2008 BMW HP2 Megamoto
Price: $20,520
Frame
The Megamoto's aggressive mission statement mandates a more substantial frame structure aft of the cylinders and some stout gusset work around the single-sided swingarm pivot. Nixing the trademark Telelever front end puts more structure above the stressed-member engine as well.
Suspension
Adapted from the HP2 Enduro, the 45mm Marzocchi fork loses 4.3 inches of travel for fast pavement work and gains stiffer internals. A top-shelf hlins shock replaces the Enduro's Continental unit, which used air to handle spring and damping duties.
Engine
That's HP as in High Performance, and 2 means two cylinders. BMW claims 8 more horses here than the Enduro version, thanks to 12:1 compression and a new exhaust system complete with dual-chamber Akrapovic muffler that lets the 1170cc boxer exhale more efficiently.
Brakes
The four-pot Brembo front calipers may not look as racy as those on the KTM and Ducati, but they deliver just as much stopping power and better feel. Note 320mm rotors bolted directly to the front wheel, sans carriers.
Tech Spec
Engine type: a/o-c opposed-twin
Valve train: SIHC, 8v
Displacement: 1170cc
Bore x stroke: 101.0 x 73.0mm
Compression: 12.0:1
Fuel system: Bosch EFI
Clutch: Dry, single-plate
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Tubular-steel trellis
Front suspension: 45mm Marzocchi inverted fork, adjustable for compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension: Single hlins shock, adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Front brake: Dual Brembo four-piston calipers, 320mm discs
Rear brake: Single Brembo four-piston caliper, 265mm disc
Front tire: 120/70-ZR17 Michelin Pilot Power
Rear tire: 180/55-ZR17 Michelin Pilot Power
Rake/trail: 28.6/3.7 in.
Seat height: 35.0 in.
Wheelbase: 63.6 in.
Fuel capacity: 3.4 gal.
Weight (tank full/empty): 450/429 lbs.
Measured horsepower: 103.7 bhp @ 7250 rpm
Measured torque: 81.5 lb.-ft. @ 6250 rpm
Corrected 1/4-mile: 11.26 sec. @ 122.56 mph
Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 43/37/41 mpg
Colors: White
Available: Now
Warranty: 24 mo., unlimited mi.
Ergos
The Megamoto's riding position is more Baja 1000 than Daytona 200. Bars are a bit wide, and far enough away to enforce the most upright position here. Tall types will revel in all that room. Everybody else will need a stepladder.
Dyno
Those peaks and valleys in the boxer's torque curve are more obvious to the dyno than they are to the seat of your pants. But beyond 5500 rpm output gets serious by any measure until both curves nose over again at 7000.