BMW High Performance bike Review

BMW currently offers two bikes that fall into this category - the S 1000 RR and the K 1300 S. While not listed as a current model, you might still be able to find a 2008 HP2 Sport - the HP standing for high performance!

S 1000 RR

The S 1000 RR is BMW's first superbike. It features a race-bred 999cc water-cooled, DOHC, sixteen valve, inline four-cylinder power unit, developing a maximum output of 142kW (193hp) at 13,000 rpm and maximum torque of 112 Nm at 9750 rpm.

Combined with a sophisticated lightweight chassis the S 1000 RR take its place as the lightest ABS equipped motorcycle in the Supersports category (206.5kg), with a power-to-weight ratio of just 1.05kg per horsepower without race ABS and 1.06kg with race ABS.

On all Australia and New Zealand spec models the BMW S 1000 RR comes standard with race style HP Gearshift Assistant, providing riders with lightening fast up-shift gear changes and uninterrupted acceleration. Additionally, local models receive the BMW S 1000 RR Sport with full electronics package, including HP Gearshift Assistant, Multi-mode Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard. The latest model S 1000 RR arrived in Australia mid-2010.

Development

The series production BMW S 1000 RR was a completely new motorcycle for BMW Motorrad with a compact and light 999cc in-line 4-cylinder engine and a dry weight of 183kg.

Both its supreme performance figures and its outstanding riding properties make the BMW S 1000 RR an extremely attractive offer in the superbike segment.

The engine has a very compact cylinder head and is narrow in shape. The valves are activated by means of very small, light cam followers, virtually at Formula 1 level in terms of their dimensions. This construction ensures very high engine speeds and allows maximum freedom in engine design in terms of torque and output.

The BMW S 1000 RR optionally received a newly developed sports ABS featuring four different modes as well as the dynamic traction control system. The principal function of the traction control system has been borrowed directly from the racing version.

The distinctive design of the S 1000 RR reflects the bold and muscular style of the superbike segment but also clearly represents the brand BMW. The new S 1000 RR is available in the four finishes Mineral Silver metallic, Acid Green metallic, Thunder Grey metallic and - based on the BMW Motorrad racing colours - Alpine White/Lupine Blue/Magma Red.


K 1300S

The K 1300 S is the fastest and most powerful BMW the world has ever seen. With an engine output of 129kW (175hp), combined with a kerbside weight of 254kg, this motorcycle offers the utmost in dynamic performance and sports riding.

The K 1300 Series was introduced into Australia in March 2009. It was available in three distinct models, each catering for wide and varied rider demands. The range began with the ultimate high performance sports motorcycle, the K 1300 S; the naked, bold and muscular K 1300 R; and Grand Turismo of the range, the K1300 GT.

The K series has a long history both globally and in Australia. The long standing success and reputation of the K Series has in turn created a loyal and passionate following, leading to a seamless runout of the K 1200 Series (S, R and GT). In its previous guise, since 2005, the K 1200 S, R and GT sold well over 1000 units and the new K 1300 is expected to achieve comparable volume over its lifecycle.

The new K1300 Series introduced significant changes and upgrades over the K 1200 to provide more power and in particular more usable power. More importantly, it created a more dynamic and efficient riding experience. This was achieved via a number of engine upgrades such as a revised air intake, combustion chamber, engine management and exhaust system taking the engine capacity to 1293cc. The drivetrain also received the option of Gearshift Assistance for shifting up without the slightest interruption of power.

In terms of the chassis, this too underwent changes with the duolever lower trailing arm made out of alloy, the introduction of the new Electronically Adjustable Suspension II (ESA) and anti-vibration handlebars provided optimised handling.

A significant change within the K 1300 range was the new look and ergonomically improved switchgear providing a cleaner and easier to use cockpit.


BMW HP2 (2008)

The third model in the BMW high performance range, the HP2 Sport made its Australian appearance in 2008. The HP2 Sport followed in the wake of the successful launch of the HP2 Enduro (2005) and HP2 Megamoto (2007).

The HP2 Sport was aimed at purist sports riders and was equipped with many racetrack derived features proven in endurance racing during 2007.

Some parts, such as the race shift for the close ratio gearbox, forged alloy wheels and MotoGP inspired dashboard made their first appearance in a BMW series production machine in this model.

Essentially, the BMW HP2 Sport was based on the BMW R 1200 S, but there were significant mechanical differences, along with a new, race-ready composite carbon fibre body, race wheels and optional switchable ABS.

The highly tuned Boxer engine delivered in excess of 96kW (130+hp) at 8750rpm, even more than the R 1200 S launched in 2006. Peak torque was 115Nm at 6000rpm, while the power didn't taper until it reached the red line at 9500rpm, making the HP2 Sport the highest revving Boxer ever.

To allow the HP2 motor to rev so high, BMW evolved a new cylinder head valve gear design for the double overhead camshaft layout, using a drag lever for valve actuation. Bigger valves were also used.

Compared to the BMW R 1200 S, the rider sat closer to the handlebars for a more upright position, behind the waistline of the fairing. A slim-line tank was shaped to allow the rider to shift his weight across the bike when cornering hard.