Motorcycles

BMW's 215 horsepower, 171 kilogram, carbon fiber-crammed HP4 Race revealed

BMW's 215 horsepower, 171 kilogram, carbon fiber-crammed HP4 Race revealed
The BMW HP4 Race is ready to hit the track out of the box
The BMW HP4 Race is ready to hit the track out of the box
View 13 Images
The BMW HP4 Race is ready to hit the track out of the box
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The BMW HP4 Race is ready to hit the track out of the box
The BMW HP4 Race is a faster, more powerful, lighter weight version of the S 1000 RR
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The BMW HP4 Race is a faster, more powerful, lighter weight version of the S 1000 RR
The HP4 Race features a lightweight titanium exhaust for further weight reduction
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The HP4 Race features a lightweight titanium exhaust for further weight reduction
The HP4 Race features a hand-brushed aluminum gas tank
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The HP4 Race features a hand-brushed aluminum gas tank
The HP4 Race features Ohlins front and back
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The HP4 Race features Ohlins front and back 
The HP4 Race has Ohlins inverted front forks
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The HP4 Race has Ohlins inverted front forks
The HP4 Race features race spec Brembo brakes
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The HP4 Race features race spec Brembo brakes
The HP4 Race has a 2D Dashboard that tracks both rider and mechanical information
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The HP4 Race has a 2D Dashboard that tracks both rider and mechanical information
The HP4 Race features an all carbon body that weighs just 7.8 kilograms (17 lb)
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The HP4 Race features an all carbon body that weighs just  7.8 kilograms (17 lb)
The HP4 Race features carbon fiber front and back wheels
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The HP4 Race features carbon fiber front and back wheels
The HP4 Race features carbon fiber front and back wheels
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The HP4 Race features carbon fiber front and back wheels
The HP4 Race has a small lithium-ion battery to power the electronics and decrease weight
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The HP4 Race has a small lithium-ion battery to power the electronics and decrease weight
The HP4 Race has an Ohlins TTX 36 GP spring strut for rear end suspension
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The HP4 Race has an Ohlins TTX 36 GP spring strut for rear end suspension
View gallery - 13 images

Late last year, BMW teased the EICMA crowd with a mockup of its new HP4 Race superbike, complete with an all carbon frame and wheels. Details were thin on the ground at the time, but now the company has revealed its jaw-dropping specs along with plans to produce a limited batch of 750 hand assembled machines.

The BMW HP4 Race is a faster, more powerful, lighter weight version of the S 1000 RR
The BMW HP4 Race is a faster, more powerful, lighter weight version of the S 1000 RR

The abundant use of carbon fiber puts the wet weight of the S 1000 RR-based HP4 Race at a svelte 171 kilograms (377 lb) with fuel on board (146 kg dry). That's lighter than most superbikes, and just a touch above the MotoGP factory racers. The frame alone weighs just 7.8 kilograms (17 lb).

There's further cues from both Superbike and Moto GP in the use of a full Ohlins suspension (FGR 300 upside-down fork and a TTX 36 GP spring strut), a light alloy swing arm, and Brembo GP4 PR monoblock brake calipers.

The HP4 Race features Ohlins front and back
The HP4 Race features Ohlins front and back 

Engine performance of the HP4 Race sees an impressive peak output rated at 158 kW (215 hp) at 13,900 rpm, and maximum torque of 120 Nm (88.5 ft lb) at 10,000 rpm. By way of comparison, the 2017 BMW S 1000 RR hits 148 kW (199 hp) and makes 113 Nm (83 ft lb) of torque.

In order to achieve these numbers, BMW's engineers made modifications to the standard 999 cc, in-line four from the S 1000 RR that include connecting rods made of high-strength forged steel and a lighter crankshaft.

In order to cope with the quoted top speed of "over 300 km/h" (186 mph), the HP4 Race is also loaded with an array of on-board electronic controls and assistance systems. This includes Dynamic Traction Control, Engine Brake EBR, and Wheelie Control. These can be programmed for each gear depending on rider preference.

Additional electronics include a Pit Lane Limiter for keeping the bike at pit lane speeds and Launch Control for smoother race starts.

Further trackside adjustments can be made with a rear frame that can be set at three heights, and an 8-position foot peg setup.

The HP4 Race has a 2D Dashboard that tracks both rider and mechanical information
The HP4 Race has a 2D Dashboard that tracks both rider and mechanical information

A modern race ready bike also needs a way to monitor rider and bike performance. This is delivered by an onboard 2D Dashboard that tracks such rider details as lap time, DTC settings, EBR settings, and engine mapping. Mechanical information includes brake pressure, spring travel, throttle position, front and rear wheel speed, lean angle, and water temperature.

Of course, all of this limited edition speed and technology comes at a price. The HP4 Race will be available in September and can be yours for a mere £68,000 (US $87,000).

Source: BMW Motorrad

View gallery - 13 images
2 comments
2 comments
LarryWolf
Doesn't even come close to the LS-218 electric bike and cost 3 times as much too.
JimFox
True. Just looked it up; first commenter talking nonsense about "picking the only race they could win" and implying the short duration was a factor. In fact the range is up to 160-180 miles with the top battery option. Are electrics allowed in the Superbike Series?