Hong Kong police have 282 new Honda VFR800P patrol bikes. The law, understandably, isn't telling us much about their new ride's top speed or equipment, but the machines look as smart as the BMW R850RT machines we first saw in January 2002. The digital dial-on-dial dashboard looks easy to read, and an officer we know gave his thumbs up to the new bike's ride and ergonomics.
We'd feel more contrite at the sound of the BMW's smooth boxer engine, but the law knows its bikes, and the government buys its machines under strict guidelines.
'Police motorcycles are procured in accordance with the government's tender process that conforms to World Trade Organisation agreements,' says spokeswoman Cynthia Au. 'That is, the basic provision of a level playing field to enable the business community to fairly bid for government contracts.
'The Honda VFR800P has improved technical features when compared with its predecessors, including the former Honda CBX750P and the BMW R850RT.'
The new machine is capable of improved performance and is better suited to traffic control on Hong Kong's roads, she says.
We'd better behave, then.