BMW Motorrad has officially unveiled the new BMW F 450 R the second in the 450 platform.
Compact Engine and Punchy Parallel-Twin Performance
At the core of the BMW F 450 R is a newly developed 420 cc fuel-injected parallel-twin engine, paired with a stainless-steel underfloor muffler featuring two catalytic converters. First introduced on the F 450 GS, the unit has been specifically tuned for road riding on the F 450 R to produce a distinctive exhaust note.
The engine uses high-tech materials, a balance shaft, and a 135-degree crankpin offset to ensure smooth operation, low internal friction, and low weight. Meeting Euro 5+ emissions standards, it delivers a fuel consumption figure of 3.8 litres per 100 km. Paired with a 14-litre fuel tank, the F 450 R offers a riding range of over 350 km, alongside standard 10,000 km BMW Motorrad service intervals.
Engine and Performance Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Engine Capacity | 420 cc parallel-twin |
| Maximum Power | 48 hp @ 8,750 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 43 Nm @ 6,750 rpm |
| Torque Delivery | 80% available from 3,000 rpm |
| Ready-to-Ride Weight | 175 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 litres (Range: >350 km) |
| Fuel Economy | 3.8 L/100 km (Euro 5+ compliant) |
| Final Drive | Six-speed gearbox, X-ring chain to left-side drive |
BMW F 450 R image gallery
Drivetrain Innovations: Easy Ride Clutch & Shift Assistant Pro
Power is sent through a six-speed transmission to a left-side secondary drive via an X-ring chain.
- Shift Assistant Pro: Fitted as standard across every variant except the base model (where it can be retrofitted as an accessory), allowing rapid clutchless upshifts and downshifts.
- Easy Ride Clutch (ERC): Available ex-factory on the top-tier variant or as an accessory across the range, the optional ERC system automatically engages the clutch based on engine speed. Combined with Shift Assistant Pro, it allows riders to navigate traffic, winding roads, and low-speed manoeuvres without pulling the manual clutch lever, though the lever remains functional for manual control.
- Reversible Shift Pattern: The gearshift mechanism can be easily reversed for riders taking the bike onto a racetrack.
Chassis, Suspension, and Braking Systems
The chassis uses a tubular steel space frame integrated with forged components, using the parallel-twin engine as a load-bearing element. Short dimensions and road-specific geometry focus on direct feedback and agile handling.
Suspension Setup
- Front: Torsionally rigid 43 mm KYB upside-down telescopic fork. Models equipped with the Sport Suspension feature adjustable rebound and compression damping.
- Rear: Closed, hollow-cast aluminium double-sided swingarm matched to a directly mounted KYB central spring strut with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping.
- Wheels & Tyres: Cast-aluminium wheels fitted with tubeless road tyres—110/70-17 at the front and 150/60-17 at the rear.
Braking and Electronic Safety Gear
- Front Brakes: Single floating 310 mm disc with a Brembo four-piston monobloc fixed caliper.
- Rear Brakes: Single 240 mm disc with a floating ByBre single-piston caliper.
- Standard Electronic Assists: BMW Motorrad ABS Pro (lean-sensitive cornering ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR), and a dynamic brake light.
- Standard Riding Modes: “Rain”, “Road”, and “Dynamic”.
Ergonomics, Tech, and Equipment Variants
The ergonomics are built around an upright riding position created by a tapered aluminium handlebar set high and close to the rider. The 14-litre tank and body panels are shaped for knee support.
A two-piece seat with a standard height of 790 mm comes as standard, while alternative seats from Original BMW Motorrad Accessories allow a +20 mm increase (Sport seat) or -15 mm reduction (Low seat). Lightweight forged aluminium is used for the gear lever, footbrake lever, and side stand, while passenger footpeg brackets are bolted directly to the rear frame. Heated grips are included as standard.
Connectivity and Lighting
Full LED lighting is fitted throughout, including an LED headlight with bracket-shaped daytime running lights. Cockpit functions are handled by a 6.5-inch TFT display with a USB-C port. The display features the standard Pure Ride Screen, while variants equipped with Riding Modes Pro (which unlocks the customizable “Dynamic Pro” mode) gain three additional Sport screens displaying lean angle, braking force, DTC interaction, and a lap timer.
Four Model Variants
- BMW F 450 R Base: Finished in Cosmic Black.
- BMW F 450 R Exclusive: Finished in Cosmic Black; adds Shift Assistant Pro and Sport Suspension.
- BMW F 450 R M Sport: Finished in Snaefell White / M Motorsport livery with a white frame and M-coloured rim stickers; includes Riding Modes Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, and Sport Suspension.
- BMW F 450 R M Sport with Innovation Package: Snaefell White / M Motorsport finish; includes Easy Ride Clutch (ERC), Riding Modes Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, and Sport Suspension.
