Royal Enfield has enjoyed a popularity in India so strong that the police forces too have relied on them for mobility, however in a latest development from Kolkata, the city police will now be riding on Harley-Davidsons. The force is in the process of replacing the Royal Enfields with Harley-Davidson Street 750s. According to a report by Cartoq, the Kolkata Police has already employed 12 Street 750s in their fleet, which will be responsible for escorting VIPs on special occasions. Royal Enfield motorcycles had been a part of the police forces’ fleet here since over a decade, but now they stand to be replaced by Harley-Davidson cruisers. The motorcycles provided to the cops have been modified to better suit the police work – from saddlebags and flashers to sirens. These bikes will have a pillion seat cowl, rendering them useful only one rider. They’ve also been given new graphics and stickers, including a Kolkata Police emblem on the windscreen.
The Street 750s will also have built in radios to communicate with the control room and other Harley riding cops. The reason behind this switch is said to be that the Street 750 is a lot quicker and faster than Royal Enfield motorcycles. While the RE’s 22 bhp and 38 Nm of torque would propel it to 100 kph in 16 seconds, the Street 750 can do it in about 6.17 seconds with an added advantage of a higher top speed of 160 kph.
Besides the Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the police force is in talks to include TVS Apache in their fleet for performing regular duties, and eventually, phase out the Royal Enfields. While the policemen seem quite happy having to ride Harleys, which in a way adds to their authoritative figure, the Apache is being considered a step down from Royal Enfields.
Harley-Davidson Street 750 is the most affordable motorcycle in the American brand’s stable at 4.98 lakh (ex-showroom). It is powered by 749cc Revolution X, liquid-cooled, V-Twin engine that produces a maximum torque of 59 Nm at 3,750 rpm.
(Images: Cartoq)
