BMW S1000RR Sport (2012-current)

New price	£16,000
Used price range	View BMW S1000RR bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	999 cc
Power	193 bhp
Top speed	186 mph
Insurance group	17 of 17

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

As if the standard S1000RR wasn’t good enough already, BMW have made it even faster, lighter and more technologically-advanced, with this HP4 version. The jewel in the HP4’s crown is the new electronic Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) suspension system, which adjusts the rebound and compression damping as you ride along. It gives the BMW the perfect suspension setting whether you’re on a bumpy back-road or hammering around a smooth racetrack.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The 193bhp S1000RR is already the most powerful superbike you can buy - the HP4 has the same peak power, but more midrange torque and full power (instead of 163bhp) in its ‘Rain’ riding mode. The throttle response is even smoother than the revised 2012 S1000RR’s and in its ‘Slick’ riding mode, you can now adjust the traction control via a button on the left bar (in 15 increments).

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Compared to a fully-spec’d S1000RR the HP4 weighs 9kg less, tipping the scales at 199kg. This saving comes from the use of lighter wheels, battery and various ancillaries - as a result the HP4 steers crisper and with less effort. New Monoblic Brembos have more bite and the ABS settings are racier – developed in the German IDM superbike championship. The big improvement to handling comes from the electronic suspension. The suspension is more or less pliable depending on which of the four riding modes you choose, then it adjusts itself depending on the HP4’s road speed, throttle position, lean angle, ABS and TC intervention and rear shock movement. The system is impressive, giving you perfect ride quality, support and control no matter what the conditions.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

As well as the electronic suspension, there’s the new 15-stage traction control system, four riding modes, Brembo Monobloc front calipers, lightweight wheels, racing ABS, quickshifter, 200-section rear Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa SP, mini LEDs, tinted screen and an enclosed bellypan all included in the price. There’s also a ‘Carbon’ HP4 model, with carbon fibre body panels.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The HP4 is beautifully-built and the polished aluminium swingarm is a work of art. Reliability is as good as any Japanese superbike.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

When it comes to power, equipment, electronics, handling and speed, no other superbike comes remotely close to the HP4. When you consider the HP4 is cheaper than the Tricolore version of the Ducati Panigale, it looks to be very good value indeed.

Insurance group: 17 of 17
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2012 – September: press launch of HP4 in Jerez, Spain.

HP4 Carbon

Specifications

Top speed	186 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Max power	193 bhp
Max torque	83 ft-lb
Weight	199 kg
Seat height	820 mm
Fuel capacity	17.5 litres
Average fuel consumption	mpg
Tank range	miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	17 of 17

Engine size	999 cc
Engine specification	16v, inline four-cylinder
Frame	Aluminium twin spar frame. Double-sided aluminium swingarm.
Front suspension adjustment	Electronically-adjustable 43mm upside down forks
Rear suspension adjustment	Electronically-adjustable single rear shock.
Front brakes	2 x 320mm discs with four-piston Brembo monobloc radial calipers. Racing ABS
Rear brake	220mm single disc with twin-piston caliper. Racing ABS
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	200/55 x 17

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