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As if watching Chris Pfeiffer perform live was not enough, we got an exclusive opportunity to have lunch with the freestyler. Excerpts from the hour long chat with Chris as we indulged in some spicy grilled chicken and yellow rice
Words: Sarmad Kadiri
Photography: Adhish Alawani

We reached the suburban mall way before time, partly to avoid the Mumbai traffic and mostly due to our excitement to meet the Freestyle Stunt Champion of the World in person! Red Bull had organized a once in a lifetime event for bike enthusiasts across the country where the champ would perform for his Indian fans. The MC announced that the show was about to begin and within minutes the entire parking lot was crowded with male and female enthusiasts of all ages, shapes and sizes undeterred by the sweltering heat. And there he was, walking into the cordoned arena to defy gravity - Chris Pfeiffer. I was already feeling a bit heady, the crowd was going ballistic and the atmosphere was simply electrifying. As he jumped over the saddle and took the reins of his brawny BMW F800R, he resembled a rodeo astride his furiously prancing horse. Then the magic began. I can say this for everyone in the audience that we all had goose bumps; after all he is the world champion.

As we settled down in a cozy corner of a fancy restaurant, popular for its spicy grilled chicken, I pinched myself in disbelief. I was actually having a casual lunch with the guy I have idolized for most of my life. The closest I had ever got to this genius was watching him perform some of the whackiest stunts on Youtube. Chris Pfeiffer was seated next to me dressed in an Alpinestar tee and denims, looking relaxed now that he was away from the hustle-bustle of the media and his fans. He kept his Oakley shades and Red Bull cap on the table and we began an informal chat.

Bike india: How did you get hooked onto bikes?

Chriss Pfeiffer: (While trying to make sense out of the menu) My dad was a rider and I started riding with him when I was very young. He prepared a small bike for me, the Sachs 100, when I was five years old. I started riding in my parents’ garden. Then a Zuendapp with a sidecar became my favourite motorcycle. Later, I got my first Trial bike and started to participate in competitions at the age of 10. For a long time, I did motor racing and freestyle, but I had to choose one. Freestyle is my lifestyle and I preferred the freestyle of things. (I suggested the grilled chicken cubes with yellow rice and he was willing to give it a shot. We requested the waiter to make it as less spicy as possible and no aerated drinks please).

Bi: Why is your weapon of choice the bulky BMW F800?

CP: You have to understand that weight is not always a disadvantage. It also helps to stabilize the bike in a lot of tricks. There are so many tricks that are almost impossible on a small bike. The rotating mass of the engine, the crank shaft, etc., stabilizes for several tricks. I do use my Beta streetbike for stoppie turns, Kangaroo stoppies, taking off during a stoppie and its lightweight is ideal for bunny hops. But I still prefer the bigger BMW for typical stunt riding. Besides, it’s more spectacular to ride a big bike.

Bi: What is your preferred on road bike?

CP: (The food is served. Great service I thought) I ride the BMW R1200GS Megamoto just for fun back home.

Bi: We get goose bumps seeing you perform, but you have a smile on your face while doing it. Do you have any fear left in you?

CP: (Nods animatedly) Yeah definitely! There some situations during riding that can be scary. Besides, I am scared of snakes and railway crossings (embarrassed, bursts out laughing). Fear sharpens your senses and you should not disrespect it. I am not a daredevil who goes for it without thinking. On the contrary, in stunting, you need to be a smart person and should know your limits. This is a common virtue that most extreme sports athletes have in them (digs into the food and finds it to be rather spicy while we were adding extra peri peri in the already fiery chicken).