Motorcycles born from the racetrack have been a staple in the sportsbike category since the 1980s and ‘90s. We’ve seen the likes of the Yamaha RD500LC, the Suzuki RG500, and the Honda RC30 offer everyday road riders the chance to feel what it’s like to ride something similar to their racing heroes on TV. This was stepped up in the late 2000s with the launch of the Ducati Desmosedici RR, and again in 2015 when Honda revealed the RCV213V-S. Then in 2017, it was BMW’s turn.

BMW launched its track-only, eye-wateringly expensive (£68,000!) superbike spec weapon, the HP4 Race three years ago. Only 750 of the models were built in a 12 month production run, each one individually crafted by a small and highly specialised team.

In terms of engine, electronics and suspension, the HP4 Race was in the same category as factory S 1000 RR world superbike racing machines of the same year, even going a step further than its racer equivalent with its all-carbon fibre frame. Adding to its impressive credentials was its fully wet weight. At just 171kg, it was even lighter than the bikes lining up on the world superbike grid, and only a fraction heavier than fully-fledged grand prix racers competing in MotoGP!

Carbon fibre… everywhere

It’s impressive performance on the scales was thanks to a carbon fibre monocoque main frame, self-supporting rear frame and carbon fibre wheels. BMW Motorrad became the first motorcycle manufacturer in the world to construct a main frame made entirely of carbon fibre and it weighed just 7.8kg! Both front and rear wheels were light too, offering a weight reduction of nearly 30 per cent compared to standard wheels.

For its aesthetics, carbon fibre fairings were used, along with the intake silencer cover and the seat hump, finished off in the BMW HP Motorsport colours. A hand-brushed aluminium fuel tank sealed with a clear finish completed its pure racing look.

Suspension and brakes

No expense was spared from BMW when choosing components for the HP4 Race. It was designed to be a full-on race bike that anyone with enough cash in the bank could buy, so that meant using equipment directly from the world’s top two-wheeled racing series.

Both the fancy Öhlins upside-down forks and the rear shock were identical parts being used in the Superbike World Championship and in MotoGP at the time. The light alloy underslung swingarm was another part borrowed straight from the factory superbike. And yes, you guessed it, the HP4 Race’s stopping power came from its superbike big brother too, in the form of top of the range Brembo monoblock brake calipers.

Electronics

The HP4 Race came with an enormous package of electronics and rider aid systems to help riders tame and handle all 215bhp and included with each electronic setting was a wide range of set-up options to cater for different track layouts and surface conditions.

Arguably the ‘coolest’ of the rider aids was the audible Dynamic Traction Control system, so you, the track day spectators and fellow riders on track could hear when you were really giving it some! Also included in the suite of customisable electronics was engine brake and wheelie control, which could be individually programmed for each gear according to rider preference, if you so wished. Other race derived electronic features that were included on the HP4 Race was a pit lane limiter and launch control.

Engine and gearbox

The engine which powered the HP4 Race was a purebred racing engine with very similar specifications used in both world endurance and superbike championships in 2017. At its peak, the powerplant produced 215 bhp at 13,900 rpm, and achieved maximum torque of 120 Nm at 10,000 rpm. The engine rev limit was also increased compared to its baby brother’s, the road going S 1000 RR, from 14,200 rpm to 14,500 rpm. To compliment the engine and to help it achieve its full potential on track, the boffins at BMW Motorrad used a six‑speed close-ratio racing gearbox to complete the set up.

Verdict

All thing’s considered, the HP4 Race was a stunning feat of engineering. It was a showpiece from BMW that proved the German firm’s manufacturing skill, and it gave people with enough money the opportunity to own the closest thing to a World Superbike that you could ride on a track day, albeit a European one due to the UK’s noise restrictions. When you consider all of its expensive components, impressive use of carbon fibre, and trick electronics, that original £68,000 price tag doesn’t look too bad – especially as they are likely to remain highly coveted for years to come!

Five HP4 Race highlights 

• All-carbon fibre monocoque frame, weighing just 7.8kg
• Self-supporting carbon fibre rear frame with three-stage height adjustment
• Carbon fibre wheels, offering a weight reduction of 30 per cent compared to alloy forged wheels
• World championship race-spec Öhlins forks and rear shock
• Customisable electronic rider aids