When Chris Pfeiffer starts his machine, what comes next rarely has anything to do with what “normal” people do with their motorcycle. For this reason he makes very special demands. When he tested the BMW F 800 R, he knew from the beginning that even in standard trim it was a fairly good fit.
Of course, he added a few extras so as to be able to throw it into world-champion-like action at the hippest international contests. The right recipe starts with the engine: a completely standard 800 cc 2-cylinder which demonstrates its pulling power even in the lower engine speed range with easily controllable delivery – with an audience-appropriate sound too, of course, and enough smoke for good burn-outs.
Some of his extras are not available ex works either for money or a good word since they are designed exclusively for use on cordoned off areas: a shorter gear transmission ratio supports the easy-looking wheelies from standstill. An additional handbrake for the rear wheel - activated with the left middle finger – offers finely tuned control for the bike when it is standing or tilted at an angle of over 80 degrees. A fixable accelerator pedal is also necessary if you need to take the hands off the handlebars when standing on one wheel, as he does. And since the incredible action performed by Chris in his shows requires endless hours of practice during which time he sometimes has to get off the bike in a way which he didn’t actually plan, he has also mounted some fall brackets. They make the bike look good for a bit longer ....
Next Chris needs maximum ergonomics – no wonder, when you consider the positions he gets into. Here he has of course made some very specific modifications to suit his needs – his “axle footrests”, the “wheelie bar” and the laid-back cockpit without lights are mandatory in stunt riding. Finally, he wouldn’t get far without the right chassis, either: on the one hand stable, on the other hand agile, a balanced weight distribution supporting wheelies and stoppies. The fact that his audience look at his bike with envious eyes suggests that the paint finish in BMW Motorrad Motorsport colours was a good decision. At the EICMA 2008 in November there was even a Chris Pfeiffer Edition – though only a study. But such a master of his trade certainly deserves this much recognition!
