Within the Harley-Davidson community, police motorcycles hold a special place of honor. Whether it's the Road Kings or Dyna Defenders, these law enforcement cruisers have always boasted a range of high-performance features not commonly found on civilian models. Now, the next iteration of Harley-Davidson's law enforcement fleet appears to have arrived in the form of the all-new 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special, customized by Laidlaw’s Harley-Davidson as a glimpse into what may soon emerge from Milwaukee.
Unveiled at the Orange County Traffic Officers’ Association’s annual Police Motor Rodeo, the law enforcement Pan America stood out among its peers. This Southern California event hosts various skills competitions for traffic officers who rely on their service vehicles daily. It serves as an opportunity for them to showcase their expertise while also raising funds for charity. Moreover, it provided an ideal platform for Harley-Davidson's police and fleet sales division to introduce their latest concept to the right audience.
Situated just east of Los Angeles, Laidlaw’s H-D is renowned for its customizations and popular YouTube presence. Thus, when Harley-Davidson's police and fleet sales team sought to convert a Pan America into a full-fledged law enforcement vehicle, Laidlaw’s was the natural choice. Not only could they craft an exceptional bike, but they could also help generate buzz around it.
Given the Pan America's recent release, aftermarket options are still limited. However, Harley-Davidson's accessory catalog provided ample choices for outfitting the police ADV bike. Starting with a 1250 Special, the team upgraded to spoke wheels and added a larger, sturdier skid plate. The bike was then equipped with Harley-Davidson’s full hard luggage system, with each box receiving extensive modifications.
Of course, no police bike would be complete without lights. Flashing red and blue LEDs were integrated into the factory accessories, with saddlebags, the top case, hand guards, and wind deflectors all wired accordingly. Additional auxiliary lights and flashers were mounted under the headlight near the radiator.
For real-world police duty, the bike would require essentials such as a radio and siren, often necessitating a secondary battery to avoid disrupting its primary function. Most police motorcycles also feature mounts for rifles or shotguns, radar gun holsters, and other necessary tools. While this concept serves primarily to spark ideas, it undeniably achieves its purpose.
Moving away from traditional police vehicles like the BMW R 1250 RT, Honda ST1300, and Harley-Davidson Street Glide, the Pan America offers superior handling across a broader range of terrains. Its longer-travel suspension and increased ground clearance would prove beneficial in urban settings, especially during pursuits that venture off-road.