BMW HP4 Race coming in 2017

BMW's 'most exciting and exclusive motorcycle ever' previewed at Eicma

BMW HP4 Race coming in 2017

BMW HAS made the surprise announcement of a new HP4 Race, saying it will be the firm's "most exciting and exclusive motorcycle" ever when it goes on sale next year.

Revealing a prototype of it today in Milan, Italy, BMW Motorrad Chief Stephan Schaller said: "In 2017, BMW will offer another new model. It will be the most exciting and most exclusive motorcycle BMW has ever built. 

"And you are going to be the first ones to get an idea of what the finished bike will look like. Please enjoy the first glimpse of the new BMW HP4 Race."

He said it would be produced in "strictly limited numbers" and delivered "in the second half of next year".

He said the machine shown was "just a prototype, not the finished bike," adding: "We will not answer too many questions today."

The prototype shown had carbon-fibre bodywork, sub-frame and frame, around an S1000RR-based engine.

It was revealed at Milan's Eicma motorcycle show.