BMW HP4 Race Review 215hp 146kg is Crazy, 300km/h, Jeff Ware

We just rode the BMW HP4 Race and it blew our minds. With a production run of just 750 units, the amazing BMW HP4 Race is the lightest and most powerful superbike ever built by BMW. With a whopping 215hp and 90ft-lbs on tap, powering only 146kg dry, combined with an electronics system that would be at home in MotoGP and the same level of suspension and brakes as World SBK, this is one serious track bike. In fact, with a carbon-fibre frame and carbon-fibre wheels the HP4 chassis is higher-spec than a factory World SBK racer. The frame weighs only 7.8kg and is the very first all carbon-fibre production frame in the world. The Ohlins FGR 300 forks and TTX 36 GP shock are identical to those used in MotoGP and World SBK while the milled and sheet aluminium swingarm is directly from SBK. The incredible brakes are similarly high-spec, being Brembo GP4 PR monoblock calipers, are World SBK specification as are the 6.75mm thick 320mm T-type racing steel brake rotors. The 215hp@13900rpm engine revs to a staggering 14500rpm and makes 90ft-lbs@10000rpm. It has a close-ratio gearbox, reverse quickshifter and is World SBK and World Endurance specification, thus, it is recommended that the engine is rebuilt every 5000km of use at a cost of approximately $27,500 AUD (17,000 Euro). This translates to around 12 to 15 track days. Not bad for the level of tune considering an SBK engine only does 1500km but still a lot of money... The electronics are mind blowing with a 2D logger and 2D dash. Wheelie control, traction control, engine braking control, pit lane limiter, launch control and lots more. Of course, being a track bike there is no ABS system. The bodywork is all carbon-fibre and the bikes, including the engine, are all hand assembled. Check out our full technical report and ride review shortly on BikeReview.com.au - Jeff Ware