2008 BMW HP2 Sport Review

The third model of the HP model range was designed for the ambitious sports rider and enthrals with numerous exclusive details that were previously restricted to racing, some making their first appearance in series vehicle production.

Examples of these include the self-supporting and aerodynamically optimised fairings made completely of CFK, the gear shift assistant, a dashboard like that used in the MotoGP, the forged aluminium wheels and the racing brakes with radially bolted calipers. Wherever the eye of the spectator wanders, it sees pure racing technology that delights every enthusiast. It is unmistakably athletic, a vehicle that inspires on country roads as well as on the racing circuit.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport

Regardless of the limits for the engine output as a result of the principle and the aerodynamic disadvantages from the cylinder configuration of a Boxer, BMW Motorrad deliberately decided to further develop this historic engine concept for a road racer with racing circuit talent. The key engine data are very respectable: the engine achieves more than 96 kW/128 hp at 8750 min–1 compared with the significantly modified engine of the BMW R 1200 S. The maximum torque lies at 115 Nm at 6000 min–1, the highest revs of the engine reaches a peak value at 9500 min–1.

Technically, the BMW HP2 Sport is based on the BMW R 1200 S. Customised to meet the requirements of the ambitious sports rider down to the last detail, the BMW HP2 Sport is however a completely independent and absolutely exceptional motorcycle. Many detailed solutions are based on the experiences gained in long-distance races.

The most striking difference of the BMW HP2 Sport from the endurance racing Boxer is the brand new cylinder heads: Each of the double overhead camshafts (DOHC) uses a drag lever to actuate the valves that are larger than in the BMW R 1200 S. Further modifications such as the flow-optimised intake and outlet, new forged pistons and adapted connecting rod help the engine to achieve the necessary higher output compared to the basic engine.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport

The new stainless steel exhaust system is placed below the engine for the first time. This keeps the construction of the lower area of the motorcycle extremely slim, enabling great freedom of movement for the familiar ‘hanging off’ riding position, and the fitting of a CFK engine spoiler is advantageous to the aero-dynamics. An inimitable boxer sound with new acoustic quality is generated by the exhaust system and the striking design of the rear silencer is impressive.

Another exclusive racing feature is the gearshift assistant together with the narrow ratios of the 6-speed gearbox to enable fast gear changes without having to ease off the gas and operate the clutch. This technology is offered for the first time in a series vehicle. In order to adapt the gearshift pattern for the racing circuit, a suitable replacement pressure sensor is available as special equipment if necessary.

The fully adjustable Öhlins sports chassis also has a Brembo monoblock brake system with radially mounted, four-piston fixed calipers at the front. Optimum ergonomics are ensured by the adjustable forged aluminium footrests, the adjustable stock handlebar and the Magura brake levers with radial mounted brake actuators.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport

The series dashboard that comes directly from MotoGP sport provides the rider with important information and can also deliver lap times plus other racing relevant data as well as the usual displays.

Attention was paid consistently to the lightweight construction of all com-ponents. This includes not only the self-supporting front fairing and the likewise self-supporting carbon rear or the weight-optimised forged wheels, but also hidden details such as the lightweight generator from the racing world. That’s how it was possible to reduce the unladen weight of the HP2 Sport to DIN standard with full tank (90%) to 199 kilos. The dry weight is a mere 178 kilos.

The interplay of variable ergonomic design, increased engine output and the favourable centre of gravity of the Boxer guarantees superb handling and racing potential. Even if racing fascination is clearly at the forefront of the BMW HP2 Sport, it does not have to forego the safety design feature of ABS. The sophisticated anti-blocking system specially adapted to the HP2 Sport is available as an option and is configured so it can be switched off for the racetrack.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport

The market introduction of the BMW HP2 Sport is scheduled for 2008.

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Development, Technical Highlights and Design.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport

The new BMW HP2 Sport extends the HP model range of BMW Motorrad. It is a descendant of the BMW R 1200 S. Apart from established concepts such as the BMW Motorrad Telelever and EVO Paralever as well as the cardan shaft drive, almost all components were newly developed or at least modified to a large extent. Weight saving, increased performance plus the uncompromising sporty configuration was top of the agenda in the list of requirements for the development engineers.

A dedicated specialist team of veteran racing motorcyclists, engineers and mechanics, whose pulse quickens for the Boxer and who have also devoted themselves to motor sport in their private lives, developed this new model for BMW Motorrad. Experiences that the BMW Motorrad motor sport team had collected with the Boxer racing motorcycle – including a number of races in the endurance world championship of 2007 – were also incorporated.

DOHC cylinder heads, valve actuated by drag lever.

A complete redesign of the cylinder heads allowed the Boxer to reach higher revs. Extensively tests in endurance events followed in addition to the usual tests. Double overhead chain driven camshafts (DOHC) and valves actuated by very light drag lever now enable top revs of 9500 min–1. The four radially arranged valves ensure extremely compact combustion chambers so that there is no need for the second spark plugs as used in the R models until now.

The compression ratio is 12.5:1. Super Plus with 98 RON is recommended as the fuel for optimum performance although the motorcycle can also run on Super 95 RON.

The horizontal arrangement of the camshafts introduces two special features: Each of the shafts controls an intake and outlet valve and the cams are conically ground. For a higher gas throughput, the valve plate diameter was increased from 36 to 39 millimetres (intake) and from 31 to 33 millimetres (outlet) respec¬tively. The intake channels were machined for optimisation. The operating technology with drag lever works with shims sitting on the valves as in the K 1200 engines.

The cylinder head covers are made from carbon and fitted with easy-to-replace slip pads made from PA6 hard plastic.

High-strength and lightweight forged piston.

The bore and stroke ratio is unchanged in the HP2 Boxer. The high-strength, weight-reduced forged piston and the correspondingly adapted conrod are new. Interacting with the new intake pipe system with its a short intake air funnel, the power plant develops a top performance of 96 kW/128 hp at 8750 min–1 and a maximum torque of over 115 Nm at 6000 min–1.

Flow through two parallel and consecutively switched oil coolers.

So that the Sport Boxer operates well under all conditions from the thermal aspect, two oil coolers positioned one after the other and with a parallel flow-through are deployed. Wind tunnel optimisation of the BMW ‘kidneys’ in the front fairing ensures an effective flow through the double oil cooler.

Stainless steel exhaust system with active exhaust gas flap.

For the first time the 2-in-1 exhaust system made completely from stainless steel is placed under the oil sump. This configuration guarantees optimum angles of tilt when riding. An exhaust flap in front of the double exhaust pipe silencer at the rear and actuated by an electronically controlled servomotor via cable produces a fuller torque curve.

A fully-controlled catalytic converter cuts exhaust gas emissions. Oxygen sensors in the two header tubes monitor the oxygen level and guarantee an optimum air-fuel ratio over the entire torque band.

An example of the great attention to detail that characterizes both the develop-ment and production of the BMW HP2 Sport is the exhaust pipe fixtures on the single-piece, self-supporting carbon rear. These are thermally decoupled while, at the same time, compensating for the change in length of the exhaust system during warming and cooling. The hump also boasts sophisticated ventilation openings, used to effectively deflect the heat away from the underseat exhaust. Additional features of the exhaust system are the highly attractive design and the impressive Boxer sound that escapes from the high-volume silencer.

Close-ratio six-speed gearbox.

In contrast to the gearbox of the BMW R 1200 S, the first and second gear have higher ratios so that the gear increments are closer. This results in a lower drop in revs when changing up in gear. This configuration is also a typical racing feature that benefits the dynamic driving characteristics.

Straight from the racing world: Gearshift assistant.

A further pedigree racing detail is the standard gearshift assistant of the BMW HP2 Sport, also described as an automatic gearshift. The system allows rapid gear change without reducing the gas or using the clutch. If the gear lever is activated, the electronic engine control throttles back the ignition angle and reduces the injection. This means the power unit is at “low load” for the gearshift so it is possible to change gear rapidly without needing the clutch. The gearshift assistant operates under normal riding conditions and, on request, for racing with an inverted switching scheme (pressure sensor as special equipment). However, if the rider actuates the clutch, the system remains inactive. The BMW HP2 Sport therefore always leaves the decision of whether or not the gearshift assistant is deployed to the driver.

Modified frame construction.

The steel tube midframe comes from the BMW R 1200 S, but was adapted to the new single-piece and self-carrying CFK rear in the area around the location points.

Telelever with Öhlins sport spring strut.

The front wheel suspension is provided by the stable, approved telescopic lever construction. Its trailing link is supported by a specially tuned Öhlins sport spring strut with compensating tank, adjustable in preload, rebound and compression damping. The expanded surface around the slider clamping device in the lower fork brace allows fine adjustment of the vehicle height.

Quality components made of milled aluminium.

The upper fork brace and the two gooseneck adjustable handlebar elements are made from fully milled, forged aluminium parts. The main brake cylinder and the clutch master cylinder with radial pump coupling fixed by quick-release clamping calipers usually found in racing are also used here.

EVO Paralever with Öhlins sport spring strut.

The Paralever rear wheel suspension also originates from the BMW R 1200 S, but in the BMW HP2 Sport it has an Öhlins sporting spring strut with com-pensating tank adjustable in all aspects. Thanks to the longitudinal adjustment integrated in the spring strut the vehicle height can also be varied at the rear. This means the chassis geometry of the BMW HP2 Sport can be individually optimised for different racing circuits.

Every BMW HP2 Sport is supplied as standard with an exclusive toolset which can be used to make all settings on the chassis components.

Exclusive forged wheels and racing tyres.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport

The BMW HP2 Sport runs on specially developed, weight and stability optimised, surface-milled forged wheels of size 3.5 x 17” or 6.0 x 17”. These are considerably lighter than conventional die-cast wheels, but have comparable high stability. The handling characteristics benefit enormously from the lighter rotating masses. The sports Boxer is really easy to steer on bends and allows incredibly rapid change of direction.

The forged wheels are fitted as standard with sports tyres in 120/70 ZR17 format at the front and 190/55 ZR17 at the rear. These tyres from renowned manufacturers – generally used only on the racing circuit such as the Supersport championship, for example – are homologated for use on asphalt road surfaces. The engineers decided on a 55 series tyre cross-section as this achieved the best results for the overall characteristics in tests.

Brembo monoblock racing brakes.

The braking system of the new BMW HP2 Sport also presents itself as uncompromisingly sporty. Single-piece, radially mounted four-piston brake calipers from Brembo that hold the two 320-millimetre discs powerfully in its grip are used on the front. The radial screw connection is effected by a new die-cast foot on the lower part of the Telelever. A double sliding piston decelerates the rear wheel. It goes without saying that the hydraulic application of the brake calipers is activated by high-quality, steel armoured brake lines.

Modified, switchable BMW Motorrad ABS on request.

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.

Racing ergonomics.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport

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 favours the rider’s weight displacement (hanging off) on the racing 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.

Adjustable footrest system.

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.

Adjustable stock handlebar and Magura manual fittings.

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 CFK fairing.

All the fairings of the BMW HP2 Sport are made from carbon where the single-part 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.

Refinements in the wind tunnel.

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.

Sports info centre: GP dashboard from 2D systems.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport

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.

In race mode the screen provides data about circuit times, maximum revs, top speed or number of gearshifts, for example. The stored data can also be read out with a laptop. In addition there are eight freely programmable LEDs in the upper area of the dashboard that can be used as a rev display or external gearshift light. Like the other functions, the displays are also freely programmable.

Finally, the GP dashboard offers a large number of expansion options. A lap timer with transmission/receiving unit, GPS tracking or datalogger can be connected to a free input.

Following the BMW Motorrad motor sport design.

The fairing of the new HP2 Sport is realized to a large extent in carbon-look and follows the style of the BMW Motorrad motor sport design with white lacquering on the windshield, rear, mudguard and side cover. The engine spoiler carries the two-tone “HP2” lettering. The lattice frame and wheels are lacquered in the BMW Motorrad colour of Motorsport Blue.

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Model Designation and Marque.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport

“HP” is the abbreviation for “High Performance” and the “2” in the model designation of this supremely sporty BMW describes the two-cylinder Boxer engine. The term “High Performance” stands symbolically for the sporting performance idea, the achievement potential of the entire vehicle. “High Performance” – that is the skilful harmonization of all the individual components into a convincing whole that is more than the sum of the individual parts. It is the synonym for a well thought-out overall design and perfection right down to the last detail, for the very best driving characteristics and pure, unadulterated riding pleasure. It goes without saying that “HP” also stands for the prestige connected with an exceptionally high-quality and exclusive vehicle.

After the HP2 Enduro and the HP2 Megamoto, the HP2 Sport is the third representative of an independent motorcycle category from BMW fitted with the historic Boxer engine. All the HP2 motorcycles mentioned use the technical basis of production vehicles, but are clearly differentiated by an uncompromising interpretation of their actual purpose through a conspicuous and emphatically resolute sports orientation and exclusive product features.

These exceptional motorcycles are developed with great passion by small teams of professionals. The special team structure guarantees that the many years of experience of the development engineers, their grasp of the essential, personal know-how and “feeling” have a direct influence on the product.

At the same time these engineers make use of the most modern development and simulation tools plus all the technical facilities that BMW as a whole has to offer. This symbiosis of high-tech and professional skill is what distinguishes the unique appeal of the HP motorcycles.

That’s why high performance motorcycles from BMW are something very special; they are exclusive and authentic and will remain greatly sought after.

Involvement in Road Racing.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport

Racing tradition for 84 years.

Racing sport and racing success are inseparably linked with the Boxer motorcycles from BMW. They have accompanied the marque with the white-and-blue emblem from the very outset, making it world famous and providing a fundamental contribution to the outstanding reputation of the BMW series of motorcycles.

Even in 1923, the year of its inauguration, the first BMW motorcycle – the R 32 – completed the “ride through the Bavarian mountains”, a test of reliability on the open road and an event typical of that time. The vehicle, ridden by its development engineer Max Friz himself, instantly proved the superior dependability of its construction.

1929–1939: World records and first victory on the Isle of Man.

Innumerable other sporting successes followed. The memorable race by Georg (”Schorsch”) Meier who in 1939 with the BMW Kompressor defeated the Nortons which had dominated on the Isle of Man until then. Or the world speed record of Ernst Henne in 1929 (216.75 km/h) and again in 1937 (279.5 km/h), where the latter stood for almost 14 years.

1956: Vice world champion.

Later, solo racing machines and sidecar racing teams won countless national and international victories with the “RS-engined” two-cylinder boxer in racing version with overhead camshafts powered by bevel drives. The vice world championship of Walter Zeller in the year 1956 marked the last success of the official BMW Motorrad works involvement in the solo road racing sport. After-wards the RS 500 bevel drive continued to be used for a few years by private teams. But BMW was still regarded as unbeatable for many years in the motorcycle/sidecar combination world championship. By 1974 BMW had been the world champion marque a total of 20 times.

1976: Double success in Daytona and in the Tourist Trophy.

The importer for BMW motorcycles in the USA at that time, Butler & Smith, provided a real sensation in Daytona in 1976: Under the direction of Dr. Peter Adams, Butler & Smith had prepared motorcycles for the production machine race of the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) and brought three racing machines based on the BMW R 90 S to the start line in Daytona.

The race was won by Steve McLaughlin in a breathtaking photo finish just ahead of his team comrade Reg Pridmore: A double victory for BMW at the major superbike race in the world at that time.

Again in the year 1976 Helmut Dähne and Hans-Otto Butenuth thrilled with their performances in the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man. With the two BMW 900 models and BMW support, the private riders covered the demanding road circuit of the “Production TT” not only with the greatest speed, but also in the shortest time.

1999–2004: BMW Motorrad BoxerCup.

The BMW Motorrad BoxerCup was launched in 1999. The races in Belgium and France were held as purely national events for two years. Because of the great excitement that the races created, this series of races were further developed into a manufacturer’s cup with international status and the involvement of other European countries.

With the support of the BMW Group, BMW Motorrad took over the central supervision and organisation of all races in 2001. An intrinsic part of the programme of world championship meetings of the MotoGP or international endurance and superbike championships, the races throughout Europe drew great attention. The leap “across the great pond” was achieved in 2003 when the BMW Motorrad BoxerCup was held for the first time in America. The Boxer sound and riveting battles for position of top international riders also thrilled the spectators in 2004.

2005: BMW Motorrad PowerCup.

At the BMW Motorrad Markencup in 2005 the riders went out onto the grid with a brand new BMW motorcycle: the BMW K 1200 R. The BoxerCup became the PowerCup. The high achievement potential, the high revving four-cylinder machine and the unmistakable appearance in the most powerful ‘Naked-Bike’ series in the world provided supreme dynamics and excitement in this racing season.

2007: Sport-Boxer in the Endurance World Championship.

BMW Motorrad returned to solo road racing with a works team in 2007. In the legendary 24-hour race of Le Mans, a specially constructed Sport Boxer carried on the racing tradition of the white-and-blues. Despite all the challenges the BoxerCup was still a “race among equals”, but now the BMW Motorrad motor sports team is taking on an internationally competitive field. Other long-distance races in Barcelona, Oschersleben and Magny-Cours followed.

Constant refinement for serial production.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport

The dedication of BMW Motorrad not only took into account the great many wishes of the international community of fans. On the contrary, engineers and technicians also used experiences from endurance racing to advance the development of the engines and chassis technology for serial production. Thus, for example, the DOHC cylinder head or the CFK fairing components of the racing machine reappear today in the new BMW HP2 Sport. Not to forget a great many exclusive details which were previously only found in racing. And the development constantly moves forward.

In 2008 BMW Motorrad will once again line up at the start with this racing machine – not least to put the components for serial production through their paces and to refine them. Other events are planned in the long-distance world championship as well as participation in the other prestigious endurance races.

The long-distance racing machine of the BMW Motorrad team differs from the serial version of the BMW HP2 Sport in a number of points. With the aim of losing as little time as possible during pit stops, a quick-change system with swivel upside down telescope fork typical of the endurance racing was mounted on the front wheel. The clearance between the production-line stanchion and sliders was increased for this purpose. Together with the com-bination of standard swing arm and central nut system from Formula 1 on the rear wheel, this permits faster changeover of the forged wheels.

The larger aluminium tank with high-speed filling valve and a capacity of 23.5 litres is also a must for long-distance racing. Since the racing regulations permit a louder exhaust system, a racing silencer from Akrapovic is in the rear and contributes to the higher maximum power output of the thorough-bred racing machine.

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Specifications

Engine

Capacity(cm3): 1,170
Bore/stroke(mm): 101/73
Max output: 130 HP@ 8,750 RPM
Torque: 85 lbs/ft@ 6,000 RPM
Configuration: Boxer
No of cylinders: 2
Compression ratio/fuel grade: 12.5/S Plus
Valves/gas cycle: DOHC (double overhead camshaft) with drag lever
Valves per cylinder: 4
Ø Intake/outlet(mm): 39/33
Throttle butterffly dia(mm): 52
Fuel supply management:  BMS-K
   

Electrical System

Alternator(W): 480
Battery(V/Ah): 12/12, maintenance-free
Headlight(W): 2 x H 7/55
Starter(kW): 1.2
   

Power transmission/Gearbox

Clutch: Single-disc dry clutch Ø 180 mm
Gearbox: Constant mesh 6-speed transmission
Primary transmission: 1.734 
Gear ratios:

• I  2.176
• II  1.625
• III  1.296
• IV  1.065
• V  0.939
• VI  0.848

Rear wheel drive: Drive shaft
Final drive: 2.75
   

Chassis

Frame: Main frame and front frame made of steel tube, rear frame and front fairing self-supporting CFK, self-supporting power unit
Suspension, front: BMW Telelever
Suspension, rear: BMW Paralever
Spring travel, front/rear(mm): 105/120
Castor(mm): 86
Wheelbase(mm): 1,487
Steering head angle(°): 66
Brakes:

• front:  Double disc brake Ø 320 mm
• rear: Single disc brake Ø 265 mm (BMW Motorrad ABS on request)

Wheels:  Light metal forged wheel

• front:  3.50 x 17
• rear: 6.00 x 17

Tyres:

• front:  120/70 ZR 17
• rear: 190/55 ZR 17

Dimensions and Weight

Length, overall(mm): 2,135
Width, overall(mm): 750 on slip pad
Handlebar width(mm): 700
Seat height(mm): 830
Weight, dry(kg): 178
Unladen weight to DIN standard with full tank(kg): 199
Max permissible weight(kg): 330
Tank capacity/reserve(l): 16/4
   

Performance Data

Acceleration:   
0–100 km/h(s): <3.1
Top speed(km/h): >200