If you ride and you’re a BMW fan, the BMW HP4 Race bike is definitely of particular interest. Even if you prefer Touring bikes, the HP4 Race will still make you curious, if not for its specs, at least for its carbon fiber frame. If you’re interested in taking this rare bird out on a test ride, BMW is offering it to prospective customers at the California Superbike School Tour, an event held with the help of Keith Code’s California Superbike School or CSS for short.
Recognized as the foremost motorcycle school in the world, the CSS has conducted schools in 33 countries at 118 tracks. In the nearly 40 years since its inception, Keith Code and his staff have trained 150,000 street riders and racers who have claimed 56 World and National Championships. The CSS curriculum incorporates a training program comprised of 4 separate levels. Students have the option of attending one or two-day sessions with their own motorcycle or by renting a BMW S1000RR. Sessions are taught by trained, professional riding coaches to ensure students improve both skills and confidence.
The 215 hp limited production BMW HP4 Race is individually crafted on a carbon fiber frame. Weighing 377 lbs. wet, it is nearly 100 lbs. lighter than a stock BMW S 1000 RR and almost the same weight as a MotoGP motorcycle. “We did not know what to expect when we took it out for a ride, but it’s basically the best track bike we have ever ridden,” commented Keith Code, who founded the CSS in 1980 with the goal of becoming the most comprehensive professional school for the motorcycle enthusiast.
“The HP4R scores a “9” or above in every category as well as being easy to ride,” Code added. “It is a purpose-built, track-only, factory production prototype. The build quality exceeds any competition World Superbike at half the cost. Though it’s priced at $78,000, you get more than what you pay for. The talking points have been the carbon frame and wheels, but the real story is what it’s like to ride. BMW built the best bike possible from the bottom up. It’s not a rehashed streetbike, but rather a purpose-built track machine that’s fun to ride even if you’re not the fastest rider at your track days.”
