
Twenty-five years after it created the 'big enduro' off-road
genre, BMW Motorrad will launch the HP2 enduro ('High Performance
2-cylinder') – an uncompromising, sporting and exceptionally
light road-legal off-road motorcycle.
The HP2 is the first model in a new, independent
category of motorcycles being developed by BMW Motorrad. Called
the HP High Performance series, this new range of motorcycles
will be extremely special, exclusive and authentic –
and they will remain relatively rare. The price of the machines
will be determined by their outstanding range of features;
a much higher level of product substance; and comparatively
small production volume.
The HP2 is the most powerful and dynamic
off-road boxer twin yet – and will be the most powerful
enduro bike in the marketplace. When ridden on rough terrain
the HP2 capitalises on the benefits of the boxer concept and
its low centre of gravity. But with agile handling, low weight
and a high-performance power unit, it also offers supreme
on-road riding capability.
Consistent
lightweight engineering of all components on the
HP2 has resulted in an overall dry weight of just 175 kilos.
Along with ideal rider ergonomics, this guarantees superior
agility and easy control on even the toughest terrain. When
combined with the low centre of gravity of the Boxer engine,
excellent balance, unparalleled smoothness and powerful acceleration
from low engine speeds, the HP2 is superior to even the toughest
single-cylinder machines on demanding tracks.
To highlight the sporting enduro qualities
of the new HP2, BMW Motorrad is supporting a private racing
team, which will enter HP2s in off-road events such as the
German Cross Country Championship (GCC). Outside Germany,
the HP2 has been entered in the Baja 500 and the Baja 1000
races, and there are plans to participate in the prologue
of the Erzberg Race in Austria. BMW Motorrad will supply the
machines, and support and service private teams at these events.
Other races are also being considered.
Briefly, the HP2's key features are
as follows:
- 1170cc flat-twin engine (as per the R1200 GS) but with
an increased maximum output of 77kW (105 bhp). Maximum
torque remains unchanged at 115Nm (85 lb-ft) at 5,500
rpm
- new silencer construction almost 2 kilos lighter than
before (the HP2 is not designed to carry hard luggage)
- the frame's tubular space-frame structure is based on
the R900 R racing machines used by BMW works teams from
1999-2001 in the Dakar Rally
- upside-down telescopic forks with 270mm of spring travel.
(This level of spring travel cannot be provided by conventional
Telelever configuration)
- redesigned Paralever, now 30mm longer than on the GS
- the world's first spring/damper system running exclusively
on air. Weighing just under 2.3 kilos the air/spring damper
system is approximately 2 kilos lighter than a conventional
component
- cross-spoke wheels for the toughest conditions. The
front wheel features a 305mm semi-floating single-disc
brake with floating calliper. At the rear is a 265mm single-disc
swing-calliper brake. The HP2 is not presently offered
with ABS
- the fuel tank is made of extra-tough, semi-transparent
(for viewing fuel level) polyethylene and has a capacity
of 13 litres
- a seat height of 920mm. A lower seat (900mm) is available
as special equipment
- on-board network with CAN-bus technology (Controller
Area Network) as per the R1200 GS
- instrument cluster as per the R1200 GS but with no rev
counter. As an additional display, the rider can select
the number of operating hours the motorcycle has run (important
for changing the air filter at appropriate intervals when
riding off-road on dusty tracks).
- side components on the tank and front wheel mudguard
are made from fully-coloured, grained plastic (without
paint) so that scratches and marks remain virtually invisible
- a wide range of special equipment for retrofitting is
available for customisation, allowing the owner to broaden
the HP2's range of features and equipment.
The worldwide market launch of the HP2 will
be in September. Further details, including the on-the-road
price will be released shortly.
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