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The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department recently conducted formal a Test & Evaluation on the Honda ST1300PA Police Motorcycle as a part of its annual vehicle evaluation program. The testing involves experienced EVOC motorcycle instructors; two from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and two from the Los Angeles Police Department.
The ST1300PA is an upgraded version of the Honda ST1100P, which was designed for law enforcement use in 2003. The ST1300PA is powered by a 1261cc liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-4 engine. With 4-valves per cylinder, 10.8:1 compression and fuel injection, it develops 125 hp and 85 ft-lbs of torque. The 5-speed transmission is connected to the rear wheel by a shaft rather than by the conventional chain. Honda's direct shim under bucket valve actuation system allows 16,000-miles between valve adjustments.
The braking system utilizes Linked Braking System® (LBS), which uses a second brake master cylinder and Proportional Control Valve (PCV) to activate the three-cylinder calipers of the 310mm dual front disc brakes and the 316mm rear disc. This unique system is engineered to provide more precise braking control. When the front brakes are activated, fluid is routed two outer pistons of both front and rear calipers. Activation of the rear brakes routes fluid to the center pistons of all of the calipers-front and rear. There is also a delay valve, which slows fluid response to the front brakes to minimize front-end dive. Antilock Brake System (ABS) with a self-diagnostic function is also standard.
Other unique police features include an electrically adjustable windshield and headlamps, a special police speedometer marked in 2 mph increments, raised handlebars, and a 660-watt, 50-amp alternator. Honda motorcycles have a limited warranty, which covers three years with unlimited mileage.
LASD Tests
Police motorcycles must undergo the Preliminary Handling Test, a 1.57-mile high-speed driving course that is laid out at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds "Fairplex" Complex. This course consists of straightaways as well as several unbanked curves, which tax the brakes and suspensions. While top speeds are not attempted, speeds in the straight stretches often will exceed 100 mph. The motors are driven eight laps by four test riders for a total of 32 laps. Each driver completes an evaluation at the end of this phase. If a motorcycle is rated...