BMW F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer Edition

Celebrating the exploits of four-time World and European Stunt-Riding champion Chris Pfeiffer, BMW is unleashing a tricked up version of the BMW F 800R.

The new model, aptly named the BMW F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer, gets a raft of extras, including a fresh new look thanks to the removal of the cockpit fairing, plus customised decals and paint scheme, to recreate the look of Pfeiffer's stunt bike.

The new model will make its Australian debut at the 2009 Sydney Motorcycle Show and will be on sale here in April 2010, priced $1500 above the standard version at $15,400.

Considering what you get, it sounds like a fairly good deal.

On top of the cosmetic changes – white front wheel, rear spring strut painted red, painted pillion seat, sponsor stickers, BMW Motorsport paint scheme – an Akrapovic end can is added, which enhances the exhaust note and reduces weight slightly.

Though the pipe doesn't affect power output, the F 800 R's standard parallel twin cylinder engine is no slouch, cranking out a handy 87hp at 8000rpm and 86Nm of torque at 6000rpm.

The liquid-cooled 4-valve engine "is loads of fun" according to Pfeiffer. "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 two-cylinder engine - absolutely imperative to be able to perform spectacular stunts," explains the four-time World and European Stunt-Riding champion.

Likewise the chassis hasn't been altered but again Chris Pfeiffer is effusive: "The fact that no chassis changes have been made to my 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."

We'll be sure to get our hands on the special edition in 2010 for test ride, to see if the bike can turns it's rider into a bonafide stunt maniac.

"I am very pleased and proud that there will be a BMW Motorcycle on sale which bears my name," added Pfeiffer (no relation to Michelle). "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," concluded the justly rewarded stunt champ.

In related BMW news, the G 450 X enduro will also make its local debut at the 2009 Sydney Motorcycle Show. On sale in January 2010, the new model will retail for $12,850, about $400 more than the 2009 model.