A test mule of a new faired supersport has been spotted on test, and it appears to be based on the same platform as the upcoming BMW F 450 GS. Here’s a look at everything it shares with the F 450 GS and what we can deduce from the spy shots.
1. Upcoming BMW Supersport to share engine with the F 450 GS
2. Test mule gets BMW-branded brake calipers
3. TVS 450cc version also likely in the works
BMW Supersport test mule: What to expect?
The bike could get winglets and a vertically stacked headlight setup
With TVS already manufacturing the F 450 GS at its Hosur plant for BMW, the 450 platform will underpin multiple models for both brands. TVS is also said to be developing its own 450cc motorcycle based on the same architecture, which makes it fair to wonder whether this test mule belongs to BMW or is a TVS derivative. For starters, the front brake caliper confirms that this is indeed a BMW being tested, thanks to the visible branding. Another giveaway is that this bike uses the trademark BMW jog wheel on the left-hand switch gear, which is unlikely to be found on a TVS model. The alloy wheels feature a similar five-spoke design to the G 310 RR, although they don’t appear to be the exact same units. The front-end design has been heavily concealed, revealing only its silhouette, which faintly resembles the lines of the S 1000 RR. It also looks like the bike might get winglets – now almost a norm on modern supersports – along with what appears to be a vertically stacked headlight and a windscreen.
The mirrors seem similar to those on the F 450 GS, and the motorcycle is likely to use a golden USD fork, just like the adventure tourer. Moving on, the swingarm design and monoshock placement also resemble the F 450 GS.
As for the riding position, the test rider appears to be in a sporty stance, though not an overtly committed one – although that remains unclear at the moment. The tail-light follows BMW’s typical design execution, with the brake light integrated into the indicators.
As for the F 450 GS’s engine that this supersport will likely be powered by, it is a 420cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled unit that produces 48hp at 8,750 rpm and 43Nm at 6,750 rpm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
Online reports suggest that this new model could be called the F 450 RR, although the official nomenclature hasn’t been confirmed yet. With testing in full swing, we expect BMW to launch the model either later this year or sometime next year after the F 450 GS goes on sale in our country.
Image credit: mithundeshmuk/Instagram
Azaman Chothia
Dinshaw Magol
Vishal Venugopal
