BMW EXTENDS ITS HP2 FAMILYBMW Motorrad recently extended its HP2 Family with a dynamic new limited production, high end, and hand-built Supermoto machine, called the Megamoto. At the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, an annual car and motorcycle hill climb to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado, American rider Gary Trachy, aboard the HP2, won the new class for bikes up to 1200cc in an impressive 11 minutes and 46 seconds.
This hill climbing, high-torque motorcycle has a dry weight of just 178 kilos and offers significantly more power and torque. According to BMW Motorrad, "the Megamoto impressively demonstrates outstanding dynamism and a broad range".
With extra-firm, lowered suspension it can ably meet the demands of country roads and the tough muddy conditions on a racetrack.
"At the front end there are fully adjustable, fine-response upside-down Marzocchi forks with sliding tubes measuring an impressive 45 millimetres (or 1.77 inches) in diameter, while 160 millimetres of spring travel ensures superior wheel guidance at all times. At the rear, an Öhlins spring strut with 180 millimetres of spring travel is adjustable for preload, inbound damping and rebound strokes," says BMW.
If you are so inclined, you can also take your Megamoto on the road. The wheels and tyres are also tailored to specific road-going requirements: the front tyre runs on a 3.5-inch rim, while the rear tyre runs on a 5.5-inch rim. The new HP2's tank cover and headlight fairing consist of carbon fibre. The double-chamber Akrapovic exhaust system gives out a powerful and throaty sound.
With a costly price tag of around €20,000 this machine should keep you amused. "The Megamoto will certainly appeal to all connoisseurs, individualists and thrill-seeking riders, who will appreciate its light weight, powerful engine characteristics, dynamic handling and road holding capabilities - not to mention its exclusivity," adds BMW.
EASY RIDERS AND THEIR AFRICAN TRIP
Meanwhile, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman have just completed their latest biking adventure but they're not saddle-sore yet, they want to hop on their BMWs once again and take on another journey. Their latest adventure, the Long Way Down, took the duo from John O'Groats to Cape Town in South Africa.
Speaking to MCNmagazine Boorman said: "We are already talking about doing another one, we're thinking about calling it Long Way Up and starting from South America."
DUNDALK ROAD RACES
If you relish the thrill of seeing riders aboard high-speed motorcycles race along public roads then you won't want to miss the Dundalk Road Races, from Darver on the N52 road to Ardee, next weekend, September 1st and 2nd. - Patricia Weston
If you have motorbike news, e-mail motorbikes@irish-times.ie