HP2 Sport – My evaluation so far.
Current Mileage: 250
First of all, this bike does not feel like any other BMW boxer I’ve ever ridden. (I’ve ridden all except for the 1200S).
Rider: 5’8” tall. 17.5st of solid lard.
Riding position:
Very similar to a GSXR100 K5/6/7, but not as extreme as my old ZX-10R’s, or the Ducati 999 or 1098. It’s comfortable and suits me fine with settings on standard (You can adjust the foot rests and foot controls, the clip-ons, levers and front and rear ride height to suit if necessary).
Handling:
This handles unlike anything I’ve ever ridden before. This bike is very light at less than 200kg fully wet. But on the move, it feels even lighter, carrying its weight very low.
The ride is quite firm but very plush and well damped. The steering is very light and responsive and changes direction very quickly through the twisties. With the Ohlins shocks working well with the front Tele-lever and rear Para-lever suspension. I was never a great fan of Michelin tyres. However, the HP2S is fitted with Pilot Sport 2CT’s. Which so far on these cold damp roads, I’m very impressed with.
Under hard acceleration out of bumpy corners, the front end can get a bit light. But the steering damper keeps it under control (unlike my ZX-10R which used to get very flighty).
This is the best handling bike I’ve ever ridden.
Performance:
The motor is a peach.
Pull in the very light clutch and nudge the gear lever into first. The gear engages silently. The bike is very easy to launch, requiring very few revs. However, If you gas it off the lights, the front wheel lifts very easily (even with my bulk hunched over the bars). The engine spins up very quickly and has loads of grunt and mid range.
Now its time to change to 2nd gear. Keep the throttle open and accelerating hard, nudge the lever up and there’s a pop from the exhaust, 2nd gear engages seamlessly almost like an automatic, no clutch required for up changes. The front wheel lifts again, so I short shift through to 6th and I’m cruising at 100mph, with the revs reading 5200rpm (red line is 9500rpm). Engine as smooth as silk, I could stay here all day (but I don’t because I’m in the UK and I’m running her in).
Gearbox:
This really the tour de force feature on the HP2S.
All BMW bikes R’s or K’s have agricultural gearboxes compared to other brands.
But the close ratio gearbox on the HP2S is simply outstanding. The action is very light and positive. No clunks or false neutrals and the cutch action is very light (when required).
A special mention has to go to the Quick Shifter though. This is my favourite feature on the bike. Up changes can be performed without the clutch, and under soft or hard acceleration, just keep the power on and nudge the lever. There’s a pop from the exhaust (this is addictive and sounds great) and next gear is engaged without any clunks or drama; Totally Awesome.
Brakes:
The Brembo Monoblocks are also outstanding to use.
They have monster stopping power, but they don’t bite and have loads of feel. One finger is all that’s needed under normal braking.
Digital Dash
This is another superb piece of kit. It has several different road and race modes.
The standard road mode displays revs, speed, gear position, current time, engine temp., 2x trip metres and fuel miles remaining.
Any criticisms?
Only one so far.
The mirrors are useless. They don’t vibrate, but all I can see is my elbows. No different from most sports bikes I’ve ridden though.
I’m hoping to put another 300 miles on her tomorrow, on some dry roads with luck.
Then once the first service has been done I’ll really start to open her up and explore the engine performance.
Brian
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