HP2S first ride impression

[shreddr]

Today was the day for the HP2Shreddr's maiden voyage with yours truly aboard. Sunny, in the low 60's in other words perfect day!

Full disclosure, I did not ride the bike stock Before my first ride I installed the Akra exhaust, FRK and the RT a-arm Before anybody jumps on my case about not trying it stock first, I knew all these things would improve the bike and I wanted to see if I could ....ahem...match the Black Beauty's performance.

First off ergos: muscle memory told me in the first 2 minutes of the ride that this was not the R12S, it reminded me for the first hour, and then like magic it went away. This is a more agressive position, I could feel it more in my back and hip than on the R12S but, eventually I adapted and realized this is the way it should be. If hiway super slabbing is your gig, don't do it on this bike, if you live for twisties, nirvana awaits! The seat is very firm, but comfortable, after 3.5 hours straight in the saddle, I was thinking it might be perfect. If the Sargent seat is better, that would be like the cherry on an ice cream sundae.

Next up suspension: I set both shocks, compression, rebound and sag according to the manual, and I loved it straight out of the box. It is VERY reminiscent of my ex R12S, which makes sense as I had those shocks valved to HP2S specs. The suspension has less travel than the R12S, which obviously enhances the handling (more later).

Motor: OK, so everybody wants to know how the HP2S engine stacks up to the R12S UberBoxer. I am sure there are many HP2S owners who want to hear me say this things blows away the R12S, the reality is that the UberBoxer is very fast, but believe it or not the HP2S is faster, it just doesn't feel like it. This bike is deceptively fast, which is probably due to the lighter weight, lower COG, quick shifter and rocket motor. I ran through the gears at one point and looked down and saw 135 mph and thought, wow that came up quick. Where the exR12S shines is from 3000 to 5000, it just flat out grunts, and the Wossner parts make it feel like it spools up quicker, but from 7000 on the HP2S flys, and that last 1200 rpms above the 8800rpm R12S redline, leaves no doubt in my mind that the HP2S will leave any R12S in the dirt regardless of state of tune, Uber Boxer included. The HP2S is so light, that a blip of the throttle gets the front end up with ease. The R12S didn't do that! I do think there is room for improvement though, as the exhaust was popping vigorously on deceleration leading me to believe that it is probably too lean. The FRK must be improving it in some way, but I do think that perhaps a RapidBike is a better solution for this machine. I also think that the Wossner parts will do for the HP2S, the same thing they did for the R12S which is help the revs build quicker. I also know that the 5 pound difference between the stock forged wheels and BST's will help with the perceived acceleration.

Which brings us to handling: This thing is a razor blade! The 50 lb weight reduction (Akra included) over the R12S is obvious, the way this bike dives into turns and transitions is freaky, it reminds me of a motocrosser it handles so fast. Even if the HP2S motor was slower than the R12S, I would trade up to the HP2S just for this benefit. For me its all about pitching it in the turns, and this is the finest machine I have ever experienced. I can't compare to the stock HP2S without RT a-arm, but knowing how much it helped the R12S, and given that the base chassis are similar, I put it on. For you HP2S owners who don't have an RT a-arm, get one! BTW, the quickshifter is the coolest accessory I didn't know I needed, if you haven't tried one see if you can ride someones bike who has one, it is SO beetchin and makes acceleration insane!

I rode 200 miles only stopping once to piss and get gas. I was grinning the whole time, the 3 year wait was worth it! Is it perfect? Not really, but damn near. What didn't I like? There is a perceptible buzz through the handlebars and seat at certain lower rpms. It wasn't enough to make my fingers go numb, but the R12S didn't have this. I guess the lack of the counterbalancer has an effect. The Akra exhaust note is very rich, but in actuality I liked the HPE sound better. The Akra is new and I know after the packing gets abused a bit it will richen up As has been mentioned numerous times the mirrors suck, giving a great view of your elbows, but I did notice one function. When your chin is on the gas tank, they work perfect, so perhaps the mirrors were designed for an intended purpose.

I havent mounted up my radar yet, and felt a bit naked, especially given the "pace" I was maintaining, so I gotta find a place for that. I couldn't mount the BST's because the rotors are too wide, but I understand I can get new rotor carriers, so that is on the list. The R12S hugger, which I would have SWORE would fit the HP2S, doesn't. I have no explanation as to why, the pumpkin and swingarm look identical to the R12S, but the 190/55 tire rubs on the hugger when mounted up. I apologize to anyone I contradicted on this. Lastly, I am going to install a set of Wossner rods. They are a direct replacement for the stockers and should save 1 full pound over the stock rods. This should help with the revs immensely.

So, Phase 1: FRK, Akra and RT a-arm. Phase 2: BST's and Rapidbike (soon), Phase 3: Wossner rods (winter 2011), and Phase 4(?): Big bore kit, although I don't think the additional displacement will make as much difference for my intended purpose as the rods alone.

That's it brothers, if you have an R12S and want HP2S performance, buy an HP2S, because the handling is true sport bike. If you are just looking to get the most out of your R12S, I have posted many mods which made a big difference for me.

Rock on!

[Droptarotter]

Shreddr;

I have been thinking of writing a review like this for a long time since I purchased mine in May.

One of the reasons I held back on the review was since you had purchased one, I did not want to put any words in your mouth. I wanted to see what you thought after a ride........and you are echoing what LCPeter and myself have been giggling in our helmets about for months.

The bike rocks.........simple as that.

I will get you the BST carrier part numbers in a couple of hours.

LCP and myself have both mounted our detectors off of a ram mount on the right side of the ignition switch. LCP used a bolt that had been changed on his ignition switch. I installed a ram ball on top of the triple tree.
We both used a bolt hole on the left side under the triple tree for our Zumo's.

My first long ride on mine started with a quick 1/2 hour ride on the freeway and I thought wtf had I done.......the bike did not feel comfy, but once into the twisties and 600km's later...........I felt great!!

I have an RT a-arm waiting for install in my shop ( thanks Carl!), but even stock it turns in much nicer than the 12S.

Both of our bikes do a lot of popping on de-cel. We have the Booster Plugs on ours. I tried the FRK #2, but felt the Booster Plug made it run a little better. But I do think it still needs a better way to fine tune it as mine is a little snatchy at lower rpm's.........not nice and smooth like my 12S.

I have also decided that the CRG bar ends are not for me, so the search for mirrors is still on ( anyone want a nice pair??). I would reall like to see what you come up with if you decide to search for mirrors.

I am truly happy you have finally purchased/ridden one of these fine machines...........and you just confirmed what the majority of owners have been raving about!

Cheers

[Guest24]

Jeff, just one question. do you think BMW made a serious error in not having some demo bikes for the dealers to rotate between them to market this bike?

The buy before you fly marketing was the worst I've ever seen.

I'm sooooo glad you finally have experienced the HP2S. Take it to the track--it gets better.

[LeftCoast Peter]

Right On! You finally have a bike to match your boots.

[shreddr]

Originally Posted by Droptarotter

I do think it still needs a better way to fine tune it as mine is a little snatchy at lower rpm's.........not nice and smooth like my 12S.

that describes it well, I was thinking the same thing, it may just be an artifact of the missing counterbalancer.

Nail, I don't think a demo bike would have helped sales unless they let guys take it out for half a day. I took my time getting to know the bike, and like I mentioned at first i thought perhaps I had made a mistake. You need to settle in, find the twisties, and then start pitching it in there. If your twisties are connected by nice stretches of long fast sweepers, then you will know what this bike is all about. My guess is that a demo won't get you there. I demoed a S1000RR for 20 minutes and thought it sucked, perhaps if I took it out for a day and came to terms with it, I might have thought differently. I doubt I would have thought it was torquey or roomy though!

[RIQUE]

Great review Shredd, just adds more fuel to my craving for the bike.

[SergioK]

Welcome to the fold.

As for suspension setting, did you look up my thread where we put me and my HP2Sport on BradZ's suspension dyno? I suppose it works best if you are a Teutonic 187lbs geared up (as per der BeeEmmVay manual) but you can fine tune from there.

[Droptarotter]

Radar detector and GPS installed like so.........











Cheers

[macfly]

Happy you've seen the light!

[shreddr]

I forgot to mention that the HP2S brakes are superior, despite having similar specs. The front is astonishingly strong and the rear works! I am guessing the thicker rotors have something to do with it.

[AZ-J]

Nice review Shredder! Glad you like your new bling piece! But your ride explanation tells me to stick with the R1200S, as I like twisties, but do plenty of slab all around. I could not have gone to the MOA show in TN on the HP2S, and such travels are not finished.

[Trex]

Shreddr - Great posting. I think there are a lot of us that are really looking forward to pics and tales from you as the saga continues. Keep up the good work.

[kpolito99]

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!

Glad to see that you found the HP2 to be such a superior machine.

I almost said out of the box but had to check myself because you didn't even bother to ride it in OEM condition.

Too funny, you didn't even bother to ride her down the street before you started modding... .. . that is some patience. I don't think I could have resisted throwing a leg over that beauty and going for a short spin.

Ride safely and have fun. Please do not get amnesia too quickly regarding all the wonderful R1200S changes that you made over the years.

[Droptarotter]

I think the disc thickness is the same between the 12S and the HP2, but the HP2 has a different carrier button that makes the discs full floaters.
The carrier button is also the reason that you are having an install problem.

Cheers

[zx9rmal]

Originally Posted by shreddr

that describes it well, I was thinking the same thing, it may just be an artifact of the missing counterbalancer.

Nail, I don't think a demo bike would have helped sales unless they let guys take it out for half a day. I took my time getting to know the bike, and like I mentioned at first i thought perhaps I had made a mistake. You need to settle in, find the twisties, and then start pitching it in there. If your twisties are connected by nice stretches of long fast sweepers, then you will know what this bike is all about. My guess is that a demo won't get you there. I demoed a S1000RR for 20 minutes and thought it sucked, perhaps if I took it out for a day and came to terms with it, I might have thought differently. I doubt I would have thought it was torquey or roomy though!

Excellent ride impression shred.

The problem with demo rides is that they are not "typical", e.g., your experience with the S1000RR. It's no boxer, so it probably would never have been your cup of tea. BUT, unless you are a BIG guy, the suspension is stiff and harsh, and I found the handling to be very off-putting and confidence un-inspiring when I test rode mine. After setting the suspension and tire pressures, it was DRAMATICALLY different, very quick turn in and confidence inspiring. A lot of the difference in torque feel is perception, especially with twins. Look at the 60-80 and 80-100 mph roll on times for the S1KRR. It would KILL any
R12S or HP2S. Not that it really matters. Different deals, of course.

Glad you're enjoying that outstanding machine.

[Dr. Curve]

I like a man who tells the truth...............even if they don't really want to because it rips asunder their previous held opinions. This is great Shred, and now you see easily WHY some of us, especially me, have been so positive and over excited about the HP2S as contrasted to ANYTHING else BMW has ever made with two cylinders. When you finally get it into the mountains you will see a whole other side to its purpose. A HP2S with fresh tires, proper suspension set up, and a alert rider..........will simply slip away from anything else out there with two cylinders except some of the super moto KTM Dukes which seem to carry slightly more speed thru the corners and have great low pull out of corner as well............but even a short straight in between the twists will allow a HP2 to reel them in with ease.

What a fine review Shred, honest, informative, and so truthful. Long live the few HP2 Sports that were ever made..............and the loving riders who own them. A true collectable and simply the most powerful, best handling, fastest, and quickest stopping air cooled motorcycle ever built. What are the last three numbers of your VIN Shred?

[SergioK]

What's on the underside of the GRAB9 mount? I can't really tell what you've used to clamp it down.



I'm already using the threaded bolt on the left underside as such.

Originally Posted by Droptarotter

Radar detector and GPS installed like so.........





Cheers

[LeftCoast Peter]

Those pictures are of two different locations.

In the first case its a nut and washer. In the second case its a bolt and washer.

[SergioK]

Originally Posted by LeftCoast Peter

Those pictures are of two different locations.

In both cases, a washer and nut.

Duh! Nothing to see here... move along... nothing to see here...

[Droptarotter]

Originally Posted by SergioK

Duh! Nothing to see here... move along... nothing to see here...

Yup, just a long stainless bolt, washer and a nylock. It was a quick install to get my radar detector mounted. I might try another solution over the winter, but this one works fine and does not look too bad.

Cheers