New 2027 BMW F 450 R – 48 HP and Only 386 Pounds

BMW Motorrad is expanding its roadster lineup with the new 2027 BMW F 450 R, a compact naked motorcycle designed to bring the character of BMW’s larger performance machines into a lighter and more accessible package. With styling inspired by the BMW S 1000 R, a newly developed parallel twin engine, low weight, and an impressive collection of electronic rider aids, the F 450 R has much more going for it than its engine size might suggest.

At the heart of the F 450 R is a 420 cubic centimeter liquid cooled parallel twin engine. The engine produces 48 horsepower at 8,750 revolutions per minute and 43 Newton meters of torque at 6,750 revolutions per minute. BMW uses a 135 degree crankpin offset along with a balance shaft to give the engine its own character while maintaining smooth operation.

BMW has also tuned this version of the engine specifically for road use. One of the more important numbers is not its peak output, but where the power becomes available. Around 80 percent of the available torque is already accessible at just 3,000 revolutions per minute. That should make the F 450 R responsive around town and reduce the need to constantly chase the upper end of the engine speed range.

Performance becomes even more interesting when weight enters the equation. The F 450 R weighs only 175 kilograms, or approximately 386 pounds, ready to ride. Combining that low weight with 48 horsepower gives the motorcycle a strong power to weight ratio for the European A2 class.

The engine is paired with a 6 speed transmission and chain final drive. BMW Shift Assistant Pro is fitted to every version except the Base model and allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts. It can also be added to the Base version later.

An especially interesting feature is BMW’s optional Easy Ride Clutch. The centrifugal clutch automatically engages according to engine speed. When combined with Shift Assistant Pro, the rider can start, stop, and change gears without manually operating the clutch lever. BMW still keeps the traditional clutch lever in place, so the rider can use it whenever desired. For frequent stop and go riding, that could make the F 450 R noticeably easier to live with.

BMW has not treated the smaller F 450 R like a basic entry level motorcycle when it comes to electronics. Rain, Road, and Dynamic riding modes are standard. BMW Motorrad Antilock Braking System Pro, Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control, and engine drag torque control are also included.

The chassis is built around a tubular steel space frame, with the engine serving as a load bearing component. A 43 millimeter KYB upside down fork handles suspension duties at the front, while an aluminum double sided swingarm and KYB central spring strut are used at the rear. The available Sport Suspension adds adjustment for rebound and compression damping at the front.

Stopping power comes from a 310 millimeter front disc paired with a Brembo 4 piston monobloc fixed caliper. At the rear is a 240 millimeter disc. Antilock Braking System Pro can operate while the motorcycle is leaned over, bringing technology normally associated with more expensive motorcycles into this smaller displacement class.

BMW has also focused heavily on making the F 450 R approachable. The standard seat height is 790 millimeters. An optional lower seat drops that figure to 775 millimeters, while the Sport seat raises it to 810 millimeters. The handlebar sits relatively high and close to the rider, creating a riding position intended to work for everyday street use as well as more enthusiastic riding.

Technology is another area where the F 450 R punches above what many riders might expect from this category. A 6.5 inch full color display comes standard and provides connectivity for navigation, phone calls, and music. The M Sport versions equipped with Riding Modes Pro gain additional Sport display screens showing information such as lean angle, braking force, and Dynamic Traction Control activity, along with a lap timer.

Lighting is fully light emitting diode based, including the headlight, daytime running lights, turn indicators, and taillight. Heated grips are standard, and BMW even includes a USB Type C connection in the cockpit.

BMW will offer the F 450 R in 4 configurations. The Base model comes in Cosmic Black. The Exclusive version also uses Cosmic Black but adds Shift Assistant Pro and Sport Suspension. Above those are the F 450 R M Sport and F 450 R M Sport with Innovation Package. These models receive the Snaefell White and M Motorsport treatment along with Riding Modes Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, and Sport Suspension. The Innovation Package adds the Easy Ride Clutch.

Fuel consumption is rated at 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Combined with the 14 liter fuel tank, BMW says the F 450 R can travel more than 350 kilometers, or roughly 217 miles, between fill ups under the appropriate conditions.

The styling may ultimately be one of the biggest attractions. Rather than making the F 450 R look deliberately inexpensive or beginner focused, BMW has given it a strong visual connection to the larger S 1000 R. The compact bodywork, exposed mechanical components, aggressive front end, and M Sport treatment give the smaller motorcycle the appearance of a scaled down BMW performance roadster.

The 2027 BMW F 450 R enters an important part of the motorcycle market where manageable performance, low weight, technology, and affordability matter just as much as outright horsepower. With 48 horsepower moving only around 386 pounds, a serious electronics package, optional Easy Ride Clutch, and unmistakable BMW styling, this new roadster could become one of the most interesting additions to BMW Motorrad’s lineup.