2017 BMW HP4 Race

Anyone who's been into sportbikes in recent years is likely familiar with BMW's sportbike offering, The S1000RR. From the time of its initial debut in 2009, the bike was a big hit in the sport riding community. It briefly held the title of worlds fastest production bike and was the platform inwhich BMW unveiled many new rider assist technologies that were pretty ground breaking. While the body hasn't changed much, the bike has received various upgrades over the years including the HP4 model being a special, track focused version of the S1kRR. Keith Code, author of "Twist of the Wrist (1&2)" and founder/CEO of the "California Superbike School", is arguably the most respected track instructor on the planet, having literally written the handbook on how to ride. His school is hands down the best track training money can buy and it speaks volumes about the S1000RR that Mr. Code selected this bike to be the one used at his riding school. A fleet of them infact.

So hot on the trail of Ducati's 1299 SuperLeggera, an very exclusive race-bred superbike with carbon frame, subframe and wheels, BMW has just debuted the latest version of their already impressive S1000RR, The 2017 BMW HP4 Race. The HP4 race also sports a twin-spar carbon fiber frame, sub frame and wheels, as well as a complete set of carbon track bodywork. Many peoples biggest complaint about the S1000RR, aside from the price tag is the asymmetrical headlights which this new model fortunately lacks. The tail section of the bike has clearly been modified and appears to be more track oriented than the road going model, although the design team at BMW opted to keep the famous and iconic "shark gill" openings on the right fairing.

Bmw has clearly made a major effort to make this bike as light as possible and many people including myself are anxious to see the Bikes official specs. Very few other details have been released, no price, no production numbers or release date outside of the manufacturer stating the bike would be available in the second half of 2017. It's clear in photos that the HP4 race has Brembo calipers, and will probably have top of the line components all around. I would be shocked if it didn't come with Ohlins suspension. The building with carbon trend is one that I 100% support and hope is one that becomes cheaper and more accessible in the future. So until more info is made public we can at least admire this gorgeous new bike in all it's shiny carbon glory.