BMW HP4 (2012 - 2014) Review

Version: Non Carbon Model

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £200

Engine, performance, electronics and those boz eyed looks as well as superb braking and handling once set up are amongst the best features of this Bavarian bullet. Downsides... eeerrr engine vibrates a little, paint finish on the HP4 wheels and no auto blipper( yes i know i can retro fit one) and some people don't like the boz eyes ( of the bike not me) It was my dream bike when it came out and i must have bought and read every single road test a zillion times over and still have a copy in the toilet now! No don't by one (joke) cus the prices are going up and there are a few very low mileage examples that are fetching top dollar. Make sure the bike fits you and your shape. I loved mine but i was never comfortable on it with certain clothing i.e waterproofs. I felt restricted with the low bars and to top it off the screen is too low. I did a few long jaunts and could hardly walk afterwards ( must be an aged thing though) I found it a pain in the neck around town but the pose value was worth it. Don't forget to bolt it down as it won't be there when you come back!

Buying experience: I bought from a main dealer at the beginning of the first and not so famous lock down. I searched all over the country and annoyed plenty of sales people if they would let me in (well it was my hard earned dough) as i wanted full history with service invoices too. I saw plenty of ex race stuff with replaced fairings and bits n bobs. At the time i got a really good deal and 2 year main dealer warranty with a year break down cover. I was expecting a better service to be honest and didn't slate them at all. But, they flately refused to do any paint work ( stone chips on the wheels and scuffs on seat pod) They assured me the bike would be cleaned and polished as i saw it, after the inital video, not long after it had arrived. Did they hell, it was dirtier than me after a hunting trip in the sticks and full of hand prints and a kilo of grease off the belly pan( from the bike not me)

Year: 2014

Excellent bike and does what it says on the tin. real bargain if you are looking for a very fast bike for the track- or road.

Version: Carbon

Year: 2013

Only just got the bike, so will add to this review later if possible. First impressions - no fuel gauge, less torque than GSXR-1000 k6, until you hit the power band. Brake bite amazing, couple of fingers on the front brake and it will haul you to a stop. Electronics package although early tech for that sort of stuff, still incredible. On the road the traction control/abs and anti wheelie all work together even when pushing it. With a side benefit being plush suspension. It really is smooth, making doing distance on this thing easy. Wind protection is the best I have experienced. Being a taller rider 6ft 3. That is a really good thing. Peg position is also really good. If anyone has the standard RR and is considering rear sets, just do it if you are tall. You won’t regret it. Engine, it’s a cracker. Coming from a Suzuki GSXR-1000, it actually feels less torquey below about 3,750rpm then it let’s loose. Frees up and revs quickly, at around 8,000rpm it gets rapid. The sound is pretty addictive, even with the standard acropovic system, it’s still pretty loud and fun. The clutch is nice and light, so taking off above 4,000 rpm isn’t a problem. In summary. Amazing. A mate has ridden it, and said it rides like a 600, being able to flick it around, where it feels lighter than the GSXR, even though it’s the same weight within +>-2kg. It is so easy to ride. Cuts through the air better than any sports tourer I’ve ridden or other superbikes. A-B can be ridden very quickly, you can throw this thing about, the suspension soaking up the bumps and the electronics keeping the rubber in contact with the road means you can concentrate on really enjoying yourself. Heated grips as standard is also really nice.

Buying experience: Motoline, lower Farringdon (near Alton). Great experience. Cannot recommend highly enough, great customer service. And Bahnstomer, the main BMW dealer right by them, very helpful and friendly. Have a look online at Motoline, they get lots of interesting bikes in.

Version: HP4 Carbon

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £150

Far and away the best bike I've ever owned or ridden. Outrageously fast, but also feels safe and secure.

Buying experience: Bought from a main dealer. No issues.

Version: Carbon

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £150

Beautifully put together, fairing and associated carbon and plastics are solid. Stunning looking head turning machine, the Blue/white and carbon parts are perfect. Handling and brakes are as good as you'll get, two finger on the front brake lever are all you need. Photographs don't do it justice. Worst features..I don't like the longish can, swapped it for a much shorter 3 inch Delkevic open can...can't think of anything else so far.

Buying experience: Purchased from Dealer, positive experience.

Maybe I'm just lucky. Had a 2010 S1000RR and never had a thing go wrong with it. Just upgraded to the HP4, and impossibly, it's better in nearly every respect. The handling is even sharper, the mid range even harder, the suspension - well, I thought it would be sales hype, but what a difference. Open it up, and it literally tkes my breath away (and that's just in Sport /Race. . . haven't graduated to 'Slick' yet). Best bike I have ever owned, by some distance - and heated grips too!

Whilst the s1000rr has fantastic amounts of power, is easy any light to flick around any twisty road or track the build quality is just shocking. A recent survey on one s1000rr forum showed that only 2 out of every 30 owners haven't had part or engine issues... Ive had to have the sump replaced along with chain and petrol cap and my bike is only six months old and never been ridden in the rain.... Such a shame especially after paying so much...