New BMW F 450 GS: 3 Things To Know
With real-world testing in full swing, it appears the BMW F 450 GS is coming our way soon. This aims to leave a lasting remark on the entry-level adventure bike space, unlike the somewhat failed G 310 GS. There’s a lot that suggests it will do so with ease, and here are three key things you must know.
A New Engine With Class-Leading Performance
Unlike the G 310 GS thumper, the F 450 GS has a parallel-twin engine. This engine boasts an innovative ignition offset, a low weight, and lightweight materials such as magnesium. The result is a class-leading 48 horsepower. That number is higher than all of its rivals like the Royal Enfield Himalayan, KTM 390 Adventure, and CFMoto 450 MT. What about the other details? They will follow later.
BMW F 450 GS Engine Specs
| Capacity | 450cc |
| Layout | Parallel-twin |
| Power | 48 HP |
| Torque | NA |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
Capable Underpinnings
Justifying its ‘GS’ suffix, the F 450 promises to be at home in rough terrain. The cross-spoke wheels, knobby tires, and tall suspension are all proof of that. Speaking of suspension, the beefy 43 mm forks and monoshock both offer full adjustability, while the shock also has a rally-inspired damping feature. It’s worth noting the test mule has alloy wheels and different suspension, so some of these things might be limited to more expensive variants.
BMW F 450 GS Underpinnings
| Chassis | Tubular |
| Front suspension | USD forks (adjustable) |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock (adjustable) |
| Wheels | 19/17-inch (cross-spoke) |
| Ground clearance | NA |
| Weight | ~385 pounds |
A Mini-R 1300 GS-Like Design
If you like the R 1300 GS’ design, then you’ll immediately drool over the F 450 GS. The distinct ‘X’ headlight, complete with the characteristic beak and petite fender, are present here, which joins hands with a rally-style slim fuel tank. All this, and the blue, white, and red colorway, mimics the flagship GS quite well.
In the cockpit, you find a massive 6.5-inch TFT instrument cluster. Lean-sensitive ABS, ride modes, traction control, and smartphone connectivity are some of the things you enjoy via this display. We don’t know how many of these features will end up on the final version, though.
