Los Gatos PD gets two new BMW patrol motorcycles

The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department has two new additions to its fleet.

The department purchased two BMW R1250RT patrol motorcycles that will be used for traffic enforcement, Sgt. Katherine Mann said in an email. The new bikes replace two Honda patrol motorcycles that were purchased in 2015.

“These new bikes are outfitted with the latest technology and more lights to help keep our motor officers safer,” the department posted on Facebook.

Total cost of the new bikes is $66,000 total, or $33,000 each, said Parks and Public Works Director Matt Morley. One of the retired bikes will be sold to offset the expenditure, and the other will be retained as a training vehicle.

“Police motorcycles are purpose built to support pursuit functions and come with lights, sirens, radio and other equipment necessary for a police officer to perform their duties,” Morley said in an email.

Mann said the department has a total of four motorcycles in its fleet for its two motor officers.

“We also maintain a zero-emissions motorcycle that is kept in the fleet if we have a motor-trained officer that can use it for traffic enforcement, if needed, to supplement the other units during events and enforcement,” Mann said.

Morley said the town anticipates a replacement cycle of four years for police motorcycles. But when they are mechanically sound, that timeframe is extended.

The department recently named Jamie Field as the new Police Chief, who took over after Peter Decena’s departure. LGMSPD is facing a police officer and dispatcher shortage and is actively recruiting for both roles.