2013 BMW S 1000 RR HP4

BMW has officially confirmed the existence of the BMW S 1000 RR HP4 high performance model, after it leaked by a European website a week ahead of its debut.

As expected, the lighter, faster and more nimble S 1000 RR will form the basis of BMW's motor sport attack in 2013, and the company claims it is the world's lightest 1000 supersports bike with four-cylinder, tilting the scales at 199kg wet.

Boasting the world's first automatic damping adjustment for a motorcycle, or Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) in BMW speak, the German company explains that the new model will underpin its major motor sport endeavours.

"The HP4 provides the homologation basis for the use of BMW motorcycles in motorcycle racing, especially in the superbike and superstock category," reads the company's press statement.

The biggest technical upgrade to the HP4 is DDC, which "allows dynamic damping adaptation of the upside-down fork and spring strut to the specific situation on the road," says BMW. In other words, it uses various sensors placed around the bike - to measure throttle/brake input, lean angle etc - to determine the optimum damping rates with no intervention from the rider.

"The damping is adapted to the current manoeuvre or road surface by means of sensor-supplied parameters via electrically controlled regulation valves. In this way, the HP4 offers optimum damping in every situation, handling long and short shocks virtually perfectly so as to provide maximum traction and safety," claims the BMW press statement.

The proof will be in the pudding - as the automatic damping may not be to everyone's taste.

Two models will be offered, the BMW S 1000 RR HP4 and the Competition Package upgrade, the latter of which adds lashings of carbon.

Weighing an impressive 9kg lighter than the stock model, due to lighter forged alloy wheels that save 2.4kg, and a titanium exhaust that save 4.5kg, the hi-po BMW sports bike will be fitted with a slightly wider rear tyre, up from a 190 section to a 200/55 ZR 17 hoop.

Other upgrades include a tweaked engine control unit (ECU) that is claimed to deliver more midrange torque. Smaller touches like LED indicators and a new battery also reduce weight, while several adjustments to the traction control settings (including the tweaking of a 'slick' mode) and improved launch control are designed to shave a few tenths of second off rider's lap times.

It also gets a launch control system that features support for the rider in "Slick" mode that allows riders "to achieve maximum acceleration from standing - for example on race starts," says BMW, which says this is the first of its type for a BMW motorcycle.

The full list of BMW S 1000 RR HP4's technical highlights are as follows:

• Fork bridge with engraved number and HP4 logo.
• Lightest 1000 supersports bike with four cylinders: 199 kg
(90% DIN unladen weight).
• Innovative suspension with Dynamic Damping Control DDC.
• Race ABS with IDM setting.
• Dynamic Traction Control DTC with fine adjustment in "Slick" mode.
• Launch Control.
• Adapted wheelie detection.
• New rear wheel tyres, 200/55 ZR 17.
• Shift assistant as standard.
• Light titanium exhaust system with controlled acoustic valve and interference pipe.
• Forged light alloy wheels, anodised in black.
• Radial monoblock brake calipers by Brembo with special brake pads.
• 9x floating brake discs at front.
• Extended, dual-section engine spoiler.
• Seat in monoposto look with passenger seat cover.
• LED turn indicators.
• Tinted windshield.
• Lighter 7 Ah battery.
• Performance-oriented engine set-up.
• Increased torque in the medium engine speed range.

The HP4 Competition Package adds a few more features including adjustable HP foot pegs and folding HP brake and clutch levers. The full list of extras for the Competition Package is as follows:

• Long, closed engine spoiler made of carbon.
• Sponsor sticker kit included.
• Wheels in Racing blue metallic.
• HP Carbon badge carrier.
• HP Carbon tank cover.
• HP brake lever, hinged.
• HP clutch lever, hinged.
• HP rider footrest system, adjustable.

BMW's new S 1000 RR HP4 has been designed for riders who want a top-spec superbike that can go racing with no modifications needed, but still be ridden on the road.

We're still awaiting word from BMW on local pricing and availability of the new model, but it's fair to say it will attract a significant premium over the regular $22,290 price.