Despite not being launched until later this year, BMW Motorrad's new naked roadster - the F800R - has already caused a stir in the frenetic world of stunt riding. The eagerly anticipated final addition to the revolutionary F Series is already a prize winner and has been put to good use by two of the world's most talented stunt riders, BMW-supported Chris Pfeiffer from Germany and Tony Raita from Finland.

Chris Pfeiffer of BMW Motorrad Germany

The F800R has its roots in stunt riding, with Chris first using a `modified' F800 machine way back in 2006 in the famous Stuntwars competition in Florida, during which the German stunt riding legend comprehensively beat all challengers to win the coveted title. Now, almost three years later, the wait for a road-going F800R is almost over. In May, customers will be able to get their hands on the naked roadster, which has been painstakingly developed by BMW Motorrad engineers to ensure the F800R is as enjoyable to ride as it is to look at.

Along with Chris, Finnish stunt rider Tony Raita was one of the first people to get behind the handlebars of the F800R when he took delivery of the bike in early 2009. "It's a special bike," he reveals. "The engineers at BMW have made the bike fantastic and I really enjoy riding it. As with all the other F800 models, the R is powerful and balanced. There are so many remarkable features, but the suspension and amount of torque on offer deserve a special mention. If you can't do a trick on this bike, look in the mirror and not at the bike itself."

Chris has also found competing on the F800R a positive experience. "I like the F800R very much," he says. "Getting used to the bike has been effortless and changing the bike I use hasn't had any negative affects on my riding - only positive ones. I think it only took me about a week to find my way around the bike and feel confident while performing all my usual tricks."

Of course stunt riding doesn't accurately reflect the conditions that the F800R will face on the road when it hits BMW Motorrad dealers in May. `Real world' riding is far removed from the rigours of stunting - perhaps the main reason why the sport has proved so popular in recent years. To ensure the bike is just at home doing stoppies, wheelies and donuts as it is cruising the high street, Chris and Tony have made several alterations to their F800Rs; however, only minor changes were required to turn their bikes into the ultimate stunt machines.

Tony, part of BMW Motorrad Finland's stunt team, says: "To tailor the bike to my brand of stunt riding, I've made a few tweaks. I've swapped the standard handlebar for a flat one which allows me to sit or stand on the bar while riding. I've also made the gearing a little shorter to suit my riding style, but everything else on the bike is pretty much standard. The rear shock and brakes are standard, as is the engine."

Tony Raita of BMW Motorrad Finland

Chris, who recently won his third consecutive World Indoor Stunt Riding Championship, adds: "Adapting the F800R to stunt riding was a simple process. Firstly, we shortened the gearing ratio to give even more low-range torque, which helps with slow speed stunts and wheelies. We also added a stabiliser onto the front suspension, which gives even better feedback through the front wheel during stoppies. We then added dirt bike handlebars and a second rear brake calliper, connected to a handlebar lever. Finally, we modified the engine mapping to suit the slow speeds that I ride at."

He continues: "But apart from those changes, the bike has remained standard. The frame, suspension and engine are exactly what customers can expect when the bike goes on sale in May."

Having helped Chris to secure his third consecutive World Indoor title, the F800R has passed the most arduous test it is likely to face and has displayed the versatility that is likely to make it a hit with customers. The integration of the machine into the world of stunt riding is just one of many reasons why the F800R is one of the most eagerly anticipated new bikes of 2009.