BMW HP4 Race Prototype: FIRST LOOK (Gallery)
Rennie Scaysbrook | November 8, 2016
In response to the sucker punch delivered by Ducati when they released the 1299 Superleggera on Monday, BMW has hit back at EICMA with their most delectable sports machine ever created, the brand-new BMW HP4 Race prototype, positively dripping in carbon fiber.
Such beauty. Such lightweight, brutal beauty.
Every main structural piece has been created using the lightweight material – twin spar chassis, subframe, swingarm and both wheels, meaning Ducati’s claim as the only production bike to be made of carbon fiber lasted about two days.
OK – that’s not entirely truthful, because the HP4 Race is still in prototype stages and not due for release until later next year whereas the Ducati is production ready, but you get the idea.
BMW is incredibly scant on the details, but at a glance you can see the Öhlins gas charged FGR forks, Brembo M50 calipers, carbon Akrapovic exhaust, and you can bet it’ll have every electronic aid/go fast gizmo under the sun when it eventually hits production.
BMW is not telling us exactly how many will be made, but they will be made to order so if you want one, you better get in quick. And no, we have no idea what an HP4 Race will eventually cost – that detail, like many others with this bike – BMW is keeping mom. Suffice to say, it’ll be lots.
Thirty five years after McLaren debuted the first carbon fiber monocoque chassis in Formula One in the MP4/1, it now appears we’re on the verge of seeing the material finally become common place in high-end biking. What a time to be a rider!
BMW HP4 Race Prototype First Look (Gallery)
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