The New BMW HP4 - New High Performance Family Member
BMW has introduced its HP4 the company's first four-cylinder in the HP family and – with a dry weight of 169 kilograms, including ABS – the HP4 is 2.26 kilograms lighter than the BMW S1000RR that it's based on.Weighing just 199 kilograms with a 90-percent-full fuel tank, BMW claims the HP4 is the lightest four-cylinder Supersports bike in the 1000cc class. The BMW HP4 joins the boxer model HP2 Enduro, HP2 Megamoto and HP2 Sport in the HP (as in High Performance) family that started in 2005.
The new BMW HP4 gets what the German company calls a first for production motorcycles: Dynamic Damping Control (DDC). The DDC is a semi-active suspension system that changes the front and rear damping based on the mode selected, lean angle and speed.
In addition to the DDC, the BMW HP4 gets a more developed and refined Race ABS system that works in conjunction with Brembo monoblock brakes. The ABS has four different modes for wet surfaces (Rain), roads (Sport), racetrack with approved tires (Race) and racetrack with slicks (Slick). In 'Slick' mode, a new IDM setting (based on experience gained from racing in the Germany Championship) with 'refined regulation impulses now gives the skilled rider the option of maximum possible deceleration.' The Slick mode features an additional adjustment range of minus 7 to plus 7, and it's all controlled via a paddle on the left handlebar.
The BMW HP4 is also the first BMW motorcycle to have a Launch Control function which provides active support for the rider in 'Slick' mode to achieve maximum acceleration from standing – for example on race starts. The system limits torque so the rider basically controls acceleration by the clutch and not the throttle. The system also has wheelie control.The BMW HP4 also has a quickshifter (the shift assistant) so you can bang upshifts on the racetrack.
A lot of the weight loss comes via new seven-spoke wheels made from lighter forged alloy and a lighter sprocket carrier. The exhaust system is made entirely of titanium with a weight saving of 4.5 kilograms over the BMW S1000RR. The new exhaust system has a resonance pipe between cylinders two and three, a controlled acoustic valve and a closed-loop catalytic converter. BMW says the torque curve has been improved thanks to the new system.
Unlike the BMW S1000RR, the in-line four-cylinder engine in the BMW HP4 provides the ful output of 193 horsepower at 13,000rpm in all modes – 'Rain,' 'Sport,' 'Race' and 'Slick' – with an identical throttle curve.
A 'Competition Package' is also available for the BMW HP4, which features carbon parts – including a long, closed HP engine spoiler in carbon. It also features an adjustable HP rider footpeg system, folding HP brake and clutch levers, wheels finished in Racing Blue Metallic, and a factory sponsor sticker kit provide additional enhancement of the new BMW HP4.
