Highlights from the Intermot 2010

Poisoned arrow

The poison used by Brazilian Indians on their arrow tips was the inspiration behind Wunderlich’s new "Poisoned Arrow", the S 1000 RR in its legendary racing colours, which comes equipped with a whole array of special components.

An absolute visual treat, boasting technical and ergonomic improvements, with significant weight reductions and well suited to long distance riding. The "Power Sportego" handlebar conversion offers a relaxed riding posture and greater ease of handling. The top yoke, weighing in at a mere 1800 g, machined out of high-tensile aluminium, TÜV certified and ideally suited for use with our strong, tapered aluminium handlebars, has a built-in connection for the brake line, thus ruling out any need for elaborate and costly conversion measures.

The easy-to-fit fairing extension and matching "DoubleBubble" sports screen give rise to optimised air flow deflection over a wider area and improved aerodynamic properties. The "ActiveComfort" SportEgo seat delivers improved seat comfort and better hold in hang-offs. The non-slip upholstery means that more force is transmitted into the seat when you decelerate, providing relief for all your muscles. The seat is also available in versions with a (2 to 4cm) higher cushion, with an effect on the handling that is nothing short of revolutionary. The rider can move the bike beneath him or her significantly more effectively over the centre of gravity. Cornering is noticeably lighter, and the bike's agility is increased in all riding situations.

Wunderlich offsets the extra weight with masses of carbon fibre and titanium: a measure that makes as much sense technically as it does visually. An ultra-lightweight SBK sports exhaust with titanium header pipes looks after things in the sound department.

Just as much attention is paid to optimising performance characteristics. For instance, the torque development is optimised by means of an intermediate Performance Box, resulting in spontaneous high acceleration with finely tuned control characteristics.

The Wunderlich S 1000 RR "Piranha"

Watch out for piranhas!

True to the maxim that "less is more", the Wunderlich special "Piranha" model comes over as a more aggressive predator with extra speed and bite, whilst at the same time setting new standards in weight, handling and performance.

The transformation kit, the creation of Wunderlich’s very own in-house designer, Nicolas Petite, is dominated by an aggressive carbon-fiber fairing and rounded off to perfection by the dynamic side panels. In the innovative XENON headlight, which needs only one bulb, an electro-magnetically actuated shutter makes the switch from low to full-beam.

The lightweight race hump reveals a further highlight: The adjustable number plate mount comes equipped with LED indicators with built-in brake and rear light functions (E-certified). A very flat LED bar ensures that the number plate is correctly illuminated.

A SportErgo seat, superior in every respect and also available in raised versions, decisively improves the 1000's handling. With the easy-to-fit Performance Box, optimized collector and PiperCross sports air filter the boys from Sinzig have managed to achieve an even, dynamic power development that offers ridability in all situations, and an SBK sports exhaust system looks after things in the sound department. The high-tensile top yoke with tubular handlebar conversion gives a noticeable boost to steering precision. That and the built-in Öhlins chassis, tuned by none other than Wunderlich’s very own racing rider, Frank "Fritz" Spenner, result in unbelievable riding stability. The footrest system which can be adjusted in every direction makes it possible to adapt the bike to every type of rider.

To sum up: The release of the Wunderlich "Piranha" marks the birth of a hugely agile RR which is not only 8 kg lighter than the original but, with its tubular handlebar conversion, also boasts astounding cornering qualities worthy of any bandit. The Wunderlich conversion can be done in one go or in individual stages - although to begin with the boys from Sinzig highly recommend the tubular handlebar conversion for that unique ride feel.

The Wunderlich F 800 GS "Jacaré"

Never lacking in bite

The front conversion, reduced weight and improved power characteristics lend the GS previously undreamt-of riding characteristics, opening up new dimensions to the more ambitious rider that would be impossible with the "meek and mild" F 800 GS.

Our optimized engine management stands out from the crowd with its spontaneous throttle response, extremely fast acceleration and a rich yet even draw-through.

The Brazilian "Jacaré anäo", known in English as "Cuvier’s dwarf caiman", is a light, long-legged representative of the caiman species with a nasty bite.

Just as eager to go on the offensive and just as aggressive is our concept bike, which offers way more possibilities than the somewhat meek F 800 GS. Lightweight, sporty and extremely agile, it is intended to uphold the ideals of the R 80 G/S while showing just what is possible. We tailored this special GS to the personal requirements of no less a personality than our own "works rider" and four-time German champion Dirk Thelen.

When in 2008 we hit on the idea of conjuring up a competitive motorbike out of the meek and mild F 800 GS we had no idea of the huge outlay of time and expense that was waiting for us.

What has emerged is a completely reworked motorbike which is sensationally light and, thanks to the many innovations and classy materials, boasts sensational ride characteristics.

Big fat weight savings of 30 kg and a significantly lighter front end render possible a whole new set of riding maneuvers – both on- and off-road.

The Jacaré's smooth tank and side fairings allow for maximum freedom of movement off-road and will survive a spill, which is not something you can say of the opulent yet vulnerable plastic ornamentation that graces the original.

The powerful Hella headlights in ellipsoid (low-beam) and Xenon (full-beam) construction provide excellent illumination.

The aggressive front mask, drawn right through to the tail, is a real eye-catcher – at first glance the tail doesn't appear to include a rear light. This is built into the little Kellermann indicators, as is the brake light.

In order to bring about a slim tail the Wunderlich technicians have hidden the tank filler cap under the seat, which can be removed in a matter of seconds using a rip cord.

The low weight and envisaged area of use mean that the toughened glass stopper is now adequate for all purposes. The ABS, completely incompatible with sports use, has been ditched, and a Wunderlich front wheel hub machined out of solid metal also shows solid quality in detail - "made in Germany".

The Performance Controller, tuned by Wunderlich, guarantees a dynamic response across the entire RPM range and instantaneous revving.

Ideal foils to this are the perfectly tuned Öhlins shock element and outstandingly tuned forks, and sure grip is provided by the Conti TKC-80 tires. For off-road use the bike is shod with new Conti "Intermediate" off-road sports tires.

As the "Jacaré" was developed from the very first draft as a prototype, Wunderlich developed a clearly defined and comfortable ERGO seat and gave the top yoke construction, machined out of solid metal, an adjustable handlebar clamp. The many high-quality components, such as the adjustable, roller-bearing-mounted and retractable gear lever, the light footrests machined out of solid aluminum and the patented "VarioLever" hand levers, all serve to make looking at the "Jacaré" a fascinating voyage of discovery.

So all that’s left to say is: "may you never be lacking in bite".

You can see a video of Wunderlich's stand at the 2010 Intermot on YouTube by clicking here.