AMERICAN police motorcyclists will be moving away from shiny cruisers to a new, sleeker image with the introduction of Yamaha’s FJR1300P sports tourer.

The bike, which is the chosen machine for many of Europe’s police forces, was previously not available across the pond.

However, with a launch date imminent, it looks like American police are about to ditch their ceremonial machines – lets face it, cruisers are no good for actual police duties – in favour of something faster, lighter and a little bit more practical.

Powered by a 1298cc inline-four, the shaft-driven FJR promises performance and agility, even when equipped with the heavy equipment that a police bike requires.

The police-spec FJR will come as standard with pre-wired electrical connectors for equipment including sirens, speakers, and flashing lights, a rear-mounted radio box, a tall electronically-adjustable windshield, barkbusters built into the wing mirrors, various wind deflectors and crash protection bars.

With its impressive capabilities, the FJR1300P is a force to be reckoned with. But whether it will be put to good use in catching the bad guys is to be seen...