2008 BMW HP2 Review

Intro

BMW Motorrad’s HP2 Sport won rave reviews from BMW fans because of its exciting new engine when it was introduced in 2008. The German motorcycle manufacturer put a powerful and light boxer engine, so named because the crank and rods’ action emulate boxing moves, in this sport bike. Riders like a boxer engine because the ride is much smoother with little or no vibration as compared to a parallel twin or unbalanced V-twin, for example. This essentially means riders can go long distances for long periods of time. The HP2 Sport is based on BMW’s R 1200 S, but with major customization to appeal to endurance riders. Racers will appreciate the gearbox assistant, a new technology that allows shifting without letting up on the gas. The instrument panel includes a lap timer and other information a racer needs to know to be competitive as he speeds around the track.

The HP2 Sport retains the suspensions and shaft drive that BMW is famous for, but after that, almost all components were designed or modified specifically for this motorcycle. The HP2 Sport comes only in white with blue as an accent color, including the wheels. The HP2 also comes in another model, the Megamoto, which is also new for 2008. This naked bike is considered a jumbo supermoto twin that is hot to trot when it hits the supermoto track. The limited edition Megamoto is more expensive than super motards manufactured by other motorcycle companies, so its appeal might be limited pretty much only to racers and riders with deep pockets. The Megamoto is not designed to be ridden long distances since it only has a 3.4-gallon gas tank. No official gas mileage estimates are provided, but riders report getting 30 mpg to 37 mph depending on speed. Both the HP2 Sport and Megamoto are street legal, but are made to carry only a driver.

New For 2008

  • Not applicable as both HP2 models were introduced in 2008.

2008 BMW HP2 Specs

  • Model: HP2 Sport
  • Engine Type: Two-cylinder boxer, two-stroke
  • Bore and Stroke: 101.0 mm x 73.0 mm
  • Compression ratio: 12.5:1
  • Valve Train: Double overhead cam
  • Induction: Electronic intake pipe injection
  • Ignition: Electronic
  • Transmission: Manual, six-speed with overdrive
  • Final Drive: Shaft drive
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.23 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: not available
  • Brakes (Front): Brembo monoblock double disc
  • Brakes (Rear): Brembo monoblock single disc
  • Suspension (Front): Telelever telescopic fork with Ohlins sport spring strut
  • Suspension (Rear): EVO twin-sided swing arm with Ohlins sport spring strut
  • Wheelbase: 58.5 inches
  • Rake: 24.0°
  • Trail: 3.4 inches
  • Seat Height: 32.7 inches
  • Curb Weight:392.4 pounds
  • Tires (Front): 120/70-17 tubeless/li>
  • Tires (Rear): 190/55-17 tubeless

Accessories

  • ABS factory installed

Key Competitors For The 2008 BMW HP2

  • 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1
  • 2008 Buell 1125R
  • 2008 Ducati Superbike 1098
  • 2008 KTM 1190 RC8
  • 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14