Motorcycle specifications BMWHP2 1200 Enduro 2007 An enduro BMW

While the Japanese are bringing us affordable supermotards, BMW is springing a surprise (yet again) by unveiling its own take on the sporty trail bike. And not a motorcycle designed with the help of design offices and market research. No, a machine developed by a handful of Bavarian staff enthusiasts. Its name: HP2.

A brand-new name for a bike bearing the propeller logo. It inaugurates a new type of performance-oriented category for the manufacturer. In fact, HP2 stands for "High Performance", the 2 specifying the type of engine - a 2-cylinder Boxer for this trail-enduro-sport bike. A machine designed for discerning customers. And to satisfy them, the HP2 benefits from the know-how of a fine team.

Based on the recent R 1200 GS, the German bike has been thoroughly reworked to create an incredibly light machine for a two-cylinder trail bike of this displacement. Consider that the HP2, fully loaded, weighs in at under 200 kg. Fully unladen, it weighs just 175 kg, the same as a Japanese hypersport. And when you take a closer look at the machine, you'll be amazed. The entire front end is a real eye-opener for the die-hard BMWist: goodbye to the famous Telelever. The HP2 is equipped with a classic, large 45mm inverted fork, which is compulsory because the BMW system doesn't allow as much travel as the 270mm displayed. Specific features of this fork include travel-dependent damping, compression that is not sensitive to anti-calibration adjustment, and a particularly resistant tube coating.

Above, holding the mudguard and encircling the single round headlamp, are 2 very sturdy bars, which can be used if necessary to pull the machine out of a tricky situation.
The instrument panel is taken from the 1200 GS, but without the rev counter. The translucent fuel tank lets you check the fuel level at a glance. The Paralever swingarm has been lengthened by 30 mm compared to the GS, but the rear shock absorber system is most interesting. The spring/damper combination features a completely new pneumatic system. Weighing almost half as much as a conventional system, this element offers a number of advantages, such as greater resistance to overheating, elimination of soiling and suspension bottoming, definite adaptation qualities, improved progressiveness, etc...

The HP2 will be braked by a single front disc. Its hoses are steel-clad, and it will be backed up by the GS's rear brake, but not by ABS, which will be unavailable for the time being.
The mechanics are not left out. The twin-cylinder engine has lost its balance shaft but gained watts - power now stands at 105hp. The gearbox has been strengthened and the exhaust modified. With a more aggressive design, it loses 2 kg and part of its length. On the other hand, there are no plans to fit side cases.

M.B
(manufacturer's photos)