ratchet206

WARNING: I am completely irrational when it comes to bikes (and cars)... Don't try to confuse me with the facts, I've already voted with my wallet.


Obviously I had a choice; I could have gotten the S1000RR which is cheaper, just as 'impractical', and pretty in an off-beat kind of way... Much like the HP2 Sport. I don't doubt that the S1000RR is an amazing bike and I'm excited to ride a demo model once everyone has had their turn. I am very happy to see that it's attracting new riders to the brand and I hope we see the return of BMW triples (like my old K75) spawned off of this bike. The problem is that, aside from the impressive numbers, it does nothing for me. I've seen all that it offers before, in other bikes/brands.


The HP2 Sport on the other hand is basically the best 'real' BMW you can get that uses very traditional BMW design elements (longitudinally mounted boxer engine, shaft drive, flappy-paddle turn signals) blended with modern toys (DOHC, ABS, QuickShift, Carbon Fiber). It's not a daily rider, just something fun for the weekends and it puts a huge smile on my face when I take it out, like most R-series bikes do. I also like that no one really knows what it is; I can't ride it anywhere without someone asking if it's the new BMW race bike.


Don't get me wrong, I love technology and modern bike designs (my K1200S being an example of an amazing sport-touring bike packed with tons of tech toys) and the power delivery/smoothness of an inline-4 is unbeatable (maybe an inline-6) on a bike. I can (and have) ridden all day on the K1200S and love it. I'd never pick a boxer engine (or an aggressive race bike) for those kinds of rides, despite options available in both configurations. BMW choose to take many common design ideas from other bikes because they work well to produce a light and powerful racing bike and it makes perfect sense.


In short, the HP2 Sport provides a very unique and very 'BMW' experience that you just won't find on any other bike.

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ratchet206

And to un-thread-jack... I'm told the new software patch is optional for existing owners, and after the break-in period automatically resets the redline. No need for a visit to BMW to have then change it back.

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Avboden

I've heard very specifically that the restriction must be removed by the dealer at 600miles. It's the cars where it goes back to normal automatically.

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ratchet206

So 'no one knows' for sure. Ah well, if you have that bike and are balking at 1/2 hour labor charge (if they charge for that at all) then you'll be really butt-hurt when the real service bills come in. It's not a big deal.

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