BMW HP2 MEGAMOTO (2007 - 2010) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
---|---|
Power: | 113 bhp |
Seat height: | Tall (35.0 in / 890 mm) |
Weight: | Low (392 lbs / 178 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe The BMW HP2 Megamoto’s £12,595 price tag is ridiculously high and will stop most of us from ever experiencing it, which is a great shame. The HP2 Megamoto is far more agile, powerful and fun than you’d ever imagine just by looking at it and a million miles away from being a common or garden Steady-Eddie BMW. If only BMW made their sportsbikes like this, they’d have the Japanese quaking in their boots; it really is that good.
Watch the BMW HP2 Megamoto take on the KTM 990 Supermoto and the Ducati Hypermotard
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineUnlike most BMW’s the HP2 Megamoto isn’t blighted with Telelever front suspension or ABS-assisted brakes. The net result of this is there’s lots of confidence-inspiring feel through the front end going into corners (which the Televeler bikes have very little of) and lots of braking power (BMW’s ABS always seems to chime in too soon). Not only this, if you fancy ‘backing it in’, supermoto-style there’s no ABS to stop you. Like we say, if their sports bikes were built like this, BMW would on to a winner. Supple suspension a soft seat and a tall riding position means the HP2 Megamoto is supremely comfy too.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityBig BMW boxer twins are usually big on grunt but low on excitement, but the BMW HP2 Megamoto’s hand-assembled and blueprinted fuel-injected 1170cc motor couldn’t be more different. Although this motorycle still has loads of low-down torque and an immaculate throttle response for lazy, everyday riding the engine has lots of zing and a healthy appetite for revs, which gives it a very un-BMW-like wild side. The way the it pops and bangs through the Akrapovic can on the overrun is pure theatre.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe best way to describe the BMW HP2 Megamoto is that it is reassuringly expensive. It is a lot of money but the words reliability, dependability and quality go hand in hand with BMW. It’s built like a giant Tonka Toy, but if anything was ever to go wrong with it while you’re out riding, BMW over free two-year roadside recovery anywhere in Europe; if they can’t get you going, they’ll send you a car to finish off your journey instead.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentCosting well over 12 grand the BMW HP2 Megamoto isn’t good value for money; it is just a glorified supermoto when it comes down to it. Yes, the performance is electrifying, it’s well put together and big, big fun but this is an eight grand motorcycle not a twelve grand one. Find a BMW HP2 Megamoto for sale.
Equipment
As far as supermotos go, the BMW HP2 Megamoto is very well appointed and extremely well built. It has a maintenance-free shaft drive system, which you never notice when you’re riding, as well as Ohlins rear suspension, a carbon fibre tank cover and an Akrapovic exhaust can. Compare and buy parts for the BMW HP2 Megamoto in the MCN Shop.
Specs |
|
Engine size | 1170cc |
---|---|
Engine type | 8-valve boxer-twin, 6 gears |
Frame type | Tubular steel frame |
Fuel capacity | 13 litres |
Seat height | 890mm |
Bike weight | 178kg |
Front suspension | Preload, rebound, compression |
Rear suspension | Preload, rebound, compression |
Front brake | 2 x 320mm discs |
Rear brake | 265mm disc |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 in |
Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 in |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
Average fuel consumption | 35 mpg |
---|---|
Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | - |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
Max power | 113 bhp |
---|---|
Max torque | 84 ft-lb |
Top speed | 140 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 11.8 secs |
Tank range | 100 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2007 – Model introduced
Other versions
BMW HP2 Enduro
Owners' reviews for the BMW HP2 (2007 - 2010)
1 owner has reviewed their BMW HP2 (2007 - 2010) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW HP2 (2007 - 2010)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
Overall rating: | |
---|---|
Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
Having ridden for 30 years I've tried mega bikes with the'rush' of acceleration and sports bikes that tempt me to an early grave but realised that its the fun that counts, not the ultimate speed. So, having run a Megamoto for a couple of months this is my experience and it isn't exactly what the press said. Firstly comfortable it ain't. I weigh 15 stone before my kit and the shock needs virtually all preload wound off (with BMW's badly fitting c-spanner) to avoid a very jarring ride and achieve the recommended sag. Fuel range bad and getting worse; 'reserve' light at 65 miles and pushing by 100 miles. Quality disappointing with tarnished fittings after one wet ride/wash and headlight pointing to the sky with no means to adjust better (since fixed by the dealer with a file). So why 4 stars you may ask? Well, its an absolute hoot to ride. So easy to steer at any speed like its hard-wired to your brain, and hugely stable apart from the little wiggle on the h'bars (which you come to trust) on full throttle / max revs. If you enjoy exploring lean angles, you have to try one of these. It simply encourages you to take each bend sharper than needed, even on unknown roads. Its that easy. Whilst the chicken strips have gone now, the tyres do not inspire as much confidence as those on the bike I tested. It comes fitted as standard with Michelin Power and I think it warants Power CTs for extra reassurance and feel. After all, I'm unlikely to wear out the CTs with that fuel range... The engine is a peach too if you appreciate twins, spinning free and fast (no balance shafts?) like no other BMW I've ridden before. Value for money is worth pondering. Sure the head says you can get more for your money, but more of 'what'? Performance yes, quality probably, but the fun, the feel good, the good old satisfaction can't be doubted. So recommended overall. Maybe just wait to they drop in price, as no doubt they will. After all, HP2 Enduros are being advertised for under 8 grand already.