mika
Still Wondering
TodayÔÇÖs Birthdays / Calendar
The focus of todayÔÇÖs Morning Reads is the new BMW HP2 Sport. Given the discussion on the forum it seems it is one of the most misunderstood models to come from BMW in some time.
Starting with most posters bottom line, it is expensive. It is very expensive in an egalitarian manner. Unlike its competitors such as Ducati, or even previous models from BMW the pricing is not weighted for the US market. In previous years a US BMW could have a much as a $5,000.00 list price advantage over the same bike in Germany. With such and advantage it would have similar pricing to the Ducati 1098. The pricing methodology for the HP2 Sport seems simple. Take the estimated cost of the production run, divided by the number of bikes in the run and you have your price. Any variation from country to country appears to be purely a currency valuation issue.
We seemed confused by the manufacturing goal. The production run is geared toward an unusual target niche. It is driven more by FIM requirements for homologation and BMWÔÇÖs desire to take it racing rather than developing a motorcycle for some abstract rider group
The talk of the forum, prior to the announcement of the HP2 Sport, focused on the demise of the boxer as a racing platform. The FIM may have raised the competitive cc displacement limit for twins to 1200cc but boxer was not up to the challenge. Several of our esteemed members pronounced that double overhead cams were needed to be competitive but they would make the current boxer to wide to corner. Fortunately the engine for the HP2 Sport was designed in Europe and not BMW MOA forum.
The final, I believe the most confusing thing for most of us is, the HP2 Sport is not a finished product. We have grown accustomed to BMW delivering a product to us that will define a market niche for the next decade. We look for refinement rather than development on the production fly.
The BMW HP2 Sport can be summed up in one word; POTENTIAL.
Nate Kern has described with great enthusiasm the experience of unlocking some more of the HP2 SportÔÇÖs potential with every ride. He is leaning how the engine, chassis and other components deliver this potential and what he must do to master it. He describes the excitement of the mechanics at unlocking more potential from the engine that they have been given.
What follows is the press kit from the Paris release of the BMW HP2 Sport. Enjoy the potential.
BMW HP2 SPORT
1. Concept, Requirements and Features.
The dream of many Boxer fans has come true: With the new BMW HP2 Sport, BMW Motorrad is putting the sportiest, most powerful and lightest Boxer series of all times on the road. The third model of the HP model range was designed for the ambitious sports rider and enthrals with numerous exclusive details that were previously restricted to racing, some making their first appearance in series vehicle production.
Examples of these include the self-supporting and aerodynamically optimised fairings made completely of CFK, the gear shift assistant, a dashboard like that used in the MotoGP, the forged aluminium wheels and the racing brakes with radially bolted calipers. Wherever the eye of the spectator wanders, it sees pure racing technology that delights every enthusiast. It is unmistakably athletic, a vehicle that inspires on country roads as well as on the racing circuit.
Regardless of the limits for the engine output as a result of the principle and
the aerodynamic disadvantages from the cylinder configuration of a Boxer, BMW Motorrad deliberately decided to further develop this historic engine concept for a road racer with racing circuit talent. The key engine data are very respectable: the engine achieves more than 96 kW/128 hp at 8750 minÔÇô1 compared with the significantly modified engine of the BMW R 1200 S. The maximum torque lies at 115 Nm at 6000 minÔÇô1, the highest revs of the engine reaches a peak value at 9500 minÔÇô1.
Technically, the BMW HP2 Sport is based on the BMW R 1200 S. Customised to meet the requirements of the ambitious sports rider down to the last detail, the BMW HP2 Sport is however a completely independent and absolutely exceptional motorcycle. Many detailed solutions are based on the experiences gained in long-distance races.
The most striking difference of the BMW HP2 Sport from the endurance
racing Boxer is the brand new cylinder heads: Each of the double overhead camshafts (DOHC) uses a drag lever to actuate the valves that are larger than in the BMW R 1200 S. Further modifications such as the flow-optimised intake and outlet, new forged pistons and adapted connecting rod help the engine to achieve the necessary higher output compared to the basic engine.
The new stainless steel exhaust system is placed below the engine for the first time. This keeps the construction of the lower area of the motorcycle extremely slim, enabling great freedom of movement for the familiar ÔÇÿhanging offÔÇÖ riding position, and the fitting of a CFK engine spoiler is advantageous to the aero-dynamics. An inimitable boxer sound with new acoustic quality is generated by the exhaust system and the striking design of the rear silencer is impressive.
Another exclusive racing feature is the gearshift assistant together with the narrow ratios of the 6-speed gearbox to enable fast gear changes without having to ease off the gas and operate the clutch. This technology is offered for the first time in a series vehicle. In order to adapt the gearshift pattern for the racing circuit, a suitable replacement pressure sensor is available as special equipment if necessary.
The fully adjustable ?ûhlins sports chassis also has a Brembo monoblock brake system with radially mounted, four-piston fixed calipers at the front.
Optimum ergonomics are ensured by the adjustable forged aluminium footrests, the adjustable stock handlebar and the Magura brake levers with radial mounted brake actuators.
The series dashboard that comes directly from MotoGP sport provides the
rider with important information and can also deliver lap times plus other racing relevant data as well as the usual displays (see Chap. 3).
Attention was paid consistently to the light?¼?¼weight construction of all com-ponents. This includes not only the self-supporting front fairing and the likewise self-supporting carbon rear or the weight-optimised forged wheels, but also hidden details such as the lightweight generator from the racing world. ThatÔÇÖs how it was possible to reduce the unladen weight of the HP2 Sport to DIN standard with full tank (90%) to 199 kilos. The dry weight is a mere 178 kilos.
The interplay of variable ergonomic design, increased engine output and
the favourable centre of gravity of the Boxer guarantees superb handling and racing potential.
Even if racing fascination is clearly at the forefront of the BMW HP2 Sport,
it does not have to forego the safety design feature of ABS. The sophisticated anti-blocking system specially adapted to the HP2 Sport is available as an option and is configured so it can be switched off for the racetrack.
2. Model Designation and Marque.
ÔÇ£HPÔÇØ is the abbreviation for ÔÇ£High PerformanceÔÇØ and the ÔÇ£2ÔÇØ in the model designation of this supremely sporty BMW describes the two-cylinder Boxer engine. The term ÔÇ£High PerformanceÔÇØ stands symbolically for the sporting performance idea, the achievement potential of the entire vehicle. ÔÇ£High PerformanceÔÇØ ÔÇô that is the skilful harmonization of all the individual components into a convincing whole that is more than the sum of the individual parts. It is the synonym for a well thought-out overall design and perfection right down to the last detail, for the very best driving characteristics and pure, unadulterated riding pleasure. It goes without saying that ÔÇ£HPÔÇØ also stands for the prestige connected with an exceptionally high-quality and exclusive vehicle.
After the HP2 Enduro and the HP2 Megamoto, the HP2 Sport is the third representative of an independent motorcycle category from BMW fitted with the historic Boxer engine. All the HP2 motorcycles mentioned use the technical basis of production vehicles, but are clearly differentiated by an uncompromising interpretation of their actual purpose through a conspicuous and emphatically resolute sports orientation and exclusive product features.
These exceptional motorcycles are developed with great passion by small teams of professionals. The special team structure guarantees that the many years of experience of the development engineers, their grasp of the essential, personal know-how and ÔÇ£feelingÔÇØ have a direct influence on the product.
At the same time these engineers make use of the most modern development and simulation tools plus all the technical facilities that BMW as a whole has to offer. This symbiosis of high-tech and professional skill is what distinguishes the unique appeal of the HP motorcycles. ThatÔÇÖs why high performance motorcycles from BMW are something very special; they are exclusive and authentic and will remain greatly sought after.
The focus of todayÔÇÖs Morning Reads is the new BMW HP2 Sport. Given the discussion on the forum it seems it is one of the most misunderstood models to come from BMW in some time.
Starting with most posters bottom line, it is expensive. It is very expensive in an egalitarian manner. Unlike its competitors such as Ducati, or even previous models from BMW the pricing is not weighted for the US market. In previous years a US BMW could have a much as a $5,000.00 list price advantage over the same bike in Germany. With such and advantage it would have similar pricing to the Ducati 1098. The pricing methodology for the HP2 Sport seems simple. Take the estimated cost of the production run, divided by the number of bikes in the run and you have your price. Any variation from country to country appears to be purely a currency valuation issue.
We seemed confused by the manufacturing goal. The production run is geared toward an unusual target niche. It is driven more by FIM requirements for homologation and BMWÔÇÖs desire to take it racing rather than developing a motorcycle for some abstract rider group
The talk of the forum, prior to the announcement of the HP2 Sport, focused on the demise of the boxer as a racing platform. The FIM may have raised the competitive cc displacement limit for twins to 1200cc but boxer was not up to the challenge. Several of our esteemed members pronounced that double overhead cams were needed to be competitive but they would make the current boxer to wide to corner. Fortunately the engine for the HP2 Sport was designed in Europe and not BMW MOA forum.
The final, I believe the most confusing thing for most of us is, the HP2 Sport is not a finished product. We have grown accustomed to BMW delivering a product to us that will define a market niche for the next decade. We look for refinement rather than development on the production fly.
The BMW HP2 Sport can be summed up in one word; POTENTIAL.
Nate Kern has described with great enthusiasm the experience of unlocking some more of the HP2 SportÔÇÖs potential with every ride. He is leaning how the engine, chassis and other components deliver this potential and what he must do to master it. He describes the excitement of the mechanics at unlocking more potential from the engine that they have been given.
What follows is the press kit from the Paris release of the BMW HP2 Sport. Enjoy the potential.
BMW HP2 SPORT
1. Concept, Requirements and Features.
The dream of many Boxer fans has come true: With the new BMW HP2 Sport, BMW Motorrad is putting the sportiest, most powerful and lightest Boxer series of all times on the road. The third model of the HP model range was designed for the ambitious sports rider and enthrals with numerous exclusive details that were previously restricted to racing, some making their first appearance in series vehicle production.
Examples of these include the self-supporting and aerodynamically optimised fairings made completely of CFK, the gear shift assistant, a dashboard like that used in the MotoGP, the forged aluminium wheels and the racing brakes with radially bolted calipers. Wherever the eye of the spectator wanders, it sees pure racing technology that delights every enthusiast. It is unmistakably athletic, a vehicle that inspires on country roads as well as on the racing circuit.
Regardless of the limits for the engine output as a result of the principle and
the aerodynamic disadvantages from the cylinder configuration of a Boxer, BMW Motorrad deliberately decided to further develop this historic engine concept for a road racer with racing circuit talent. The key engine data are very respectable: the engine achieves more than 96 kW/128 hp at 8750 minÔÇô1 compared with the significantly modified engine of the BMW R 1200 S. The maximum torque lies at 115 Nm at 6000 minÔÇô1, the highest revs of the engine reaches a peak value at 9500 minÔÇô1.
Technically, the BMW HP2 Sport is based on the BMW R 1200 S. Customised to meet the requirements of the ambitious sports rider down to the last detail, the BMW HP2 Sport is however a completely independent and absolutely exceptional motorcycle. Many detailed solutions are based on the experiences gained in long-distance races.
The most striking difference of the BMW HP2 Sport from the endurance
racing Boxer is the brand new cylinder heads: Each of the double overhead camshafts (DOHC) uses a drag lever to actuate the valves that are larger than in the BMW R 1200 S. Further modifications such as the flow-optimised intake and outlet, new forged pistons and adapted connecting rod help the engine to achieve the necessary higher output compared to the basic engine.
The new stainless steel exhaust system is placed below the engine for the first time. This keeps the construction of the lower area of the motorcycle extremely slim, enabling great freedom of movement for the familiar ÔÇÿhanging offÔÇÖ riding position, and the fitting of a CFK engine spoiler is advantageous to the aero-dynamics. An inimitable boxer sound with new acoustic quality is generated by the exhaust system and the striking design of the rear silencer is impressive.
Another exclusive racing feature is the gearshift assistant together with the narrow ratios of the 6-speed gearbox to enable fast gear changes without having to ease off the gas and operate the clutch. This technology is offered for the first time in a series vehicle. In order to adapt the gearshift pattern for the racing circuit, a suitable replacement pressure sensor is available as special equipment if necessary.
The fully adjustable ?ûhlins sports chassis also has a Brembo monoblock brake system with radially mounted, four-piston fixed calipers at the front.
Optimum ergonomics are ensured by the adjustable forged aluminium footrests, the adjustable stock handlebar and the Magura brake levers with radial mounted brake actuators.
The series dashboard that comes directly from MotoGP sport provides the
rider with important information and can also deliver lap times plus other racing relevant data as well as the usual displays (see Chap. 3).
Attention was paid consistently to the light?¼?¼weight construction of all com-ponents. This includes not only the self-supporting front fairing and the likewise self-supporting carbon rear or the weight-optimised forged wheels, but also hidden details such as the lightweight generator from the racing world. ThatÔÇÖs how it was possible to reduce the unladen weight of the HP2 Sport to DIN standard with full tank (90%) to 199 kilos. The dry weight is a mere 178 kilos.
The interplay of variable ergonomic design, increased engine output and
the favourable centre of gravity of the Boxer guarantees superb handling and racing potential.
Even if racing fascination is clearly at the forefront of the BMW HP2 Sport,
it does not have to forego the safety design feature of ABS. The sophisticated anti-blocking system specially adapted to the HP2 Sport is available as an option and is configured so it can be switched off for the racetrack.
2. Model Designation and Marque.
ÔÇ£HPÔÇØ is the abbreviation for ÔÇ£High PerformanceÔÇØ and the ÔÇ£2ÔÇØ in the model designation of this supremely sporty BMW describes the two-cylinder Boxer engine. The term ÔÇ£High PerformanceÔÇØ stands symbolically for the sporting performance idea, the achievement potential of the entire vehicle. ÔÇ£High PerformanceÔÇØ ÔÇô that is the skilful harmonization of all the individual components into a convincing whole that is more than the sum of the individual parts. It is the synonym for a well thought-out overall design and perfection right down to the last detail, for the very best driving characteristics and pure, unadulterated riding pleasure. It goes without saying that ÔÇ£HPÔÇØ also stands for the prestige connected with an exceptionally high-quality and exclusive vehicle.
After the HP2 Enduro and the HP2 Megamoto, the HP2 Sport is the third representative of an independent motorcycle category from BMW fitted with the historic Boxer engine. All the HP2 motorcycles mentioned use the technical basis of production vehicles, but are clearly differentiated by an uncompromising interpretation of their actual purpose through a conspicuous and emphatically resolute sports orientation and exclusive product features.
These exceptional motorcycles are developed with great passion by small teams of professionals. The special team structure guarantees that the many years of experience of the development engineers, their grasp of the essential, personal know-how and ÔÇ£feelingÔÇØ have a direct influence on the product.
At the same time these engineers make use of the most modern development and simulation tools plus all the technical facilities that BMW as a whole has to offer. This symbiosis of high-tech and professional skill is what distinguishes the unique appeal of the HP motorcycles. ThatÔÇÖs why high performance motorcycles from BMW are something very special; they are exclusive and authentic and will remain greatly sought after.
