BMW Motorrad has globally unveiled the new F 450 R, a compact naked motorcycle developed around the brand’s new 450 platform. Positioned in the 48-hp A2 class, the F 450 R is designed as a road-focused alternative to the F 450 GS, with a dedicated chassis setup, compact dimensions and styling inspired by BMW Motorrad’s larger S 1000 R. The new F 450 R uses a 420cc parallel-twin engine producing 48 hp and 43 Nm, while weighing just 175 kg in ready-to-ride form. BMW says the motorcycle has been developed with a focus on lightweight construction, accessible ergonomics and agile handling.
Design
The BMW F 450 R follows the design language of the larger S 1000 R, giving the new motorcycle a distinctly sporty naked-bike appearance. BMW has focused on creating a compact and dynamic silhouette while keeping the motorcycle visually connected to its larger roadster family. The motorcycle gets a muscular roadster stance, with exposed mechanical components and a compact body. Its road-focused character is further highlighted by the short wheelbase and compact packaging.
At the front, the F 450 R gets an LED headlight with BMW's bracket-shaped daytime running light signature. LED indicators and a tail light are also standard. BMW will offer the F 450 R in four equipment variants. The Base and Exclusive versions are finished in Cosmic Black, while the M Sport variants come in Snaefell White with M Motorsport graphics. The M Sport versions also feature white frame and wheel stickers in M Motorsport colours for a more distinctive appearance. The motorcycle gets a 14-litre fuel tank and a two-piece seat. The standard seat height is 790mm, while BMW will offer a low 775mm seat and a high 810mm seat as accessories.
Engine and Performance
Powering the BMW F 450 R is a newly developed 420cc, fuel-injected parallel-twin engine. While the engine is also used in the F 450 GS, BMW has specifically tuned it for road riding in the F 450 R. The engine produces 48hp at 8750rpm and maximum torque of 43 Nm at 6750rpm. BMW says 80 per cent of the available torque is already accessible from 3000rpm, which should give the motorcycle strong low- and mid-range response. The engine uses a 135-degree crankpin offset and a balance shaft, with BMW focusing on a distinctive character while maintaining smoothness. The company has also used lightweight materials and optimised internal friction to extract the claimed output from the compact 420cc engine. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and sends power to the rear wheel through a left-side X-ring chain drive. Shift Assistant Pro is available on all variants except the base version, allowing clutchless upshifts and downshifts. It can also be retrofitted to the base model.
The range-topping M Sport with Innovation Package gets BMW's optional Easy Ride Clutch. The system automatically operates the clutch depending on engine speed, allowing the rider to move off, stop and change gears without manually operating the clutch lever when combined with Shift Assistant Pro. BMW claims fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100km and, thanks to the 14-litre fuel tank, a range of more than 350km. The motorcycle also has a 10,000km service interval.
Chassis, Suspension and Brakes
The F 450 R is based on the same basic chassis concept as the F 450 GS, but BMW has given it road-specific tuning. The motorcycle uses a tubular steel space frame, with the parallel-twin engine acting as a load-bearing element. BMW says the setup has been developed to provide rigidity, direct feedback and agile handling.
Suspension duties at the front are handled by a 43mm KYB upside-down fork. On the optional Sport Suspension, the fork gets adjustable compression and rebound damping.
At the rear, the motorcycle uses an aluminium hollow-cast double-sided swingarm paired with a directly mounted KYB central spring strut. The rear suspension offers adjustable spring preload and rebound damping.
The F 450 R rides on lightweight cast-aluminium wheels, with 110/70-17 front and 150/60-17 rear tyres.
Braking hardware includes a 310mm front disc with a Brembo four-piston monobloc fixed caliper. At the rear, there is a 240mm disc paired with a ByBre single-piston caliper. BMW Motorrad ABS Pro is standard, allowing ABS intervention even when the motorcycle is leaned over.
Features and Rider Aids
The BMW F 450 R gets a comprehensive electronics package, with Rain, Road and Dynamic riding modes offered as standard. The motorcycle also gets Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Engine Drag Torque Control and ABS Pro.
The M Sport variants add Riding Modes Pro, including an individually configurable Dynamic Pro riding mode. The M Sport models also get additional Sport screens on the TFT display, showing information such as traction-control intervention, braking force and lean angle, along with a lap timer.
A 6.5-inch TFT display is standard across the range. The unit offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to access phone calls, music and navigation functions. A USB-C port is also provided in the cockpit area.
Other standard equipment includes heated grips, LED lighting and forged-aluminium foot controls. BMW also offers a reversible shift pattern, which can be used for a more sporting riding setup during occasional track use.
The F 450 R is available in four variants: Base, Exclusive, M Sport and M Sport with Innovation Package. The Exclusive adds Shift Assistant Pro and Sport Suspension, while the M Sport adds Riding Modes Pro. The range-topping M Sport with Innovation Package additionally gets the Easy Ride Clutch.
