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bmw f 800 r

King of stunt on two-wheels, Chris Pfeiffer has lost his life against depression after reports emerged that the former BMW Motorrad and Red Bull rider decided to end his own life.

Pfeiffer retired from the professional stunt arena back in 2015 but still made some appearances later on.

The four-time Red Bull Hare Scramble winner won numerous awards spanning over 20 years.

While he won a significant number of professional stunt competitions throughout his career, he was also known to put a smile on everyone who came to see him.

BMW even dedicated a special F 800 R livery for him.

During his retirement in 2015 at the age of 45, he said that it was increasingly hard to ride at a top-level, and it was always on his mind that if he cannot get any better, it’ll be the time for him to quit the sport.

Since 1996, Chris Pfeiffer has been thrilling his fans worldwide, having toured in performed in more than 90 countries, including Malaysia.

Besides his four World Stunt Riding champion’s titles garnered in 2003, 2007, 2008 and 2009, Pfeiffer was also crowned as the European Stunt Riding champion in 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008.

He also holds a world record for the longest ever long jump (bunny hop) without a ramp over 33 people lying down next to each other.

While he collected many accolades throughout his career, little that we know that he was also struggling with depression.

Pfeiffer is survived by his wife Renate and his children. The stunt legend will be buried on March 26 in Trauchgau, Germany.

On an important note, we urged everyone struggling with depression to reach out to someone you trust for help.

Despite the tragic end, Chris Pfeiffer will always be remembered as a great rider that has made the world of two-wheel an exciting place to be in.

Rest in power legend.

  • The US National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) published a list of 2020 BMW motorcycles and stirred some intrigue.

  • A number of popular models are omitted from the list.

  • They include the S 1000 XR, R nine T Urban G/S and the C 650 scooter.

The US National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) published a list of 2020 BMW motorcycles and stirred some intrigue.

The NHTSA compiles and list the models of motorcycles homologated for the American market in the coming year. But BMW Motorrad’s list seems to hint at upcoming models.

That’s because missing from the list is the S 1000 XR. It may not be seen much on Malaysia roads as the R 1200 GS Adventure and R 1200 GS (soon R 1250 GSA and R 1250 GS) are the most popular models. In America, however, the S 1000 XR is one of the most popular.

One way of seeing it is because the new S 1000 RR superbike has a new engine equipped with ShiftCam variable valve timing technology. As such, the new engine is expected to be grafted to a new S 1000 XR.

However, the naked sport S 1000 R remains on the list and unchanged for 2020. Will there be a new ShiftCam model? You can bet so but maybe for 2021. Or BMW could working on the bike right now and unveil it at Intermot or EICMA later this year.

Other models missing are the F 800 GT sport-tourer and F 800 R roadster. This was expected with the debut of the F 850 GS and F 850 GS Adventure. The two bikes have a new engine with revised firing order, besides being completely new from ground up. Rumours are still surrounding the 9Cento concept on whether it will turn out to be the new F 850 GT or F 850 XR. If there is an F 850 GT/XR, there will definitely be a new F 850 R.

But the omission of the R nine T Urban G/S couldn’t be explained sufficiently. Will the new 1800cc Boxer engine make an appearance in a new Urban G/S-like model?

The C 650 Sport and C Evolution Urban Mobility models (i.e. scooters) are also missing. It’s understandable that the American market doesn’t like scooters.

Anyway, 2020 will be a big year for all manufacturers with the advent of the Euro 5 emission standard. It’s going to be hectic at the Tokyo Motorshow, Intermot and EICMA.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has unveiled the new BMW F 700 GS and the BMW F 800 R.

Built in Rayong, Thailand, both models are aimed at new riders, according to BMW Motorrad Malaysia.

It is said that both models draw their power from the liquid-cooled 798cc, four-valve two-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection, which is paired to a six-speed gearbox.

Producing a maximum output of 75hp and 77Nm  of peak torque, the new F 700 GS now comes with ABS as a standard feature. It is also available with a low seat option (790mm).

Available in four colours (Alpine White, Blackstorm, and Racing Blue), the F 700 GS is priced at RM56,900 (OTR without insurance).

The F 800 R on the other hand, which is also powered by the same engine as the F 700 GS, delivers an output of 87hp and a maximum torque of 86Nm.

Similar to the GS, the F 800 R is also made available with a low seat option as standard, which allows customers to lower the seat to height of 780mm.

According to BMW Motorrad Malaysia, those who opt for the Sport variant will get additional safety features such as the ASC (Automatic Stability Control) and ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment).

The BMW F 800 R Sport also features a unique RDC (Tyre Pressure Control) system with a gradient monitor which provides riders with reliable information on the current tyre pressure.

Other notable features on the new F 800 R Sport include rear LED lights, an engine spoiler, and two colour schemes – Racing Blue Metallic and Light White.

The new BMW F 700 GS and the new BMW F 800 R will be featured at the BMW Motorrad On Tour Pop Up Store at the MotoGP Malaysia this weekend, from 23rd to 25th October 2015.

Price (On the road without insurance):  

The new BMW F 700 GS                  –           RM 56,900.00
The new BMW F 800 R                     –          RM 49,900.00
The new BMW F 800 R Sport          –         RM 53,500.00

The BMW F 800 R, not the most popular of the BMW bike line up like the 1200 GS or 1000 RR but still a bike one should consider if you are looking at bikes about the RM60,000 range. (more…)

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