Stunt Bike Based on a BMW F800R

The BMW F800R isn't a very popular motorcycle in stunt riding, but the best rider in the world (Chris Pfeiffer) rides one. In Russia, Alexander Andreev competes on this motorcycle. The article gives a detailed description of the features of this model and the solutions Alexander used to set it up.

Cage

Overall the geometry of this cage is very good: it doesn't let the motorcycle tumble, but the build quality let it down: there were problems with the welds.

Tank

The tank is the hardest modification on this motorcycle. The difficulty is that it isn't a tank but a dummy tank (the fuel tank is under the seat), so there is no empty space that would let you dent it. To make a comfortable platform, you will need to:

• Modify the air filter box to make it smaller.
• Fit a pod air filter: this saves space.
• Fit a smaller battery for more compactness.
• Make a new fiberglass cover with a platform for tricks, which is very difficult, and making such a part well is expensive.

Crankcase ventilation

As a crankcase ventilation modification, a pod filter is fitted on the breather pipe. Not much oil is thrown, so a filter is quite enough.

Subcage and subframe

The stock subframe is very strong and doesn't need reinforcement, but the passenger pegs are too far forward, so the subcage is fitted closer to the end of the subframe to make the wheelie position more comfortable. Plus this modification adds an extra pair of pegs for more complex combos on the rear wheel.

Round bar

A round bar is fitted at the end of the subframe as a stop and limiter. An extra step was also made instead of a hole in the seat for standup wheelie positions. Since the seat is a one-piece dual seat, making a hole is very troublesome, while the bar fits perfectly into the stock holes and is much more convenient.

Clip-ons

The motorcycle is fitted with clip-ons. Alexander likes the aggressive and sportier look, plus they make rear-wheel tricks easier, since you can set negative camber. But stoppies are harder, of course.

Throttle

A very important modification for this model is a long-travel single-cable throttle. This throttle significantly changes sensitivity and slows down the throttle response, making the drive smoother and more predictable. This is especially critical for this motorcycle with its high low-end torque.

Clutch

The stock clutch on the motorcycle is very stiff. A pro rider trains for hours and pulls the clutch hundreds of times. In addition to an RSC easy-pull master cylinder, an extension arm was made to lengthen the lever on the mechanism at the engine.

Brakes

Brakes should work like this: a light press gives strong braking. The lighter the brake pull (both the handbrake and the front), the slower your fingers tire and the longer you can train. For the handbrake, two four-piston calipers + a 19×21 master cylinder + an oversized brake disc are fitted. The front brake uses a cool high-performance racing master cylinder.

Suspension

The suspension should be as stiff as possible. Unfortunately, the adjustments on this motorcycle leave much to be desired.

Rear sprocket

A 60-tooth aluminum sprocket is the standard.

Tires

The tires are standard too: a street rear tire and a sport front tire.

Fan

A switch to force the fan on is wired to a toggle on the left side. The radiator isn't enough if you burn rubber and rev the engine to the limiter. In normal training mode there is no need to run the fan constantly.

Idle adjustment

A convenient switch was made for idle adjustment.

Muffler

The muffler is cut down and fully protected by the cage and pegs.

Pegs

Pegs on the wheel axles are a must-have setup. They keep the motorcycle from tumbling, protect the wheels and brake discs and allow extra tricks.

Oil starvation

This motorcycle doesn't suffer from oil starvation, but the owner adds an extra half liter to be safe.

ABS

In stock form this motorcycle has ABS. Training with ABS is impossible. ABS is easy to disable: just disconnect the sensor in the front and rear wheels. You can also disable it like this: do a burnout, and the system goes into fault mode and ABS turns off automatically.

Overall the BMW F800R is a reliable and tough motorcycle with its pros and cons.

Pros:

• Tough: it has tumbled seriously several times without consequences. Strong stock subframe.
• Design. Modern shapes. The motorcycle is bigger than 600s and looks cooler.
• Drifting is more interesting because of the long wheelbase and weight distribution.
• The steering angle is bigger than on sport bikes, which is good for drifts.

Cons:

• Heavy.
• Poor weight distribution for stoppies.
• Short gearing.
• A lot of hassle with the tank.

That's the motorcycle; how well it suits training is up to you to decide.