BMW F 450 R 2027: new 48 hp naked bike with plenty of features

BMW is expanding its still-young F 450 model family. After the twin-cylinder engine, first used in the F 450 GS, the BMW F 450 R follows as a standalone naked bike for the 48 hp class. Visually, BMW makes no secret of where this is heading. The F 450 R takes its design language from the S 1000 R. Technically, however, it carries over key fundamentals from the F 450 GS and adapts the frame, chassis and geometry for road use.

At the heart of the BMW F 450 R sits the newly developed two-cylinder inline engine, which first appeared in the F 450 GS. For the R, BMW says the engine has been specifically tuned for road use. The twin has 420 cm³ of displacement and a 135-degree crank pin offset. A balancer shaft is intended to support smooth running. Output is 35 kW or 48 hp at 8,750 rpm, with maximum torque of 43 Nm available at 6,750 rpm.

Another figure is interesting for everyday use: according to BMW, 80 percent of maximum torque is already available at 3,000 rpm. On paper, that promises an engine that doesn't need to be constantly wound out. Claimed fuel consumption is 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Together with the 14-liter tank, BMW states a range of more than 350 kilometers. The service interval is 10,000 kilometers.

The F 450 R gets technically interesting with the optional Easy Ride Clutch, or ERC for short. The system takes over clutch engagement depending on engine speed. The classic clutch lever remains on the bike nonetheless and can still be used deliberately. Combined with the Shift Assistant Pro, the F 450 R can be ridden and shifted without the rider having to operate the clutch manually.

On the BMW F 450 R M Sport with Innovation Package, the ERC is part of the package. For the other variants, BMW says it can be retrofitted via Original BMW Motorrad Accessories. The Shift Assistant Pro allows clutchless up- and downshifting and is included on all variants except the base version. On the BMW F 450 R Basis, it can be retrofitted.

When it comes to electronics, BMW doesn't skimp too much even in the 48 hp class. The three riding modes Rain, Road and Dynamic are available as standard. Also fitted from the factory:

• BMW Motorrad ABS Pro
• Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
• Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
• Engine drag torque control (MSR)

ABS Pro factors in lean angle when braking. Dynamic Brake Control is designed to prevent unintended throttle input in difficult braking situations. MSR, in turn, kicks in when closing the throttle or downshifting generates too much engine braking torque at the rear wheel. With Riding Modes Pro, the individually configurable Dynamic Pro mode is added. On the M Sport variants, additional sport displays are also available on the TFT.

According to the manufacturer, the BMW F 450 R tips the scales at 175 kilograms ready to ride. Combined with the 48 hp, that results in the maximum permissible power-to-weight ratio within the A2 class. The chassis concept developed for the F 450 GS serves as the basis, though the setup has been altered for road use. The tubular steel frame consists of welded steel tubes and forged components. The twin-cylinder engine is integrated as a load-bearing element.

Up front, a 43-millimeter KYB upside-down fork is used. On the so-called sport suspension, it can be adjusted in both rebound and compression. At the rear, BMW uses an aluminum cast two-sided swingarm. The directly linked KYB central spring strut can be adjusted for preload and rebound.

The sport suspension is part of the Exclusive and M Sport variants. This gives riders of the higher-spec models more options for adapting the chassis to their own taste or intended use. The wheels are made of cast aluminum. BMW fits tubeless tires in 110/70-17 up front and 150/60-17 at the rear. This keeps the F 450 R within classic naked bike dimensions.

Braking up front is handled by a floating-mounted 310-millimeter single disc, gripped by a Brembo four-piston monobloc fixed caliper. At the rear, a 240-millimeter disc works with a floating-mounted ByBre single-piston caliper. More interesting than the number of brake discs is the accompanying electronics. ABS Pro is already standard on the BMW F 450 R and enables ABS control that accounts for lean angle.

Additionally, there's the already mentioned Dynamic Brake Control. A dynamic brake light is intended to more clearly alert following traffic to hard braking maneuvers.

BMW also takes an accessible approach to ergonomics. The tapered aluminum handlebar sits high and close to the rider. The tank and bodywork were shaped to allow a good knee angle. The standard two-piece seat puts the seat height at 790 millimeters. The position can be changed via Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

The high sport seat raises the seating position by 20 millimeters to a calculated 810 millimeters. The low rider seat reduces it by 15 millimeters to 775 millimeters.

The shift and foot brake levers as well as the side stand are made of forged aluminum. An unusual detail for this power class is the reversible shift pattern. According to BMW, the shift logic can be reversed without much effort. This allows the F 450 R to be switched to a pattern known from racing. BMW sees this option mainly for occasional track outings.

Will many owners of a 48 hp F 450 R actually swap the shift pattern before a trackday, or even ride on a race track at all? That remains to be seen, but it's definitely a nice-to-have. Besides, surely a supersport model could be built on the basis of this naked bike, to which this feature would be better suited.

There's no cut corners when it comes to the cockpit. A 6.5-inch TFT display sits in front of the rider as standard. Besides the so-called "Pure Ride Screen," it offers connectivity functions. Paired with a smartphone, telephony, music playback and navigation are possible. On the M Sport versions with Riding Modes Pro, three additional sport screens are added.

A USB-C socket in the cockpit area is also present. Especially on a bike that's also meant to function as an uncomplicated daily companion, this is more useful than many a spectacular spec-sheet feature. And one more point for everyday use: heated grips are part of the standard equipment.

BMW offers the F 450 R in a total of four configurations.

The BMW F 450 R Basis comes in Cosmic Black. It forms the entry point and does without Shift Assistant Pro and sport suspension as standard. The shift assistant can be retrofitted. Above that sits the BMW F 450 R Exclusive, also finished in Cosmic Black. Here, Shift Assistant Pro and sport suspension are included.

The BMW F 450 R M Sport wears the Snaefell White / M Motorsport color combination and adds Riding Modes Pro, Shift Assistant Pro as well as the sport suspension. A white frame and rim decals in M Motorsport colors set it apart visually. At the top sits the BMW F 450 R M Sport with Innovation Package. It combines the M Sport equipment with the Easy Ride Clutch as well.

In addition to the four variants, BMW announces an extensive accessory program. This includes solutions for storage, design, safety, ergonomics, comfort, maintenance, technology, navigation and communication.

The key data paints a promising picture: 175 kilograms ready-to-ride weight, 48 Nm, 17-inch wheels and 790 millimeters seat height add up to reasonable headline figures for a compact naked bike.

On top of that comes a standard equipment package that's extensive, with Rain, Road and Dynamic riding modes, DTC, MSR, DBC and ABS Pro. TFT, connectivity, USB-C, LED lighting and heated grips round off the package. How well the new F 450 R actually performs will be shown in the test.