The new BMW F 450 RR combines a 420cc parallel-twin with S 1000 RR-inspired styling, cornering ABS and an optional clutch system that takes the left hand out of the equation.
The new BMW F 450 RR has been revealed. Hot on the heels of the recently announced BMW F 450 R, the new RR is a small-capacity sportsbike offering a new entry point into its RR family.Sharing its engine and basic chassis concept with the F 450 GS and recently announced F 450 R, the RR gets its own supersport geometry, suspension tuning and riding position, wrapped in bodywork that borrows heavily from the S 1000 RR.
BMW quotes a ready-to-ride weight of 177kg, with standard equipment including cornering ABS, traction control, heated grips and a 6.5-inch TFT display. Four equipment variants have been announced, with the range-topping version adding BMW’s Easy Ride Clutch.
Australian pricing, arrival timing and local model specifications were not included in the supplied announcement. The bike meets Europe’s A2 licence requirements, so will be LAMS compliant.
SMALL TWIN, FAMILIAR NUMBERS
Despite the 450 badge, the engine displaces 420cc. The fuel-injected parallel-twin produces a claimed 35kW at 8750rpm and 43Nm at 6750rpm, with BMW saying 80 per cent of maximum torque is available from 3000rpm.
A 135-degree crankpin offset creates uneven firing intervals, while a balance shaft helps keep vibration under control. BMW says the engine has been tuned specifically for supersport use, with a stainless-steel underfloor exhaust completing the package.
Claimed fuel consumption is 3.8L/100km, giving a calculated range of more than 350km from the 14-litre tank. Service intervals are set at 10,000km.
CLUTCH OPTIONAL, GEAR CHANGES STILL YOUR JOB
The six-speed transmission is paired with chain final drive. BMW’s Shift Assistant Pro allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts and is standard on all versions except the base model, where it can be retrofitted.
The optional Easy Ride Clutch goes a step further, using a centrifugal mechanism to engage the clutch according to engine speed. Combined with Shift Assistant Pro, it allows riders to move off, change gears and stop without operating the clutch lever.
The rider still selects the gears, and the clutch lever remains available for manual input. Engine braking is retained during overrun, with the clutch opening automatically at idle to prevent stalling.
Easy Ride Clutch is included with the M Sport’s Innovation Package and can be retrofitted to other variants. It adds 1kg to the ready-to-ride weight.
PROPER SPORTSBIKE HARDWARE
The tubular steel frame uses the engine as a stressed member, with BMW claiming the RR-specific geometry prioritises agility, feedback and stability.
A 43mm KYB upside-down fork is paired with a KYB rear shock and an aluminium double-sided swingarm. Rear spring preload and rebound damping are adjustable, while versions equipped with Sport suspension also get adjustable fork compression and rebound damping.
Cast aluminium 17-inch wheels carry a 110/70 front tyre and a 150/60 rear. Braking hardware comprises a single 310mm front disc with a four-piston Brembo monobloc calliper, backed by a 240mm rear disc and single-piston ByBre calliper.
Rain, Road and Race riding modes are standard, along with cornering ABS, traction control, engine drag torque control and Dynamic Brake Control, which helps prevent unintended throttle input during braking.
FOUR WAYS INTO THE RR FAMILY
The base F 450 RR comes in Cosmic Black. The Racing Red Sport adds Shift Assistant Pro and Sport suspension.
Both M Sport variants wear Snaefell White/M Motorsport colours and add Riding Modes Pro, including an individually configurable Race Pro setting. Additional TFT Sport screens display lean angle, braking force and traction-control information, alongside a lap timer. The Innovation Package adds Easy Ride Clutch.
Clip-on handlebars provide a sportier riding position, while the standard seat sits at 790mm. Accessory seats lower that to 775mm or raise it to 810mm, and the gearshift pattern can be reversed for track use.
LED lighting, phone connectivity and a USB-C port round out the standard equipment. Winglets and asymmetric fairing panels complete the family resemblance, giving BMW’s smallest RR plenty of big-bike attitude.
