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BMW Motorrad has presented the lightest 4-cyliner supersports bike to the 1000cc class to date with the introduction of the HP4. Making its world premiere this year after the HP Enduro, HP2 Megamoto and HP2 Sport, the HP4 is the first 4-cylinder to join the HP family.

The HP stands for high performance and the HP4 is no stranger to agility, power and riding dynamics. Being a BMW it also incorporates high-quality materials and intelligent technology with the attention to detail showing in design and build.

The HP4 is based on the S 1000RR but offers more performance in a lighter chassis.The new motorcycle has an output of 142 kW and has a total weight of 169 kg dry weight including race ABS, 199 kg with 90 per cent full fuel with race ABS.

BMW High Performance motorcycles are truly outstanding: exclusive and authentic, they will always remain relatively rare. This applies equally to the new BMW HP4. Each motorcycle is issued with its own HP4 serial number which is engraved indelibly in the upper fork bridge.

Due to its extensive range of fittings and excellent set-up, the new HP4 is immediately ready for use on the race track, requiring no elaborate modifications. But at the same time it offers great potential for dynamic riding on country roads. Still, the HP4 is entirely uncompromising, combining athletic flair and riding dynamics at the very highest level – to an even greater extent than the S 1000 RR.

The new HP4 reflects its status as a high-performance motorcycle in terms of its suspension system with a world first for serial production motorcycles: it is fitted as standard with Dynamic Damping Control DDC.

This system allows dynamic damping adaptation of the upside-down fork and spring strut to the specific situation on the road. The damping is adapted to the current manoeuvre or road surface by means of sensor-supplied parameters via electrically controlled regulation valves. In this way, the HP4 offers optimum damping in every situation, handling long and short shocks virtually perfectly so as to provide maximum traction and safety.

With the introduction of Race ABS in the S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad underscored its pioneering role in the area of ABS. For the first time ever, an antilock brake system was consistently tailored to sporty needs.

With the new race-oriented HP4, BMW Motorrad now takes the next step in this area. 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 with refined regulation impulses now gives the skilled rider the option of maximum possible deceleration.

The HP4 uses a rear tyre in the new format 200/55 ZR 17. The Dynamic Traction Control DTC already used in the RR has been optimized for supersports use in the HP4: now the effect of traction control can be adapted in “Slick” mode to changing conditions and the rider’s individual preference while on the move.

The HP4 is the first BMW motorcycle to have a so-called Launch Control function which provides active support for the rider in “Slick” mode to achieve maximum acceleration from standing – for example on race starts.

Launch Control limits engine torque so as to provide the maximum torque transferable from the rear wheel whenever the front wheel is under no throttle. This means the rider has to focus less on the throttle because he is controlling acceleration solely using the clutch. In addition, when Launch Control is activated engine torque is reduced as soon as the system detects front wheel lift. This prevents unwanted wheelies when accelerating.

The HP4 allows the rider to make instant gearshifts with virtually no interruption of tractive force by means of the shift assistant, fitted as standard. This helps gain valuable fractions of a second on the race track, too.

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, thereby contributing to the HP4′s enhanced handling qualities. The new exhaust system has an interference pipe between cylinders two and three, a controlled acoustic valve and a closed-loop catalytic converter. It has been possible to optimise the torque curve thanks to the new exhaust system, with the engine application adapted accordingly.

The new HP4 is fitted with the water-cooled 4-cylinder in-line engine of the S 1000 RR with the peak output of 142 kW at 13,000 rpm and a maximum engine speed of 14,200 rpm. As in the RR, its maximum torque of 112 Nm goes on stream at 9,750 rpm. The torque has been perceptibly increased in the 6,000 rpm to 9,750 rpm range. In “Rain” mode there is now a smoother output and torque curve available between 2,500 rpm and 8,000 rpm.

Unlike the RR, the 4-cylinder in-line engine in the HP4 provides the full output of 142 kW at 13,000 rpm in all modes – “Rain”, “Sport”, “Race” and “Slick” – with an identical throttle curve and thus the same response, making it perfect for use on the race track.

The HP4 has numerous special features to meet the needs of sports and racing riders. For example, the instrument cluster not only has a newly designed dial face with HP4 inscription but also provides an extended range of information and functions. The information display now shows the DDC set-up menus as well as the figures for DTC fine adjustment and Launch Control activation.

In visual terms, too, the new HP4 is consistently in line with supersports aspirations for the race track and for dynamic country road riding. In addition to the monoposto look there is a dual-section engine spoiler – elongated as compared to the RR – and a tinted windshield, both of which highlight the increased dynamic performance of the HP4. The small, light LED turn indicators are discreetly integrated and the laser-engraved HP4 logo with serial number on the upper fork bridge underscores the bike’s exclusive character. An elaborate multiple colour paint finish in Racing blue metallic/Light white creates an appropriate racing-oriented appearance.

For anyone who wants even 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 engine spoiler in carbon, 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.

A summary of the HP4 technical highlights:

HP4 with Competition Package:

Options and special accessories for further customisation.

A specific program of BMW Motorrad options and special accessories is available for further customisation of the new HP4.

Options are supplied directly ex works and are integrated in the production process. Special accessories are installed by the BMW Motorrad partner or customers themselves. These are features which can be retrofitted, too.

Options.

Special accessories.

HP Race parts.

BMW Motorrad HP Race Support Packages featuring technical support for private and professional racing.

BMW Motorrad rider equipment.

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