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.

Son's Of Anarchy Season 2 episode 5 review

Highlights:

Clay pays a visit to Impeccable Smokes, the new smoke shop in Charming owned by Ethan Zobel (played by Adam Arkin). Clay say's he is there to give him a proper welcome. He informs Zobel that he is going to need some protection. Zobel says, "That seems awfully nefarious for mechanics and Harley enthusiasts". Clay says, "Well, you pay, or you go away. Your choice Adolf. Welcome to Charming." Clay exits the store but not without taking a few boxes of cigars to pass around to the club.

Just after that, A.J. Weston the skinhead played by Henry Rollins walks in. Zobel says to him that Mr. Morrow needs to be humbled. They put a hit for a beating on Otto, who is a member of SOA and currently in the prison system. Jax confronts Deputy David Hale about this and asks him, "Where are you at with it". He says "No where".

Unser confronts Hale as well. Hale gets in Unser's face. Say's who are you to talk? You've been on Clays tit from the beginning. Unser tells Hale that he chose him for a reason. He is the good guy. He needs him to stay that way, or the entire department will be nothing but a god damn joke.

Unser makes Hale keep a secret, and informs him about Gemma's rape.

The club takes a vote on retaliation now or later for the beating of Otto. The vote turns no majority so they will wait until they learn more and they can play it safe. They realize that the League is really big and powerful.

Two episodes back, a blonde woman tricks Gemma into helping her with her choking baby. Then to find out the baby was a doll, and she clocks Gemma and knocks her out. This is how they got a hold of Gemma to gang rape her. We find out in this episode #5 season 2 that this woman is Ethan Zobel's daughter. She has planted a car bomb minivan for the SOA mechanics to stumble upon. Chibs, played by Tommy Flanagan practically gets blown to kingdom come.

Luckily he heard the timer when he went to start the van, and took off running just before it blew, which I doubt would be covered by van insurance. He did get caught in the explosion though, and was somewhat burnt, cut up, and knocked out. This is where the show ended.

Again this was action packed, and the trailer for episode #6 has got me itching for more.

I can't wait!