Ummm, wow, i really don't know where you are getting your information from, but just to clear up some things
The BMW motercycle has been in use for about 2 years now wiht LAPD, LASD, CHP, and other various agiencys.
CHP has contracted with BMW since 1998, with the first purchase of the BMW R 1100 RT-P from A&S BMW.
LAPD has 14 test bmw's 1150RT-Ps when the first models with antilock brakes came out in 2003, but did not make any purchases until June of this year with 60 new bikes being delivered, and I believe 20 - 80 more may be coming in. With the budget issues, the final number has not been locked down yet.
LASD also tested the 1150's, and went with the R1200's as of 2007.
Maybe that is where you got your 2 years from?
For regular patrol vehicals the most comon is the crown victoria. SOme smaler agiencies are using the doge carger. I have also seen the doge magnume, VW bug, and the intreped. Smaller departments buy new cars and such, but LASD and LAPD they have a contract with ford(i dont know if its exspired)
Both expire 2011/2012
but they get a great deal on cars and tires(about $24 per tire) Hopefully in a few years time LASD and LAPD use the new carger for regular patrol, but for now its only used for the sheriff, cheif, comanders, and the under cheif and sheriff.
LAPD has rejected the charger completely outright for all but their Dual Purpose use. LASD rejected it even more so, and has taken all of their test units and given them, as you said, to upper command positions, recruitment, and 3 went to K9.