With the BMW F 800 R, BMW Motorrad expanded its F 800 model series for 2009, presenting a sporty roadster designed for a high level of riding dynamics and maximum riding pleasure in the segment of the medium category naked bikes. In addition to the two roadsters R 1200 R and K 1300 R, it was the third BMW roadster to see its international premiere in the BMW Motorrad Urban world of experience.
But it wasn’t just on public roads that the dynamic BMW naked bike swiftly made a name for itself. The extreme ease of handling which the F 800 R allows its rider was demonstrated by four-times World and European Stunt-Riding Champion Chris Pfeiffer as long ago as 2007 and 2008 on an F 800 S specially adapted to his needs and closely resembling the later F 800 R. Since the official presentation of this model in November 2008 in Milan, motorcycle acrobat Chris Pfeiffer has now been riding the new F 800 R at international competitions and shows – on a version which is only distinguished from the serial production machine in some details.
In the course of 2008, Chris Pfeiffer took part in stunt shows and contests on 85 days - and this year his appointment schedule is equally full. Chris Pfeiffer says: “No matter whether it’s about me as an individual, as a freestyle rider or as a racing rider: it’s always a question of being creative and showing the audience new, exciting things. It is simply amazing when the crowd starts to cheer even before you’ve started. I really appreciate the great support provided by BMW, and for me the F 800 R is simply the perfect stunt motorcycle – as demonstrated by my recent success.”
All this was reason enough for BMW Motorrad to mark Chris Pfeiffer’s success on the new F 800 R by bringing out a special model, the BMW F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer, closely resembling his competition bike. In addition there are the elaborate paintwork , the special edition sports Akrapovic® muffler and other features to enhance the motorcycle’s sporty style. The basic technical characteristics remain unchanged from the standard model.
The engine in the F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer is again the liquid-cooled parallel twin with 4-valve technology and with a capacity of 798 cc. As in the F 800 R, the in-line 2-cylinder engine provides especially impressive pulling power, spontaneous response and a low level of fuel consumption.
Even in the lower engine speed range, the 4-valve engine - not especially short-stroke in design, with a bore/stroke ratio of 82.0 to 75.6 millimetres - quickly increases engine speed, building up 90 per cent of maximum torque at just 5,000 rpm. Between 5,000 and 8,000 rpm the engine provides an impressively dynamic level of power delivery, to the accompaniment of a unique sound. With a nominal output of 64 kW/87 bhp at 8,000 rpm, the engine produces a torque of 86 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Chris Pfeiffer on the unique twin: “The engine is loads of fun - I love its response even in the low and medium engine speed range, as well as its enormously wide rpm range, both when riding on the road and for stunt riding. Then there is the perfect throttle response and sensitive controllability of the 2-cylinder engine - absolutely imperative to be able to perform spectacular stunts.”
In its design, the F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer is the same as that of its eponym from the Allgäu. The multicolour paint finish in the BMW Motorsport colours of Alpine White non-metallic, Lupine Blue metallic, Magma Red non-metallic and Black silk matt contrast with the black drivetrain and swing arm; a white front wheel completes the sporty outfit.
The standard, painted pillion passenger seat cover of the F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer also reflects the machine’s sporty purpose. The fact that it does not have cockpit fairing merely serves to emphasise the powerful, purist character of this special model. The F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer also attains a very high level of individuality, authenticity and value due to the overpainted Chris Pfeiffer signature on the central cover and the sponsor stickers which are supplied with the bike and can be optionally applied.
In terms of riding dynamics, the F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer delivers everything its sporty exterior promises. The “little roadster” by BMW Motorrad has already found more than 3,000 fans since May for its very agile, sporty performance. This is just what Chris Pfeiffer wants for his shows and competitions and will be much appreciated by sports-oriented motorcyclists on winding country roads or in the mountains.
Features which contribute to the exceptional dynamic performance in the F 800 R are the low weight of just 199 kg fully fuelled, the sprint-oriented gear ratio and the chassis, which is specially adapted to the demands of a sporty naked bike with light alloy bridge frame and dual rear wheel swing arm. Uniquely for the special model F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer, the spring of the rear spring strut is finished in red to match the bike’s sporty multicolour paint finish.
Chris Pfeiffer himself is happy to confirm the excellent chassis properties from his virtually day-to-day contact with the F 800 R: “The fact that no changes have been made to by competition version shows just how easy the F 800 R is to ride. I simply vary the tyre pressure, depending on road conditions. That really says it all.”
The new F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer is fitted as standard with the very sporty rear silencer by Akrapovic®, otherwise only available as a special accessory. Its main advantages over the standard silencer are reduced weight and a throatier sound. Like the sporty rear silencer, the LED direction indicators (for Canada: white direction indicators) contribute to the dynamic appearance of this special model.
In addition to this, the F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer can also draw on the extensive BMW Motorrad option and accessory program to fulfil any further customer demands in terms of individual equipment features.
The market launch will be at the beginning of September 2009.
Chris Pfeiffer was at the Berlin Spandau plant in person at the beginning of July 2009 for the start of serial production of this F 800 R special model: he lent a hand himself and even rode the very first BMW F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer off the assembly line. As a small thank-you for this first special model bearing his name, the four-times World and European Stunt-Riding Champion provided a “best of” selection from his numerous stunt shows and competitions for the staff at the BMW Motorrad production plant. As he said when it was all over: “I am very pleased and proud that there will be a BMW Motorcycle on sale which bears my name. I regard this as both a great honour and powerful source of motivation. Riding the first machine to bear my signature off the production line really was a unique experience.”
Features and Specifications
Here is an overview of the main features of the new BMW F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer as compared to the standard model:
• Akrapovic® rear silencer for a dynamic appearance and a sporty sound.
• Spring of rear spring strut finished in red.
• Painted pillion passenger seat cover.
• Highly sporty visual appearance with paint finish in the BMW Motorsport colours of Alpine White non-metallic, Lupine Blue metallic and Magma Red non-metallic, contrasting with
elements in black silk matt.
• Front wheel finished in white.
• Clear overpainted Chris Pfeiffer signature on the central cover.
• Set of sponsor stickers supplied.
• No cockpit fairing.
• LED direction indicators.
USA Specifications
Engine
Type Water-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke engine, four valves per cylinder
Bore x stroke 82 mm x 75.6 mm
Capacity 798 cm3
Rated output 64 kW (87 bhp) at 8,000 rpm
(output reduction to 25 kW (34 bhp) possible at 6,000 rpm)
Max. torque 86 Nm at 6,000 rpm
(output reduction: 58 Nm at 3,250 rpm)
Compression ratio 12.0 : 1
Fuel mixture preparation/engine
management
Electronic injection, digital engine electronics (BMS-KP)
Valve/gas control DOHC (double overhead camshaft)
Intake valve (diameter in mm) 32
Outlet valve (diameter in mm) 27,5
Throttle valve diameter 46
Exhaust gas purifi cation Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust gas norm EU 3
Acceleration 1–100 km/h 3,9 s
Performance figures/fuel consumption
Maximum speed over 200 km/h
Fuel consumption over 100 km
at constant 90 km/h
3.6 l
Fuel consumption over 100 km
at constant 120 km/h
4.8 l
Fuel type Premium unleaded, minimum octane number 95 (RON)
Electrical system
Alternator AC generator 400 W
Battery 12 V/14 Ah, maintenance-free
Headlamps 55 W (high/low beam), 5 W parking light, 21/5 W (brake/rear light)
Starter 0.9 kW
Power transmission
Clutch Multi-plate clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated
Gearbox Claw-type 6-speed gearbox integrated in engine casing
Secondary drive Endless O-ring chain with jolt damping in the rear wheel hub
Primary transmission 1,943
Gear transmission ratios
I 2,462
II 1,750
III 1,381
IV 1,227
V 1,130
VI 1,042
rear wheel gear ratio 1 : 2.35
Chassis/brakes
Frame Bridge frame made aluminium, load-supporting engine
Front wheel suspension/spring elements Telescopic fork, Ø 43 mm
Rear wheel suspension/spring elements Cast aluminium double-sided swing arm, central suspension strut,
spring pre-tension by means of hand wheel, hydraulically adjustable at
continuously variable levels, rebound stage adjustable
Spring travel front/rear 125 mm/125 mm
Wheelbase 1,520 mm
Castor 91 mm
Steering head angle 65°
Wheels Cast aluminium wheels
Rim dimensions, front 3.50 x 17"
Rim dimensions, rear 5.50 x 17"
Tyres, front 120/70 ZR 17
Tyres, rear 180/55 ZR 17
Brake, front Dual disc brake, fl oating brake discs,
diameter 320 mm, 4-piston fi xed caliper
Brake, rear Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, single piston fl oating caliper
ABS Optional equipment feature: BMW Motorrad ABS
Measurements/weight
Seat height 800 mm (height seat: 825 mm)
Inside leg length 1,770 mm (high seat: 1,820 mm)
Unladen weight, road-ready, fully fuelled 199 kg
Dry weight 177kg
Permitted gross vehicle weight 405 kg
Payload (with standard fi ttings) 206 kg
Usable fuel tank volume 16 l
incl. reserve approx. 4.0 l
Length 2,145 mm
Height (not incl. mirrors) 1,160 mm
Width (incl. mirrors) 905 mm
