BMW F 450 GS' Production Version Spied On Test: Gets Major Changes
The German motorcycle giant BMW Motorrad is currently working on the development of the F 450 GS Adventure motorcycle, which it showcased at EICMA last year. Recently, a test mule of this soon-to-be-launched motorcycle was spotted testing in the wild. This test mule reveals a number of new details about this upcoming adventure motorcycle. The main difference which we can note is that the production version will be a much more tamed version of the concept, which won hearts last year.
BMW Motorrad F 450 GS: Production test mule details
Design
First off, let's start with the design of the newly spotted test mule of the BMW F 450 GS. We can note that, unlike the concept version which boasted a unique quad LED DRL light with a GS badge in the middle, the production version gets a much more conventional dual LED headlight set-up. It continues to get the same visor and gold shock absorbers from the concept. However, from the front, it looks a bit subdued.
Apart from this, the overall height of the test mule also seems slightly lower than that of the concept vehicle. The bike, on the side profile, exposes the frame and gets middle-set foot pegs. As for the rear, this test mule was seen with LED taillights and a storage box, which most likely will be offered as an accessory by the brand.
Mechanical specifications
The upcoming BMW Motorrad F 450 GS will utilise a bridge frame made of steel tubing lattice construction, and there will also be a bolted-on rear subframe for easier repair. Other notable highlights of this test mule were an aluminium swingarm with a centrally mounted spring strut with direct mounting. As for the suspension, the bike gets USD forks at the front and a monoshock in the rear.
According to reports, this adventure motorcycle will boast a wheelbase of 1,465 mm. The wheels on this particular prototype were cast aluminium alloy wheels. However, the production version could be offered with optional tubeless spokes. The front wheel will be 19 inches, and the rear will be 17 inches. Both ends will get single disc brakes with lean-angle-sensitive ABS.
Other notable highlights of the BMW F 450 GS will be its large 6.5-inch TFT with smartphone connectivity, windshield, handguards, and adjustable hand levers. It is believed the F 450 GS will have an estimated weight of 178 kg and will get a fuel tank capacity of 14 litres.
Powertrain and launch
Now, coming to the main highlight of this upcoming motorcycle, it will come equipped with a 420 cc, water-cooled, inline, 2-cylinder motor. This engine will be capable of producing 48 bhp. The top speed of the F 450 GS will be around 167 kmph.
Most likely, the BMW F 450 GS will be launched in November of this year. The company could also be launching the BMW F 450 R, which will be the naked roadster version of this bike, and also the F 450 RR, which will be the fully faired sports version. Once launched in India, it will take on the likes of the KTM 390 Adventure and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, along with others.