The BMW F 450 R has been revealed, the new small-capacity naked bike packing a 420cc parallel-twin, cornering ABS and heated grips, with an Easy Ride Clutch available on the range-topping M Sport ERC.
Pricing has been announced for the new BMW F 450 R, with the parallel-twin roadster starting at $10,290 plus on-road costs.
The three-model range brings a new option to the learner-focused naked-bike market, combining styling influenced by the S 1000 R with an engine and chassis derived from the F 450 GS. BMW quotes a ready-to-ride weight of 175kg, with all versions receiving traction control, cornering ABS, heated grips and a 6.5-inch TFT display.
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 that torque is available from 3000rpm.
A 135-degree crankpin offset gives the engine its distinctive character, while a balance shaft helps control vibration. BMW says the engine has been tuned specifically for road use in the F 450 R, which also gets a stainless-steel underfloor exhaust.
Claimed fuel consumption is 3.8L/100km, giving a range of more than 350km from the 14-litre tank. Service intervals are set at 10,000km.
THREE VERSIONS FOR AUSTRALIA
The Australian line-up starts with the F 450 R in Cosmic Black at $10,290. The $10,790 Exclusive adds Shift Assistant Pro for clutchless upshifts and downshifts, plus Sport Suspension with adjustable compression and rebound damping at the fork.
At the top of the range, the $11,490 M Sport ERC wears Snaefell White/M Motorsport colours and adds Easy Ride Clutch and Riding Modes Pro to the Exclusive’s equipment.
Easy Ride Clutch engages the clutch according to engine speed. Paired with Shift Assistant Pro, it allows the rider to get moving and change gears without operating the clutch lever, although the lever remains available for manual input. The rider still selects gears through the six-speed transmission.
Shift Assistant Pro can also be retrofitted to the base model.
All three versions have Rain, Road and Dynamic riding modes, while the M Sport ERC’s Riding Modes Pro adds an individually configurable Dynamic Pro setting.
ROAD-FOCUSED RUNNING GEAR
The F 450 R uses a tubular steel frame with the engine as a stressed member. BMW says its road-specific geometry and suspension settings prioritise easy handling, accessibility and rider feedback.
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.
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.
BMW’s ABS Pro provides cornering ABS, while Dynamic Brake Control helps prevent unintended throttle input during braking. Traction control and engine drag torque control are also standard.
LOW SEAT, PLENTY OF EQUIPMENT
Standard seat height is 790mm, with accessory seats offering a 20mm increase or a 15mm reduction. A tapered aluminium handlebar sits high and close to the rider, while the gearshift pattern can be reversed for track use.
Alongside heated grips, standard equipment includes LED lighting, a USB-C port and a 6.5-inch TFT display with connectivity for phone calls, music and navigation.
The M Sport ERC adds three Sport display screens showing information including lean angle, braking force and traction-control activity, plus a lap timer.
Australian pricing includes GST but excludes on-road costs. BMW has not specified a local showroom arrival date in the announcement.
BMW F 450 R Australian pricing (+ORC)
- F 450 R: $10,290
- F 450 R Exclusive: $10,790
- F 450 R M Sport ERC: $11,490
