2013 BMW S1000RR HP4 | First Look

PHOTOS: BMW Motorrad

BMW’s awesome S1000RR, the overall winner of our “Class of 2012” superbike comparison and our choice for Sportbike of the Year, wasn’t exactly lacking performance. That didn’t stop the German manufacturer from developing this limited-production, HP4 edition that delivers even more high-speed potency. The HP4 uses the same 999cc, 193-horsepower inline four as the base S1000RR, recalibrated to boost torque between 6000 and 9750 rpm. An all-titanium Akrapovic exhaust cuts 9.9 pounds, and forged-aluminum, 7-spoke wheels slash another 5.3 lbs. Dry weight is claimed at just 372 lbs. (with Race ABS), which singles out the HP4 as the lightest four-cylinder literbike ever, according to BMW.

The big news here, however, is the suspension. The HP4 debuts BMW’s revolutionary Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) active suspension system, making it the first production motorcycle to automatically alter its damping characteristics in direct response to changing riding conditions. Electronically actuated valving that instantly and constantly adjusts compression and rebound damping should result in theoretically perfect suspension action at all times, capable of absorbing big hits without compromising small-bump compliance or high-speed stability.

Dynamic Damping Control is a quantum leap ahead of BMW’s existing Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), or even Ducati’s Öhlins-built electronic suspension. Unlike those systems, which alter damping (and spring preload, in the case of ESA) only when the rider pushes a button, DDC automatically adjusts damping in response to changing riding conditions without any rider input. Adapted from existing BMW automotive technology, DDC utilizes an electronic valve with a variable piston ring to alter the flow of damping fluid in milliseconds, instantly optimizing damping response. Preload is still adjusted manually, using conventional tools.

DDC combines input from spring-travel sensors with data on road speed, lean angle, throttle position and more, then adjusts damping response according to proprietary suspension action “maps.” Baseline settings are 15-level-adjustable to suit various rider weights and riding styles. From there, DDC sensitivity varies in accordance with the riding modes: settings in Rain and Sport modes blend performance and comfort; Race and Slick modes prescribe tighter settings that favor crystal-clear chassis feedback.

BMW made numerous other improvements to the S1000RR’s already comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids, further optimizing the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and switchable Race ABS systems for improved functionality. The four distinct ride modes remain—Rain, Sport, Race and Slick—each cueing DDC, DTC and ABS settings specifically tailored for the specified riding conditions. Unlike the base S1000RR that’s programmed to cut power and blunt throttle response in Rain and Sport modes, however, the HP4 delivers full power and the same aggressive throttle curve in all four modes, for more consistent racetrack performance.

The HP4 finally offers tunable traction control, addressing our biggest complaint about the standard S1000RR that only provides four preset traction-control levels—one for each ride mode. HP4 owners can choose among 15 levels of traction-control sensitivity (in Slick mode only), adjustable on-the-fly using a paddle on the left switchgear, to fine-tune TC intervention according to rider preference or changing conditions. The Slick-mode ABS parameters have also been refined to allow even more aggressive braking, without sacrificing the security of anti-lock brakes. Lastly, an all-new launch control system actively limits torque to eliminate wheelspin and wheelies to enable the most efficient race launches possible.

An all-new dash incorporates additional screens for DDC set-up, DTC adjustment and launch-control activation. BMW’s electronic “shift assistant,” which cuts fuel and spark to allow instant, full-throttle, clutchless upshifts, is standard equipment, as are heated grips, too! No word yet on HP4 pricing, but we anticipate it will be much higher than a fully optioned S1000RR that sells for $16,995. Expect the HP4 MSRP to be closer to the $23,995 Ducati 1199S Panigale, which features electronically adjustable—but not active—suspension.