ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – The Minnesota State Patrol announced Friday that it has disbanded its motorcycle patrol program. The unit’s remaining five Harley Davidson motorcycles will be put up for auction starting Saturday.

The unit was revived after a 58-year hiatus in 2007. At the unit’s peak, between 1939 and 1949, the State Patrol had as many as 80 motorcycles in use.

“Our decision to decommission the motorcycle unit was not made lightly, and the troopers who served in this unit deserve recognition for their work to improve traffic safety,” said Colonel Kevin Daly, chief of the State Patrol. “We decided not to put motorcycles on the road this year due to increased training costs, a concern for trooper safety, and a lack of troopers interested in volunteering for the unit.”

The five 2008 State Patrol Harley Davidson Electra-Glide, 100 Anniversary Police edition motorcycles will be offered in separate auctions by the Minnesota Department of Administration. After the initial live auction of the first bike on Saturday, the remaining bikes will be sold the following week in consecutive online auctions.

Each motorcycle is equipped with a six-gallon gas tank, 103 cubic inch motor , 6-speed transmission and a single seat saddle (air adjustable). Side saddlebags, tour pack and communications equipment are also included.