Oklahoma Highway Patrol unveils new look for motorcycles patrolling urban areas

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has unveiled a new look for some of its motorcycles.

OHP introduced two new black-and-white BMW motorcycles earlier this month, a nod to the its historic color scheme.

Lt. Mark Southall said the motorcycles were black and white until about 15 years ago, when the agency opted for the cheaper, all-black paint alternative. Now, Southall said the agency is able to get the bikes wrapped with the dual-color scheme for significantly less than years ago.

He said when a motorcycle needs to be replaced, troopers will be able to choose between all black or the white and black wrap. Southall said some bikes will stay entirely black but most will likely adopt the reintroduced color scheme.

“For generations, the black and white has symbolized professionalism, service, and a commitment to protecting the people of Oklahoma,” reads the post unveiling the new bikes on the Highway Patrol’s Facebook. “These new motorcycles honor that legacy while carrying it forward.”

Each motorcycle costs about $40,000 and is outfitted with the sirens, heated handlebars and the wrap.

A total of 10 troopers on motorcycles  — called the Flying Squadron — patrol the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas, where the small vehicles are safer to navigate through traffic than patrol cars, Southall said.

He said OHP has also wrapped about 35 cars with the new color scheme.

OHP first began using motorcycles in 1937, Southall said. After being phased out in the early 1940s, state troopers began using them again in January 1999.