Bavarian brand releases pocket A2-legal sportsbike as part of plan to replace G310 models with bigger 420cc parallel twin engine range
BMW’s gradually been upgrading its small-bore entry-level machinery over the past year, replacing the old single-cylinder G310 models with F450 twins.
And this is the latest part of the plan: an A2-compliant F450 RR mini-sportsbike, with S1000 RR looks, probably-superfluous aerodynamic wings, and the same basic engine/chassis package as seen already on the F450 R and F450 GS models.
It’s a great-looking little machine: BMW acknowledges its resemblance to the full-bore S1000 RR superbike, with the same fairing lines, winglets, committed riding position, asymmetric fairing panels, cooling gills and headlight design.
Under the plastic is a familiar recipe: a steel tube space frame based on the same design as the F450 GS and R models, with a dual-sided cast aluminium rear swingarm. Suspension is by KYB, with USD forks and rear monoshock, and there’s fully adjustable damping available on the Sport variant forks (the rear shock has preload and rebound adjustment).
There’s a single 310mm front brake disc with a four-piston Brembo monobloc caliper, and the RR comes with BMW’s ABS Pro IMU-assisted setup as well as dynamic brake control and dynamic brake light.
Wheels are light cast aluminium parts in small-bore sportsbike widths, with Indian-made Eurogrip ProTorq Extreme tyres are fitted, as on the F450 R, partly down to Indian government rules on the rubber that can be fitted to bikes made there (the F450 models are made by the TVS firm for BMW).
All-up wet weight of the new RR is 177kg wet, and the engine makes the same 47bhp as on the GS and R. Its 420cc parallel twin lump is a thoroughly modern design, with a 135-degree crankpin throw for an off-beat power delivery.
A DOHC, eight-valve head helps peak power production, there’s a balance shaft to cut vibes, ride-by-wire fuel injection keeps things clean, and there’s a 13:1 compression ratio. BMW’s also offering a semi-automatic transmission option, with the Easy Ride Clutch available as a factory fitment.
This setup, used on the other 450 models, has a simple centrifugal clutch actuation, together with a quickshifter setup, that allows twist-and-go riding, while keeping the standard clutch lever in place to allow intervention by the rider at any time. The six-speed gearbox also has an easily-reversed shift lever for race shift on track.
As you’d expect, there’s plenty of electronic kit available on the 450 RR, either as stock or in the options packages. The riding aids setup includes cornering ABS and traction, as well as up to four riding modes, quickshifter and engine brake control.
On the equipment side, you get BMW’s excellent large-format 6.6” TFT LCD dash, with the wheel multi-controller on the left hand bar, LED lights, Bluetooth connectivity and optional BMW Navigator, though there’s no cruise control option – booh.
While we’re having a moan, the fuel capacity is just 14 litres, though the small efficient motor will no doubt sip fuel, we always like to have a couple of litres more than that for longer runs.
The new F450 RR will be in the shops next May, just in time for summer, priced at £6,395 (Base), £6,645 (Exclusive), £6,770 (M Sport) or £6,995 (M Sport ERC). More info: www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk.
2027 BMW F450 RR tech highlights
- Development focus: maximum riding pleasure through excellent handling, strong performance, rigorous weight optimization, and optimal accessibility.
- Outstanding power-to-weight ratio in the A2 class: 48 hp with a ready-to-ride weight of just 177 kg.
- 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 lightweight design.
- Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) available ex-factory for M Sport as part of the Innovation Package; retrofittable to all other variants as an Original BMW Motorrad Accessory.
- Six-speed transmission and Shift Assistant Pro for fast upshifts and downshifts without operating the clutch.
- Stainless-steel underslung exhaust system with two catalytic converters.
- “Rain,” “Road,” and “Race” 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 configurable “Race Pro” riding mode.
- Chassis with a tubular steel space frame for optimal rigidity, robustness, and riding precision. Supersport-specific tuning, short 1,405mm 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 strut; spring preload and rebound damping are adjustable. With the Sport suspension, the fork also offers adjustable rebound and compression damping.
- Powerful Brembo braking system combined with
- BMW Motorrad ABS Pro for safe braking, 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 shift pattern for an extra dose of sportiness and a true racing feel on the racetrack.
- Heated grips as standard.
- Powerful LED headlight and LED lighting as standard.
- Connectivity with extensive capabilities and functionality through a large 6.5-inch TFT display.
- Practical USB-C port in the cockpit area.
- 14 litre fuel tank
- Tailored Original BMW Motorrad Accessories in premium quality— from storage and M Performance Parts to safety, ergonomics and comfort, maintenance and technology, navigation, and communication.
2027 F450 RR UK model options:
BMW F450 RR Base.
Cosmic Black.
BMW F450 RR Sport.
Racing Red.
- Shift Assistant Pro.
- Sport suspension.
BMW F450 RR M Sport.
Snaefell white / M Motorsport with a white frame and rim stickers in M Motorsport colors.
- Riding Modes Pro with the individually configurable “Race Pro” riding mode.
- Shift Assistant Pro.
- Sport suspension.
BMW F450 RR M Sport with Innovation Package.
Snaefell white / M Motorsport with a white frame and rim stickers in M Motorsport colors.
- Riding Modes Pro with the individually configurable “Race Pro” riding mode.
- Shift Assistant Pro.
- Sport suspension.
- Easy Ride Clutch.