New BMW HP4 Unveiled

Since its launch in 2009, the S 1000 RR has been a consistent performer in the litre class, and won our ‘Sportsbike of the Year’ test in 2010. It has already been much improved in 2012, and now it’s just got even better, with an HP4 version.

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Technical innovations for enhanced sports performance.
The HP4 provides the homologation basis for the use of BMW motorcycles in motorcycle racing, especially in the superbike and superstock category. The new model features numerous technological innovations which highlight its orientation towards racing and the race track. The standard passenger seat cover ensures the monoposto look so characteristic of the race track. But for riders who would like to travel with a passenger, BMW Motorrad also offers a passenger package as an ex works option. In addition to the passenger seat this includes the passenger footrest system.

A summary of the HP4 technical highlights:

• Top yoke engraved number and HP4 logo.
• Lightest in class at 169kg (dry)
• Innovative suspension with Dynamic Damping Control (DDC).
• Race ABS with IDM setting.
• Dynamic Traction Control DTC with fine adjustment in ‘Slick’ mode.
• Launch Control.
• Adapted wheelie detection.
• New rear tyre size of 200/55 ZR 17.
• Shift assistant (quickshifter) as standard.
• Titanium Akrapovic exhaust system with controlled acoustic valve and interference pipe.
• Forged light alloy wheels, anodised in black.
• Radial monoblock brake calipers by Brembo with special brake pads.
• Floating brake discs.
• Extended, dual-section engine spoiler.
• Seat in monoposto look with passenger seat cover.
• LED turn indicators.
• Tinted windshield.
• Lighter 7 Ah battery.
• Performance-oriented engine set-up.
• Increased torque in the medium engine speed range.

HP4 with Competition Package:

• Long, closed bellypan made of carbon.
• Sponsor sticker kit included.
• Wheels in Racing blue metallic.
• HP Carbon badge carrier.
• HP Carbon tank cover.
• HP brake lever, hinged.
• HP clutch lever, hinged.

Dynamic Damping Control
The new HP4 is fitted with Dynamic Damping Control DDC – allowing the ‘dynamic damping adaptation’ of the fork and shock to the specific situation on the road. The damping is continuously adapted to the rider inputs or road surface by a range of sensor-supplied parameters activating electrically controlled regulation valves.

Race ABS with IDM setting
In keeping with the HP4 use profile of race track and dynamic country road riding, the new bike not only has Brembo monoblock brake calipers and 9x floating brake discs at the front but also a further developed and refined Race ABS. As before, this ABS has four different modes for wet surfaces (“Rain”), roads (“Sport”), race track with supersports tyres (“Race”) and race track with slicks (“Slick”). Racing experience gained from the IDM (International German Motorcycle Championship) has been fed directly into the Race ABS fitted in the HP4. In “Slick” mode, the so-called IDM setting now gives the skilled rider the option of maximum possible deceleration.

New 200/55 ZR 17 rear tyre and Dynamic Traction Control in “Slick” mode.
The HP4 uses a 200/55 ZR 17 rear tyre, and the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) already used in the RR has been optimised for supersports use in the HP4: and is now tuneable in ‘Slick’ mode

Launch Control and ‘shift assist’.
The HP4 is the first BMW motorcycle to have a Launch Control system, which provides active support for the rider in ‘Slick’ mode to achieve the perfect start. The Launch Control limits engine torque to the maximum transferable limit based on the grip available, while detecting and controlling unwanted wheelies (whatever they are). Once you’rve launched the quickshifter will fly through the ‘box as fast as you can kick at it.

Weight reduction due to forged wheels, lighter sprocket carrier, titanium exhaust system and lighter battery.
New finely wrought 7-spoke wheels in forged light alloy and a new, lighter sprocket carrier give the HP4 a weight reduction of 2.4 kg as compared to the RR. The exhaust system is made entirely of titanium and saves as much as 4.5 kilograms as compared to the RR. The new exhaust system has an interference pipe between cylinders two and three, a controlled acoustic valve and a closed-loop catalytic converter.

Sharpened engine set-up and more torque in the mid-range.
The new HP4 is fitted with the same lump as the RR, but the torque has been perceptibly increased in the 6,000 – 9,750rpm range. In ‘Rain’ mode there is now a smoother output between 2,500rpm and 8,000rpm. Unlike the RR, the HP4 provides the full engine’s output at 13,000rpm in all modes.

HP4 Competition Package
For anyone who wants the ultimate more than the functional sophistication and extreme riding dynamics of the HP4, the HP4 with Competition Package is an especially exclusive version of the motorcycle. Refined HP carbon parts including a long, closed HP bellypan, an adjustable HP rider footrest system, folding HP brake and clutch levers, wheels finished in 
Racing blue metallic and a sponsor sticker kit provide additional enhancement of the new HP4.

Price and availability to be confirmed – but it’s a 2013 model, so expect a launch report towards the end of the year, and BMW have confirmed that it will be at Motorcycle Live at the NEC…