You can attack corners with the front seemingly planted to the ground, while the transition to power is smooth and provides a strong kick in the butt on exit, but always a manageable one.

Bottom line
For those with the fortitude to push such a work of art on the track, or to simply ride "The Pace" on interesting roads, the HP2 Sport will provide hours of enjoyment - and never mind the fact that you will be one of the very few riding such an exclusive machine. I can hardly think of a better combination of power, torque, weight and ride. The HP2 will demand the best of the rider to get the most out of the brakes and accelerator on the track. There, the HP2 will push your limits and skill level higher, and that is good.

BMW succeeded to make a strong statement about heritage, image and appeal to the Boxer community.

But that is not to say that there is no dark side to this one: too-narrow mirror placement that makes it almost dangerous to ride anywhere except on an empty highway, high fuel consumption and short range, and no real fuel gauge, just a countdown of remaining kilometres.

On the plus side, the HP2 Sport remains an extraordinary machine in terms of looks, quality of components and manufacture, sound, driveability, performance, fun factor and exclusivity. If BMW wanted to make a strong statement about heritage, image and appeal to the Boxer community, as well as produce a kick-ass bike in the deal, they succeeded in spade.

Sportbike nutters will now have the BMW S 1000 RR to play with in Canada, and good for them. Let us go play and enjoy the performance and character of this unique Boxer.

Hmmm... And if I mounted flat bars and a streetfighter mini-fairing...


Unique looks
Fun torque and power
Faultless quality of components and build
Gear shift assistant
Exclusivity

Low, low clip-ons
Harsh ride on bad roads
Priced to reflect quality, performance and exclusivity



None


Photo Credit : Matthieu Lambert