2012 HP4

Three years after its launch, people were still coming to terms with the new order established by the BMW S1000RR, which reset all previously held understanding of what a modern superbike was. Then the HP4 was introduced.

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It was effectively introduced as a homologation special of the S1000RR, which lasted until the third-generation Euro4 spec S1000RR came along in 2015, making it obsolete. The term 'homologation special' is probably a bit strong to use to describe the HP4, certainly in comparison to other homologation specials like the Yamaha R7.

The main purpose of the HP4 – HP for 'high performance' and the number for four-cylinder – was to homologate a very trick full lightweight titanium exhaust system, and some lightweight forged alloy wheels that saved 2.4kg, which is all very nice and made race teams very happy. However, the HP4 was the world’s first motorcycle to have electronically controlled suspension front and rear as standard.