BMW F 450 R Arrives in Australia From $10,290

BMW Motorrad Australia has unveiled the new F 450 R for the Australian market, introducing a lightweight nakedbike aimed squarely at the 48hp LAMS class and priced from $10,290 plus on-road costs. Check out all of the tech details and model variants here…

Developed as a standalone roadster within BMW’s F 450 family, the F 450 R combines a newly developed 420cc parallel-twin engine with a compact tubular steel chassis, KYB suspension, Brembo braking hardware and a comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids. BMW says the focus has been on delivering strong performance, easy handling and a high level of accessibility without compromising the character expected from a BMW roadster.

The Australian range will comprise three variants, with the entry-level F 450 R priced from $10,290 in Cosmic Black. The F 450 R Exclusive at $10,790, adding Shift Assistant Pro and Sport Suspension, while the range-topping F 450 R M Sport ERC costs $11,490 and adds Riding Modes Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, Sport Suspension and BMW’s new Easy Ride Clutch system. All prices are recommended retail pricing including GST but excluding on-road costs.

420cc Parallel Twin

At the heart of the F 450 R is a new 420cc fuel-injected parallel-twin engine, derived from the powerplant used in the F 450 GS but specifically tuned for road use. It produces 35kW (48hp) at 8750rpm and 43Nm of torque at 6750rpm, with BMW claiming that 80 per cent of the available torque is already accessible from 3000rpm.

The engine uses a 135-degree crankpin offset and balance shaft, with BMW targeting a distinctive character and smooth delivery. The compact engine also contributes to the motorcycle’s claimed power-to-weight ratio, with the F 450 R weighing just 175kg ready to ride. Fuel consumption is quoted at 3.8L/100km, with the 14-litre tank providing a claimed range of more than 350km. The service interval is 10,000km.

Power is transferred through a six-speed transmission and left-side X-ring chain final drive. Shift Assistant Pro is standard on the Exclusive and M Sport ERC models, allowing clutchless upshifts and downshifts, while it can be retrofitted to the base F 450 R.

The standout technology is reserved for the M Sport ERC. BMW’s Easy Ride Clutch automatically engages the clutch according to engine speed, allowing the rider to pull away, manoeuvre and change gear without manually operating the clutch lever. The conventional clutch lever remains in place, however, allowing deliberate rider input when required.

Electronic Rider Aids

BMW has given the F 450 R a substantial electronics package for the LAMS class, with Rain, Road and Dynamic riding modes fitted as standard, along with ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR).

The M Sport ERC adds Riding Modes Pro, including the individually configurable Dynamic Pro riding mode. This allows riders to further tailor the motorcycle’s electronic response, while the 6.5-inch TFT display provides access to the various settings and riding information.

Compact Chassis

The F 450 R uses a tubular steel space frame based on the chassis concept developed for the F 450 GS, but with geometry and suspension settings specifically tailored to road riding.

The parallel-twin engine forms part of the load-bearing structure, while the chassis uses a 43mm KYB upside-down fork at the front and an aluminium hollow-cast double-sided swingarm with a KYB central shock at the rear. The standard suspension is designed around accessibility and easy handling, while the Sport Suspension fitted to the two higher-specification variants adds adjustable compression and rebound damping at the fork, with the rear shock offering adjustable spring preload and rebound damping.

BMW has equipped the F 450 R with lightweight cast-aluminium wheels carrying 110/70-17 front and 150/60-17 rear tubeless tyres.

Braking comes from a 310mm front disc with a Brembo four-piston monobloc fixed calliper, backed by a 240mm rear disc and ByBre single-piston calliper. ABS Pro is standard, allowing ABS assistance while the motorcycle is leaned over, while Dynamic Brake Control is designed to prevent unintended throttle application during braking

Roadster Ergonomics

BMW has concentrated on creating an accessible riding position, with a tapered aluminium handlebar mounted high and close to the rider. The fuel tank and bodywork are shaped to provide support for the rider’s knees, while the standard two-piece seat sits 790mm from the ground.

BMW Motorrad will offer alternative seat options through its accessory range, including a Sport rider’s seat that increases seat height by 20mm and a low seat that reduces it by 15mm.

An interesting feature for riders looking to take the F 450 R onto a racetrack is its reversible gearshift pattern, which can be changed with minimal effort to provide a race-style shift arrangement.

BMW Technology

Despite its positioning in the LAMS category, the F 450 R receives a strong level of standard equipment. Heated grips, LED lighting, a USB-C port and BMW’s 6.5-inch TFT display are all standard.

The TFT incorporates BMW’s Pure Ride screen, while the M Sport variants equipped with Riding Modes Pro gain three additional Sport screens providing DTC intervention, braking force and lean angle. A lap timer is also incorporated, while smartphone connectivity allows riders to make calls, listen to music and access navigation functions.

BMW has also paid attention to the motorcycle’s practicality, with the passenger footpeg brackets mounted to the rear frame and forged aluminium used for the gearshift lever, footbrake lever and side stand.

Three Models for Australia

The Australian F 450 R range gives buyers three levels of specification. The BMW F 450 R starts at $10,290 and comes in Cosmic Black. The F 450 R Exclusive, priced from $10,790, adds Shift Assistant Pro and Sport Suspension.

At the top of the range, the F 450 R M Sport ERC is priced from $11,490 and is finished in Snaefell White/M Motorsport. It adds Riding Modes Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, Sport Suspension and the Easy Ride Clutch system.

With 35kW, 43Nm and a claimed ready-to-ride weight of only 175kg, BMW is positioning the F 450 R as a lightweight, technology-rich roadster designed to deliver accessible performance for LAMS riders while offering enough chassis and electronic sophistication to remain engaging as riders develop their skills.