Video Review: BMW HP4 Race

We just rode the BMW HP4 Race and it blew our minds. With a production run of just 750 units, the amazing BMW HP4 Race is the lightest and most powerful production superbike ever built by BMW.

With a whopping 215hp and 90ft-lbs on tap, powering only 146kg dry, combined with an electronics system that would be at home in MotoGP and the same level of suspension and brakes as World SBK, this is one serious track bike. In fact, with a carbon-fibre frame and carbon-fibre wheels the HP4 chassis is higher-spec than a factory World SBK racer.

The BMW HP4 Race has WorldSBK and MotoGP spec suspension, WorldSBK brakes and MotoGP electronics. At only 146kg dry or 171.4 ready to ride the HP4 is incredibly light.

The frame weighs only 7.8kg and is the very first all carbon-fibre production frame in the world. The Ohlins FGR 300 forks and TTX 36 GP shock are identical to those used in MotoGP and World SBK while the milled and sheet aluminium swingarm is directly from SBK.

The incredible brakes are similarly high-spec, being Brembo GP4 PR monoblock calipers, are World SBK specification as are the 6.75mm thick 320mm T-type racing steel brake rotors.

The 215hp@13900rpm engine revs to a staggering 14500rpm and makes 90ft-lbs@10000rpm. It has a close-ratio gearbox, reverse quickshifter and is World SBK and World Endurance specification.

Even in damp patchy conditions on slicks, with traffic, I was able to easily lap in the 1:42s at SMSP thanks to incredible electronics and an amazing level of feedback from the brakes and chassis.

The electronics are mind blowing with a 2D logger and 2D dash. Wheelie control, traction control, engine braking control, pit lane limiter, launch control and lots more. Of course, being a track bike there is no ABS system. The bodywork is all carbon-fibre and the bikes, including the engine, are all hand assembled.

Check out our full technical report and ride review shortly, meanwhile here is our Video Review.
For more info on the amazing $114,500* BMW HP4 Race visit this BMW link here.

BMW HP4 Race Specifications

Price: $114,500* RRP (*NSW delivery).

Claimed power: 158kW[215hp]@13900rpm
Claimed torque: 120Nm[90ft-lbs]@10000rpm
Dry weight: 146kg
Fuel capacity: 17.5L

Engine: Liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder four-stroke, DOHC, individual rocker arm valve actuation, 16-valve, 33.5IN/27.2EX, 48mm throttle-valves, 999cc

Gearbox: Six-speed, close-ratio EVO gearbox (Primary: 1.652, 1st: 2.388, 2nd: 2.000, 3rd: 1.727, 4th: 1.545, 5th: 1.400, 6th: 1.291 Final 2.647. Two-way quickshifter.
Clutch: Wet multi-plate, cable actuation

Frame: Carbon-fibre monocoque RTM frame with adjustable steering head angle and swingarm pivot point, load bearing engine. Aluminium swingarm, 604mm L, centre of rotation -3mm compared to K46MR3 (adj + – 4mm, + – 3mm, + – 2mm, + – 1mm). Rearsets eight-way adjustable, seat height three-way adjustable. Adjustable quick-change racing handlebars.

Rake: 65.5° adjustable +or- .5º, Offset: 30mm (adj 26, 28, 32mm) Trail: 102.5mm (adj 95 – 112mm)

Suspension: Ohlins FGR 300 forks, SD052 Ohlins steering damper, quick wheel change system, 130mm travel. Ohlins TTX36 GP shock, adjustable strut height and tension strut length, 120mm travel.

Brakes: Brembo GP4-PR monoblock 320 x 6.75mm our-piston calipers, T-floating racing brake 320mm rotors, RCS19 x 18 radial-pull master-cylinder. Brembo four-piston World SBK rear caliper, 220mm rotor, Titanium pistons.

Electronics: 15-level DTC, 15-level EBC multi-adjustable for multiple parameters. 2D dashboard, 2D datalogger, lap timer, GPS, recorder. Pit lane limiter, launch control, HP4 Race Shift Assist, World SBK buttons.

Wheels & Tyres: 3.50 x 17in (f), 6.00 x 17in (r), carbon-fibre wheels, 120/70-17 Pirelli Diablo SC2 slick / 200/60-17 Pirelli Diablo SC2 slick.
Wheelbase: 1440mm
Seat height: Adjustable

Instruments: 2D Dash.