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BMW F 450 R Revealed: New A2 Naked Bike Brings 46.9bhp and Clutchless Riding Technology
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BMW Motorrad is expanding its middleweight lineup with a new road-focused naked motorcycle designed to make performance more accessible. Meet the BMW F 450 R, a compact streetfighter that combines a 420cc parallel-twin engine, lightweight chassis and an optional clutchless riding system.
Developed for riders in the A2 licence category, the F 450 R produces 35kW (48hp), equivalent to approximately 46.9bhp, while weighing just 175kg ready to ride. Its combination of manageable dimensions, modern electronics and sporty styling gives BMW a fresh contender in the increasingly competitive lightweight naked-bike segment.
But one feature could make it particularly interesting for everyday riders: BMW's optional Easy Ride Clutch technology.
A new naked bike with familiar BMW styling
The F 450 R joins BMW's growing F 450 family, sharing its fundamental engine and chassis architecture with the F 450 GS. However, BMW has developed the R specifically for road use.
Its design takes inspiration from the larger S 1000 R, with an aggressive front end, compact bodywork and muscular proportions. The result is a motorcycle that looks closer to a traditional performance naked bike than an entry-level commuter.
BMW has also paid attention to ergonomics. The handlebar sits relatively high and close to the rider, while the standard seat height is 790mm. Optional seat configurations bring that down to 775mm or raise it to 810mm, allowing riders to tailor the fit.
420cc parallel-twin delivers 46.9bhp
Despite carrying a 450 designation, the F 450 R uses a 420cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine.
It produces:
Power: 35kW (48hp / approximately 46.9bhp) at 8,750rpm
Torque: 43Nm at 6,750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox
Engine configuration: 135-degree crankpin offset with balance shaft
Emissions: Euro 5+ compliant
One interesting detail is the engine's 135-degree crankpin offset, which helps give the parallel-twin its distinctive character. A balance shaft works to reduce vibration and improve refinement.
BMW also says approximately 80% of the available torque is accessible from just 3,000rpm. That should make the motorcycle responsive in everyday riding without requiring the engine to be pushed hard.
Fuel consumption is quoted at 3.8 litres per 100km. Combined with its 14-litre tank, BMW claims a range of more than 350km.
Easy Ride Clutch: Less work for the rider
The F 450 R's most interesting technology is arguably its optional Easy Ride Clutch (ERC).
Unlike a conventional motorcycle clutch, which requires the rider to operate a lever when moving away or coming to a stop, the ERC automatically engages and disengages the clutch according to engine speed.
When combined with BMW Shift Assistant Pro, the system allows riders to pull away, stop and change gears without manually operating the clutch lever.
Importantly, the clutch lever remains in place. Riders can still use it whenever they want direct manual control.
This could be particularly useful in urban environments, where constant stop-and-go traffic can make clutch operation tiring. It may also appeal to newer riders who want to concentrate more on balance, traffic awareness and throttle control.
The Easy Ride Clutch is available as part of the Innovation Package for the M Sport version and can also be retrofitted to other variants through BMW Motorrad accessories.
Four versions with different equipment levels
BMW is offering the F 450 R in four equipment configurations.
Version | Key equipment |
Base | Standard equipment and Cosmic Black finish |
Exclusive | Shift Assistant Pro and Sport Suspension |
M Sport | Riding Modes Pro, Shift Assistant Pro and Sport Suspension |
M Sport with Innovation Package | Adds Easy Ride Clutch |
The equipment differences matter because not every F 450 R gets the same level of clutchless functionality straight from the factory.
The base model comes with standard riding assistance, while higher specifications add features intended to improve performance and convenience.
A capable chassis and modern electronics
The F 450 R uses a tubular steel space frame, with the engine serving as a stressed structural element. BMW has paired this with a 43mm KYB upside-down front fork and an aluminium double-sided rear swingarm with a KYB central shock absorber.
Sport Suspension versions offer additional adjustment for riders who want to fine-tune the setup.
Braking is handled by a 310mm front disc with a Brembo four-piston monobloc caliper and a 240mm rear disc with a ByBre caliper.
Electronic safety features include:
BMW Motorrad ABS Pro
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR)
Rain, Road and Dynamic riding modes
The motorcycle also gets heated grips, LED lighting and a 6.5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity and navigation functions. A USB-C charging port is fitted in the cockpit.
BMW F 450 R: An accessible entry into the naked-bike world
The F 450 R is an interesting addition to BMW's lineup because it targets a group of riders who want more than basic transportation but may not need the size or performance of a larger motorcycle.
Its 48hp output puts it within the A2 category, while the 175kg ready-to-ride weight should help make it approachable for a broad range of riders.
The optional Easy Ride Clutch adds another dimension. Rather than simply offering a quickshifter, BMW has introduced a system that can take manual clutch operation out of everyday riding altogether, while retaining the option for conventional control.
That combination of accessible performance, modern equipment and rider-focused technology could make the F 450 R a strong competitor in the lightweight naked-bike class.
For BMW, it also signals that smaller motorcycles can benefit from the same kind of engineering attention and technology found in its larger models.
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