BMW’s got a new kid coming to the GS family. The F 450 GS is BMW’s shot at plugging the gap between their starter G 310 GS and the beefier F 800 GS—with the plan to eventually let the G 310 retire and make the F 450 the new entry-level GS.
So, what’s the big deal? For starters, the F 450 GS is rocking a brand-new parallel-twin engine. As per reports it’s not quite the full 450cc the name suggests (it’s a tad under), but it’s been tuned to pump out the A2-license max of 48 horsepower. That’s perfect for newer riders craving just enough oomph, and BMW says this engine will make its way into other models soon—including a future naked bike and sports bike. The engine lives in a steel tube frame almost identical to the one from the earlier show bike—so adventure cred stays intact. Weight is expected to tip the scales at around 175 kg.
Suspension-wise, the F 450 GS should come with adjustable front forks from the concept but with shorter travel lengths front and back, making it more approachable in terms of seat height (and less intimidating) for everyday riders. The hard-core off-road knobby tires from the prototype are out; the bikes spotted so far were wearing all-purpose Maxxis Maxplore tires instead—so daily usability and comfort are front and center.
Looks? BMW borrowed a lot from the R 1300 GS in terms of style, especially around the tank and side panels. The tail section and exhaust have been redesigned for practicality and all-day comfort: there’s a new rear subframe for a cushier seat and a chunkier, lower-set exhaust system that’s ready for the daily grind. Although the version spotted now has a new LED headlight system, different from the one on the concept.
There’s also a bit of tech sparkle: the production version is set to offer a semi-automatic gearbox as an option, helping newbies get over the “how do I shift?” hurdle. It’s not the fancy (and pricey) full-automatic from BMW’s higher-end bikes, but it’ll be tailored to the entry-level crowd and—importantly—available as an extra, not standard kit.
Just like the G 310 GS, this new model will be built by BMW’s partner TVS in India. The public unveiling is supposed to happen before the end of the year, but whether you’ll actually be able to ride one home by New Year’s is still up in the air.
The BMW F 450 GS is shaping up as an accessible, slightly adventurous all-rounder—modern, kind to newcomers, and packing just enough GS swagger for the road and the occasional dirt adventure.
Photos via Motorrad Magazin
