The beloved Bavarian brand builds upon the success of the 450 GS with an arguably even more appealing roadster, the 450 R.For all its pioneering spirit, BMW's latest (welcome) move is a clear case of letting the market lead, as the thirst for smaller, more approachable motos seems to increase by the day.Using the small-displacement platform underpinning its well-received F 450 GS, the brand has built a stripped-down roadster aimed squarely at new and less experienced riders, without pricing out anyone who simply wants a lightweight, no-fuss street bike.The F 450 R shares its approachable platform with BMW's well-received F 450 GS, repurposed here for the street. - Credit: BMWAesthetically, the new F 450 R delivers a small-bore reinterpretation of the "tail up, nose down" principle of the BMW S 1000 R, resulting in an all-business, no-nonsense naked bike silhouette.Maxing out the A2 license class (it's a European thing), that engine is a 420cc parallel-twin making 48 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and peak torque of 32 lb-ft at 6,750 rpm.The F 450 R tips the scales at only 386 pounds, keeping handling nimble for newer and experienced riders alike. - Credit: BMWWhile those numbers won't blow your hair back, keep in mind the bike itself weighs just 386 pounds.Together with a 31.1-inch seat height, that eases handling for newer riders while ensuring it will be nimble at any velocity and quite capable of dipping through traffic or ripping two-lane twisties.Brembo brakes backed by four distinct electronic safety systems are standard on the F 450 R, not an option. - Credit: BMWThe feature list is extensive, but as the bike aims for the entry-level market, a few are worth calling out specifically.The optional Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) engages the clutch according to engine speed, increasing comfort and control in urban traffic, while maneuvering and on winding country roads.Heated grips, LED lighting and this 6.5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity round out the tech package. - Credit: BMWThe six-speed transmission transfers torque to the left-side secondary drive via an X-ring chain, and in every model but the base (where it can be retrofitted), the F 450 R packs Shift Assistant Pro.In tandem with the ERC, this tech enables riding and shifting without manual clutch operation, though the clutch lever remains available for deliberate rider input (and, you know, appearances).The 420cc twin produces 48 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 32 lb-ft of peak torque at 6,750 rpm. - Credit: BMWOn the other end of the spectrum, the reversible shift pattern spices up the sportiness for the occasional track outing.Additional rider assistance comes via ABS Pro, Brembo brakes backed up by Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and engine drag torque control (MSR) … all standard.The F 450 R's "tail up, nose down" silhouette is a small-bore nod to BMW's flagship S 1000 R naked bike. - Credit: BMWSuspension features include front wheel control via an upside-down telescopic fork and rear wheel control via an aluminum hollow-cast double-sided swingarm with a central spring strut; spring preload and rebound damping are adjustable.Rounding out the tech offerings are heated grips, LED lighting, a 6.5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity and a USB-C port integrated into the cockpit. It's 2026, after all.Availability and pricingThe 2027 BMW F 450 R just launched across the pond at a starting price of £6,395, roughly $8,440 at current exchange rates.Presumably a North American release will follow, hopefully sooner rather than later.2027 BMW F 450 R Learn More About the Author:Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.
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