- 420cc twin delivers 48hp; ready-to-ride weight is just 177kg.
- RR-specific chassis geometry, Brembo brake and sophisticated electronics.
- Four global variants announced; BMW NZ has yet to confirm which will be sold locally.
BMW has taken the characterful engine from the F 450 GS and created a 177kg LAMS sportsbike with genuine RR ambitions. Having ridden and loved the GS, we’re keen to see whether the little RR feels every bit as authentic.
BMW has taken the excellent engine from its F 450 GS, wrapped it in aggressive RR styling and created a lightweight LAMS supersport machine that promises plenty of fun without needing superbike levels of horsepower. And having ridden the GS, we’re particularly interested in this one.
BMW Motorrad has officially unveiled the new F 450 RR, expanding its 450cc family with a lightweight sportsbike designed to bring the character of its larger RR models to a much more accessible class.
And if it’s anything like the F 450 GS we’ve already ridden, this could be a seriously entertaining little motorcycle.
When we tested the F 450 GS, one of the things that impressed us most was how BMW had managed to capture the character of its larger adventure bikes in a much smaller package. It didn’t feel like a cheap imitation of a GS, but a proper BMW adventure bike that just happened to be smaller, lighter and more manageable. The engine was another highlight, delivering an entertaining mix of character, smoothness and usable performance.
Now BMW has taken that same 420cc parallel-twin and given it a sporting makeover, complete with aggressive RR bodywork, supersport-specific chassis geometry and a generous electronics package. The question is whether it can capture the same unmistakable BMW character as its larger S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR siblings.
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Familiar Engine, Different Personality
At the heart of the F 450 RR is the 420cc parallel-twin that impressed us in the F 450 GS, although BMW has revised its tuning and exhaust system for the new bike’s sporting intentions.
Producing 48hp (35kW) at 8,750rpm and 43Nm at 6,750rpm, it’s not about superbike levels of power. Instead, BMW has concentrated on accessible performance, with a claimed 80 per cent of maximum torque available from just 3,000rpm.
That broad spread of drive is something we particularly appreciated about the GS engine. The unusual 135-degree crankpin offset gives the twin uneven firing intervals and a distinctive character, while a balance shaft helps keep vibration under control. A stainless-steel underfloor exhaust has been designed to give the RR its own soundtrack while keeping weight centralised.
BMW claims a top speed of 177km/h and 0–100km/h in 5.6 seconds. With a ready-to-ride weight of just 177kg, it shouldn’t need huge horsepower to be entertaining.
A Proper Little Sportsbike
BMW hasn’t simply fitted a fairing and clip-ons to the GS. The F 450 RR uses a tubular steel space frame based on the same basic concept, but with geometry and suspension settings developed specifically for sporty road riding and track use.
The compact 1,405mm wheelbase is matched to 43mm KYB upside-down forks and a KYB rear shock working with an aluminium swingarm. There’s 140mm of travel at each end. The higher-spec Sport suspension adds adjustable compression and rebound damping at the front, while the rear shock has preload and rebound adjustment.
Braking comes from a single 310mm front disc and Brembo four-piston monobloc caliper, backed up by a 240mm rear disc and ByBre caliper. A single front disc might look modest beneath the RR badge, but there’s a strong argument for keeping a lightweight bike simple. Cast 17-inch wheels wear 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyres, and the shift pattern can be reversed for track riding.
Big BMW Electronics in a Small Package
Even the base model receives Rain, Road and Race riding modes, lean-sensitive ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control and engine drag torque control. That’s a pretty comprehensive package for a 48hp motorcycle.
M Sport versions add Riding Modes Pro, including a configurable Race Pro setting for throttle response, traction control and ABS. A 6.5-inch TFT display brings connectivity and navigation, while M Sport screens add information such as lean angle, braking force and a lap timer.
And in a very BMW touch, heated grips are standard. There’s no reason a lightweight sportsbike shouldn’t be comfortable on a chilly morning.
Easy Ride Clutch Comes to the RR
BMW’s Easy Ride Clutch is available on the F 450 RR, a system we’ve already encountered on the F 450 GS. It uses a centrifugal mechanism to engage and disengage the clutch according to engine speed. Combined with Shift Assistant Pro, it allows the rider to pull away, stop and change gears without using the clutch lever.
This isn’t a fully automatic transmission: you still select gears with the foot lever, and the conventional clutch lever remains available. The system also preserves engine braking until the engine approaches idle speed.
It comes with the M Sport Innovation Package and can be retrofitted to other variants. The system adds just 1kg. Whether you’d want it on a sportsbike is a matter of preference, but having tried the technology on the GS, we can see the appeal.
Looks Like a Proper RR
There’s no mistaking the inspiration. The F 450 RR borrows the aggressive nose-down stance, rising tail, winglets and distinctive fairing details of the S 1000 RR, including BMW’s latest RR-style LED lighting signature.
Clip-on handlebars give the rider a more front-wheel-focused position, although BMW says everyday comfort hasn’t been forgotten. The standard seat is 790mm high, with optional seats taking that down to 775mm or up to 810mm.
With a 14-litre tank and claimed fuel use of 3.8L/100km, BMW reckons the RR can manage more than 350km between fills. Not bad for something that looks like it belongs in pit lane.
Four Versions – But Which Will NZ Get?
BMW has announced four versions of the F 450 RR. The Base comes in Cosmic Black and includes the core riding modes, electronics and TFT instrumentation. The Racing Red Sport adds Shift Assistant Pro and adjustable Sport suspension. The M Sport gets the white M Motorsport colour scheme and Riding Modes Pro, while the M Sport with Innovation Package adds Easy Ride Clutch.
We’re still waiting to hear which versions BMW Motorrad New Zealand will actually bring into the country. BMW has often favoured highly optioned motorcycles for our market, but the 450cc LAMS sportsbike category is a rather different proposition.
Price matters here, especially for younger riders and those buying their first sportsbike. And with increasingly capable, aggressively priced machines coming from Chinese brands such as CFMOTO, BMW will need to think carefully about where it positions the new RR.
That could make the entry-level Base model particularly important. It misses the quickshifter, Sport suspension adjustability and some additional electronic functions, but retains the same 48hp engine, basic chassis, Brembo front brake and comprehensive standard rider aids. In other words, buyers aren’t sacrificing the fundamentals of the bike by choosing the cheapest version.
Will BMW NZ follow its usual approach and bring in the fully equipped models, or offer the Base to keep the price competitive? We’ll have to wait and see. Local pricing and availability are still to be confirmed.
Can BMW Capture the RR Magic?
When we rode the F 450 GS, BMW had managed to create something remarkably authentic. It wasn’t just a small adventure bike with GS badges stuck on it; it felt like a genuine member of the GS family.
Now we’re hoping the RR can pull off the same trick. Obviously, 48hp isn’t going to deliver S 1000 RR acceleration, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There’s plenty to be said for a lightweight sportsbike you can really work through the corners without constantly worrying about your licence.
BMW has clearly put considerable effort into making the F 450 RR more than another entry-level sportsbike. And having ridden the F 450 GS, we already know the engine is a good one.
The challenge will be delivering that unmistakable BMW RR experience at a price that makes sense in a LAMS market increasingly crowded with affordable, well-equipped alternatives.
If BMW can get the pricing right and capture the same genuine BMW character that impressed us so much with the F 450 GS, the little RR could be a very appealing proposition.
We can’t wait to ride it.
BMW F 450 RR – Quick Facts
| Engine | 420cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin |
| Power | 48hp / 35kW @ 8,750rpm |
| Torque | 43Nm @ 6,750rpm |
| Weight | 177kg ready to ride (178kg with ERC) |
| Frame | Tubular steel space frame |
| Suspension | 43mm KYB USD fork / KYB rear shock |
| Brakes | 310mm Brembo front / 240mm ByBre rear |
| Tyres | 110/70-17 front; 150/60-17 rear |
| Seat height | 790mm; optional 775–810mm |
| Fuel tank | 14 litres |
| Top speed / 0–100km/h | 177km/h / 5.6 seconds (claimed) |
| Licence | LAMS-approved |
| NZ variants / price / arrival | To be confirmed |
BMW F 450 RR – Photo Gallery
