Sweet Rides - 2018 BMW HP4

BMW HP4 - Race is exactly what the label says, a racing version of the S1000 RR superbike, a streetbike in name only of which just 750 examples will be hand-built in BMW Motorrad’s Spandau skunk works to satisfy FIA eligibility requirements.

The upside is that a few lucky (and very wealthy) enthusiasts will get the chance to ride this extraordinary machine on track days (it's not street legal) let’s face it, a close-ratio ‘box and ultra-short gearing do not make for happy commuting anyway.

The engine is handbuilt to specifications 6.2 and 7.2 of the FIA Endurance and World Superbike regulations, delivering a quoted 158kW at 13 900 revs and 120Nm at 10 000rpm, with its rev limit raised from 14 200 to 14 500rpm. A six speed close-ratio racing gearbox is standard and the bike comes with a range of front and rear sprockets in the box.