BMW Motorrad is expanding its middleweight line-up with the new F 450 R, a compact naked bike developed specifically for the 48hp A2 licence category. Sharing its technical foundations with the F 450 GS, the new R has been given its own road-focused chassis set-up and styling heavily influenced by BMW’s larger S 1000 R.
At its heart is BMW’s new 420cc parallel-twin engine, producing 48hp at 8,750rpm and 43Nm of torque at 6,750rpm. Importantly for everyday riding, 80 per cent of that torque is available from just 3,000rpm, which should give the F 450 R plenty of usable performance around town and on twistier roads. BMW quotes fuel consumption of 3.8 litres/100km and, combined with a 14-litre tank, a potential range of more than 350km.
The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox, while Shift Assistant Pro provides clutchless up and down changes on all versions apart from the entry-level model. BMW’s optional Easy Ride Clutch goes a step further by automatically controlling clutch engagement according to engine speed. When combined with Shift Assistant Pro, riders can pull away, ride and change gear without routinely using the clutch lever, although conventional manual clutch control remains available.
The chassis has been developed with agility very much in mind. A tubular steel frame uses the engine as a load-bearing element, while suspension comes from KYB, with a 43mm upside-down fork at the front and an aluminium double-sided swingarm with a centrally mounted rear shock. Sport Suspension versions add greater adjustment. Cast aluminium 17-inch wheels carry 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyres.
Braking is handled by a 310mm front disc with a Brembo four-piston monobloc caliper, backed up by a 240mm rear disc. ABS Pro is standard and allows ABS intervention while the bike is leaned over. Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control and engine drag torque control are also included, along with Rain, Road and Dynamic riding modes.
BMW has aimed to make the F 450 R accessible as well as entertaining. Standard seat height is a manageable 790mm, with optional seats allowing this to be raised by 20mm or lowered by 15mm. Riders looking for a little more track-day flavour can even reverse the gearshift pattern.
Equipment includes full LED lighting, a 6.5-inch TFT display, smartphone connectivity and a USB-C charging port. M Sport versions gain additional Sport display screens showing information including lean angle, braking force and traction-control activity, together with a lap timer.
Four versions will be offered: Base, Exclusive, M Sport and M Sport with Innovation Package. The latter adds BMW’s Easy Ride Clutch, while M Sport models also receive distinctive Snaefell White and M Motorsport colours.
For newer riders looking to enter the BMW Motorrad range, the F 450 R promises a particularly interesting combination: genuine A2 accessibility wrapped in the look and technology of BMW’s much larger performance nakeds.
