The Complete Book of Police and Military Motorcycles

Book excerpt: This is a reprint of The Complete Book of Police and Military Motorcycles originally published in 2001. From Pittsburgh's adoption of motorcycles for police use in 1909 to General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing's motorized pursuit of Pancho Villa into Mexican territory in 1916 to the deployment of motorcycles in both world wars, this book tells the fascinating tale of these magnificent machines from their 20th century beginnings to their current use by police departments and militaries throughout the world.Joseph Berk explores the history of their manufacture by Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, BMW, and others, from marketing strategy to product evolution. In addition, he gives the reader an exclusive inside look at how specific police departments from Atlanta to Los Angeles determine which make and model to adopt, complete with critiques of the "Big Three" police models used in the United States from officerswho have put them to the test. Berk's detailed look at the intensive 10-day training program LAPD motor officers undergo is a testament to the carefully honed, specialized skills motor officers bring to their work, and lively discussions with individual officers about how they put their machines to work on the streets on a day-to-day basis offer a unique personalized perspective. Completing the picture, Berk examines the use of motorcycles in combat, detailing the specific makes and models used by Special Forces and other military units from World War I through the turn of the century and beyond.