Israeli Police to Replace Motorcycles Citing Operational Challenges and Heat Issues

The Israeli Police are preparing to replace their YASAM and investigative motorcycles through a new procurement tender to be published soon, according to internal documents circulated this week. These documents, classified as Requests for Information (RFI), indicate the police currently use Ducati and BMW motorcycles but have received numerous complaints from riders about poor suitability for police tasks, excessive heat emissions, electrical problems, and difficulties riding operationally in pairs. Additional concerns include training and professional preparation issues.

The new motorcycles sought will be dual-purpose, suitable for both road and off-road use, with engine power ranging from 85 to 120 horsepower. They will be tested in the field for two weeks by police officers who will provide feedback after the trial period. Specifications require engines of at least 850cc, manual or automatic transmissions, a ground clearance of at least 230 millimeters, a minimum load capacity of 200 kilograms, and ABS braking systems. Basic policing systems will be installed on the motorcycles during testing.

Alongside the motorcycle procurement, the police are also seeking suppliers for Chevrolet commercial vehicles with four-wheel drive, specifically modified Chevrolet Savana vans converted by the American workshop "Quigley." Quigley specializes in converting Ford and Chevrolet commercial vehicles to four-wheel drive by installing components typically used in off-road vehicles. In Israel, a limited number of such converted vehicles have been used by organizations like the Electric Company and as military ambulances. Since UMI, the official Chevrolet importer in Israel, does not import Quigley-modified vehicles, it is likely these will be brought in through indirect importers who do not purchase directly from the manufacturer.