BMW F 450 GS

Price: The BMW F 450 GS is available in three variants: Base, Exclusive, and GS Trophy. The Base variant is priced at Rs 4,70,000, the Exclusive variant costs Rs 4,90,000, whereas the top-end GS Trophy variant is priced at Rs 5,30,000. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

Design: When you look at the F 450 GS, it is pretty evident that BMW has emulated the R 1300 GS’ brutalist form in a smaller, compact package. It gets distinctive X-shaped DRLs, a sleek subframe, and a short upswept exhaust. The overall fit and finish reflect BMW Motorrad’s other international models - that’s important because BMW Motorrad wants this motorcycle to be affordable, without looking ‘cheap’ as such. The baby GS is available in just two colour schemes: Cosmic Black (common for both Base and Exclusive variants, and the GS Trophy variant-only Racing Blue Metallic.

Features: The motorcycle comes equipped with a 6.5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, navigation, and call/SMS alerts. It gets three riding modes (Road, Rain, Enduro), with the Exclusive and GS Trophy variants adding Enduro Pro. Safety features include cornering ABS, traction control, and engine brake control. The Exclusive and GS Trophy variants get accessories like handguards, underbody protection, and a windscreen.

Engine: The F 450 GS is powered by a 420cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine producing 47.5PS and 43Nm. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, slipper clutch, and a bidirectional quickshifter. Do note that the quickshifter is available in Exclusive and GS Trophy variants only. The top-spec GS Trophy variant also gets an Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) for improved usability in traffic and off-road scenarios.

Suspension, Brakes & Other Details: he bike features a USD fork (non-adjustable in Base and Exclusive but compression and rebound adjustable on GS Trophy variant) and monoshock setup (preload and rebound adjustable across all variants. It rolls on a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheel setup. Braking is handled by a 310mm front disc and 240mm rear disc with dual-channel cornering ABS. It has a kerb weight of 178kg and gets a 14-litre fuel tank. Spoke wheels with tubeless tyres are not provided even on the GS Trophy variant as standard, you’ll have to buy them from the accessory catalogue.

Rivals: The BMW F 450 GS competes with the Honda NX500 and Benelli TRK 502, and its off-road-oriented sibling, the TRK 502X. It also faces competition from single-cylinder ADVs like the KTM 390 Adventure S and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.