2011 BMW HP2 Sport

Concept, requirements and features

BMW Motorrad has announced details of its sportiest, most powerful and lightest signature Boxer series of all time. The third model of the High Performance HP range has been designed for the ambitious sports rider and features numerous exclusive details that were previously restricted to racing – some making a first appearance on a production motorcycle.

Examples include the self-supporting and aerodynamically optimised fairings made completely of CFK; the gear shift ‘assistant’; a dashboard like that used in MotoGP; forged aluminium wheels and racing brakes with radially-bolted calipers. Wherever the eye looks, it sees pure racing technology. It is unmistakably dynamic and agile – a machine that will inspire on country roads and race circuits.

BMW Motorrad deliberately decided to further develop the historic boxer engine for road racers with racing circuit intent. The key engine data is extremely good, for example, the engine achieves more than 96kW / 128bhp at 8750 min–1 – more than the significantly modified engine of the BMW R 1200 S. The maximum torque of 115 Nm is achieved at 6,000 min–1, while the highest engine revs reach a peak value at 9,500 min–1.

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

The most striking difference of the BMW HP2 Sport (compared with the endurance racing boxer) is the all-new cylinder heads: Each of the double overhead camshafts (DOHC) uses a drag lever to actuate the valves that are larger those on 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.

The striking design of the rear silencer is impressive and 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 to be kept extremely slim, enabling greater freedom of movement for riding techniques such as ‘knee-down’ cornering.
The inimitable boxer sound has a new acoustic quality and is generated by the exhaust system. In addition, the fitting of a CFK engine spoiler also provides aerodynamic advantages.

Another exclusive racing feature is the gearshift assistant. Together with the close ratios of the 5-speed gearbox it enables fast gear shifts without having to ease off the throttle and operate the clutch. This technology is offered for the first time in a series motorcycle. In order to adapt the gearshift pattern for the racing, a suitable replacement pressure sensor is available as special equipment (if required).
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, adjustable stock handlebar and the Magura radial manual buttons.

The instrument console is directly from MotoGP and provides the rider with important information such as lap times, other racing data and the usual displays (see chapter 3).

Consistent attention was paid to the lightweight construction of all components. This included the self-supporting front fairing, the self-supporting carbon rear, the weight-optimised forged wheels, and such hidden details as the lightweight generator. It was therefore possible to reduce the unladen weight of the HP2 Sport to DIN standard with a full tank (90%) to 199 kilos. The dry weight is only 178 kilos.

The interplay of variable ergonomic design, increased engine output, and the favourable centre of gravity of the boxer engine guarantees superb handling and racing potential. Even if racing is clearly at the forefront of the BMW HP2 Sport, it does not 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 that it can be switched off for the racetrack.

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

Model designation and marque

HP is the abbreviation for ‘High Performance’ and the ‘2’ in the model designation of the supremely sporty BMW refers to the two-cylinder boxer engine. The term ‘High Performance’ stands for sporting performance and the achievement potential of the entire machine. ‘High Performance’ also reflects the skilful harmonization of all individual components into a convincing whole. It is the synonym for a well thought-out overall design and perfection right down to the last detail. It embodies the very best driving characteristics and pure, unadulterated riding pleasure. HP also stands for the prestige connected with an exceptional high-quality and exclusive machine.

After the HP2 Enduro and the HP2 Megamoto, the HP2 Sport is the third model of an independent motorcycle category equipped with the historic boxer engine. All HP2 motorcycles use the technical basis of production machines but are clearly differentiated by an uncompromising interpretation of their prime sporting purpose.

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 essential personal know-how and ‘feel’, 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. This symbiosis of high-technology and professional skill is what defines the unique appeal of the HP motorcycles.

High performance motorcycles from BMW are invariably something special; they are exclusive and authentic and will remain greatly sought after.

Development, technical highlights and design

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

A dedicated specialist team of veteran racing motorcyclists, engineers and mechanics, developed the new model for BMW Motorrad. Experience that the BMW Motorrad motor sport team had acquired with the boxer racing motorcycle – including a number of races in the Endurance World Championship of 2007 – was 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 a 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). 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 98 RON.

The horizontal arrangement of the camshafts introduces two special features: each of the shafts control an intake and outlet valve and the cams are conically ground. For a higher gas flow, the valve plate diameter was increased from 36 to 39 millimetres (intake) and from 31 to 33 millimetres (outlet). The intake channels were also 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 corresponding 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 96kW / 128 bhp at 8,750 min–1 and a maximum torque of over 115Nm at 6,000 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 airflow 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 the development 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 emits 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. This configuration is also a typical racing feature that benefits the dynamic driving characteristics.

Straight from the racing world: the gearshift ‘assistant’

A further 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 shutting the throttle 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 operates 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 rider.

Modified frame construction

The steel mid-frame tube 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 tension and compression stroke damping, as well as spring pre-tension. 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 adjustable high-quality stock handlebars flange-mounted in the crankshaft throw 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 callipers, usually found in racing are also used.

EVO Paralever with Öhlins sport spring strut

The Paralever rear wheel suspension also originates from the BMW R 1200 S, but in the HP2 Sport it has an Öhlins adjustable sporting spring strut with compensating tank. 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

The BMW HP2 Sport runs on specially developed, weight and stability optimised, surface-milled forged wheels 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 smaller rotating masses. The sports boxer is easy to steer on bends and allows incredibly rapid change of direction.

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

Brembo monoblock racing brakes

The braking system of the new BMW HP2 Sport is also uncompromisingly sporty. Single-piece, radially mounted four-piston brake calipers from Brembo powerfully hold the two 320-millimetre discs at 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, and 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 ABS adapted for 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

Even at the beginning of development, the engineers focussed on the seat position. Compared with 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 (when hanging off) during races.

The BMW HP2 Sport also benefits 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. The stepped setting positioning of the footrests make sure that identical adjustment is possible on both sides. At the same time, the fully adjustable brake and gear lever allow optimal positioning.

Adjustable stock handlebar and Magura manual fittings

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 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 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: In just a few easy steps, before taking part in a race, the carrier can be removed along with the tail lamp and indicators
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Refinements in the wind tunnel

The new BMW HP2 Sport was given its finishing touches in the wind tunnel. Components such as the windscreen and new rear-view mirror were optimised aerodynamically. The engineers also paid particular attention to the airflow for cooling the engine. The outcome was that 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

A real highlight for all racing enthusiasts is the production-line instrument panel 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.

In road riding 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. The stored data can also be read with a laptop. In addition, there are eight freely programmable LEDs in the upper area of the display that can be used as a rev read-out 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 data logger 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 windscreen, 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, Motorsport Blue.

Constant refinement for serial production

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 engine and chassis technology for serial production. For example, the DOHC cylinder head or the CFK fairing components of the racing machine reappear today in the new BMW HP2 Sport. Today, the development constantly moves forward.

In 2008 BMW Motorrad will once again line up at the start with the HP2 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 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 ways. 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. Because racing regulations permit a louder exhaust system, a racing silencer from Akrapovic is at the rear and contributes to the higher maximum power output of the thoroughbred racing machine.