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BMW Motorcycles
A dream of many Boxer fans is coming true: BMW
Motorcycles has presented a truly uncompromising, sporting and
exceptionally light enduro - the new BMW HP2, a Boxer built for the
off-road enthusiast and the most demanding tracks in the world.
Purist, but nevertheless stylish and perfectly equipped with the
finest, carefully considered features, the BMW HP2 has everything it
takes for unrestricted riding pleasure off the beaten track and is
perfect as the "basic" machine for amateur enduro motorsport.
More than any other motorcycle, the HP2 capitalizes in full on rough
terrain on the benefits of the Boxer concept with its low centre of
gravity. But at the same time the HP2, with its almost playful
handling, low weight, and high-performance power unit, offers
supreme riding pleasure also on the road. So considering the many
options it offers the rider, the HP2 is the most powerful and by far
the best off-road Boxer of all times.
This brand-new model from BMW Motorcycles was developed by a small
but highly dedicated team of specialists, engineers and mechanics
fully committed to the Boxer and also dedicated in their private
lives to off-road motorsport, working beyond the usual processes of
series development under the simple and straightforward motto that
"only an enthusiastic professional can offer another enthusiastic
professional what he really wants".
In technical terms the BMW HP2 is based on the R 1200 GS. But
tailored in every respect to the needs and preferences of the
ambitious enduro rider, the HP2 is a completely independent, truly
exceptional motorcycle.
The all-new lightweight suspension is based on ample experience
gained by BMW in marathon rallies, with an air/spring/damper system
on the rear wheel proudly entering the world of motorcycling as a
world-first achievement. The engine itself has been optimized for
minimum weight and the entire drivetrain laid out specifically for
off-road use.
Consistent lightweight engineering was indeed the name of the game
with all the components of the new HP2. As a result, overall weight
of the motorcycle in road trim remains below the 200-kilo "sound
barrier", with curb weight according to the DIN standard of 195 kg
or 430 lb. Dry weight, in turn, is a mere 175 kilos or 386 lb.
In conjunction with the new machine's perfect ergonomics, this
guarantees supreme agility and easy control even on the toughest
terrain.
And combined with the low centre of
gravity of the Boxer engine, unparalleled smoothness and
powerful acceleration from the lowest engine speeds, as
well as the motorcycle's excellent balance, the HP2 is
in many cases superior to even the toughest
single-cylinder competitors on difficult, slow trial
tracks. The superior performance and riding stability of
an enduro Boxer on fast sections of off-road terrain, in
turn, are obviously beyond the slightest doubt.
To highlight the sporting enduro qualities of the new
HP2, BMW Motorcycles supports and manages a private
racing team which will be entering the HP2 in various
off-road events such as the German Cross Country
Championship (GCC).
And the rider starring in the BMW Motorcycles team for
the GCC will be last year's winner of precisely this
series, Finnish motorcycle crack Simo Kirssi. Outside of
Germany, the HP2 will be entering both the Baja 500 and
the Baja 1000 in California, and there are plans to
participate in the prologue of the Erzberg Race in
Austria. BMW Motorcycles is supporting private teams in
these cases with the right kind of service, and
naturally provides the motorcycles themselves.
The market launch of the HP2 will be in autumn 2005
worldwide.
HP2 AND BMW Back for Motorsport Action in 2006
Following a superb debut season of competition during
2005, BMW Motorrad’s motorsport team plans to race the
HP2 Enduro at a wide range of international off-road
events in Europe and the United States throughout 2006.
Under the experienced management of team boss, Berti
Hauser, the 2006 line-up has been confirmed and includes
Christian Pfeiffer, Simo Kirssi and Jimmy Lewis – all of
whom have raced the HP2 Enduro before and are hoping to
build on a fantastic debut year with BMW.
2005 had been designated a learning year for this
ground-breaking motorcycle, but even before the market
launch of the HP2 Enduro had taken place, it was being
tested and raced in extreme conditions alongside the
best off-road riders in the world in events such as the
German Cross Country Series (GCC) as well as several
heats of the Austrian (ACC) and Italian (ICC) Cross
Country championships. The legendary Erzberg Rodeo was
also contested, as was the Whitsuntide 24-hour race held
at Neiden, Torgau. Overseas events also included the
Baja 1000, Baja 500 and Vegas-to-Reno races. |
