BMW Motorrad has unveiled another of its ultra-tasty, super-exclusive HP specials for EICMA 2016. Built on the exceptional S1000RR platform, the HP4 Race will join Ducati's Superleggera as the only bikes on the market with full featherweight carbon fiber frames and wheels.
Although BMW is promising big things from the HP4 Race, it is keeping its cards close to its chest at the moment. We do know that the prototype is built around a carbon-fiber frame and rides on carbon-fiber wheels. All the body panels are finished in a lightweight weave as well, lending them a race-ready look you simply won't get with any other material.
Where Ducati's 1299 Superleggera goes a step further with a full carbon swingarm, BMW has opted for aluminum. We don't yet have any information on any engine changes, power figures or a final weight.
Beyond that? Well, BMW Motorrad President Stephan Schaller wasn't exactly forthcoming with details, beyond saying: "The HP4 RACE will feature the full carbon fibre main frame and carbon fibre rims as shown here. We will reveal more about this model next spring."
Along with details about the frame and wheels, we also know the HP4 Race (in one form or another) will be hand-built in limited numbers in the second half of 2017. It's good to see manufacturers other than Ducati starting to dabble in carbon frames; perhaps some of the race results in late 2000s MotoGP set the technology back a little, but it seems things might be getting back on track.
Stay tuned for all the latest from EICMA 2016, where New Atlas is on the ground covering all the action.
Source: BMW