Motorcycle Unit

Officers on Motorcycles

In 2003, the Sheriff’s Office needed to:

  • provide an alternative style of traffic enforcement
  • furnish escorts
  • assist with special events

These requirements led to the inception of the Motor Unit. As the County grew and traffic increased, two Harley-Davidson motorcycles were leased. Initially, five deputies attended the NC State Highway Patrol Training Academy in Raleigh, NC.

In 2005, the Town of Harrisburg acquired a 2003 Harley-Davidson.

In 2006, the Sheriff’s Office received a grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. The grant purchased two BMW police motorcycles for traffic enforcement.

In 2011, the Motor Unit increased to seven members with five motorcycles.

In 2018, two used 2011 BMW motorcycles were purchased using asset forfeiture funds. These motorcycles replaced the aging Harley-Davidson bikes. This purchase brought the fleet total to 7 motorcycles.

In 2021, Speedway Harley Davidson generously donated a new 2020 HD Electra Glide motorcycle to the County’s Motor Unit. This donation brought the fleet total to 8 motorcycles.

In 2023, two 2011 BMW 1200 RTP motorcycles were sold to another police agency. The sale assisted with the purchase of two new 2024 BMW 1250 RTP motorcycles to be placed in service by early 2024. One of these motorcycles will go to the Town of Harrisburg, and one will remain with the County's Motor Unit.

To date, the current Motor Unit includes:

  • Seven Motor Officers (two full-time and five part-time)
  • One 2011 BMW 1200 RTP Motorcycle
  • One 2016 BMW 1200 RTP Motorcycle
  • One 2020 BMW 1250 RTP Motorcycle
  • One 2020 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 114 Police Edition Motorcycle
  • One 2021 BMW 1250 RTP Motorcycle
  • One 2023 BMW 1250 RTP Motorcycle

Since 2003, the Motor Unit has played an essential role with the Sheriff’s Office through:

  • traffic enforcement
  • parades
  • charity escorts
  • funerals
  • significant sporting events
  • presidential escorts
  • teaching BikeSafe NC (free motorcycle safety class) 

The Motor Unit is promoted as a symbol of excellence to Cabarrus County residents.

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