2013 BMW HP4

                                             2013 BMW HP4

The 2013 BMW HP4 is the fourth offering from BMW’s High Performance line of motorcycles and is largely identical to the standard BMW S1000RR except for technological advancements that vault the HP4 into a very, very special class of high performance sportbike.

With the world's first ever dynamic suspension system DDC (Dynamic Damping Control), the HP4 is the most advanced production sporting motorcycle ever built. DDC automatically adapts the suspension damping to the situation at hand. Various modes are available to choose from: Rain and Sport for public roads, Race and Slick for the race track. The further enhanced Dynamic Traction Control on the HP4 supplements this perfectly. It can be finely adjusted in Slick mode to dial in the perfect balance between system support and rider control. The result is transparent feedback, maximum traction and optimum acceleration.

The 2013 HP4 engine specs are the same as the standard S1000RR, but BMW have given the HP4 more mid-range power and a smoother throttle response. With a claimed 193 horsepower at 13,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 83 ft-lbs. of torque at 9750 rpm, the HP4 provides more than enough power for the street, and certainly enough for serious track day riders, as well.

On the track its most impressive trait is astonishing stability under severe braking. The HP4 has new brake pad compounds and revised ABS mapping developed in German superbike racing. With slick race tyres, the ABS works so close to the edge, even superbike racers find it rarely interferes and leave it switched on.

To further emphasize the HP4’s track pedigree it does away with passenger accommodations and adds a lower fairing that extends closer to the back tire. Not only does it look more racy, it improves aerodynamics, too. LED turn signals are also integrated, as is a tinted windshield. Each bike features a special HP Racing Blue Metallic / Light colorway. And for those looking for something even more exotic looking, the Competition Package adds carbon fiber body components, Racing blue metallic-anodized rims and a sticker kit to make the bike’s resemble the factory World Superbikes. It also comes fitted with racing-style adjustable rider foot controls, and hinged brake in clutch levers that are less susceptible to damage in a crash.

Luckily, the excellent Brembo brakes on the 2013 BMW HP4 always come to the rescue. Powerful and easy to modulate, they use a pair of 320mm floating brake discs on nine rings with 4-piston callipers up front, and a single 220mm brake disc in the rear. However, I noticed a slight vibration following a series of hard braking manoeuvres, so despite their increased endurance, the brakes still have room for improvement.

The HP4 is 80.9 inches long and 32.5 inches wide. The wheelbase measures in at 56 inches, a normal figure in this segment. A seat height of 32.3 inches is only 1.40 inches higher than the average motorcycle's, making it manageable for riders of most heights.

MSRP for the HP4 was announced during Intermot in early October 2012. The Base Model HP4 is listed at $19,990. The Standard Package comes in at $20,525 and the Premium Package is offered at $24,995.