IF you are a fan of 1980's style TV drama with a sprinkle of comedy and all-you-can-eat, fast-paced motorcycle action, look no further than classic TV series CHiPs.
Made famous in the late 1970s and early 80s, CHiPs took viewers inside the lives of motorcycle policemen of the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Originally starring Erik Estrada (Officer Frank "Ponch" Poncherello) and Larry Wilcox (Officer Jonathan Baker), the series regularly featured over-the-top motorway pileups and high speed chases, quickly making it a favourite among motorcycle heads of all ages.
The show featured a number of motorcycles typical of the CHP at the time, in particular late 1970's Kawasaki muscle bikes.
Running for six seasons, the original show last aired in 1983, with a small revival in 1999 in the form of a 90-minute TV movie.
Now, some 40 years after the airing of the first episode, CHiPs returns with a brand new feature film.
Due to be released in the UK on March 24, the film stars comedian Dax Shepard (Officer Baker) and actor Michael Pena (Ponch), as well as Forgetting Sarah Marshall star Kristen Bell.
In light of the return of this motoring classic to our screens, we take a look at some of the special bikes hidden under the saddle bags and colours of everyone's favourite motorcycle cops, as well as the newest motor to feature in the film.
N.B: Images show motorbikes in their stock production form. Modifications such as windshields and saddle bags were added to models built specifically for the California Highway Patrol.
Kawasaki Z1 or KZ900
- Used in Seasons 1 and 2 (1977-1979)
- Four-cylinder four-stroke engine with electric start
- 5-speed transmission
- Top speed of 130 mph
- Police specific model (C2) included crash bars, windshield, springer-type saddle and radio.
Kawasaki KZ1000
- Used from Season 3 onward (1980-1983)
- Inline-four cylinder engine
- 5-speed transmission
- Top speed 132 mph
- Police model (C1) featured 18-inch wheels and Dunlop run-flat tires
- Phased out of police use due to number of technical difficulties, including electromagnetic radio interference and high-speed handling difficulties when police equipment was added to the rear.
Ducati Hypermotard
- As seen in 2017 feature film CHiPs
- 937 cc engine (2017 model)
- 6-speed transmission
- Top speed around 140 mph
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