BMW HP4 exists to warp time, space, faces

BMW has had a line of HP – for High Performance – motorcycles for seven years, but they have all used the company's signature boxer engine layout. The new HP4, on the other hand, is a 1000-cc class bike using an evolution of the four-cylinder engine from the BMW S 1000 RR sport bike.

A homologation special, the configuration isn't the only first in the HP4's arsenal: it comes standard with an active, electrically-actuated Dynamic Damping Control, a torque-adjusting Launch Control system, and BMW claims its the lightest four-cylinder supersports bike in its class, with a dry weight of 169 kg (371.8 pounds) and 199kg (437.8 pounds) with a 90-percent full tank. Bits like the lightweight, forged wheels, titanium exhaust and lighter sprocket carrier and battery have helped shed the pounds.

The engine cranks out 193 horsepower and 82 foot-pounds, the same numbers as on the S 1000 RR. However, every bit of horsepower is available in all the traction control modes, torque response has been boosted from 6,000 rpm, and the torque delivery curve is smoother when the traction control is in Rain mode. Helping a rider keep it all under control are that Launch Control, a shift assistant for seamless gearchanges, an updated, four-mode Race ABS system, traction control that can be adjusted on the fly, and Brembo monoblock brake calipers.