The one who dances with the bike.
He is referred to as an artist on the motorcycle – and a dancer: Mattie Griffin. With spectacular tricks on the G 310 R, the Irish stunt riding star enthralled the audience at the BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Tinkering on the workbench.
Tinkering on the workbench.
Mattie Griffin can be found in his workshop on Ireland's west coast. Standing at his workbench at the back of the room hidden behind the vehicle hoist and countless motorcycle parts. When he goes out, the simple mechanic is a world-famous stunt rider, who makes the crowd roar with his daring stunts. Rolling stoppies, one and no-handed wheelies, backwards burnouts, bike surfing, front flips – Mattie has mastered all the stunts for which the average biker doesn't have enough skills or courage – or the required cash for subsequent bike repairs.
A ballet on the motorcycle.
A ballet on the motorcycle.
Mattie Griffin has hardly ever fallen off his bike. But sometimes it does happen, particularly when he's trying out new tricks which no one has ever tried before. For him, this is just part of it, to ensure he delivers a surprising and nevertheless flawless performance in the end. Mattie does whatever he enjoys. And nevertheless: his job is not an easy one. He trains for two hours a day, six days a week. Instead of a day of rest on Sunday, four more exhausting hours of training are on the program. Although this takes its toll on the body, it is the only way he can manage to perfect the stunts which have made him famous. "Someone once said that my show is like a ballet on a motorcycle", the 36-year-old said.
From mechanic to freestyler.
From mechanic to freestyler.
Mattie developed his dab hand for all things on two wheels early on. "My father bought this old bike and promised that he would pass it on to me as soon as I brought it to life", he recounts. "I put my heart and soul into it. When it finally ran, I searched the whole house for coins lying around to buy petrol for it. After school, I rode around – everywhere. In old quarries, through abandoned territory. That's where it all started."
The G 310 R as a stunt bike.
Mattie Griffin
G for Griffin. G for G 310 R.
G for Griffin. G for G 310 R.
"It was great to be the first to perform stunts with the G 310 R Stunts ", Mattie said. "The BMW Motorrad Days are the perfect opportunity to show what is possible with this light, agile bike with its powerful engine." Here's what he changed on the G 310 R: The standard machine received reinforced footrests, a bigger rear pinion, a rail for your feet and straight handlebars with rear wheel handbrake. "I didn't have to make any significant changes to the engine."
With his technical expertise and the reliability for which BMW Motorrad is renowned, Mattie never had any problems with his previous F 800 R stunt bike. He was expecting the same from the G 310. People often ask him how long the engine and coupling system last on his journeys at full tilt. Mattie can only stress that he has never had to replace a single clutch disc.
Mattie Griffin
"Apart from a modified bar, nothing has ever gone wrong with the bikes. The F 800 R has a really good engine, smooth and very powerful. The only thing I have to replace is the engine oil, the oil filter and the rear tyre. I enjoy working on these motorcycles just as much as I enjoy riding them. It is important to know precisely how everything works, and that everything works – after all, it's a matter of my health."
Being so engrossed in his work that he forgets everything around him – this is definitely not the case with Mattie Griffin. Even when he is fully concentrated during his show, he is still aware of what is happening in the stands. It's the applause from the audience, the recognition of his performance, that makes his dedication worthwhile. "What I enjoy most about doing a show is the look on peoples' faces. When I make them smile or marvel. And when they take the time to talk to me afterwards – that is fantastic. Motorcycling is my life, my passion. I consider myself lucky to be earning my living riding motorcycles."
