Superbike police aim to impress

Police are to ride impressive, high performance motorbikes in a bid to reduce casualties among motorcyclists.

Cleveland's Road Policing Unit has acquired the Yamahas, Hondas and Harley Davidsons to capture the attention and interests of bike fanatics.

When officers turn up at bikers' events on general patrol machines most riders want nothing to do with them.

However, when police ride similar bikes, enthusiasts are more willing to take on board their safety message.

'Powerful and unusual'

Five of the six machines have been provided through sponsorship arrangements with motorcycle retailers.

Officers will use them to tour biking hotspots over the summer months.

Sgt Nick Walker, who heads the unit, said: "In our bid to interact with motorcyclists, Cleveland's bike section will use powerful and unusual machines for general patrol work.

"Their appearance at bikers' spots will, we know, attract huge interest and that gives us the chance to educate other riders."