BMW has taken the wraps the new lightweight naked that joins its growing 450 range

BMW Motorrad has unveiled the new F 450 R, a lightweight naked bike based on the brand’s new 450 twin platform and aimed at riders after a compact, approachable road bike with sharper styling than the usual entry-level fare.

Sitting within the new F 450 family, the R uses the same newly developed 420cc parallel-twin seen in the F 450 GS, but tuned here for road use. BMW says it makes 35kW (48hp) at 8750rpm and 43Nm at 6750rpm, with 80 per cent of peak torque available from 3000rpm.

That should make it flexible enough for commuting, weekend rides and the sort of backroad use a bike like this is built for. BMW also claims fuel use of 3.8L/100km, with the 14-litre tank giving a theoretical range of more than 350km.

Road-focused 450 twin

The engine uses a 135-degree crankpin offset, which BMW says gives the bike a more distinctive feel and sound than a conventional parallel twin. It runs through a stainless underfloor exhaust and a six-speed gearbox, with chain final drive on the left-hand side.

Most variants also get Shift Assistant Pro for clutchless upshifts and downshifts, while BMW’s optional Easy Ride Clutch is designed to make stop-start traffic and low-speed riding easier.

Chassis, brakes and electronics

BMW says the F 450 R was developed as a dedicated naked bike rather than simply a stripped-back version of the GS. It uses a steel tube frame with the engine as a stressed member, along with road-specific chassis tuning and a short wheelbase aimed at easy handling and quick steering response.

Suspension comes from KYB, with a 43mm upside-down fork up front and a directly mounted rear shock working through a hollow-cast aluminium swingarm. Sport Suspension versions add adjustable compression and rebound damping at the fork.

Braking is handled by a 310mm front disc with a Brembo four-piston monobloc caliper, while the rear gets a 240mm disc with a ByBre single-piston caliper. Electronics are generous for a bike in this class, with ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control and engine drag torque control all standard.

There are also three standard riding modes: Rain, Road and Dynamic.

Learner-friendly size, bigger-bike features

Visually, the F 450 R borrows heavily from the sharper lines of the S 1000 R, with angular bodywork, a compact tail and LED lighting all round. A 6.5-inch TFT dash is standard, along with connectivity features, navigation functions and a USB-C port in the cockpit.

Seat height is listed at 790mm as standard, with BMW also offering a 775mm low seat and an 810mm high seat. Heated grips are standard too, which is a handy inclusion.

BMW claims a 175kg ready-to-ride weight, which should make the F 450 R a realistic option for newer riders if it reaches Australia in learner-approved form.

Four variants

The F 450 R will be sold in four versions:

  • F 450 R Base
  • F 450 R Exclusive
  • F 450 R M Sport
  • F 450 R M Sport with Innovation Package

The Base and Exclusive come in Cosmic Black, while the M Sport versions get Snaefell White/M Motorsport styling, a white frame and M-colour rim detailing.

Australian pricing and launch TBA.