Interested in acquiring a motorcycle that’s also a veteran?
An option you might consider – one that’s not well-known outside of the collector bike hobby – is to shop for an ex-police/former military bike.
Examples include the famous Kz1000p – the bikes Ponch and Jon rode in the ’70s TV show, CHiPs – and the similar-in-layout big-bore Harley cop/MP bikes you often see escorting VIP convoys – or running radar on the Interstate.
There are also smaller machines like the 883 Sportster “police” – and even dual sports/adventure tourers like the Honda XL250 or the larger Kaw KL650 currently in use with the U.S. Marines (some with diesel power, too).
After their “tour of duty” is over, these bikes are typically sold off at auction; or they can be found the usual way – via print and online classified ads (details follow below).
Some – like the legendary Kz1000P can be amazingly affordable. Right now, several nice ones are listed on eBay and Craigs List for around $3,000.
Others – like ex-duty Harleys – usually cost more but can still be a deal compared with a new civvie equivalent.
Plus, there’s no putting a price on the history these bikes have. They are not just fun to ride; they’re great conversation starters, too.
The bigger bikes like the Kz1000P and Harley Road Kings make great long-haul cruisers. They have freeway-friendly ergonomics (comfortable seats/relaxed riding position; good wind protection from large factory fairings/windscreens) and plenty of secure storage capacity in the factory hard bags.
The smaller units can be a good choice for a new rider, or someone who just wants a bike that’s easier to handle.
As former fleet machines, they’ve also likely been serviced regularly, something that’s hit or miss with a bike that’s been in private hands its whole life.
Let’s look at some of the possibilities:
*Kawasaki Kz1000P (1977-2005) –
You’ve almost certainly seen one of these on TV or in the movies. They were the uncredited stars of CHiPs, and “Dirty Harry” Callahan escaped on one in The Enforcer.
Though Kawasaki stopped selling the civilian version (Kz1000) in 1981, it continued to make the police-duty version of the big Zed all the way through 2005. Many are still in service with motor units all around the country.
Current asking prices range from around $1,500 or so for a well-used but still restorable one to around $7,000 for a pristine example, possibly still wearing its police-spec Dunlop run-flat tires!
The Kz1000P is shares the same basic layout as the standard Kz1000, but in addition to the famous 1000 cc DOHC four-cylinder engine, police versions feature full fairing with emergency flashers (to be street legal, you must change these over to clear/yellow from red/blue), radio (street legal!) and factory hard bags. Some have running boards – and most all the accessories/parts that fit the standard Kz series will fit the police version, too.
Pros:
Powerful and tough; big Kaw in-line air-cooled fours are legendary for their durability.
These are fast bikes; capable of 140 mph top speeds.
Abundant and easy to find replacement/service parts.
Excellent wind/weather protection; ample storage with factory hard bags.
Cons:
Factory seat is solo-only. (But can be replaced with aftermarket seat).
This is a big, powerful bike; not for beginners.
Harder to find east of the Mississippi. (These bikes tended to be used more in places like CA and AZ.)
* Harley Davidson FLHP/Road King “police” (circa late 1980s-present)
Big Harleys have been used by civilian police and military police for decades – all the way back to the 1930s, at least.
Depending on the year, the bike will be powered by either the Evolution or (newer) Twin Cam 88/96B or 96A V-twin engine. All are air-cooled designs, so no hassles with radiators, but the newer engines feature twin counterbalancers to smooth out the big twin’s famously lumpy idle. Later-models also feature six-speed transmissions and a trick (and police bike-specific) cylinder cutout feature that lets the bike run on just one cylinder during prolonged idle/parade use.
In the past couple of years, some departments have also been using the smaller/lighter 883 Sportster, which is better suited to urban/city environments – and also the Buell XB12, for on and off-road use. The Sporty is ideal for smaller stature riders, due to its lower seat height and lighter weight. But like its bigger brother, police versions usually come with sidebags and a front fairing.
The big cruisers seem to be going for between $6,000 and $12,000 or so, depending on year and overall condition. That’s still a decent deal on a full-size Harley touring bike.
Pros:
Big bike ideally suited for extended highway trips (Road King FLHP).
Readily available at police auctions or through private/retail sales.
Smaller/lighter 883 and XB12s perfect for new riders or smaller stature riders.
Cons:
Usually more expensive to buy than Kz1000P.
Not as quick as Kz1000P; doesn’t handle as well. Heavy.
Even less of a beginner’s bike than the Kz1000P.
* Kawasaki M1030M1 KLR650 diesel (2005-present)
This one’s off the beaten path… literally.
In 2005, the Marines ordered up diesel-powered versions of the Kaw KL650 dual sport for scout/recon work in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. The diesel engine – which can also burn kerosene/JP8 jet fuel – probably isn’t more durable than the standard 4-stroke single cylinder gas engine, but it is capable of an incredible 200 MPG – vs. about 55 for the gas version. With a fuel capacity of about three gallons, the bike’s good to go for an incredible 600-plus miles without a pit stop.
Its high torque is a big advantage when slogging through sand, deep mud or heavy snow. Another HD feature of the military-spec. KLR650 is the battery, which is of the absorbent matt type that can’t leak – even if the case breaks – because there’s no liquid acid sloshing around inside.
Diversified Technologies of California did the engine swap for the USMC.
Pros:
Incredible range, mileage and durability.
Superior low RPM torque output.
Extremely cool; diesel-powered bikes are very rare/unusual.
Cons:
Very pricey; the current contractor that does the conversion to diesel charges DOD a reported 2-3 times the current retail price of a civilian (gas-powered) KLR650.
Hard to find; not many built and the handful that have been put out of service have probably already found new homes.
Where to find:
* Local police auctions –
Check around in your area to see whether local/state police have any “motor” (motorcycle) units; if they do, then eventually those bikes get sold off to the public at auctions just like ex-cop cars. Call the public information office and ask ’em when and where.
* Online/print classifed ads –
One great resource is Craigslook.com (note, not Craigs List). Craigslook.com is a national search engine for every local/state craigslist. If you type in “Kz1000 police” it will give you a roster of every single ad placed for that bike in all the Craigs List boards around the country.
Walnek’s Classic Cycle (www.walneks.com) is a great resource, too. Or, just try Google. In addition to private party sales, you’ll often find dealers (in the case of HDs) that are selling ex-cop bikes; sometimes, these dealers serviced the bikes for the local department during their time as LE vehicles
* Military, government auctions/sales –
Check online (type in “military,” “auction” and “motorcycles”) and you’ll find numerous places that sell former military vehicles and equipment of all types, including bikes. A good place to start is http://www.milweb.net/classifieds.php?type=5 . Ebay is another way to locate these bikes.
Resources:
Harley brochure: http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_us…talog-my09.pdf
General pics: http://www.motofoto.cc/Police_Motorcycles.htm
Harley cop bike pics: http://www.google.com/images?btnG=Se…ure&tbs=isch:1
Hello.
I have a 1988 Kawasaki KZ1000P. I live in California were some freeways are 75 MPH, The traffic flow is 80+ MPH. The bike is a old LAPD bike so it is geared for city I am assuming. Also at that time I believe the speed limit was 55 MPH I forget. I want to replace the front and rear sprockets to give it more top end without the higher rpm’s. I understand I also have to change the chain as well. Can you tell me what front and rear gear ratios I need to accomplish this, Also what chain to get.
Thank you
Hi Pete,
I’d go with a stock (non-police) replacement sprocket and chain set. I own a ’76 900 (same basic bike) and with the stock sprockets, it will do 130-plus, easily – which is probably plenty for a stock Zed 900/1000. This will also give you very highway-friendly cruise RPM (around 4,000-4,500).
I have a kz 1000 police bike . It sits tall I want to be able to be on it flat footed. How do I lower the bike and also looking for another seat so I can take girlfriend with me. All I have is a solo for now… love the bike just trying to make it more comfortable for my safety. Like lowering it…
thanks
…..jim
Hi Jim,
A couple of possibilities:
IIRC, your bike has twin rear shocks like my civilian Kz. If the softest factory adjustment setting doesn’t do the trick, you could lower the rear end an inch or so using aftermarket shocks (shorter overall). But some trial and error will be be necessary. You’d also need to lower the front end an equivalent amount to equalize the bike – by loosening the triple clamps and sliding the tubes up an inch or so, etc.
But the first thing I’d try would be a new seat – either an aftermarket saddle (Corbin, etc.) or a custom-made one. If you’re anywhere near a big city, there’s probably a shop (look up auto upholstery, etc.).
This is a good way to lower the effective ride height without messing with the bike’s suspension geometry. You may also need to lower the handle bars a little – which is an easy thing to do.
well I am trying to find out the same thing I have a 2002 kz1000p that is acting up and starting to clank I am new to these bikes and am wondering if there is a way to put another engine that is less expensive than 700 to adjust the carbs is it worth the money or should I pull the motor and build from the ground up?
Hi Jason,
I am pretty sure that any Z1/Kz900-1000 engine will bolt right in. But, it’d probably be easier – and cheaper – to just find out what’s wrong with yours and fix it. It may be something very minor – like a loose cam chain/tensioner (which will slap when there’s too much slack). The bottom ends of these old Zeds are very stout – it’s more likely you have a valvetrain-related issue or top end issue.
The carbs are easy to rebuild and adjust.
Have you got a factory manual?
hey man i had a kz 1000 that i rode hard for about a year, in an unfortunate sequence of problems the motor has seized and the heads are fucked. I cant really afford another 1000 engine, but i see that 650 motors are fairly cheap. what do you suggest? and do you know if the 650 motor would fit into the 1000 frame? thanks
Hi Alex,
I haven’t done this swap but am pretty sure (near 100 percent) the 650 will bolt right in.
It’s easy to check – assuming you can physically go see the 650 engine and check/measure the position of the mounting holes on the cases and then compare with your frame or croaked 1000 engine.
But I’m suprised you can’t find a decent replacement 900 or 1000 CC engine. Have you tried here?
http://www.oldkawman.com/
debating ’bout a v-twin for my kzp1000 (harly motor mainly, sportster i suppose?), just getting started, any comments?
I’m lost! A V-twin for your KZP1000? Do you mean putting a Harley V-twin into a Kz1000P frame? If so, I guess you could make it work… but… why? Nothing against Harleys (and I love V-twins) but the Kz1000’s inline four is a great engine. Very powerful for an air-cooled engine (100-110 hp with mild cams is no problem) and absolutely bulletproof.
FYI: I have a Kz900 (same basic bike, but without the fairing and cop stuff). I rebuilt it with a big bore kit (10.75:1 CR) and stock cams. It probably makes 95 hp and it pulls very strong. Those old Kaws are still very fast!
I don’t know man, you might be asking for some serious problems! Unless there is a kit made just for the occasion, I would can the idea. I’ve been outside all day trying to remove my tranny and I am far from done. I have a V-Twin Evolution engine.