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Sporty BMW HP2 unleashed

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BMW HP2
BMW HP2
With the latest HP2 model, which is based on the K1200 S, BMW Motorrad is putting the sportiest, most powerful and lightest Boxer series of all times on the road and is hoping to woo ambitious sports rider with it.

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 excites with numerous exclusive details that were previously restricted to racing, some making their first appearance in series vehicle production.

Some 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.

According to BMW Motorrad pure racing technology that delights every enthusiast has been used liberally. The latest HP2 addition is unmistakably athletic, and equally suited to country roads and the racing circuit.

The key engine data are very respectable: the engine achieves more than 96 kW at 8 750 r/min compared with the significantly modified engine of the BMW R 1200 S. Maximum torque of 115 Nm lies at 6 000 r/min. The engine redlines at 9 500 r/min.

Technically, the BMW HP2 Sport is based on the BMW R 1200 S. Customised to meet the requirements of the ambitious sports rider, the BMW HP2 Sport is however a completely independent and impressive motorcycle.

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 ?hanging off? riding position, and the fitting of a CFK engine spoiler is advantageous to the aero-dynamics.

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 production bike. To adapt the gearshift pattern for the racing circuit, a suitable replacement pressure sensor is available as special equipment if necessary.

The fully adjustable ?lins 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.

Attention was paid consistently to the lightweight construction of all components. 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.

In this way it was possible to reduce the unladen weight of the HP2 Sport to 199 kg (dry it weighs in at 178 kg). BMW says that the interplay of variable ergonomic design, increased engine output and the favourable centre of gravity of the Boxer guarantees superb handling and racing potential.

As is expected much attention has also been given to the ABS system. 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.

The market introduction of the BMW HP2 Sport is scheduled for 2008.

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