BMW Concept F 450 GS - an epic rise in the GS empire!

The BMW G 310 GS is undoubtedly a tame bike and, compared to the large 1300 GS, offers modest performance, making it a good adventure bike in its segment. However, it certainly cannot and does not want to compete with the larger GS models from Bavaria. With the new F 450 GS (if it will be called that in its production version) and initially as a teaser with the Concept F 450 GS, the Bavarians are venturing into a higher class in the adventure bike league up to 48 hp. Let's see if the new 450 will create competition for the larger GS models!

For the drive, BMW has opted against the tried-and-true, such as a bored-out 310 engine. Instead, the two-cylinder inline engine has been developed from scratch and is said to be particularly characterful and revvy due to a unique ignition offset never before used in series production. Compliant with the A2 class, the engine fully utilizes the 48 hp limit and is supposed to provide substantial torque even at low revs. We can tell it's not a budget construction by the very compact dimensions of the engine and the low weight, which result from innovative solutions and the use of lightweight materials like magnesium.

The BMW Concept F 450 GS aims to impress in the suspension department with premium technology in this segment. "We were allowed to start the development of this vehicle on a blank sheet of paper. The goal was to achieve excellent off-road capability while ensuring nimble and precise riding performance on the road. Accordingly, the BMW Concept F 450 GS is equipped with a fully adjustable upside-down fork and a shock absorber with travel-dependent damping, drawing from rally and enduro sports. Through the targeted use of lightweight construction and other state-of-the-art solutions, we can present a sensationally light vehicle close to the minimum weight requirement in the A2 class of 175 kg," says Marc Weber, chief engineer of the Concept F 450 GS. It remains to be seen whether these values can be realized in the production version.

Inspired by its big sister, the BMW R 1300 GS, the Concept F 450 GS also impresses with its surprising full range of safety and functionality features. To mention only the most relevant features: BMW Motorrad ABS Pro (lean angle-dependent), performance brakes, freely configurable riding modes, and a 6.5-inch TFT display with connectivity make us—and likely the competition—sit up and take notice! However, we will also see what remains as standard equipment or as an optional extra in the configurator.

"Of particular importance in the redevelopment of the BMW Concept F 450 GS was achieving the best handling in this segment and combining it with strong performance and optimal accessibility. Riding pleasure both on and off-road is a top priority for this A2-GS," says Sepp Mächler, Product Manager at BMW. Alexander Buckan from the Design Department adds: "The Concept F 450 GS carries the characteristic DNA of the GS family, allowing us to design the concept with the sporty dynamic appeal of our large off-road icon in a particularly compact form." Cleverly, the Bavarians rely on familiar color schemes for the concept bike - as with the Trophy version of the R 1300 GS, the color scheme of blue-white-red with the base color Racingblue metallic stands for the typical off-road-oriented character."

The question that arises when looking at the BMW Concept F 450 GS is: What can we expect from a production version? Johann Simon, the vehicle project manager of the Concept F 450 GS, clarifies: "Definitely no compromises. Following the very sporty off-road claim of the Concept F 450 GS, we will implement the bike as closely as possible to this template. Only the seat height will be adjusted for accessibility and easier handling. In addition to the cross-spoke wheels (19 inches at the front, 17 inches at the rear), lightweight yet high-strength aluminum cast wheels in the same dimensions are also conceivable."

BMW Motorrad plans to introduce the corresponding production model in the style of the BMW Concept F 450 GS in 2025.