Motorcycle specifications BMW F 450 RR 2027

This is a huge—a truly massive—shift. BMW has finally decided to offer a sport bike that’s much more accessible than its S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR models. True to form, the German manufacturer is launching a new version of its most entry-level platform and opening the door to young, eager riders with this F 450 RR. This creates a total paradox within the lineup: in Munich, the RR now comes in two power levels—48 or 200 chevaux.

Well-conceived

A bit more, even—but let’s not quibble. While the newcomer, all lean and taut, doesn’t come close to the power frenzy of its big sisters, it certainly doesn’t shy away from resembling them. The 450’s silhouette is unmistakably inspired by the S 1000 RR, with similar fairing, a sleek look, identical color schemes, a pair of winglets (which serve absolutely no purpose), and menacing almond-shaped headlights. The designers went so far as to give it asymmetrical side panels, just like on the 1000— and, incidentally, a signature BMW design element. It’s a shame that the cyclopean headlight disrupts the lines of its dynamic front end.

Aside from that glowing blob, the F 450 RR makes a great impression. It’s enough to make you want to grab its half-handlebars (attached to the openwork triple clamp) and start the engine. Not to set off with a knife between your teeth, but to carve through the curves. With this twin, you’re riding it first and foremost for fun.

Because the rider will find the same 420 cm³ twin found in its R and GS siblings. Tuned to just under 35 kW, it immediately proved a hit on the trail and will bring just as much joy to this setting. Keeping in mind that it’s a small engine, though… Don’t expect it to clock a lap time like the ROKiT. However, BMW has tweaked it to give it a more “Supersport” feel. How? That’s not specified—the engineers must have tweaked the mapping. Because neither the 135° cylinder angle, nor the counter-rotating crankshaft, nor the moving parts have been changed compared to the other 450 models.

Slightly adapted

With its sharp looks and the rider’s upper body leaning forward, the F 450 RR gets you in the mood right away. Once on the road, it’s the suspension that lets you feel the more dynamic side of this RR. The chassis has been tuned to match the spirit of the bike’s name, while the technical components… are all carried over from the roadster. 43 mm inverted fork, tubular frame with a mid-mounted engine, exhaust centered beneath the engine, 17-inch wheels fitted with 110/70 and 150/60 tires, identical tires, 4-piston radial Brembo brakes on a 310 mm rotor up front, and a Bybre caliper for a 240 mm rotor in the rear—that’s what’s called platform optimization and modularity, along with economies of scale.

As a result, you’ll find the same little quirks. For example, you can’t adjust much on the suspension side, except with the Sport or M Sport trims. The fork then becomes adjustable for rebound and compression. Same goes for the drivetrain. The transmission works well right out of the box. But if you want the shifter or the ERC automatic clutch, those are optional.

On the other hand, the quick and easy adjustment of the selector to switch to reverse gear is standard. So are traction control, engine braking management, the three riding modes (Rain / Road / Race), cornering ABS, Dynamic Brake Control, the USB-C port, and the beautiful 6.5-inch color TFT display. Even though it’s nearly 10 years old, its interface and usability are still just as enjoyable.

Let’s take a quick look at the options: in case you’d like additional display themes, a “Race PRO” mode to configure riding settings, a more comfortable seat, or some protective gear.

A Fiery Youngster

The sporty BMW F 450 RR rounds out the trio designed to shake up the 400/500cc segment. The premium brand is playing this strategic card well, both for the European market and to advance its push into Asian markets.

The previous 310cc lineup had already paved the way under the same GS, R, and RR designations. The G 310 RR never made it to Europe, but its successor—the model before us—will bring a touch of sports bike excitement to the A2 category. Because the price has also caught on to the game. Just over 7,000 for a 4.5-cylinder sport bike puts it at the high end of the price range; but for a BMW RR, that’s sure to turn heads.

M.B. – Manufacturer photos