MUNICH: BMW has announced that it is introducing the HP4 this year and holding field trials in Europe for its near-production prototype of an e-scooter.
The HP4 (HP stands for high performance) is immediately ready for use on the race track ex works, requiring no elaborate modifications. But at the same time it is also being touted as suitable for riding on country roads.
The HP4 is the lightest 4-cylinder supersports bike in the 1000cc class to date, being the first BMW bike to have Launch Control and the first serial production motorcycle to have Dynamic Damping Control.
Weighing 199kg with Race ABS, the HP4 is 2.4kg lighter than the RR because of the use of forged wheels, lighter sprocket carrier, titanium exhaust system and lighter battery.
In addition to the monoposto look there is a dual-section engine spoiler and a tinted windshield. The small, light LED turn indicators are integrated. A multiple colour paint finish in Racing blue metallic/Light white creates a racing-oriented appearance.
The HP4 is also available with a Competition Package that includes carbon engine spoiler, an adjustable HP rider footrest system, folding HP brake and clutch levers, wheels finished in
Racing blue metallic and a sponsor sticker kit.
The HP4 is fitted with the water-cooled 4-cylinder in-line engine of the S 1000 RR with a peak output of 193hp at 13,000rpm and a maximum engine speed of 14,200rpm.
As in the RR, its maximum torque of 112Nm goes on stream at 9,750rpm.
The torque has been perceptibly increased in the 6,000rpm to 9,750rpm range.
In "Rain" mode, there is now a smoother output and torque curve available between 2,500rpm and 8,000rpm.
Unlike the RR, the 4-cylinder in-line engine in the HP4 provides the full output of 193hp at 13,000rpm in all modes - "Rain", "Sport", "Race" and "Slick" - with an identical throttle curve and thus the same response, making it adaptable for the race track.
The Launch Control function provides active support for the rider in "Slick" mode to achieve maximum acceleration from standing - for example on race starts.
Launch Control limits engine torque so as to provide the maximum torque transferable from the rear wheel whenever the front wheel is under no throttle.
This means the rider has to focus less on the throttle because he is controlling acceleration solely using the clutch. In addition, when Launch Control is activated engine torque is reduced as soon as the system detects front wheel lift. This prevents unwanted wheelies when accelerating.
The HP4, which uses a rear tyre in the new format 200/55 ZR 17, allows the rider to make instant gearshifts with virtually no interruption of tractive force by means of the shift assistant, fitted as standard. This helps gain valuable fractions of a second on the race track, too.
As the name suggests, Dynamic Damping Control allows dynamic damping adaptation of the upside-down fork and spring strut to the specific situation on the road.
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, handling long and short shocks in such a way as to provide maximum traction and safety.
The HP4 is a continuation of BMW Motorrad's HP model series founded in 2005 and follows after the boxer models HP2 Enduro, HP2 Megamoto and HP2 Sport.
E-Scooter
The BMW E-scooter, first seen in concept form last year, is ready for trials.
In this pilot phase, the scooter - billed as a commuting machine between the urban periphery and the city centre - is being operated in real conditions of use.
The aim is also to explore the infrastructure, such as establishing a network of e-mobility providers which might include vehicle rental companies and car-sharing firms.
With 11kW continuous output, the "C evolution" has a top speed electronically limited to 120kph. The two-seat scooter has a decent 100km range due to large 8kWh battery capacity.
When the battery is completely flat, BMW says charging time is less than three hours.
It uses the same lithium-ion storage modules as are installed in the i3.
The battery is charged via the integrated charging device, either at a regular household socket or a charging station.
The car-type charging socket - currently the only one of its kind in an electrically powered two-wheel vehicle - is located behind a cover in the footwell at front left.
The charge cable required is housed in a storage compartment on the right-hand side of the footwell. It is fitted with a mains plug to fit the respective national system.
The fact that the charge socket is the identical to the car standard has the advantage that the "C evolution" can be charged at charge stations throughout the United States with integrated charge cable and standardised plug, for example.
This technology is not currently offered by any other electrically powered two-wheeler.
Charge cables with the relevant specifications will be offered in later serial production models so that they can be charged at stations in Europe.
Unlike existing maxi scooters with combustion engine, the so-called "C evolution" scooter does not have a main frame in the usual sense.
chassis design is based on a torsionally stiff hybrid composite structure made up of a load-bearing, torsionally rigid battery case made of cast light alloy with integrated mounting for the single-sided drivetrain swing arm.
Bolted onto this are the steering head support and the rear frame in steel tubing. In urban traffic in particular, the riding experience is characterised by extremely light handling and excellent slow-running properties. The weight of the vehicle is at a level comparable to maxi scooters with a combustion engine.
Wheel control as well as suspension and damping is taken care of at the front by an upside-down fork with a generous fixed fork tube diameter of 40mm.
The rear wheel suspension consists of a single-sided drivetrain swing arm. At the rear, suspension and damping are performed by a spring strut placed on the left-hand side, directly controlled and adjustable at the spring mount. The spring travel is 115 millimetres at front and rear, thereby offering a high degree of comfort.
At the front, the "C evolution" rolls on 5-spoke light alloy 15-inch wheels with low rolling resistance tyres.