Anyone got a BMW HP2?
Discussion
Now I have Bob's attention!
Tonight was turn up and ride demo bikes at my local IAM meet at Brands. Was a local Moto Guzzi (amongst other bikes) dealer there, nothing really that took my fancy, but decided to test ride the Stelvio. Very comfortable, and handled fairly well. But was a b
d to change gear, and I seemed to rev the engine out in every gear. Really did not like it at all.
In the meantime the BMW dealer turned up with their bikes. There was a S1000RR, a GS Adventure, GS norma, K1300, HP2 and a big thing - not sure what it was called. I was out at the time, and by the time I joined the queue the S1000 was booked for the evening, so I opted for the HP2.
I only really rode it so I could deride it and take the piss out of the bloke in Russia. However I take it all back! It is one of the best bikes I have ever ridden. I absolutely loved it. Only downside is the obvious mistake with the indicators, but aside from that was stunning to ride. I parked it back up next to the S1000, and I actually think the HP2 is a better looking bike as well.
I am going to the dealer next week for a 2 hour back to back ride of the S1000 and the HP2, to see which one of these would be for me.
I have not been this excited from a test ride of a bike, possibly ever. I think I am still in shock re the capabilities of a BMW sports bike!
Tonight was turn up and ride demo bikes at my local IAM meet at Brands. Was a local Moto Guzzi (amongst other bikes) dealer there, nothing really that took my fancy, but decided to test ride the Stelvio. Very comfortable, and handled fairly well. But was a b
d to change gear, and I seemed to rev the engine out in every gear. Really did not like it at all.In the meantime the BMW dealer turned up with their bikes. There was a S1000RR, a GS Adventure, GS norma, K1300, HP2 and a big thing - not sure what it was called. I was out at the time, and by the time I joined the queue the S1000 was booked for the evening, so I opted for the HP2.
I only really rode it so I could deride it and take the piss out of the bloke in Russia. However I take it all back! It is one of the best bikes I have ever ridden. I absolutely loved it. Only downside is the obvious mistake with the indicators, but aside from that was stunning to ride. I parked it back up next to the S1000, and I actually think the HP2 is a better looking bike as well.
I am going to the dealer next week for a 2 hour back to back ride of the S1000 and the HP2, to see which one of these would be for me.
I have not been this excited from a test ride of a bike, possibly ever. I think I am still in shock re the capabilities of a BMW sports bike!
The current issue of Bike (the one bundled with the 25 years of the Gixxer magazine) has a review of the HP2 Sport in its comparison of sporting twins.
On pretty much every category it was beaten by the other bikes. But the journalist reckoned that it was the best sportbike for the road that you can buy.
Also take a look at this video of Mike Edwards on an R1200S around Cadwell. That's the plain vanilla version of the HP2 with more weight and less power.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5h-GsAB5NU
I was after an R1200S last year (the recession intervened), and asked Mike about them. He said that they could brake a lot later than other bikes due to the Telelever front end, making them rather quick in practice.
Oh, bear in mind that replacement parts for the HP2 Sport are very, very expensive. The rear seat assembly is £1600, and the belly pan is a similar amount, so don't drop it! Plus the engine needs a rather expensive rebuild at 25,000 miles or so.
I'd still have one.
On pretty much every category it was beaten by the other bikes. But the journalist reckoned that it was the best sportbike for the road that you can buy.
Also take a look at this video of Mike Edwards on an R1200S around Cadwell. That's the plain vanilla version of the HP2 with more weight and less power.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5h-GsAB5NU
I was after an R1200S last year (the recession intervened), and asked Mike about them. He said that they could brake a lot later than other bikes due to the Telelever front end, making them rather quick in practice.
Oh, bear in mind that replacement parts for the HP2 Sport are very, very expensive. The rear seat assembly is £1600, and the belly pan is a similar amount, so don't drop it! Plus the engine needs a rather expensive rebuild at 25,000 miles or so.
I'd still have one.
The first line of your post did make me laugh Fats.
I love my HP2, however, I'm ashamed to say that it still only has around 200 miles on it. When I get back home again, I plan to be on it everyday of the week, I'm desperate to put some miles on my baby.
It's a travesty that such a wonderful machine should be sat on paddock stands under a dust cover.
I'll take loads of piccies when I get back too.
I love my HP2, however, I'm ashamed to say that it still only has around 200 miles on it. When I get back home again, I plan to be on it everyday of the week, I'm desperate to put some miles on my baby.
It's a travesty that such a wonderful machine should be sat on paddock stands under a dust cover.
I'll take loads of piccies when I get back too.
jp-speed-triple said:
while on (read off) topic....has anyone ridden the HP2 Enduro? I'd love a play on one to see if stripping a pile of weight off the GS would make it better.
Funny you should mention these, there is a guy with one in Lancaster, I wasn't quite sure what it was when I first saw it. They are supposed to be pretty immense off road.jp-speed-triple said:
while on (read off) topic....has anyone ridden the HP2 Enduro? I'd love a play on one to see if stripping a pile of weight off the GS would make it better.
Have not ridden one, and have just done a quick google, and cannot really see what the bike is designed for! However last enduro I did, there was a guy with a GS450X - that was fairly rapid, or he was!So have BMW got a great stable of bikes? Or is everyone (incl me) getting older? I am interested in lots of their bikes.
However BMW brand does not seem to equal pipe and slippers any more.
bob1179 said:
Have you taken a look at the K1300R? I love it because unlike the S1000RR and HP2 Sport which are civilised (yet quick) sportsbikes, this looks like it will kill you if you look at it the wrong way.
And it's shaft driven.
That was the other bike I wanted to ride last night - but again it was fully booked by the time I got there. As I say - they have quite a stable of bikes now?!And it's shaft driven.
bob1179 said:
jp-speed-triple said:
while on (read off) topic....has anyone ridden the HP2 Enduro? I'd love a play on one to see if stripping a pile of weight off the GS would make it better.
Funny you should mention these, there is a guy with one in Lancaster, I wasn't quite sure what it was when I first saw it. They are supposed to be pretty immense off road.On the road, mental esp with the enduro tyres and wheels on. They are not fast but thoroughly enjoyable.
Off road. Rubbish at slow speed work, gearing too high and the bike is too heavy. Fire tracks and open tracks they are immense however scary as you can wind it on too much.
They have had their issues, particularly the front forks. Height is as well, particularly if you are less than 6 foot. Set up properly, and with an air shock, the height is 970mm before you sit on it. Approx 920mm when your on it. Makes for fun at traffic lights or putting your foot down on or off road.
Would I sell it? not a hope
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