BMW Motorrad launches fast, light, DOHC Boxer and intends to go racing
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Image Gallery ( 58 images )BMW Motorrad offers an ABS adapted to sporting events as an option. The function of the system has been optimised to prevent the rear wheel from lifting. An additional pressure sensor in the front brake circuit provides sensitive regulation of the system and the control unit prevents the front wheel brakes from opening too early when the load on the rear wheel is greatly reduced. Nevertheless the ABS can be deactivated for racing events.
Even at the outset of the development, the engineers focussed on the seat position. Compared to the BMW R 1200 S, the rider moved closer to the handlebar resulting in a notably more upright seat position oriented towards the front wheel and behind the ‘waistline’ of the fairing. More importantly, the remarkably slim design of the tank area enables the rider to hang off the bike in ten tenths cornering, such as on a race circuit.
The BMW HP2 Sport also benefits here from the experiences gained in long-distance races where it is not only a question of speed, but also of staying power. Because the rider finds a suitable, but comparatively relaxed, riding position for racing, the new BMW Sport Boxer offers genuine endurance qualities.
The range of high-grade racing components includes the adjustable footrest system made of milled, high-strength aluminium. An eccentric cam is used to adjust the height of the footrests and to move them forwards or backwards. Stepped setting positions of the footrests make sure that identical adjustment is possible on both sides. At the same time, the likewise fully adjustable brake and gear lever allow optimal positioning of the operating elements.
Also the stock handlebar of milled forged aluminium is ideally positioned and can be adjusted by changing the offset. The Magura radial manual controls allow manual lever width setting of the brakes and clutch.
All the fairings of the BMW HP2 Sport are made from carbon where the singlepart rear as well as the front fairing are realized as self-supporting elements. The latter has a noticeably slimmer construction than the BMW R 1200 S and houses lightweight, high-luminosity halogen twin headlamps with free-formed surface reflectors. Special details include the number plate carrier of the BMW HP2 Sport: It can be removed along with the tail lamp and indicators in a few easy steps before taking part in a race.
Like every BMW Motorrad the new BMW HP2 Sport was also given its finishing touches in the wind tunnel. Not only were components such as the windshield and new rear-view mirror optimised from an aerodynamic aspect. The engineers paid particular attention to the airflow for cooling the engine. So the front spoiler guides the air stream specifically towards the outlet side of the cylinder heads while the BMW ‘kidneys’ in the front fairing guarantee an effective flow of the double-oil cooler. Lastly, elaborate ventilation openings in the carbon tail ensure that the heat of the underseat exhaust system is efficiently deflected.
A real highlight for all racing enthusiasts is the production-line dashboard in the cockpit of the BMW HP2 Sport. It was developed in collaboration with the acclaimed company 2D Systems that also deploys its systems in GP racing for data recording and analysis. The system has a large, easily readable digital display and works in different modes. It is operated by two switches on the left handlebar control. In road mode the rider can view typical information such as revs, speed, time, kilometres, remaining distance and driving time on the display and is shown supporting information during the warm-up phase of the engine.
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