A Strange Brew of Technology and Nostalgia:
BMW's New HP2 Sport

Buell's 1125R may have broken the shackles of the past and embraced water-cooled technology, but BMW has chosen to celebrate its air-cooled boxer heritage with the new HP2 Sport. Based on the R 1200 S, the HP2 is a track-oriented motorcycle that squeezes 128 horsepower from BMW's famously horizontal boxer powerplant, and utilizes drag levers to activate valves which are larger than the R 1200 S's. Intake and outlet are flow-optimized, forged pistons handle increased output, and a stainless exhaust system sits underneath the engine for the first time in a BMW.

Track-oriented bits abound, including MotoGP-style instrumentation with lap data display, forged aluminum wheels, and fully adjustable Öhlins suspension. BMW's proprietary EVO brakes are forgone for radially mounted Brembo monoblocks with four-piston front calipers and an optional ABS system that can be disabled. The HP2 also features "gearshift assistant," which enables quick gear changes without clutch application.

Weighing in at 392 lbs dry, the HP2's capabilities appear potent-- at least on paper-- which leads to the hypothetical question du jour: would you rather plunk down your hard earned cash for one probably pricey HP2 (which should hit showrooms in 2008), or is your idea of air-cooled heaven a couple of Buell Firebolts? Comment away, and check out our BMW HP2 photo gallery.