2008 BMW HP2 Sport First Ride Photo Gallery

Race-spec touches don't stop at the dash. Rearsets are machined, fully adjustable, knurled efforts and grip boots like fresh doggy-doos. They're on the chunky side but they're designed to absorb damage up to a point. The bars are also adjustable, likewise the bar lever mounts - 2008 BMW HP2 Sport

2008 BMW HP2 Sport
Wheelbase: 58.5 in.
Fuel: 16 litres
Rake/trail: 24-degree/86mm
Seat height: 32.7 in.

2D Systems supply the MotoGP-style LCD dash and it really is a work of art. Inside the carbon fibre case is a fully functional race mode system giving lap times, max rpm, top speed, number of gear shifts and more and all programmable. All this info is downloadable via a laptop computer. - 2008 BMW H

The HP2's higher 128bhp engine output comes thanks to a new DOHC layout working on larger (inlet 39mm, exhaust 33), radially placed valves (2 inlet, 2 exhaust). It also means the engine can now rev to 9500rpm max @ 8750rpm with compression up to 12.5:1 to help achieve the 84.9ftlb of torque. BMW als

The Opposed-Twin might not be the fastest motor on the planet but there's something to be said for its smooth, predicatble power delivery when it comes time to crack that throttle open early at steep lean angles as we have here. - 2008 BMW HP2 Sport

Neat design touches extend to the silencer mounting points on the subframe; they're slotted to allow movement when the exhaust pipework expands (up to 15mm) when hot - 2008 BMW HP2 Sport

Magura front master-cylinder connected via braided steel hoses to Brembo Monobloc (one-piece) calipers are, according to BMW, the "crown jewels of braking" - 2008 BMW HP2 Sport

Carbon fibre abounds on the HP2 and it's not cheap laid-up-in-a-mould stuff either. Formed in moulds and cured under vacuum at high temp, its light and stiff enough for BMW to use as one-piece subframe -like 2.5kg lighter than the R1200S version - 2008 BMW HP2 Sport

One place the HP2 Sport will have other air-cooled sport bikes covered is in the braking department. The combination of BMW's Telelever front end, top-shelf Ohlins shock and Monobloc Brembos brakes is going to be tough to beat. - 2008 BMW HP2 Sport