2027 BMW F 450 RR: A Brilliant Little Sports Bike That Looks Like a Cheap Knock-Off?

BMW has unveiled its new A2-friendly F 450 RR, promising genuine supersport performance, impressive electronics and an accessible entry into the RR family. At £6,730, it might be one of the most interesting sports bikes of 2027. There's just one rather large elephant in the room…

I'll get straight to the point. When I first saw the photographs of BMW's new F 450 RR, I genuinely thought somebody had ordered an S 1000 RR from Temu.

Sorry, BMW. But somebody had to say it.

There's something about the proportions, the fairing, the headlights and the overall finish that just doesn't scream premium German engineering to me. It looks like a budget imitation of its bigger brother, and when you start looking closely at the details, you can see where some of the money has been saved.

Now, before the BMW faithful start sharpening their pitchforks, I appreciate that this is a lightweight A2 sports bike, not a £20,000 superbike. And looks are entirely subjective. What I think looks cheap, somebody else might think looks fantastic.

But BMW has spent decades building a reputation around quality, engineering and premium design. So when you stick that famous blue and white badge on something, expectations are understandably high.

And my initial reaction? I'm not convinced.

However, the more I read about what's underneath that slightly questionable bodywork, the more interesting this little BMW becomes.

First, let's address the elephant in the room.

Seriously, BMW. Have you seen a KTM RC390?

Or, for that matter, the old Korean-built Hyosung GTR?

Because I have. And now I can't unsee it.

Put the three motorcycles next to each other and you'll understand exactly what I'm talking about. The BMW looks like the offspring of a KTM RC390 and a Hyosung GTR after a particularly enthusiastic night out.

It's got the compact, angular sports bike proportions of the KTM, with a fairing design that, to my eyes at least, has more than a passing resemblance to the Hyosung.

BMW describes the design as having unmistakable RR DNA, with winglets, asymmetrical fairings, a nose-down stance and headlights inspired by the S 1000 RR. And yes, I can see what they're trying to achieve.

The problem is that when you shrink the visual drama of a superbike down to A2 proportions, you risk ending up with something that looks like a scaled-down replica rather than a desirable motorcycle in its own right.

I'm not saying BMW has copied anybody. Motorcycle design has become increasingly similar across manufacturers, particularly in the small-capacity sports bike market.

But this is BMW. I wanted something a little more distinctive.

Still, enough about the looks. Because this is where things get considerably more interesting.

48 horsepower, 177kg and a proper little sports bike underneath.

The F 450 RR uses the new 420cc parallel-twin engine from the F 450 GS, although BMW says it's been specifically tuned for supersport duties.

It produces 48 horsepower at 8,750rpm and 43Nm of torque at 6,750rpm, putting it right at the A2 licence power limit.

Nothing particularly groundbreaking there.

But what catches my attention is that BMW claims 80% of the available torque is already there at just 3,000rpm.

That suggests this could be a wonderfully usable little engine, rather than something you have to thrash to within an inch of its life every time you want to overtake a tractor.

There's also a 135-degree crankpin offset, which should give the engine a little more character than your typical parallel twin, while a balance shaft helps keep vibration under control.

And then there's the weight.

At 177kg ready to ride, the F 450 RR looks like it could be a proper little weapon on a twisty road.

I genuinely love lightweight sports bikes. There's something enormously satisfying about carrying corner speed, working an engine hard and using every last horsepower without travelling at speeds that would have you explaining yourself to a magistrate.

You don't need 200 horsepower to have fun.

In fact, on the right road, I'd argue that 48 horsepower and a decent chassis can be considerably more entertaining than a superbike that barely gets out of second gear.

And I suspect that's exactly where this BMW is going to shine.

BMW hasn't skimped on the electronics.

Here's where my opinion starts to change.

Because although the bodywork might look a bit bargain basement, the electronics package certainly doesn't.

As standard, BMW gives you Rain, Road and Race riding modes, lean-sensitive ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control and engine drag torque control.

On a 48-horsepower motorcycle!

Now, you could quite reasonably argue that a bike with less than 50 horsepower doesn't desperately need sophisticated traction control. And you'd probably be right.

But for a relatively inexperienced rider, particularly somebody stepping up from a 125, these systems could provide a reassuring safety net.

There's also a 6.5-inch TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation functionality, USB-C charging and, rather surprisingly, heated grips as standard.

Heated grips!

On a little sports bike!

Take note, manufacturers charging considerably more for touring motorcycles without them.

The Sport version adds BMW's Shift Assistant Pro quickshifter and adjustable Sport suspension, while the M Sport versions bring additional riding functions, including more detailed performance information and lap timing.

There's even an optional Easy Ride Clutch system.

This automatically manages clutch engagement according to engine speed, meaning you can pull away and come to a stop without manually operating the clutch. Combined with the quickshifter, you can ride and change gear without touching the clutch lever, although it remains there if you want to use it.

Personally, on a little sports bike I'd probably prefer a conventional clutch, but I can absolutely see the appeal for newer riders and commuters.

It's clever technology, and it shows BMW is taking this segment seriously.

The chassis might be the real star of the show.

BMW has used a tubular steel frame with the engine acting as a stressed member, paired with a double-sided aluminium swingarm.

Up front there's a 43mm KYB upside-down fork, while the rear uses a KYB monoshock.

The Sport suspension adds adjustable compression and rebound damping at the front, while the rear offers preload and rebound adjustment.

There's a single 310mm front brake disc with a four-piston Brembo monobloc caliper, and a 240mm rear disc with a ByBre caliper.

Some people will immediately complain about the single front disc.

I won't.

On a 177kg motorcycle producing 48 horsepower, a decent single-disc setup should be more than capable of doing the job, provided BMW has got the feel and calibration right.

The tyres are relatively narrow too, with a 110-section front and 150-section rear.

Again, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Less rotating mass, quicker steering and potentially a motorcycle that changes direction with very little effort.

BMW has also given the bike a reversible gearshift pattern, so riders heading to the circuit can switch to a race-style shift arrangement.

And that tells me something about the intended audience.

This isn't just a sporty-looking commuter.

BMW genuinely wants people to take this thing on track.

I think this could be hilarious fun on a circuit.

Forget Silverstone's Hangar Straight for a moment.

I'm thinking Cadwell Park, Mallory Park, Brands Hatch Indy or one of those tight, technical circuits where horsepower isn't everything.

A lightweight, flickable sports bike with decent suspension, proper brakes and just enough power to keep things entertaining?

Sign me up.

Having raced motorcycles myself, I can tell you that riding a slower bike quickly can be an absolute riot.

You have to think about your lines, maintain momentum and be smooth. You can't simply open the throttle and rely on another 150 horsepower to make up for a poor corner exit.

And when you get it right, it's enormously rewarding.

Something tells me the F 450 RR could be one of those motorcycles that feels distinctly ordinary when you're looking at it in a showroom, but leaves you grinning like an idiot after twenty minutes on a good road.

Of course, that's speculation until I've actually ridden one.

But the ingredients are certainly there.

Perhaps the biggest win is what this motorcycle could do for BMW.

For years, BMW Motorrad has had something of an image problem with younger riders.

Not because the motorcycles are bad. Far from it.

But let's face it, when somebody says BMW Motorrad, most people immediately picture a middle-aged bloke riding a GS with enough aluminium luggage to invade a small country.

And while the S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR have given BMW serious credibility in the superbike world, they're hardly accessible motorcycles for a newly qualified 19-year-old.

The G 310 range and the newer F 450 GS have helped broaden the entry point, but neither really delivers the visual excitement that a young sports bike rider might be looking for.

The F 450 RR could change that.

Imagine being a young rider who's just passed their A2 test.

You want something sporty, something with a bit of attitude, something that looks vaguely like the motorcycles you watch racing on television. But you don't have the money, experience or licence for a full-fat superbike.

Suddenly, BMW has something to offer you.

And more importantly, it gives BMW an opportunity to build a relationship with that rider early.

Today's F 450 RR customer could become tomorrow's S 1000 RR owner.

Or perhaps an R 1300 GS rider when their knees eventually give up.

That's a pretty sensible long-term strategy.

At £6,730, BMW has actually got the pricing right.

Now this is where things get really interesting.

BMW has announced a starting price of £6,730 for the F 450 RR, and I've got to say, that's considerably more competitive than I expected.

In fact, when you put it alongside the established A2 sports bikes, BMW has positioned this thing rather cleverly.

Here's how the competition stacks up.

A2 sports bike price comparison — UK

Indicative UK advertised prices at the time of writing. KTM pricing relates to remaining 2024-model stock. Dealer offers, model years and on-the-road charges may vary.

And looking at that table, the BMW suddenly starts making an awful lot of sense.

It's just £10 more than the Aprilia RS 457, £76 more than the Yamaha R3 and £169 less than the Honda CBR500R E-Clutch.

The Aprilia is probably the bike I'd gravitate towards on looks alone. It's a genuinely beautiful little motorcycle, and arguably does the best job of looking like a proper supersport machine rather than a budget imitation.

The CFMOTO, meanwhile, is the value proposition that's difficult to ignore. At £5,699 for the 450SR S, you're saving more than a thousand pounds over the BMW. And frankly, I think it's better looking too.

But the BMW fights back with its electronics package, heated grips, premium TFT display, cornering ABS and the option of adjustable Sport suspension.

And here's something else worth considering.

BMW has priced the upgraded models surprisingly close together.

For just £145 over the base bike, you get the Sport version with the quickshifter and adjustable front suspension.

That's the one I'd be looking at.

For me, that extra £145 is an absolute no-brainer, especially if you're planning to do the occasional track day.

And that makes BMW's pricing strategy even more interesting. Because instead of charging a huge premium for the badge, BMW has priced the F 450 RR right in the middle of the competition.

I'm still not convinced by the styling. But at this money, with that equipment, it's getting increasingly difficult to criticise what BMW has actually built.

There is, however, one rather unpleasant expense younger riders will need to consider.

Insurance.

A sporty BMW with RR written on the fairing might look fantastic on the driveway, but it won't be much use if the insurance quote costs more than the monthly finance payment.

My verdict: Ugly duckling or brilliant little sports bike?

I started writing this article thinking the new BMW F 450 RR looked like a cheap Chinese imitation of an S 1000 RR.

And visually, I'm still not entirely convinced otherwise.

I think the design is derivative, some of the details look rather budget, and the resemblance to the KTM RC390 and old Hyosung is frankly hilarious.

Sorry, BMW. The elephant is staying in the room.

But underneath that bodywork, there's a motorcycle I'm becoming increasingly excited about.

A lightweight chassis, a characterful 48-horsepower twin, quality suspension components, decent brakes and a genuinely impressive electronics package.

And at £6,730, BMW has done something I genuinely wasn't expecting. It's made an RR-branded motorcycle that's competitively priced, well equipped and accessible to younger riders.

The Sport version at £6,875 looks particularly tempting.

If the riding experience lives up to the specification, this could be one of the smartest moves BMW Motorrad has made in years.

Would I buy one based on the looks alone?

Probably not.

Would I jump at the chance to take one around Cadwell Park?

Absolutely.

Because while you might not fall in love with the way a motorcycle looks, you can certainly fall in love with the way it rides.

And I've got a sneaking suspicion this ugly little duckling might surprise a few people.

Perhaps the real elephant in the room isn't that it looks like a Hyosung. Perhaps it's that BMW has built one of the most compelling A2 sports bikes on the market, and I'm too distracted by its ugly face to appreciate it.

What do you think?

Am I being too harsh on the styling? Can you see the KTM and Hyosung resemblance, or have I completely lost the plot?

More importantly, would you consider the F 450 RR over a Ninja 500, RC390 or Aprilia RS 457?

Let me know in the comments. I'm genuinely interested to hear what you think.

Get Ben Riding — motorcycles, opinions and the occasional uncomfortable truth.