BMW revealed the F 450 R model this Thursday (1), which is the naked version based on the recently launched F 450 GS platform. In Brazil, both motorcycles are considered natural successors to the 310 line, although currently only the GS has been confirmed for the local market. A common aspect between the new 450s and the old 310s is their Indian origin.
The new BMW 450s result from a collaboration between the German manufacturer and the Indian company TVS, who are responsible for the development and production of the project. The F 450 GS is manufactured at the TVS unit located in Hosur, India. Although BMW has not yet specified the production location for the F 450 R, it is highly likely that it will be assembled in the same location, given that it uses the same engine, chassis, and most of the components of the GS.
History of the Partnership
The commercial relationship between the two companies began in 2013 with the introduction of the G 310 line. The G 310 R and G 310 GS models were designed by BMW and manufactured by TVS in India. This same technological foundation served as the basis for the creation of the TVS Apache RR 310, which later returned to the German catalog under the name G 310 RR. During the partnership period, over 200,000 motorcycles were produced and sold in approximately 100 markets.
By announcing the start of F 450 GS production at the end of 2025, the companies characterized this new venture as a 'natural evolution' of the cooperation established with the 310 line. The GS was displayed as a prototype at Eicma 2024 and reached its definitive version one year after that event. Currently, the F 450 R represents the second motorcycle to emerge from this same architecture.
Technical Specifications
Both models share a 420 cc parallel-twin engine equipped with liquid cooling and a six-speed gearbox, presenting the same specifications: 48 hp at 8,750 rpm and 4.38 kgfm at 6,750 rpm. BMW states that it has made an engine adjustment focused on road use, but this change is not listed in the technical sheet. The steel tubular chassis, which integrates the engine as a structural part, is also inherited from the GS. The naked version has its own adjustments and wheelbase, 17-inch wheels on both ends, and a seat positioned 790 mm from the ground, notably lower than the 845 mm of the adventure version. In terms of curb weight, it registers 175 kg.
The electronic package is complete starting from the entry-level version. All models come equipped with ABS Pro, which functions even when the bike is leaned over, DTC traction control, a 6.5-inch TFT display, and heated grips. Features such as Quickshifter and automated ERC clutch are available only on the higher-end editions.
Design and Market
According to BMW, the design of the F 450 R mirrors that of the S 1000 R, the brand's most powerful naked bike, aiming to bring the entry-level model closer to the highest prestige line. However, beneath the exterior, the project developed in collaboration with TVS remains, following the same logic that underpinned the 310 line. Despite not being a fully German project, this does not imply low quality, given that the Indian motorcycle market is the largest in the world and such partnerships have been established for years in recognized models.
Other brands, such as Triumph, use Bajaj engines in various models, and KTM, known for its robustness, adopts similar practices. It is acknowledged that the 310 line generated the most public criticism within the BMW range, but the company seeks a 'redemption' through this renewed and improved project.
BMW has not disclosed prices or launch markets for the F 450 R. In Brazil, the brand has only confirmed the F 450 GS, which will be produced in Manaus (AM), but without a price or debut date. Thus, it is expected that the 450 R will follow a similar process. AutoPapo attempted to get a response from BMW Brazil regarding the inclusion of the naked bike in the brand's national plans, but received no reply by the publication of this article, possibly because the model was presented globally and the Brazilian plant may not yet have information or authorization to comment on it.
