BMW’s New Baby GS Is Here To Take On The KTM 390 Adventure

After what feels like an eternity of spy shots and teasers, BMW Motorrad has finally taken the wraps off its next big motorcycle. Big not in terms of size, but instead, in terms of its appeal. We say so as this is the brand’s all-new entry-level adventure bike aimed for the masses (experienced, new, or intermediate riders). There’s a lot to like and some questionable things, so let’s jump into the details of the F 450 GS right away.

BMW’s All-New 450cc Parallel-Twin Engine Powers The F 450 GS

Parallel-twin engines are all the rage nowadays in the entry-level adventure bike segment, so BMW has decided to join its peers instead of reinventing the wheel. What we have in the F 450 GS is an all-new mill developed under the partnership of TVS and BMW. It has a peak output of 48 horsepower and 32 pound-feet, thanks to special materials such as magnesium in the mill.

Both of these figures kick in quite low (8,750 and 6,750 RPM, respectively), which should not only mean excellent tractability but also oodles of punch for off-road situations. All of it reaches the wheel via a six-speed transmission, and maxing out the sixth cog gets you to a top speed of 102 miles per hour (claimed). While that number might not impress you, the peak power is class-leading here.

BMW F 450 GS Engine Specs

A Steel Tubular Chassis And Simple Suspension Enable Adventure-Touring Abilities

Contrary to the concept bike, the production-spec F 450 GS is an adventure-tourer through and through. That’s evident from the 19/17-inch cast alloy wheel combination, along with the simple suspension (43 mm USD forks and monoshock) with 7.1 inches of travel. That figure is lower than the KTM 390 Adventure X but higher than the Honda NX500, and nowhere near the true off-roaders like the Royal Enfield Himalayan or KTM 390 Adventure R. Interestingly, neither variant of the GS has the cross-spoke wheels shown in the AI press images, nor can we see them in the official accessories. Anyway, the real pro for the Beemer is its uber-low 392-pound wet weight. That’s naked bike territory!

BMW F 450 GS Underpinnings And Dimensions

The F 450 GS Might Cost A Pretty Penny Upon Launch

European Price: > $8,000

The F 450 GS is essentially replacing the G 310 GS as the new baby GS. And it needs to be competitively priced to go against its rivals. That might not be the case, though, judging from the European pricing equivalent to ~$8,200. Even if it is a bit cheaper in the US–say about $7,500–that’d still make it one of the most expensive bikes in the segment. Currently, the Honda NX500 holds that title with its base price of $7,399. Oh, and there are two more issues. One: this would be its base price without optional bits like the Rallye color, quickshifter, spoke wheels, or windscreen. And second: the GS is listed as a 2027 model for the US, with a scheduled arrival date of late 2026.