BMW Motorrad announced the pricing for its flagship superbike, the HP4 Race, earlier this week. Produced in a limited run of just 750 units, the HP4 Race is a homologation special motorcycle, hand-built by a special team in Berlin, Germany. Although it is based on the S1000RR, the USD 78,000 (Rs 49.97 lakhs) price tag makes it five times more expensive than the standard bike. We take a look at the upgrades which make the BMW HP4 Race worth its astronomical price tag –
The unique white/blue paint scheme and the carbon fibre bits ensure that you don’t confuse the BMW HP4 with the standard S1000RR.
Weight saving measures like carbon-fibre frame and wheels and an aluminium fuel tank contribute towards making the HP4 Race 30kg lighter than the standard S1000RR.
The 999cc inline-four engine has been revised to churn out 212bhp and 120Nm of torque. It breathes out though a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system.
The HP4 Race gets a reverse-pattern six-speed transmission with a bi-directional quick-shifter. The first and second gear ratios have been made longer.
The HP4 Race rides on fully-adjustable Ohlins FGR300 forks up front and an Ohlins TTX 36 GP rear monoshock. An Ohlins steering damper is also standard.
The riding position is fully adjustable, with eight-stage adjustment for the footpegs and three-stage seat height adjustment.
Rider aids include a 15-level traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control, launch control and even a pit lane speed limiter.
The HP4 Race has been homologated to compete in the Endurance and World Superbike (WSBK) championship and a slew of other road racing championships.