The BMW Concept F 450 GS adventure bike has been revealed at EICMA 2024.
The lightweight bike will bridge the single-cylinder G 310 GS and larger F 900 GS platforms. BMW Motorrad says that it is not a trials bike, with the standing position closer to that of an enduro bike.
Although BMW did not reveal more details, they stated that the engine will produce in the regions of 48hp. Pictures show a prototype with a twin-cylinder engine, besides a styling that resembles its flagship R 1300 GS brethren including the “X” shaped headlight.
Product Manager, Sepp Mächler pointed out that the engine was developed in-house using lightweight materials such as magnesium. It is a big departure from the G 310 series where the engine was built in partnership and shared with TVS. The company has not revealed who will actually build the new 450 engine.
Mächler, a keen off-road rider himself, added, “Generally, it’s around 175kg, with 48 horsepower, and the engine has a 125-degree crankshaft for the ignition.”
“It’s very narrow and for the seating position we have different variations of what customers demand,” he continued. “It’s a brand-new design, engineered by BMW. This was an idea we had a long time ago, and then we decided to do it like that.”
“We are really looking at having the footpegs in the right position, and we were really looking at riders from 1.65 metres to 1.90 metres – so every kind of customer can sit or stay on the bike.”
Head of BMW Motorrad Design, Alexander Buckan further commented: “We have succeeded in designing the concept with the sporty dynamic appeal of our large off-road icon in a particularly compact form.”
The BMW Concept F 450 GS will be a new addition to the lightweight adventure segment, currently filled by the just-launched Suzuki DR-Z4, KTM 390 Adventure, and the upcoming Aprilia Tuareg 457 in the 350-450cc category. The G 310 GS, on the other hand, competes with the Kawasaki Versys 250/300, Suzuki V-Strom 250, Honda CRF250L/Rally, et al.
BMW Motorrad says the F 450 GS will be launched in 2025, so stay tuned!
