2008 BMW HP2 Sport Technology

Another item on the HP2 Sport to identify its racing bias is what BMW calls the "the gearshift assistant." This bit of wordsmith trickery translates into what is a type of ignition interrupt that allows the rider keep the throttle pinned whilst snicking up through the close-ratio six-speed gear-set, as used for several years on the roadracing circuit. BMW says it enables "fast gear changes without having to ease off the gas and operate the clutch," and that "this technology is offered for the first time in a series vehicle."

Here's a peek at the "gear shift

assistant." Us old timers know this as clutch-less upshifting, and have been doing it long before "gear shift assistants" were around. Okay, maybe BMW's system is a little more advanced...

If you intend to race this bike, you'll most likely make the wise move of using a reverse shift pattern, and for just such an application BMW offers (at an additional charge of course), a "suitable replacement pressure sensor" to adapt the quick-shifter to a GP-style race pattern. The forged-aluminum footpegs are adjustable.

A quick scan of the chassis shows fully-adjustable Öhlins shocks keeping the rear Paralever and front Telelever in check. What isn't quite as obvious at first glance is just how minimal the frame is. It's really nothing more than a small collection of tubular steel to hang the engine from and to provide a place for the bodywork and fuel tank to bolt to. Lacking a traditional subframe, the Sport utilizes a self-supporting carbon rear structure as a perch for the rider’s hiney.

This hopped-up head sports larger valves than those on the R1200S, and is part of the performance package that is claimed to produce 128 hp and 84.8 ft-lbs of torque.

Braking is handled by radially mounted four-piston monoblock Brembo calipers and Magura brake levers with radial-pump master cylinders attached to the adjustable handlebars. As an option, BMW ABS can be had, the version for this bike coming with a switch to disable it for track time, or any other time for that matter.

The German bike maker claims that the instrument cluster comes "directly from MotoGP sport" offering the usual ton o' data along with a lap timer and "racing relevant data."

Finally, along with all the carbon bodywork, no subframe and a lighter generator, the HP2 Sport rolls on lightweight forged-aluminum wheels to achieve its claimed dry weight of 392 lbs, and a tank-full (90%) weight wet of 439 lbs. That’s a savings of a significant 27 pounds over the standard R1200S.

The HP2 Sport not only draws its lineage from the R1200S, it also received plenty of development time from racing.

So, at this point in time that's about all we know on the latest addition to the HP2 family. Beyond the details that we're not privy to, a couple other things we don't know is if it'll be coming to U.S. shores, and when, exactly, in 2008 it will be available.

One thing we can be certain of, in typical BMW fashion, the HP2 Sport will probably be expensive! Expect a price north of 20 grand.

Great stuff from the Packard Auto Museum courtesy of Ted Guthrie.

Here's Bruce, with a German-made Horex moped, which he just unearthed. The little putter features zero miles, having never been fueled. Bruce himself is well-known for his restroration work on Indians and numerous other brands, as well as his extensive collection of BMW's and other German bikes.

This sculture, which sits in the lobby of the museum, not only shows the design of Packard automobiles' famous hood ornament, but also lists some of the manufacturer's innovations in the auto industry.

Here's a couple of real oldies. Just visible to the left is one of the first Packard automobiles ever produced. It runs - regularly.

Check out that gorgeous Indian sidecar rig. To the right is one of the Packard family's personal cars, dating to the 30's, plus two 50's-era concept cars in the back.

Another fabulous Indian. Look closely and you can see that the pinstriping and the tank graphic are all hand-painted. Big Packard limo in the back.

Check out these two Ariels. Square Four in the front, and a twin behind it. Fabulous restos.

Cool, Maico streetbike from the 50's. Get a load of all the interesting features. Leading-link forks, all-enclosed bodywork, gorgeous paint & graphics, crankcase induction, big, comfy seat, bar-end turn signals. Also, how 'bout the chicken-coop-find BMW R25 behind and to the left?

There is much more to see at the Packard museum, plus they are preparing to open a huge addition. Note that the motorcycle displays run from January - April, each year. For more information, go to: http://packardmuseum.org

2009 - BMW K Series to 1300cc

BMW K1000S

The K1300S benefits from 136cc more power, with BMW's other superbike cranking out 175 horsepower.

BMW K1000R

The distinctive front end of the K1300R defines the naked version of BMW's revamped K series.

BMW K1000GT

The improved engine capability of the K motor figures to enhance the already solid GT touring platform. Tuned for power output on the lower end, the K1300GT taps out at 160 hp at 9000 rpm and 99 lb-ft of torque at 8000 rpm. Again, engine changes carry over with the other K models. ABS comes standard, with ESA II and ASC optional. Also changed is a new adjustable windscreen.

source : http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/354/1260/Motorcycle-Article/2009-BMW-K-Series-Goes-to-1300.aspx