New Delhi: BMW Motorrad has unveiled the new F 450 R, a road-focused naked motorcycle built around the company’s 420cc parallel-twin engine. The new motorcycle produces 48 hp and 43 Nm of torque and is positioned as a lightweight roadster within BMW’s F 450 family.
The F 450 R shares its basic platform with the F 450 GS but has been developed specifically for road use. BMW says the motorcycle has a ready-to-ride weight of 175 kg, while its design takes inspiration from the larger S 1000 R.
BMW Motorrad has introduced the motorcycle in four equipment variants: Base, Exclusive, M Sport and M Sport with Innovation Package. India pricing and the launch timeline have not yet been announced.
420cc twin-cylinder engine produces 48 hp
The BMW F 450 R is powered by a newly developed 420cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected parallel-twin engine.
The engine produces 48 hp at 8,750 rpm and 43 Nm of peak torque at 6,750 rpm. BMW says the engine has been specifically tuned for the roadster, with around 80 per cent of its peak torque available from 3,000 rpm.
The engine uses a 135-degree crankpin offset, which BMW says contributes to the motorcycle’s distinctive engine character and sound.
Power is transferred to the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox. BMW has also equipped higher variants with Shift Assistant Pro, which enables clutchless gear changes.
175 kg weight focuses on agility
Weight reduction is one of the key aspects of the F 450 R.
BMW lists the motorcycle’s ready-to-ride weight at 175 kg. This puts the motorcycle 3 kg lighter than the F 450 GS, according to Autocar India’s comparison of the two models.
The motorcycle uses a tubular steel frame, with the engine functioning as a stressed member. Suspension duties are handled by a 43mm KYB upside-down fork at the front and a KYB rear monoshock connected to an aluminium swingarm.
The setup has been developed around road riding, with BMW focusing on handling and ease of manoeuvrability.
The M Sport versions receive additional suspension equipment, while the Exclusive variant gets sport suspension with adjustable rebound and compression damping.
BMW offers four variants
The F 450 R will be available in four variants:
- F 450 R Base
- F 450 R Exclusive
- F 450 R M Sport
- F 450 R M Sport with Innovation Package
The Base version is finished in Cosmic Black and comes with the standard equipment package.
The Exclusive variant adds Shift Assistant Pro and sport suspension.
The M Sport versions bring additional electronic features and a sportier specification. The range-topping M Sport with Innovation Package adds BMW’s Easy Ride Clutch system.
Easy Ride Clutch offered on top variant
One of the notable technology features of the F 450 R is BMW’s Easy Ride Clutch system.
When combined with Shift Assistant Pro, the system can automate clutch operation during starting, stopping and gear changes. The conventional clutch lever remains available when required.
BMW is offering the technology on the M Sport variant with the Innovation Package rather than as standard equipment across the range.
The feature is aimed at making low-speed riding and frequent stop-and-go conditions easier, particularly in urban traffic.
Multiple electronic rider aids
The F 450 R comes with a range of electronic safety and riding systems.
These include ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control and Engine Drag Torque Control. The motorcycle also offers riding modes, with higher-spec versions receiving additional configurable settings through Riding Modes Pro.
The M Sport versions also feature a dedicated display layout that can show information such as traction control intervention, braking force, lean angle and lap times.
These features are displayed through the motorcycle’s 6.5-inch TFT instrument cluster.
6.5-inch TFT display gets connectivity
BMW has equipped the F 450 R with a 6.5-inch TFT display.
The system supports smartphone connectivity and functions including navigation, music control and telephone functions. Full-LED lighting is also part of the motorcycle’s equipment package.
Other equipment includes heated grips and a USB-C charging port.
The motorcycle can also be configured with different seat-height options. BMW offers a 775mm low seat, a 790mm standard seat and an 810mm high seat, allowing the riding position to be adjusted for different riders.
14-litre fuel tank offers over 350 km range
The BMW F 450 R comes with a 14-litre fuel tank.
BMW claims fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100 km under its stated test conditions, which translates to a theoretical range of more than 350 km on a full tank. Actual range will depend on riding conditions, traffic, speed and riding style.
The motorcycle also gets a 10,000-km service interval, according to BMW Motorrad.
India launch details yet to be announced
BMW Motorrad has not announced the Indian price or launch date for the F 450 R.
The F 450 GS, which uses the same 420cc engine platform, has already been introduced in India. Autocar India reported that the F 450 R could follow the GS into the Indian market, but BMW has not yet confirmed the launch timeline or pricing.
The F 450 GS currently starts at Rs 4.95 lakh in India, according to Autocar India’s latest report. However, this does not represent the expected price of the F 450 R, which will be confirmed only when BMW announces its Indian specifications and pricing.
Roadster positioned below larger BMW motorcycles
The F 450 R expands BMW Motorrad’s roadster range with a motorcycle positioned between its smaller entry-level offerings and larger performance motorcycles.
Its combination of a 420cc twin-cylinder engine, 175 kg ready-to-ride weight and electronic rider aids gives it a specification aimed at riders looking for a middleweight naked motorcycle.
BMW’s design also gives the F 450 R a visual connection with the larger S 1000 R, while the smaller engine and compact dimensions make it a distinct model within the manufacturer’s portfolio.
The motorcycle’s four variants allow BMW to offer different levels of equipment, from the standard Base model to the technology-focused M Sport with Innovation Package.
Conclusion
BMW Motorrad has unveiled the new F 450 R with a 420cc parallel-twin engine producing 48 hp and 43 Nm. The motorcycle weighs 175 kg ready to ride and comes in four variants, with features including a 6.5-inch TFT display, electronic rider aids and an optional Easy Ride Clutch.
BMW has not yet confirmed the F 450 R’s India launch date or price. The motorcycle shares its engine platform with the F 450 GS, which is already sold in India.