2009 BMW HP2 Review

BMW, the German automobile and motorcycle manufacturer, introduced two HP2 models in 2008: the Megamoto and the Sport. These models were carried over for 2009. In BMW’s nomenclature, HP stands for High Performance, and both of these bikes owe something to the company’s racing experience.

BMW has been using its flat-twin engine since the 1930s. In the Megamoto and HP2 Sport, the engines have been tweaked and tuned, so the bikes are powered by 1170cc, air-and-oil-cooled, four-stroke motors. The Megamoto, based on an Enduro the company released in 2006, has an OHV configuration; the Sport has dual overhead cams, and both are fuel-injected. The six-speed gearbox works with a hydraulically-operated dry single-plate clutch and BMW’s tried-and-true shaft final drive. Shifting is abetted by an electronic sensor that adjusts engine power as soon as the rider touches the shift lever.

A Telelever telescopic fork with adjustable preload and rebound damping handle the road bumps in front on the Sport; the Megamoto has a Marzocchi air-adjustable inverted fork with rebound damping. The rear suspension for both models is a Paralever single-sided swing arm with an adjustable spring preload Ohlins shock and rebound damping. Stopping power comes from Brembo 12.6-inch dual hydraulic discs in front and 10.4-inch single discs in back. Factory installed ABS is an option.

The standard instrumentation for both models includes a clock, fuel gauge, speedometer, tachometer, and odometer, as well as a trip computer. The Sport model also offers a lap timer for those who want to take the bike onto the track – an environment that reviewers consider it ideally suited for, especially since BMW made it easy to shed street equipment to make it race ready. (Reviewers commented that the Sport’s mirrors were virtually useless on the street, which might be a side effect.) Both bikes weigh 438 pounds with fuel and oil; the Megamoto, with a wheelbase of almost 64 inches, is a few inches longer than the Sport. The Megamoto’s steel frame is exposed; the Sport’s is sheathed in carbon fiber – and it came in just one color: BMW white with blue trim. Both machines get high marks for great looks, maneuverability, and, in the words of one reviewer, ""superb fun.""