There’s something refreshing about a new BMW motorcycle that doesn’t arrive with an outrageous horsepower figure. The F 450 R makes 48 horsepower. For a naked bike aimed at A2 licence holders, that’s exactly the point.
It weighs 175 kilograms ready to ride. Not featherweight territory, but manageable enough for somebody who doesn’t fancy wrestling a much larger machine through traffic.
The engine is a 420cc parallel twin, related to the unit used in the F 450 GS. BMW has tuned it for road riding, with 43 Nm of torque and a claimed 80 percent available from 3,000 rpm.
That’s useful when pulling away from junctions or accelerating without constantly changing gear. A motorcycle doesn’t need enormous power to feel lively at everyday speeds.
BMW quotes fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The 14-litre tank should provide more than 350 kilometres of range, at least according to the manufacturer’s figures.
Then there’s the clutch.
The optional Easy Ride Clutch can handle clutch engagement automatically. Combined with Shift Assistant Pro, it allows gear changes, starts and stops without using the clutch lever.
You still have the lever if you want it. BMW hasn’t turned the F 450 R into a scooter.
Would that make commuting easier? Quite possibly, especially in traffic where repeated clutch work becomes tiring. I’d be curious to see how naturally it responds during slow manoeuvres.
The chassis specification looks sensible rather than extravagant. There’s a steel frame, 43mm upside-down forks, 17-inch wheels and a Brembo front brake.
Cornering ABS, traction control and three riding modes are standard. That’s a generous electronics package for a motorcycle in this category.
Seat height starts at 790mm. Alternative seats offer 775mm or 810mm, giving shorter and taller riders a better chance of finding a comfortable position.
BMW also includes heated grips, LED lighting and a 6.5-inch TFT display.
Four equipment versions are available, with M Sport sitting near the top. Depending on specification, buyers can add adjustable suspension and other electronic features.
I’d check those option prices before getting carried away. BMW motorcycles have a habit of becoming considerably more expensive once the extras start appearing.
The F 450 R isn’t a machine for somebody chasing impressive numbers. It looks more interesting as a motorcycle you could actually enjoy every day.
And for plenty of riders, 48 horsepower might be enough.
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