BMW F450R: Four trim levels, even in the mid-range
With 48 PS and a kg weight of 175 kg, the BMW F450R meets the key specifications for the A2 driving licence class to the letter. At €6,490, BMW is proving surprisingly competitive on the price front.
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The BMW F450R is based on the same technical platform as the BMW F450GS, which was unveiled a year ago. Its design is clearly inspired by the styling of BMW’s most powerful roadster, the S1000R, and visually emphasises its sporty character.
At the heart of the new BMW F450R is the twin-cylinder in-line engine with petrol injection and an under-floor stainless steel silencer, first introduced in the F450GS. With an output of 48 PS at 8,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 43 Nm at 6,750 rpm, it fully exploits the power limits of the A2 driving licence category. As early as 3,000 rpm, 80 per cent of the available torque is already on tap. High-tech materials and optimised internal friction enable these performance figures to be achieved with a compact 420 ccm in-line twin-cylinder engine. BMW states a fuel consumption of just 3.8 litres per 100 km, which, with the 14-litre fuel tank, would give a range of more than 350 km. The service interval is the standard 10,000 km for BMW Motorrad.
The optionally available Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) engages the clutch automatically based on engine speed, thereby enhancing comfort and control – particularly in city traffic, when manoeuvring and on winding country roads. In combination with the Shift Assistant Pro, riding and changing gear is possible without manually operating the clutch; the clutch lever is still present for deliberate engagement. The bidirectional Quickshifter, known as the BMW Shift Assistant Pro, is fitted to the F450R in all trim levels except the base model. It can be retrofitted to the base model. For an extra touch of sportiness, the shift sequence of the six-speed gearbox can be reversed with minimal effort – ideal for the occasional trip to the racetrack.
Three riding modes – Rain, Road and Dynamic – are available as standard. Standard equipment also includes cornering ABS, emergency braking assistant (DBC), traction control (DTC) and engine drag torque control (MSR).
The F450R’s chassis is also based on that of the F450GS. The trellis frame consists of welded steel tubes and forged components. It incorporates the twin-cylinder in-line engine as a load-bearing element. The front wheel is mounted on a KYB USD fork with a 43 mm inner tube diameter. With the optional sports suspension, the fork is adjustable for rebound and compression. At the rear, the wheel is mounted on a closed, cast aluminium twin-arm swingarm. This is combined with a directly mounted KYB central shock absorber, whose spring preload and rebound damping are adjustable.
The BMW F450R is fitted with cast aluminium wheels, fitted with tyres measuring 110/70-17 at the front and 150/60-17 at the rear. The front wheel is braked by a four-piston monobloc brake caliper from Brembo, combined with a floating 310 mm brake disc. The rear wheel features a 240 mm disc brake with a ByBre single-piston caliper.
The BMW F450R comes as standard with cornering ABS, known as BMW Motorrad ABS Pro. The Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) emergency braking assistant prevents accidental throttle activation during heavy braking. In such situations, the brake light flashes to help prevent collisions with vehicles following behind.
Thanks to three available seat heights of 775 mm (low seat), 790 mm (standard) and 810 mm (high seat), the F450R can be adapted to suit different rider heights. The narrow contour of the seat ensures a secure footing for riders of smaller stature.
The new BMW F 450 R comes as standard with an LED headlight featuring bracket-shaped LED daytime running lights. The indicators and rear lights on the new F 450 R also utilise LED technology.
BMW promises intuitive operation for the standard 6.5-inch TFT display. On the M Sport variants with Pro riding modes, three additional sport screens are also available, providing detailed information on DTC, braking force and lean angle, as well as a lap timer function. It is also possible to make phone calls, listen to music and use navigation comfortably whilst riding.
When it comes to trim levels, BMW has always been at the forefront, and this now also applies to the mid-range F450R. The base model, the F450R Basis, is finished in black, as is the F450R Exclusive, which is additionally equipped with the Shift Assistant Pro and the sports suspension. The top-of-the-range models are the F450R M Sport and the F450R M Sport with the Innovation Package (including the Easy Ride Clutch) in White / M Motorsport, featuring Pro riding modes, Shift Assistant Pro and a sports suspension. With their white frame and rim decals in M Motorsport colours, they make a striking visual impression.
The BMW F450R is available in Germany from €6,490 (in Switzerland from CHF 6,750, in Austria from €6,690); BMW has not yet commented on the market launch, but it is expected to take place in time for the start of the 2027 season.
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