BMW Motorrad has unveiled the F 450 RR, a lightweight supersport motorcycle built around the 420 cc parallel-twin from the F 450 GS. It produces 35 kW (48 hp), weighs 177 kg (390 lb) ready to ride and sits within the European A2 licence limit. BMW says the bike is the new entry point to its RR family.

A smaller way into the RR family

The F 450 RR is BMW Motorrad’s answer for riders who want a supersport bike but either hold an A2 licence or prefer a lighter, less powerful machine. The company describes it as a standalone model within the F 450 range rather than a GS with a fairing added. The work focused on supersport-specific chassis geometry, weight savings and a retuned engine.

The styling borrows directly from the S 1000 RR. The bike sits nose-down and tail-up, with the RR flyline, winglets, a split face and an LED daytime running light signature taken from the larger superbike. The side fairing panels are asymmetrical, and gills appear on the right-hand side only.

“What I particularly like about the new BMW F 450 RR is how light, direct, and precise it is to ride. To me, that’s exactly what a supersport motorcycle should be. It’s great fun on twisty roads and performs just as well on the racetrack. At the same time, it clearly carries the DNA of our RR models. For me, it’s the perfect entry into the world of BMW RR motorcycles.” — Markus Flasch, CEO BMW Motorrad

A retuned twin from the F 450 GS

The fuel-injected 420 cc parallel-twin first appeared in the F 450 GS. For the RR it has been tuned for supersport use and fitted with a stainless-steel underfloor silencer and two catalytic converters. It makes 35 kW (48 hp) at 8,750 rpm and 43 Nm (32 lb-ft) at 6,750 rpm. According to BMW, 80 per cent of that torque is already available at 3,000 rpm.

The crankshaft uses a 135-degree crankpin offset and is paired with a balance shaft, which BMW says gives the engine character while keeping vibration low. Magnesium clutch and transmission covers help save weight. The manufacturer calls it one of the most compact and powerful engines in the A2 parallel-twin segment.

The engine meets Euro 5+. BMW quotes fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100 km. With the 14-litre (3.7 US gal) tank, that gives a claimed range of more than 350 km (217 miles). Service intervals are 10,000 km (6,214 miles).

Power reaches the left-side secondary drive through a six-speed gearbox and an X-ring chain. Shift Assistant Pro, which allows clutchless up- and downshifts, is fitted to every variant except the Base model, and Base owners can add it later. The optional Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) engages the clutch automatically according to engine speed. Combined with Shift Assistant Pro, it means the rider never has to use the clutch lever, although the lever still works when wanted. The shift pattern can also be reversed for track use.

Chassis, brakes and electronics

The chassis is based on the F 450 GS’s tubular steel space frame, with the engine as a load-bearing element. It has been reset for agile handling and has a short wheelbase. At the front is a 43 mm KYB upside-down fork. At the rear, a hollow-cast aluminium double-sided swingarm works with a directly mounted KYB shock that is adjustable for preload and rebound. On the Sport suspension, the fork also gets adjustable rebound and compression damping. The cast-aluminium wheels carry 110/70-17 front and 150/60-17 rear tyres.

Up front, a Brembo four-piston monobloc caliper grips a floating 310 mm disc. At the rear, a ByBre single-piston caliper works on a 240 mm disc. ABS Pro, which supports braking when leaned over, is standard. So are Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control, engine drag torque control (MSR), a dynamic brake light and three riding modes: Rain, Road and Race. Riding Modes Pro adds a configurable Race Pro mode.

The seat is 790 mm (31.1 in) high. Accessory seats raise it by 20 mm or lower it by 15 mm. Clip-on bars mount to a forged-aluminium top yoke, and the foot levers and side stand are also forged aluminium. A 6.5-inch TFT display, LED lighting all round and a USB-C port are standard. M Sport versions with Riding Modes Pro add three Sport screens showing traction control, braking force and lean angle data, plus a lap timer.

Four variants

  • F 450 RR Base: Cosmic Black
  • F 450 RR Sport: Racing Red, adds Shift Assistant Pro and Sport suspension
  • F 450 RR M Sport: Snaefell white / M Motorsport, adds Riding Modes Pro
  • F 450 RR M Sport with Innovation Package: as M Sport, plus Easy Ride Clutch

What it means

The F 450 RR puts BMW into the growing class of A2-friendly twin-cylinder sports bikes, where rivals include the Aprilia RS 457 and Yamaha YZF-R3. With RR styling and a 177 kg kerb weight, the bike is aimed at newer riders as well as experienced riders who want something light for roads and track days.

Facts: BMW F 450 RR

  • Engine: 420 cc parallel-twin, 135-degree crankpin offset
  • Power: 35 kW (48 hp) at 8,750 rpm
  • Torque: 43 Nm (32 lb-ft) at 6,750 rpm
  • Weight: 177 kg (390 lb) ready to ride
  • Fuel consumption: 3.8 l/100 km
  • Fuel tank: 14 litres (3.7 US gal)
  • Range: more than 350 km (217 miles)
  • Seat height: 790 mm (31.1 in)
  • Brakes: 310 mm front disc with Brembo four-piston caliper, 240 mm rear disc
  • Tyres: 110/70-17 front, 150/60-17 rear
  • Emissions: Euro 5+

BMW Motorrad has not yet announced pricing or an on-sale date for the F 450 RR.

Source: www.press.bmwgroup.com