BMW’s New 48-HP Naked Bike Looks Fantastic, And This Will Upset American Riders
BMW has taken the engine from its new F 450 GS, wrapped it in bodywork inspired by the S 1000 R, removed nearly every unnecessary ounce, and created one of the most exciting small naked motorcycles we have seen in years. The new BMW F 450 R looks compact, aggressive, and ready to spend its life attacking tight roads instead of posing outside expensive coffee shops.
But what has really upset us here in America is that BMW has confirmed it currently has no plans to sell the F 450 R in the United States. We will get the adventure-focused F 450 GS, but not its lighter and arguably sexier naked sibling. Apparently, American riders can be trusted with 205-horsepower superbikes, but this playful 48-hp roadster is simply too much fun for us. That’s a joke . . . but I hope you get what I am saying.
The BMW F 450 R Is A Tiny S 1000 R With Serious Hardware
The F 450 R is powered by a newly developed 420cc parallel-twin producing 48 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 32 lb-ft of torque at 6,750 rpm. A 135-degree crankpin offset gives the engine a more distinctive firing character than the usual small parallel twin, while BMW says 80 percent of its torque is available from just 3,000 rpm. That should make it responsive around town without requiring the rider to constantly attack the rev limiter like it owes them money.
More importantly, the bike weighs just 386 pounds ready to ride. That gives the F 450 R the kind of power-to-weight ratio that should make it hilarious on a winding road, even if it will not threaten an S 1000 R in a straight line. BMW also claims more than 217 miles of range from its 3.7-gallon fuel tank, meaning the fun should continue long after larger and thirstier naked bikes begin searching for a gas station.
BMW Stuffed Its Smallest Naked Bike With Big-Bike Technology
BMW did not treat the F 450 R like a bargain-bin beginner motorcycle. Rain, Road, and Dynamic riding modes are standard, along with cornering ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control, and engine-drag torque control. It also receives a 6.5-inch TFT display, LED lighting, a USB-C charging port, and heated grips as standard equipment.
The chassis hardware is equally impressive. A 43 mm KYB inverted fork controls the front, while an aluminum swingarm and KYB shock handle the rear. Sport versions receive additional suspension adjustment, and braking comes from a 310 mm front disc clamped by a Brembo four-piston monobloc caliper. BMW even allows riders to reverse the shift pattern for track use, because apparently somebody in Munich understands that small motorcycles deserve to misbehave too.
Its Strangest Option Could Make City Riding Brilliant
The most interesting feature is BMW’s optional Easy Ride Clutch. The system automatically engages the clutch according to engine speed, allowing riders to pull away and stop without manually operating the lever. Combine it with Shift Assistant Pro, and the F 450 R can be ridden and shifted without touching the clutch lever, although the lever remains available whenever the rider wants full control.
Four versions will be offered elsewhere, ranging from the black base model to an M Sport variant with white bodywork, an exposed white frame, upgraded suspension, additional riding modes, and BMW’s familiar Motorsport colors. A low 31.1-inch standard seat, optional higher and lower seats, upright handlebars, and adjustable ergonomics should make it comfortable without softening its sharp roadster attitude.
That complete package makes BMW’s U.S. decision particularly irritating. America receives plenty of enormous motorcycles with enormous prices, yet affordable, lightweight performance bikes are exactly what could attract newer riders and entertain experienced ones without requiring triple-digit speeds. The F 450 R has real BMW styling, useful technology, quality chassis parts, manageable power, and less weight than many middleweight rivals. However, we do think BMW will probably bring it over to us, but we just hate waiting.
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