|
Engine Torque (Per SAE) |
J1349 |
|
North America (ft. lbs.) 9 |
102 in. |
|
North America (rpm) |
3,500 |
|
Lean Angle, Right |
33 deg |
|
Lean Angle, Left |
31 deg |
|
Fuel Economy: Urban |
35 |
|
Fuel Economy: Highway |
54 |
|
Electric 1 |
|
|
Battery |
Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 28-amp/hour, 270 cca (per Battery Council International Rating) |
|
Charging |
Three-phase, 50-amp system (585W @ 13V, 2000 rpm, 650W max power @ 13V) |
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Starting |
1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement |
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Lighting |
|
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Headlamp |
Quartz halogen, 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam |
|
|
8W/28W |
|
Turn Signal |
Turn Signal Lights 28W (21W) self-canceling |
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Pursuit Lamps |
Front-mounted PAR-36 lamps, one red, one blue, incandescent |
|
|
Four-way, integrated into turn signal switches |
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Indicator Lamps
|
Indicator Lamps High beam, turn signals, hazard signals, neutral, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, low fuel, police emergency light activation, 6-speed, ABS light (optional) |
|
Electronic Siren (optional) |
Weatherproof 100W siren amplifier, 100W siren speaker and integrated PA system specifically designed for use on Haarley-Davidson® Police motorcycles; 2-tones: wail and yelp with additional airhorn capacity |
Flashers 
|
Warranty 1 |
|
|
Warranty 10 |
24 months (unlimited mileage) |
|
Service Interval 11 |
First 1,000 miles (1,600 km), every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) thereafter |
1Vehicles depicted may differ from vehicles manufactured and delivered. Specifications and prices listed may differ from specifications and prices of vehicles manufactured and delivered. All product descriptions (including depictions, specifications, dimensions, measurements, ratings and competitive comparisons) are based on available information at the time of publication. Although such descriptions are believed correct, errors and changes can occur and complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Harley-Davidson may make changes at any time to prices and specifications, and may change or discontinue models, without notice and without incurring any obligation. Attention: Vehicles in the configurations shown and many of the accessories described in this catalog may not be available for sale or use in some locations. Please check with your dealer for complete product details and the latest information. All models feature 6-speed transmission (VRSC™ models and Sportster® models are 5-speed) and carbon fiber belt final drive; multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath; and 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.
2Measurement reflects 180 lb. (81.7 kg) operator weight.
3Standard and optional wheels may vary by country and region.
4Recommended 91 octane or higher fuel (R+M)/2.
5Thermostatically controlled oil cooler standard equipment.
6Automatic compression release.
7Standard and optional fuel systems may vary by country and region.
8U.S. and HDI markets, except Japan: Belt, 32/64 ratio.
9Values shown are nominal. Performance may vary by country and region.
10See motorcycle owner’s manual for complete details.
11Inspections of certain systems and components are required at 2,500 mile (4,000 km) intervals. See Owner’s Manual for full details.
Vehicles depicted may differ from vehicles manufactured and delivered. Specifications and prices listed may differ from specifications and prices of vehicles manufactured and delivered. All product descriptions (including depictions, specifications, dimensions, measurements, ratings and competitive comparisons) are based on available information at the time of publication. Although such descriptions are believed correct, errors and changes can occur and complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Harley-Davidson may make changes at any time to prices and specifications, and may change or discontinue models, without notice and without incurring any obligation. Attention: Vehicles in the configurations shown and many of the accessories described in this catalog may not be available for sale or use in some locations. Please check with your dealer for complete product details and the latest information. All models feature 6-speed transmission (VRSC™ models and Sportster® models are 5-speed) and carbon fiber belt final drive; multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath; and 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.
© 2001 – 2011 H-D. All rights reserved.
