BMW HP4 Race Superbike Spotted Testing

BMW Motorrad is reportedly giving finishing touches to the BMW HP4 Race hyperbike, ahead of a possible unveil of the production-ready model at the Auto Shanghai 2017 show. A near-production model of the bike has now been spotted testing in Spain. The spy pics reveal the bike, which was unveiled at the 2016 EICMA motorcycle show as an all-carbon fibre model, with carbon fibre bodywork, carbon-fibre chassis and even carbon-fibre rims. The swingarm on the production model seems to be aluminium, although the prototype which debuted at the 2016 EICMA had a carbon fibre swingarm.

There's no confirmation on when the bike will be launched, but BMW's press statement ahead of the Auto Shanghai 2017 indicates that the HP4 RACE may be showcased there. "The highlight of the BMW Motorrad stand is the world premiere of one of the most exclusive models ever offered by BMW Motorrad." This sounds like the S 1000 RR based HP4 RACE, BMW Motorrad's first bike using carbon fibre main frames. The HP4 RACE will be hand-made and limited to only a few numbers. It will compete against another all-carbon fibre superbike, the Ducati 1299 Superleggera.

(BMW HP4 Race)

There's no word on specifications yet, but expect the HP4 Race to make over 200 bhp, with performance close to a MotoGP bike. There will be hi-end components of course, like Ohlins FGR forks, a TTX shock and Brembo brakes. Until the official unveil, we really can't guess how light the bike is, or how powerful the engine will be. So far, there's no confirmation either if the HP4 Race will be actually unveiled in China, but if it does, BMW Motorrad is probably hoping to get a few bookings at Shanghai from well-heeled Chinese customers.

(Spy shots source: Morebikes.co.uk)