BMW HP4 Race Breaks Cover

The BMW HP4 Race concept was first showcased at the 2016 EICMA Motor Show and its production is limited to 750 units

The HP4 Race is the top-spec track-only version of the HP4 litre-class superbike from BMW Motorrad. The bike gets a carbon fibre monocoque frame with a steering head angle and swing-arm pivot adjustment. The new carbon fibre frame at 7.8 kilos, is 4kg lighter compared to the standard HP4 frame. The fairing and wheels also get carbon fibre treatment. The extensive use of this lightweight material brings weight down to a featherweight 171 kilos fuelled up. The HP4 Race is powered by a 999cc in-line four cylinder engine which develops 218PS @ 13,900rpm and a peak torque of 120Nm @ 10,000rpm mated to a six-speed gearbox. The motorcycle gets electronic racing injection with four selection modes.

Suspension parts include Ohlins FGR 300 WSBK forks with adjustable rebound and compression-stage damping with adjustable preload with 130mm travel at the front. There is an Ohlins TTX 36 GP central spring monoshock damper with adjustable rebound and compression-stage damping connected to an aluminium WSBK swing arm with 120mm travel at the rear. The motorcycle rides on Pirelli Diablo racing slicks with sizes 120/70 Z R17 at the front and 200/60 Z R17 at the rear. Braking is via dual 320mm discs with Brembo four-piston monobloc calipers at the front and a 220mm disc with Brembo four-piston caliper at the rear. The standard saddle height is 831mm and can be adjusted from 816mm to 846mm. The bike gets a 17.5 litre fuel tank. The claimed top speed is over 300kmph.

The BMW HP4 Race goes through some strict procedures before being deemed worthy of the badge. The company tests and runs the engine on their test bed, which then undergoes endoscopy, followed by control time adjustments and valve clearances and services, before handing over the motorcycle to the customers. The motorcycle gets a digital dashboard which allows riders to save and access data. The HP4 Race gets a 15-level Dynamic Traction Contol (DTC), gear-dependent power delivery, programmable engine braking, wheelie control and launch control. The carbon fibre tail can be adjusted to three levels. Adjustments can also be made to the handlebar and footrest position. The motorcycle also gets shift assistance pro with shift direction inversion. Every engine is tested and calibrated till it exactly achieves the desired power curve and is only then certified.

BMW Motorrad has limited the production of the HP4 Race to 750 units and each bike is fitted with numbered stickers. The motorcycle faces competition from the Honda RC213V-S and Ducati 1299 Superleggera.