BMW Motorrad is preparing to expand its 450 cc lineup with a new naked motorcycle that is set to make its global debut on October 1. The company has teased the upcoming roadster without revealing its official production name yet. However, the motorcycle is widely expected to be called the New BMW F 450 R.
The new roadster appears to be based on the same architecture used by the F 450 GS. Like its adventure sibling, it could also be manufactured at TVS’ Hosur plant. BMW seems to be taking the existing platform and giving it a more road-focused character.
Sharper Roadster Design
From the teaser images, the upcoming BMW gets a muscular fuel tank with sharp extensions that give the motorcycle a more aggressive look. The compact rear section adds to its sporty stance, while the overall design appears to be a step forward from the styling seen on the G 310 R.
The tail section sits noticeably higher than the front. An underbelly exhaust can also be seen below the engine. The handlebar, seat and footpeg setup appears lower and sportier than what you get on the F 450 GS, which makes sense for a motorcycle aimed mainly at road use.
Same 420 cc Parallel-Twin Engine
Much of the mechanical package is expected to come from the F 450 GS. The F 450 R could use the same 420 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with a 135-degree firing order.
In the F 450 GS, this engine produces 48 PS at 8,750 rpm and 43 Nm of peak torque at 6,750 rpm. BMW could make some changes to the ECU calibration or gearing for the roadster, but the basic engine and six-speed gearbox are expected to remain unchanged.
That should give the F 450 R a familiar power delivery while allowing BMW to tune it more specifically for street riding.
Platform Shared With The F 450 GS
The chassis is also likely to be closely related to the F 450 GS. BMW could make several changes to suit the roadster’s tarmac-focused character. A lower overall weight is also possible.
The teaser suggests that the motorcycle will use 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends along with road-oriented tyres. An upside-down front fork is expected as well. The rear should feature a monoshock and chain drive, while other components such as the radiator setup could also be shared.
Suspension travel and steering geometry are likely to be different from the F 450 GS. These changes would help give the roadster a more planted feel on paved roads.
Electronics Could Be Similar To The Adventure Bike
The F 450 R is expected to carry over much of the electronic package from its adventure-focused sibling. Ride-by-wire throttle, multiple riding modes, traction control and ABS could all be part of the package.
A TFT instrument console is also likely. Bluetooth connectivity and navigation functions could be supported through the display. BMW may use similar switchgear and software across both motorcycles as several electrical components can be shared between the two models.
LED Lighting And Quickshifter Expected
Full LED lighting should be part of the standard equipment. A quickshifter could also be offered, either on higher variants or as an optional feature.
The braking setup appears to use a single front disc, while a rear disc should also be included. The overall hardware points toward a lightweight and sporty roadster rather than an outright performance machine.
Also read: Tata Aeris
BMW F 450 R Rivals And Expected Price
Once launched, the BMW F 450 R will enter a competitive middleweight roadster segment. The KTM 390 Duke will be one of the key motorcycles it goes up against, while the Aprilia Tuono 457 is expected to be another major rival.
The new BMW F 450 R could be priced at slightly above Rs. 4.2 lakh (ex-showroom). More details about its specifications, variants and final pricing should become clear when BMW officially unveils the motorcycle on October 1.