BMW officially unveiled its long-awaited new adventure motorcycle, the F 450 GS, at the EICMA 2025 trade show. This motorcycle, the production version of the prototype the brand unveiled a year ago, is positioned as a strong contender in the relatively smaller-displacement adventure (ADV) segment. It also breathes new life into this segment thanks to its A2 driver’s license compatibility.
BMW F 450 GS unveiled
The F 450 GS features the brand’s signature “X”-shaped LED headlight with daytime running lights and a distinctive bodywork. Production will be handled by India-based TVS Motor Company, with whom BMW also collaborated on the G 310 series.
At the heart of the model is a completely newly developed 420cc parallel-twin engine, producing 48 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 44 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm.
These power and torque figures are higher than those of its direct competitors, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (40 hp, 40.6 Nm) and the CFMoto Ibex 450 (44 hp, 44 Nm). Furthermore, the bike weighs just 178 kilograms, a significant advantage over its competitors’ average 195-196 kilograms.
The lightweight design of BMW’s new model comes from a tubular steel trellis frame. This structure, which differs from the brand’s recent pressed and welded steel frames, adds agility to the bike.
The wheelbase is 1,465 mm. 19-inch wheels are used at the front and 17-inch at the rear. The standard seat height is 845 mm, but 830 mm and 865 mm seat heights are also available. The 14-liter fuel tank provides a range of approximately 350 kilometers.
One of the most innovative features BMW offers in this class is Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) technology. This system, standard on the GS Trophy trim, eliminates the need to manually operate the clutch. It automatically disengages the clutch when revs drop, but unlike Honda’s E-Clutch technology, it is mechanical, not electronic.
The new F 450 GS features three riding modes: Rain, Road, and Enduro. Driver assistance systems such as ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control, and Engine Brake Torque Control are also standard. Adding to the equipment list are full LED lighting, a USB-C charging port, and a 6.5-inch TFT display that displays navigation, ride data, and lean angle information.
BMW will offer the F 450 GS in four different trim levels: Basic, Exclusive, Sport, and GS Trophy. The Exclusive level includes hand guards, an engine guard, off-road footpegs, Riding Modes Pro, and Shift Assistant Pro. The Sport version adds these features and sports suspension. The top-tier Trophy package adds all these features, plus the Easy Ride Clutch system.
The model will go on sale in Europe in spring 2026, with a US release date expected to be delayed until 2027. In the UK, the Trophy version starts at £7,760 (approximately $10,100). The F 450 GS is also expected to go on sale in Turkey.
With this move, BMW is competing with models like the Honda NX500, Kawasaki KLE 500, KTM 390 Adventure, CFMoto Ibex 450, and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 in the rapidly growing sub-500cc adventure motorcycle market.
