2009 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 light¬¬weight 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
.
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.
Technical data - BMW HP2 Sport
Engine
- Capacity cm3 1,170
- Bore/stroke mm 101/73
- Max output kW/bhp >96/128
- at max torque min–1 8,750
- Torque Nm 115
- At max revs min–1 6,000
- Configuration Boxer
- No of cylinders 2
- Compression ratio/fuel grade 12.5/S Plus
- Valves/gas cycle DOHC (double overhead camshaft)
with drag lever
- Valves per cylinder 4
- Ø Intake/outlet mm 39/33
- Throttle butterffly dia mm 52
- Fuel supply management BMS-K
Electrical System
- Alternator W 480
- Battery V/Ah 12/12, maintenance-free
- Headlight W 2 x H 7/55
- Starter kW 1.2
Power transmission/Gearbox
- Clutch Single-disc dry clutch Ø 180 mm
- Gearbox Constant mesh 6-speed transmission
- Primary transmission 1.734
- Gear ratios I 2.176, II; 1.625, III; 1.296, IV;
1.065, V; 0.939, VI; 0.848
- Rear wheel drive Cardan shaft
- Final drive 2.75
Chassis
- Frame Main frame and front frame made of steel
tube, rear frame and front fairing self-supporting
CFK, self-supporting power unit
- Suspension, front BMW Telelever
- Suspension, rear BMW Paralever
- Spring travel, front/rear mm 105/120
- Castor mm 86
- Wheelbase mm 1,487
- Steering head angle ° 66
- Brakes front Double disc brake Ø 320 mm
- rear Single disc brake Ø 265 mm
- BMW Motorrad ABS on request
- Wheels Light metal forged wheel
- front 3.50 x 17
- rear 6.00 x 17
- Tyres front 120/70 ZR 17
- rear 190/55 ZR 17
Dimensions and Weight
- Length, overall mm 2,135
- Width, overall mm 750 on slip pad
- Handlebar width mm 700
- Seat height mm 830
- Weight, dry kg 178
- Unladen weight to DIN standard with full tank
kg 199
- Max permissible weight kg 330
- Tank capacity/reserve l 16/4
Performance Data
- Acceleration - 0–100 km/h s <3.1
- Top speed km/h >200
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