EICMA 2025: BMW F 450 GS Adventure Bike Revealed

BMW Motorrad has introduced the F 450 GS adventure motorcycle, marking a significant addition to the company's GS model lineup. The bike brings a balance of performance, technology and versatility to the middleweight adventure category. BMW has confirmed that India will receive the motorcycle following its global debut, with market entry expected in early 2026.

The F 450 GS runs a completely redesigned 450cc parallel-twin engine producing 48 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 43 Newton-metres of torque at 6,750 rpm. The engine displaces 420cc and uses a unique 135-degree crankshaft offset design, a first among two-cylinder motorcycles in this category. This configuration delivers a balanced blend of power and vibration control through a counter-rotating balance shaft. The engine management system uses fuel injection with the latest BMS-Z technology, ensuring efficient combustion and compliance with EU-5 emission standards.

The motorcycle consumes 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres on the worldwide motorcycle test cycle, allowing a range of over 350 kilometres from its 14-litre fuel tank. The six-speed transmission features an X-ring chain drive to the rear wheel. BMW offers the Shift Assistant Pro system as standard on most variants, allowing gear changes without using the clutch lever. The top-specification GS Trophy variant includes the Easy Ride Clutch technology, which automatically engages based on engine speed, eliminating manual clutch operation during normal riding.

The F 450 GS sits on a steel tubular frame designed for rigidity and off-road durability. Front suspension comes via 43mm KYB upside-down telescopic forks with 180mm travel. The rear features an aluminium swinging arm paired with a KYB central spring strut offering progressive damping and 180mm of travel. Wire-spoked cast-aluminium wheels measure 19 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear, shod with dual-purpose tubeless tyres.

Braking duties fall to a Brembo 310mm four-piston monobloc disc at the front and a 240mm single-piston floating caliper disc at the rear. BMW Motorrad ABS Pro comes as standard, offering lean-sensitive braking and enhanced stability during cornering. The system includes Dynamic Brake Control to prevent unintended throttle application during braking and Dynamic Brake Light for following traffic alerts.

The F 450 GS features a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT display with smartphone integration capabilities. Riders can access navigation, music and communication functions through Bluetooth connectivity. Three riding modes come as standard: Rain, Road and Enduro, with an additional Enduro Pro mode available on higher variants. The unladen weight is just 178 kilograms, contributing to the bike's agility. Acceleration from zero to 100 kilometres per hour takes 5.9 seconds, with a maximum speed of 165 kilometres per hour.

India price expectations and market position

BMW has not officially confirmed the F 450 GS price for India, but industry sources estimate the base variant will start around ₹5,00,000, with higher trims potentially reaching ₹5,50,000. This positions the bike significantly higher than most rivals in the segment. The F 450 GS will be manufactured by TVS Motor Company at their Hosur facility in Tamil Nadu, supporting cost management for the Indian market.

Key rivals in India

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 represents the F 450 GS's most established competitor. The Himalayan features a 452cc single-cylinder engine producing 40 horsepower and 40 Newton-metres of torque. It costs between ₹3,06,000 and ₹3,20,000, undercutting the BMW significantly. The Himalayan weighs 196 kilograms and offers proven off-road durability with straightforward mechanics.

The KTM 390 Adventure, recently updated for 2025, uses a 398cc single-cylinder engine with 46 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 39 Newton-metres of torque. Prices begin at ₹2,91,000 for the standard variant and reach ₹3,67,000 for the fully equipped Adventure model. The KTM weighs 182 kilograms and features fully adjustable suspension, wire-spoked wheels and multiple ride modes with off-road tuning.

The Triumph Scrambler 400X occupies a niche between retro styling and adventure capability, priced at ₹2,68,000. Its 398cc parallel-twin engine delivers 40 horsepower with focus on handling and mid-range torque rather than off-road specialisation.

The Kawasaki Versys X 300, though based on a smaller 296cc engine, provides touring-focused capabilities at ₹3,49,000. It emphasises highway touring comfort over extreme off-road performance.

The F 450 GS distinguishes itself through advanced parallel-twin engine technology, sophisticated electronics with multiple riding modes, premium components including Brembo brakes and KYB suspension, and the innovative Easy Ride Clutch system. Its primary disadvantage remains price, which sits substantially above established competitors offering comparable engine displacement. However, the BMW brings a distinctly different engineering philosophy focusing on smoothness, refinement and technology integration.

The middleweight adventure segment in India continues expanding as riders seek capable machines for varied terrain and long-distance touring. The BMW F 450 GS enters this space as a technology-forward offering targeting riders who prioritise performance and feature content alongside adventure capability. Industry timing suggests the motorcycle will arrive in India during the first quarter of 2026.

Also read: EICMA 2025: Norton Motorcycles Unveils Four New Models, Five Years after TVS Takeover