2017 BMW HP4 Race onboard at COTA

It’s another new-bike ride with Zack! We know you’ve probably already binged on European coverage of this bike, but when we had an opportunity to ride the bike we made sure Zack brought along his camera and took you along for the ride. As usual, please feel free to suggest a bike you want to see featured here. If we get enough comments, we’ll try to get him on that one next.
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The BMW HP4 Race is what dreams are made of-and not the grown-up kind of dreams, where your checkbook is balanced and your Christmas shopping is finished early. I’m talking about crazy, adolescent dreams. Building vehicles out of Legos and imagining impossible feats: “It flies and can go underwater and has 900 horsepower!” That’s kind of what it feels like to spool up the HP4 Race’s 215 hp
BMW engineers started with the already potent S1000RR, a showroom thunderbolt that has all but ended the race for the most powerful superbike. The HP department in Bavaria breathed on the engine with a race-level tune, full exhaust, and squeezed even more juice out of the same 999cc. BMW claims 215 hp from the HP4 Race (16 more than the 199 claimed from the S1000RR). The chassis got even more exotic treatment-replacing the aluminum twin-spar frame with one made from carbon fiber. That saves 9 pounds alone, and combined with carbon wheels, bodywork, a special swingarm, plus the fact that there are no lights, blinkers, or street equipment, the HP4 Race shed around 80 pounds. BMW claims it weighs 378 pounds ready to ride (as opposed to the S1000RR’s 458 pounds).
The costs of the bike are staggering too. It’s safe to say that $78,000 is a lot to pay for a motorcycle, but in speaking with the project leader for the HP4 Race I learned that BMW spends an awful lot on each bike. He explained that the fork from Öhlins is about $12,500, the shock is $3,500, the wheels are about $4,500 a set, the brake calipers from Brembo are $5,000, and the swingarm from Suter is $17,000. So more than $42,000 invested and that’s without a frame, engine, dash, or bodywork.
We know from measuring the S1000RR on our scales and dyno that the numbers are realistically around 472 pounds and between 180 and 185 hp. Still, if you apply the same error factor to the HP4 Race numbers it’s still a sub-400-pound machine with nearly 200 hp at the wheel. And that starts to explain why it almost wheelied over on the back straight at COTA-at the top of fifth gear. Even as silly as those Lego vehicles I made were, and how horrifying they would have been to use, riding the HP4 Race was definitely more a dream than anything.
Full story here: www.motorcyclistonline.com/ri...
This bike by the numbers:
Base Price: $78,000
Displacement: 999cc
Claimed Wet Weight: 378 lbs (171.4 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 4.6 gal (17.5 L)
Seat Height: 32.1 / 33.3 in. (816 / 846 mm)
Claimed Power: 215 @ 13,900 rpm
Claimed Torque: 88 lb.-ft. @ 10,000 rpm
For more info on the HP4 Race check out: www.cycleworld.com/2017-bmw-h...
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[@02Guffy]

I giggled like a school girl through this whole video and then full on belly laughed at the full front stretch wheelie at the end. Bravo Zach. I need to sell a child now.

[@JohnnyWooh]

Casual wheelie all the way down the start finish straight nbd hahaha. You're awesome, Zack.

[@650ib]

I freaking ♥️♥️♥️ that bike! Nice seeing you Rip that bike Zack! 💪💪💪💯

[@SuperChiefer84]

650ib When are you adding one to the stable ib?

[@dexterjackson1545]

Dexter Jackson money motorcycle shop

[@char.s1ksmashing444]

This bike still has the crown for litter bikes. Seen one at long beach bmw and. Until you see in person dont understand

[@DukerBoyYoutube]

This lap reminded me or the footage of the HP4 Race from the isle of man TT this year ... just a amazing package

[@streetdreamsstreetbi]

DukerBoy nothing in life come close to to peter hickman beating on that thing on a parade lap at the isle of man ❤️❤️❤️❤️🚀🚀🚀🚀😎😎😎

[@adamswain5772]

I love how honest and straightforward your videos are. Your joy for riding really shows through. Keep up the good work.

[@diegsp]

This is peak Zack Courts right here. Absolutely love it and everything you guys do.

[@akashjayadev3923]

Just watching that was exhilarating! You guys have the best jobs ever

[@gauravghosh001]

O my my my what a ride Zack ... I just love the fact that while u make the bike scream u still have the time to talk n review ... As if it's just like walking in a park ... Bravo Man !! Gr8 review n ride

[@GETUPANDGO]

Damn, that was awesome, I got tingles from just the sound alone

[@wuxushalion]

This video, is amazing! Love the sound of that bike, and the look!

[@SolivG]

Great job Zack. Amazing review. The fact you can talk through it whilst pulling huge wheelies along the straight is simply staggering. You've got some skills there.

[@ev_bear]

I enjoy hearing Zack having fun on bikes.. especially this one. Held my breath a few times there. Thanks!

[@anthonygalang4120]

I got everything that I needed from the bike purely based on Zack's screams, squeals, and holy craps. No commentaries needed.

[@andrelimanegreiros3266]

That bike is a absolute rocket I've seen footages of the TT where the rider is on 5th gear and the front keeps lifiting! insane

[@Dankwheelie]

Amazing bike! The audio was excellent in this video as well

[@Miata822]

Your reaction was more eloquent than any description or rote listing of specs ever could be. Bikes are all about how they feel and it was obvious that this one feels damn fine. That, Sir, is a damn fine "commute. "

[@CarlosFandango73]

I'm so glad I found this KZbin channel. Top quality programmes from likeable knowledgeable guys. Great video again. Want one. 👍👍👍

[@bsmukler]

Your excitement was infectious. You seemed almost in awe of the bike (Who could blame you?), and it made it more fun for all of us to ride along. Thanks for another great video!

[@999999999999009]

Amazing! I’ve ridden COTA a few times on my S1000RR but can’t imagine how it feels on that machine. Thanks for sharing!

[@florinvid]

Very skilled rider! You guys are very lucky to have Zack. Amazing motorcycle, the ultimate track beast

[@Sirmellowman]

probably the 5th time ive watched this video, every time i smile and giggle at how amazing that motorcycle is.

[@SportbikerNZ]

Great job being able to talk and rip a couple of laps first time out on that beast. what a bike!

[@benb2058]

Amazing!.....speechless!!... you guys are on to something good sampling these exotic bikes keep it coming!

[@johnhyland8047]

I don’t have words. Wow!!!!!!!! Epic ride thanks!

[@BusaLova]

The sight of that cockpit wheelieing down the straight as you approach the first hairpin while shifting up just tickled my testicles like only motorcycling can do. Having been on track it's the kind of thrill that nothing else can provide.

[@quanchau381]

Feels like an MC commuting episode until... "let's light the fuse"

[@freethinker713]

Nice wheelie on the front straight at the end. I did a track day there a few years ago on my old 2012 s1k and it was one of the best day of my life. Its crazy seeing how fast that bike is

[@dutch6849]

You have amazing skills Zack!! Wow! Great review!!

[@ptarka]

Great video!!!! Nice chap, nice bike, nice track, whats not to like? AWESOME!

[@discflight]

Dude, enjoyed the hell out of those laps!!! Rode them both whole way with ya... 😏😃 Gotta be a pinnacle of motorcycle production for the moment and an effing beautiful machine... cheers fella 👍✌️

[@mbtfp]

Goosebumps...! Thanky you Zack!

[@andrewlampman8509]

I love all the yelps and screams that was awesome

[@adamto12]

Great comments during the ride. Interesting watch thanks

[@clintonevans4633]

Awesome video my Brudda the best one I've seen so far u rode the hell out of it

[@gtrpimp76]

I'd be a complete dork too if I had the chance to ride one. I got to see it in person at the Long Beach Motorcycle show this past Sunday. Beautiful piece of work. It made the new Panigale V4 look tame. I'd love to see those 2 pitted against each other though.

[@Sooperdooper74]

Great Opportunity and wonderful coverage.

[@forrestculver7301]

Love how cool you stay even with all that happening. Very cool video.

[@onceuponasauce8177]

Probably would've shit my pants and died. I got sweaty palms from watching this, amazing ride Zack!

[@dantton1987]

Zack is the best motorcycle journalist!

[@GL0BETREKKER]

That wheelie at the end was insane dude! Some bad ass riding over there!

[@guambra2001]

That looked like so much fun, I had a black 12 S1000RR and that thing was a monster. I can only imagine what this bike must have been like. Good riding.

[@miguelcosta530]

Great riding, this guy now auto have a good time and appreciate a excellent bike

[@JeffNoel]

Onboard video from Motorcyclist Magazine ? That can only be an awesome video ! As always, exciting, original content along with a great commentary (I couldn't do it while riding like that). Keep it up guys !

[@1Biker]

One of the most powerful bikes , one day just one day I’ll ride this bike remember that

[@donnieweed2547]

Such an awesome bike!! Thanks for the video.

[@mosesonamotorbike3393]

3:20 by your woohhh aahhh sounds, we know you're having fun with this beast man, lucky for the guy/owner who have this in our country because there's only 1 unit available here AFAIK

[@elonmusk7506]

Love the shadow reflection of the windshield

[@pmbfit]

I think BMW should participate in MotoGP. Btw, can you imagine how Marc Marquez dominate this tricky circuit. It's a narrow tight U turn after 200+ mph (300+ kmh). Dang!

[@farizfansuri495]

They already did.Under named Suzuki.

[@m_zbrv3967]

@@farizfansuri495 what do you mean, tell me

[@prozeza]

Fantastic video again! Thank you!

[@williamwintemberg]

What a ride! My palms are still sweating!

[@JoaoLucas-oh9fh]

Knees weak; arms are heavy. This bike is mad awesome; Sit on it and revvit!

[@Pauluz]

Man I just love this channel and your amazing videos. Here’s another example...

[@will_hyde]

Longest wheelie down a straight award goes to zack, holy cow

[@craigmorrison7937]

amazing bike with a journalist who can ride and ride well ,good job Zack.

[@roysmith2152]

Wow! What a rider you are! Great video

[@motorsavage3835]

great video. I was at COTA for the double RR event but only got to see the bike but not ride it. Thanks for the review.

[@EDUARDOJIMENEZ-re3fo]

Great!!! You did it very well Zack, and you sound like you enjoy it haha... Congrats!

[@VState60]

Best video ever. Thank you!

[@jeffbeasley8235]

The wheelie and the end from the shift into 2nd through to the top of 4th was absolutely nuts...

[@ilmostro16]

Really great video Zack!

[@enjamamulhoque8631]

That was really fast. Awesome man.

[@e.rod.moto.]

Awesome job! Great video.

[@kevinvoeks7422]

This is on my bucket list

[@petar-boshnakov]

love it! loved the review!

[@hunterp9466]

Amazing rider keep it up man bike looks solid 👍🙏

[@JBMotorrad]

I would have crapped my pants. You were able to speak. Bonus points. Don’t beat yourself up. Awesome. Video!

[@jaquan874]

I felt so happy see'ing you so happy

[@sethh8892]

My dad rides the BMW 1200r Naked bike... one of the best looking bikes ever... and I have to admit it's a torque monster for its size...

[@aytekakakca]

You guys are awesomeee 😀

[@thuanang4455]

so amazing hp4 race

[@baronburgamot243]

I love the fact that you, a professional motorcycle journalist and a very experienced rider, are still reduced to girly whoops and screams when you crack the the throttle.

[@baronburgamot243]

Zack Courts never a truer word spoken!

[@kingofallworlds]

this video made me smile

[@MattieXMoto]

Must have felt like a dream🤘

[@compostwise]

Nice Brief, Nice Video... Thank you! (from Australia)

[@BikerlifeUkmoto]

Amazing ride, im surprised you could talk while on that beast, love the vlogs

[@grenzle2428]

Love watching you ride bikes. You know your shit.

[@Haisenberg77]

Pretty awesome dude . Great bike . Frm hp4 lover.

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

Incredible!

[@PIPERBOYWILLIAMS]

This guy is an awesome rider

[@LueXiong10]

All the feels. You lucky man...

[@haninadif7456]

the best motorcycle show ever!!

[@oneclipse]

Loved it!!!🙌🏽

[@R.A.T.S._Maverick]

your reaction on the back straight is just to funny !

[@craigramsay4899]

Great video :)

[@zacharyshirley6193]

lol "the breaks are real good!" best honest review ever

[@megamaster6]

Very nice guys, nice job!

[@leftvassis]

damn,you are a very good rider mate,seen other people on this track going way too slow with r1s zx14s etc.cheeers

[@triedproven9908]

This is how you ride the ultimate bike. Can't wait to ride one.

[@pistolpete5805]

u got one, I have but not ridden it yet..... can't wait sexy to look at

[@liliomrufino2607]

Nice ride, dude

[@mr.bananergamer1772]

Wow!! That so cool. HP4👍👍

[@Miguelito0oO]

Love it too much to be a material weightless thing! It’s so expensive, it’s priceless! This thing is what my dreams are made of!

[@robertorellana5217]

Amazing!!! Can't wait to get my S1000RR...Maybe they will have the carbon frame for the S1000RR in 2019? Yeah!!!

[@RideTheTrack]

Lol those shrieks of elation on the long straight...told me everything i needed to know

[@Coldestaevadoit]

I love how high pitched he gets after lighting the fuse

[@christo_reese]

nice riding, Zack

[@Siper2]

Zack, your job seems really overwhelming and awful. I'm sure it's a real struggle. :-D What an awesome bike! Thanks for another fantastic video, please keep them coming.

[@Cramec]

What a lovely bike

[@gixxerguy75]

"Let's light the fuse...whoo(×3)...o my God...holy crap" ...🤣 fuckin golden luv's it..luv ur review bud, cheers.

[@petarjuric9728]

Amazing motorcycle

[@lyncoors]

That video had my adrenaline going.

[@philtripe]

im not a BMW fan but that thing is beast and a half...that last corner and wheelie @ 7:10 was boss