BMW's New F 450 RR Is Here And It Looks Awesome

A few years ago, I rode a handful of BMW motorcycles back to back, after having not ridden any previously. I can't remember the order I did this in, but I do recall that I rode a G 310 R, an F 750 GS, and an R nineT Pure at some point over the course of that day.

All of them were nice enough, but the G 310 R was truly the one I went back to in my mind, thinking about how fun it would be to put a top box on it and use it as an everyday commuter. You might feel differently if you're a much bigger or taller person than I am, and I get that; but for me, I could see it working out pretty well. An all-rounder? Not quite; I probably wouldn't want to spend much time on our local expressways with it, and although I regularly do fun weekend rides with bikes twice or more the displacement of what I'm riding, that tiny engine might be pushing things just a little too far.

But it's a new day at BMW, and this is the F 450 RR. It's powered by a 420cc parallel twin engine, makes a claimed 48 horsepower at 8,750 rpm, as well as 32 lb-ft of torque at 6,750 rpm. A counterbalanced crankshaft keeps things smooth in operation, while its 135-degree crankpin offset helps tune the special sound this configuration of the 450 engine makes.

It gets a six-speed gearbox, a handful of riding modes (Rain, Road, Race, and rider-configurable Race Pro on the M-Sport version, which is the only one currently planned for release in the US), USD telescopic front fork with rebound and compression damping adjustment, as well as a rear shock with preload and rebound adjustability. Brakes are from Brembo's ByBre brand, and come with BMW's ABS Pro for lean-sensitivity.

Other standard features include heated grips (not an available option; these come stock), LED lighting all around, a 6.5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, and of course an absolute must for riders in the 2020s: a handy USB-C port to keep your phone or other handlebar-mounted device charged on the go.

Standard seat height is 31.1 inches, but true to BMW's ongoing commitment to rider ergonomic dialability, there's also an available high Sport rider's seat that adds an additional 0.79 inches (so bringing it up to nearly 32 inches), as well as a Low rider's seat that subtracts a further 0.59 inches (so dialing it down to about 30.5 inches for the tiny of inseam, like myself). The foot levers (shift and brake), as well as the side stand, are all made from forged aluminum.

For those unfamiliar with the Easy Ride Clutch, this is BMW's version of a clutch-optional system, and it's available as an option (not fitted as standard) on the M Sport variant of the F 450 RR.

In the US, the 2027 BMW F 450 RR will launch in just one variant: M Sport, with Snaefell White paint, white frame, and M Sport graphics package, carrying an MSRP of US $7,815. If you are reading this outside the US, other colors may be available in your market. Check with your local BMW Motorrad dealers to find out the most accurate information for your geographic region.

It wouldn't be BMW without a number of packages and options available to order directly from the factory, so you can add the Innovation Package (which consists of the Easy Ride Clutch) for an additional $330. A number of bags, protective guards, and other factory accessories are also available directly from BMW.

This is the same engine found in the F 450 GS, but BMW says it's tuned it specifically for this supersport application, as well as paired it with a special stainless steel underslung muffler to make that very special sound as you take to the streets (and the track). What does this mean? According to the Motorrad, about 80 percent of max torque is already available at 3,000 rpm.