Although I’ve previously owned motorcycles from European manufacturers Ducati and Aprilia, I’d never even ridden a BMW motorcycle until now. I guess it was the conservative styling and air-cooled boxer engines that put me off. However, BMW is in the process of revamping its image. It recently introduced the HP2 range of motorcycles and is embarking on a full program of World Superbike racing in 2009 with the new in-line four cylinder BMW S1000 RR.
Going head-to-head with the big-four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers in a race series that sits at the pinnacle of production competition seems courageous at best. Some might even say it’s foolhardy. (For the full story and updates, see www.eurotuner.com)

However, BMW has consistently shown it’s not prepared to take a supporting role, and its engineering prowess is beyond reproach. So if the ambitious Germans claim they will beat the Japanese manufacturers, along with the powerful European teams from Ducati and Aprilia in World Superbike Championship, who would argue with them.
During the introduction of the F01 BMW 750i in Germany this autumn, I had the opportunity to share a dinner table with Dirk Arnold, one of BMW’s senior communications managers. While the conversation centered on the new car, our shared interest in motorcycling eventually came to the fore. Learning that he was coming to Los Angeles for the auto show, I extended an invitation to explore the local canyon roads during his visit. And despite a busy schedule of new car launches, including the BMW 750i and 335d, as well as the Mini E, Dirk managed to squeeze in time for some two-wheeled action.
The day was perfect – high-70s with clear skies – and Dirk didn’t arrive empty-handed. He was accompanied by Manfred Poschenrieder from BMW AG and Tom Plucinsky from BMW North America. They also had a brace of bikes, including the 105hp BMW R 1200 GS, a pair of 113hp HP2 Megamotos and the 130hp HP2 Sport.
The Sport is one of those bikes you read about, but never expect to be handed the keys to one. So I jumped at the chance to swing a leg over.
The $25000 HP2 Sport boasts carbon bodywork, Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes and forged wheels. It’s also the first bike I’ve ridden with ABS, which is a $1000 optional extra and one that performed imperceptibly, as you’d expect from BMW.
The same air-cooled 1170cc boxer twin powered all three bikes. Their different outputs reflected the intentions of each motorcycle, with the Sport naturally being the most powerful. And while the motor didn’t rev as hard as many bikes I’ve owned, the unrelenting wave of torque encouraged short shifting. Once I adapted my riding style to get the most from the engine, the HP2 Sport was as fast as anything I’d ridden, including my recently stolen R1 – a blast up to 150mph proved it was no slouch.
Horsepower was only part of the story, though. It was actually the Sport’s unbelievable stability that really surprised me. Although not a GP rider by any means, I found myself needing to back-off the throttle mid-corner to avoid running into the rear of more experienced riders. The HP2 Sport flatters any rider, thanks to its wonderful agility. The Ohlins suspension ensures nothing puts the machine off your chosen line, yet allows for mid-corner adjustment without complaint.
The more upright riding position, wider handlebars and higher center of gravity gives the rider confidence to tip the Sport into any corner at speeds our sportsbike-mounted companions were uncomfortable to match. I found I was also able to get on the power harder and earlier than they were, thanks to the Sport being in a higher gear. This was necessitated by its lower rev band and higher torque output, but made it very relaxing to ride since fewer gear changes were needed.
Despite the HP2 Sport’s incredible ability, and the increasing belief in my own talents, I was unable to break away from my BMW companions on the less powerful Megamotos or R 1200 GS.
Whenever I’d back-off the throttle as I caught riders in the turns, I’d glance in my mirrors to check I wasn’t going to be rear-ended myself. And looming large would be a Megamoto-mounted German. And the towering Tom riding the GS was right on his shoulder!
If I’m honest, I regret not riding the Megamoto. It looked great fun and seemed to lack nothing in terms of power or handling. However, I assessed my chances of ever riding another HP2 Sport and decided to prolong the experience!
I have to thank Tom, Dirk and Manfred for making the day such an unforgettable experience. Sadly, I’m not in their league in terms of riding experience, but I do have access to the canyons 365 days a year, while all three are busy shoveling snow from their doorstep right now!

As good as it was, a day with the HP2 Sport leaves several questions unanswered: Just how good will the S 1000 RR superbike be? Can BMW match the ridiculous power and low weight of the Japanese 1000cc superbikes, yet retain the user-friendly characteristics that define current BMW motorcycles? And will they be able to tackle the European WSB teams from Ducati and Aprilia?
I’ll be on the edge of my seat on 1 March when the 2009 World Superbike season kicks of in Australia to see if they can really be competitive out of the box. But with riders like Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus in the saddle, you know they stand a fighting chance.