You know that it is a big deal when BMW->ke1398 themselves call the HP4 ‘the most exclusive BMW motorcycle of all time’. And if you are hunting for one of these now, you may probably be very late. Even if you have $78,000 on you to spare, as only a handful of 750 will be built by the German technocrats.

Assuming you have already placed an order for yourself and are one amongst the 80 units dedicated to the states, know that this strictly track-only bike will roughly last you somewhere between 10 to 15 full blown track days at your favourite circuit. And after that, it's time for a brand new engine swap.

The HP4 is an exemplary showcase of cutting-edge technology, exotic materials, skilled craftsmanship, design and creativity. This tells us all about the experience, skillset and state-of-the-art know-how the folks at BMW have that make them rise above and beyond.

That means, it will be ludicrously priced for an exotic machine dripping with carbon fibre radiant beauty, and so it does. Having a price tag of $78 k under its belt, it sure is not the end of the story. To use this dreamer, you will have to also own a race track or have one at your disposal (which by any calculation is an expensive affair) and according to BMW, will have to get yourself a brand new engine after every 3000 and odd miles.

And if you were good in math at school, you'll have to be very deep pockets. A machine making use of all exotic and opulent items kept away for track-focused hooning that spares no expense. It is a sensual experience to only a select few who can afford such an extravagant phenomena.

Now to think of it as a bargain, here is what BMW propose to say: A typical motorsport bike does around 2,300 miles during a 24-hour endurance stint after which the engine is replaced with a new one. The WSBK machines also get checked anywhere between 600 and 900 miles if they need any replacements.

Typically the engine needs to be rebuilt or replaced due to performance issues that occur because of loss of compression, excessive oil consumption, or excessive oil clearances and pressures. This might happen by worn valve guides, dried valve guide seals, stuck oil control rings, or excessive cylinder to piston clearance, all of which gets deviated during the course of its use.

As of now, we have no word from BMW and its dealers about how much would the engine swap cost or any other expenses regarding the motorcycle in terms of tyre replacements or other mechanical elements like the brakes and clutch. I'm pretty sure those things won't be cheap as well.

The powertrain on this machine is an engineering feat and is handcrafted by the same chaps who work on the WSBK motorcycle. The water/oil-cooled, 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, in-line engine can develop a staggering 215 bhp at 13900 rpm and a max torque of 120 Nm at 10000 rpm. This RACE screams at the top of her voice at 14500 rpm.

Suspension units on the HP4 are undertaken by the top of the line titanium Öhlins FGR 300 upside down fork offers a full adjustment range. At the rear, Öhlins TTX 36 GP spring strut on the light alloy swingarm makes the scene, and both have a selective adaptation of the suspension geometry according to racetrack layout and riding style.

The new HP4 comes equipped with the 320 mm Brembo GP4 PR monoblock fixed callipers with titanium brake pistons and friction reducing coating at the front and a 220 mm floating discs at the rear. The kinds of stuff used in the Superbike World Cup and even the MotoGP. The high-performance brake pumps are also Brembo Racing derived.

The new HP4 gets 4 riding modes (Wet, Intermediate, Dry1, Dry2), 7 mode Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), 7 level Engine Braking (EBR), 5 level Wheelie Control, Pit Lane Limiter, engine brake torque (drag torque) and Launch Control. All of this can be viewed and operated through a multifunctional 2D dashboard. The 2D data recording system offers the possibility of recording lap times using GPS.