BMW releases the F450 R ‘mini S1000 R’ – a sporty naked roadster variant of its F450 GS twin
We knew it was coming of course – but it’s still good to see this F450 R, BMW’s first new 2027 model to break cover. It was an obvious next step from the Bavarian bike maker after it released the F450 GS last year, and uses the same basic parallel twin platform, but in a neat sporty roadster package rather than the GS adventure model.
The result is what looks very like a mini S1000 R, but aimed at newly-qualified riders who need an A2 compliant machine, as well as more experienced riders looking for something smaller, lighter and less wild than even the F900 R.
The basics are very like the GS: the F450 R has the same engine: a 48bhp 420cc parallel twin with a 135 degree crankpin offset and balance shafts. Bore and stroke is 72 x 51.6mm, compression ratio is 13:1 and it features a DOHC head with four rocker-actuated valves per cylinder.
A ride-by-wire fuel injection system uses port injection, there’s a six-speed gearbox with wet clutch, and you can also specify an optional automatic clutch setup – the Easy Ride Clutch (ERC). This uses a centrifugal actuation system, so as the engine revs increase, the clutch starts to engage as you pull away.
There’s still a normal clutch lever and gearshift, which optionally comes with the BMW Shift Assistant Pro up/down quickshifter. Unusually for this sort of bike, the gear lever is easily flipped to give a race pattern shift – one up five down.
The major difference is in the exhaust system; the R uses a design with an underslung silencer box rather than the side-mount can on the GS (the adventure bike needs more ground clearance than an underslung system would give of course).
The peppy lump is mounted in a smart looking steel tube trellis main frame, with dual sided cast aluminium swingarm and sporty chassis kit: KYB suspension and Brembo brakes. The forks are unadjustable on the base version of the bike, with full damping adjustability available as an option, or standard on the M Sport versions.
Meanwhile the rear monoshock has preload and rebound adjusters. The front brake has a 310mm single disc, with a monobloc four-piston radial mount caliper, and the rear brake is a ByBre single piston caliper with a 240mm disc.
Lightweight cast aluminium wheels come with Indian-made Eurogrip Protorq Extreme tyres in small-bore sportsbike sizes: 110/70 17 front and 150/60 17 rear, rounding off a solid chassis spec. Kerb mass is just 175kg, standard seat height is a low-slung 790mm and wheelbase is a compact 1,405mm.
BMW’s tech packages are always impressive, and that applies to this small-bore bike too. It comes with the standard 6.5” BMW Motorrad LCD dash, which is big, clear and easy to use with the multi-controller wheel on the bars, and allows phone connectivity functions via the BMW app, extensive trip computer info and lots more. Rider aids include riding power modes, cornering ABS, traction control and engine brake control as standard.
BMW UK is bringing in four equipment variants: the base model at £6,395, the Exclusive trim with Shift Assistant Pro and Sport suspension at £6,645, an M Sport version with Riding Modes Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, and Sport suspension for £6,770 and the M Sport ERC which adds the auto clutch at £6,995. The F450 R will be in the shops next May.
2027 BMW F450 R Tech Highlights
- Outstanding power-to-weight ratio in the A2 class: 48 hp with a ready-to-ride weight of just 175kg
- Parallel-twin engine producing 35 kW (48 hp) at 8,750 rpm and maximum torque of 43 Nm at 6,750 rpm
- Lightweight, characterful engine with excellent smoothness thanks to a balance shaft and 135-degree crankpin offset, combined with a rigorous lightweight design
- Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) for a significant increase in ease of use, riding comfort, and performance: available ex-factory for M Sport as part of the Innovation Package; also retrofittable to all other variants as an Original BMW Motorrad Accessory
- Six-speed gearbox with Shift Assistant Pro for fast upshifts and downshifts without operating the clutch.
- Stainless-steel underslung exhaust system with two catalytic converters
- “Rain,” “Road,” and “Dynamic” riding modes, plus ABS Pro, DBC, DTC, and MSR, are standard for a high level of riding pleasure and safety. Riding Modes Pro adds the individually customisable “Dynamic Pro” riding mode
- Chassis with a tubular steel main frame for optimal rigidity, robustness, and riding precision. The R uses naked bike-specific geometry, a short wheelbase, and compact packaging
- Front wheel control via an upside-down telescopic fork and rear wheel control via an aluminium hollow-cast double-sided swingarm with a central spring monoshock; spring preload and rebound damping are adjustable
- Brembo braking system combined with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro for safe stopping, even when leaned over. Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and a dynamic brake light provide additional safety features
- Forged-aluminium foot controls and side stand for optimized weight
- Passenger footpeg brackets bolted to the rear frame
• Reversible gear shift pattern for occasional track outings
• Heated grips as standard - LED headlight and full LED lighting as standard
- Connectivity with extensive capabilities and functionality through a large 6.5-inch TFT display
- USB-C charging port in the cockpit