BMW HP2 Megamoto

There's always a tastier option and they don't come much tastier than this. This is to an ordinary BMW what a Marks & Spencer ready meal is to tin of Sainsbury's Basics baked beans. Get on a BMW HP2 Megamoto and you'll certainly Taste the Difference!
BMW's 'High Performance' or HP2 models are about to introduce another newcomer to their exclusive garage. First up was the HP2 Enduro, then the HP2 Megamoto was released and for 2008, the HP2 Sport will flex 128bhp of toned, track-ready muscle.
Exclusive appeal

Although each of these bikes lives in separate categories - enduro, street supermoto and sports bike - they all share a common ground; quality. And that, my friend, comes at a price. We're talking about bikes that don't even entertain the principles of mass production. The HP2 bikes are the two-wheeled versions of BMW's M cars. No expense spared, quality components and looks that'll set you apart from the crowd with the "I'm-a-success" BMW badge of honour. So of course, the HP2 Megamoto's dripping in design detail. It's a head turner capable of wrenching unsuspecting neck muscles as you turn to admire and then find you can't actually stop staring at the supermoto inspired Beemer.

Its massive presence is exaggerated by the 890mm seat height, which doesn't faze me, but I may be swimming in a fairly small pond here. It'll be a fair reach to the slimline saddle for many riders who'll no doubt be forced to perform tip-toe balancing acts at traffic lights. Hey-ho - stilettos and push up bras aren't exactly comfortable either, but we still wear them because they look good (and at this point, I realise I've just jumped into an even smaller pond, although bra wearing bikers are apparently on the increase).
Extreme experience

The HP2 Megamoto boasts a fine array of special parts. The rear suspension uses BMW's Paralever with an Ohlins shock whilst the front's guided by 45mm Marzocchi upside-down forks as opposed to the Telelever system usually found on other Boxer-engine bikes. The twin pipes curve beneath the 1170cc powerhouse and finally emerge with an Akrapovic rear muffler. Carbon fibre, top quality paint and a claimed 113bhp and 84ft lb of torque completes the sweet icing on an already rich cake. So it's fancy, but does it work? You bet your £12,595 it does! Assuming, of course, you've a penchant for naked brutality, complete lack of wind protection and a teacup for a tank.

The ride experience is just that - an experience! Blip the throttle at a standstill and 179kgs of bike, lurches to the right with the familiar Boxer beat. Do the same on the open road and the bike sprints forwards like Linford Christie fresh out of the blocks. The rush is intoxicating, the 8,000rpm redline reminding you to change up and relight the fuse. But, when enthusiasm engulfs you like a loosely packed bean bag the overzealous gear changes your right hand insists upon will have the tall front end shimmying. Interrupt the equilibrium of the handlebars and the bike gets a wriggle on. Less pressure on the bars and a more controlled approach and the bike's steady again.
Heavy handling

Other than that, the handling's predictably good. Supermoto styled, leg-out riding on this Boxer's a definite no-no unless you're wearing shin guards. However, the flat cylinders protruding from either side only restrict your movement if it's inappropriate, and riding the Megamoto like you're the current British supermoto champion, on the road, is by definition, wholly inappropriate. It's not a supermoto; it's a road bike - a very capable and very expensive road bike, dressed in the finest supermoto clothing.

Compared to Ducati's ultra flickable Hypermotard, the more neutral BMW feels heavier to throw around, but its steadiness in the corners is encouraging. That said, if the going gets really rough, the suspension set up as standard feels on the stiff side. It's adjustable and you're sure to find the setting to suit you, I must admit though, I really enjoyed the focused feel of the bike. As top speeds go, the BMW holds its own, delving well into three figures, but I doubt you'd want to stay there long, even if you make it there in the first place, so scrub off speed with the very impressive BMW branded brakes.
Verdict
The HP2 Megamoto looks good, feels good and is good. Even the price is good - good for creating a sizeable dent in your bank balance.