BMW joins the carbon fiber party with the new HP4 RACE (with video)

BMW Motorrad unveiled an “advanced prototype” of its HP4 called the “HP4 RACE” at EICMA, with the S 1000 RR-based machine sporting a full carbon fiber main frame and wheels. There were no details on the new HP4 released by BMW, other than BMW CEO Stephan Schaller stating that, “The HP4 RACE will feature the full carbon fiber main frame and carbon fiber rims as shown here. We will reveal more about this model next spring.” The press release also stated that the bike will be “manufactured by hand in an exclusive limited series and supplied in the second half of 2017.”

The photos show the HP4 RACE to be equipped with the latest Öhlins GP-spec FGR fork and TTX shock components, as well as Brembo’s M50 monoblock calipers and T-Drive rotors. The carbon main frame (the swingarm is still aluminum), self-supporting tail section, and wheels, as well as the bodywork, were likely made in-house by BMW at one of its three manufacturing plants in Landshut, Leipzig, and Dingolfing that also produce the parts for the company’s i-series and 7-series automobiles that employ extensive use of the ultra-lightweight but super-strong material. BMW was one of the first auto manufacturers to make significant investment into its own carbon fiber manufacturing capabilities, instead of out-sourcing the component manufacturing like most others do.