2013 BMW S1000RR HP4: High Net Worth
As the story goes, the BMW S1000RR was introduced in 2008 to compete in the infamous 2009 Superbike World Championship. In 2010 it went on sale commercially and has been nothing short of amazing since introduction.
Even with its technological pioneering of Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control, the S1000RR remains aggressively priced within the highly competitive supersport bike market dominated by the Japanese manufacturers. So, how do you improve upon such a winning formula? Well, that’s something the Bavarians have never had a problem with.
Enter the 2013 BMW S1000RR HP4, which Bike Rhythms and Throttle Life bring you the exclusive preview of this yet to be released high performance supersports bike. Based on the successful S1000RR, the HP4 continues along the tradition of BMW Motorrad’s High Performance (HP) model series. The new HP4 however is the first 4-cylinder motorcycle within the HP series. Given its track-ready heritage, the HP4 is the lightest supersports bike in the 1000cc category (to date) with a dry weight of 373 pounds and with a power output of 193 horsepower. Speaking to its race-ready ego, the HP4 is equipped with a standard passenger seat cover that projects a solo rider. For those of you wishing to tote around your lady, Motorrad offers a factory production passenger seat package including the passenger footrest system.
The HP4 is enhanced with Brembo monoblock brake calipers and Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) which adapts to riding maneuvers and road surfaces to achieve optimum damping in order to deliver the maxim level of traction and safety. The HP4 also features BMW’s Race anti-lock braking system (ABS) that provides four modes to meet a variety of riding situations from the circuit to the streets: Rain; Sport; Race; and Slick. As offered on the S1000RR, BMW similarly engineered the HP4 with “shift assistant” as a standard feature so riders can upshift clutchless at full throttle with minimum interruption of traction force. Having experienced this on other BMW Motorrad HP products, I can confidently say this piece of technology is truly impressive.
More weight loss comes in the form of the German bike’s 5.3-pound lighter 7-spoke wheels. Combine this reduced wheel weight with brake pads developed specifically for improved braking performance, stability, and handling on the track, and you have what sounds like a machine capable of launching out of the corners at break-neck speed confidently and safely. Also aiding in the bike’s reduced weight is a new lighter exhaust system – made entirely of titanium – which decreases the weight of the HP4 by 9.9 pounds compared to that of the S1000RR.
For fast starts while in the “Slick” mode, you’ll be happy to know the HP4 is the first BMW motorcycle with Launch Control, which limits engine torque in order to maximize the amount of torque transferred to the rear wheel. Launch Control is also activated by means of the adapted wheelie detection function, reducing engine torque as soon front wheel lift is detected.
The HP4 features a host of additional safety and performance sophistication and standard features, as well as several options including HP Race parts and special accessories such as a Competition Package; a lengthened, closed engine spoiler made of carbon fiber; racing blue metallic alloy wheels; a sponsor sticker kit; an HP carbon fiber tank cover; heated grips; and an Anti-theft alarm system. The new 2013 HP4 should continue to keep the competition on their toes.
At the time of this writing, scheduled availability is set for winter 2012 or early 2013. Stay tuned as we bring you additional updates as they become available.
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