One of the most anticipated motorcycle launches is surely the BMW F 450 GS, a motorcycle that all enthusiasts have been eyeing since it was showcased at EICMA last year. With BMW already testing the production-spec vehicle in India, the launch is expected to occur towards the end of the year. We can expect the pricing to be competitive, as TVS is building the motorcycle.
That said, MCN has spoken to one of BMW’s project leaders and has more info for all of us. Here are more details on the launch timeline, engine, specifications, and other interesting details of the BMW F 450 GS, along with a sad detail for some.
BMW F 450 GS will be priced competitively
The first big news is that the F 450 GS will be priced competitively, without compromising on quality and the GS feel. The motorcycle will be packed with features and offer a scaled-down version of the full-size GS, and will also have several options like the larger bikes.
The spokesperson said, “There will be rider modes, the option to have a quickshifter and more, as even though the capacity is small, it will still offer everything that a rider will need to have the best experience on and off-road. In-keeping with the R1300GS, we’ll also only be offering it with a 19-inch/17-inch wheel combination too.”
The last line is the catch. While most would have expected a 21-17 setup, the 19-17 setup also brings the worry as to whether BMW will offer the spoke wheels or settle with alloy wheels, robbing it of its off-road capabilities. This worry arises since all the prototypes that were seen testing in India were equipped with cast alloy wheels.
Moving on to some good news again, the F 450 GS is expected to weigh around 175kg, making it one of the lightest twin-cylinder adventure motorcycles in India, and the 47bhp engine will also power other models, which can be a roadster. That said, the BMW F 450 GS is also expected to have a manual or an automatic gearbox option like the larger 1300 GS, but it will be a slightly different system.