BMW HP2 (2005 - 2008) Review

It’s hard, objectively, to see the point of the BMW HP2. It’s a 105bhp, 175kg off-roader that costs almost £11,000. Yes, it does have some clever technology like air suspension, but on the flip side its use as a road bike is limited, which is why the factory now offers free 17-inch rims and tyres with each new HP2. It’s still hard to see the point, even so. HP stands for ‘High Performance’ by the way.

On the trail tyres the BMW HP2's on-road handling is severely compromised, slithering about on the Metzeler Karoo rubber. Off-road – its weight and power militate against unbridled fun on Britain’s often muddy, gooey terrain. The HP2 is fabulous on dry trails or gravel when you can find it. Against the odds the single disc works OK, but get overwhelmed if used hard and often.

Although the BMW HP2's engine based on the top-selling R1200GS unit, the HP2’s motor ekes even more horses from the 1170cc Boxer motor – up 5bhp and an incredible 14ft lb of torque on the GS. The price for this extra power is a healthy dose of vibes (the HP2 does without the GS’s balance shaft), which can be intrusive.

BMW enjoy a reputation for excellent build quality and your HP2 should be good for many tens of thousands of miles. It pays to spray the cylinder heads with a corrosion-resisting spray such as Scottoiler’s FS365 to keep them in good nick

It’s hard to recommend the BMW HP2 unless you really want one or you have the use of a lot of open land or desert. BMW’s own R1200GS is better on the road, as is KTM’s 950/990 Adventure – and they’re much cheaper, more practical and, in most cases, as good as the HP2 off-road. An HP2 will hold its value well, though. Find a BMW HP2 for sale.

The BMW HP2 has no ABS, no heated grips and no pillion provision, but you do get superior suspension and a spirit level to get it spot-on. The headlight’s useless and the small tank’s a real pain for road use. Compare and buy parts for the BMW HP2 in the MCN Shop.