BMW hasn’t exactly been quiet about the F 450 GS. Ever since the concept debuted at EICMA last year, they’ve been stoking the hype—teasing us with spy shots and bits of info that suggest this could be their answer to the lightweight ADV craze. And now, thanks to a newly published design filing, we finally have our clearest look yet at what the production bike will actually be.
First reported by our friends at Motorcycle.com, the design filing confirms that the F 450 GS is nearly ready for prime time. The production version ditches some of the concept’s show-only features in favor of real-world necessities like mirrors, turn signals, reflectors, and a proper passenger setup.
But there are some changes we’re not so stoked about. The wire-spoked wheels from the concept are gone, replaced by cast alloy wheels. Sure, it’s likely a cost-cutting move—and maybe a way to keep the bike’s price competitive—but it would’ve been nice to see BMW stick with spokes, especially for a bike that’s supposed to go off-road. Hopefully, BMW launches a more premium Rally variant with tubeless spoked wheels and knobby tires.
Other tweaks are more subtle but still worth noting. The tank shrouds are reshaped, the windscreen has a new profile, and the trim connecting the tank to the subframe now has added texture. Out back, the exposed luggage brace from the concept has been replaced by cleaner bodywork and what appears to be integrated pannier mounts. The muffler also moves lower, now sitting alongside the rear wheel—likely to make room for saddlebags and passenger pegs.
Under the skin, the bike looks unchanged. It still uses a steel trellis frame and a parallel-twin engine that BMW claims makes 47 horsepower, keeping it within A2 license limits in Europe. The inverted fork is said to be fully adjustable, and the concept’s claimed weight of 385 pounds puts it right where it needs to be for the segment.
So now the question is: will it actually deliver? The G 310 GS has always felt a bit lukewarm compared to rivals like the KTM 390 Adventure and CFMoto Ibex 450. But the F 450 GS? It looks like BMW is taking this one much more seriously.
Will it live up to the hype? Or is it just another middle-of-the-road entry that plays it too safe? On paper, it has all the right ingredients. It might just be the ultimate small-displacement ADV bike. But until we actually see it and ride it, the verdict’s still out.
Source: Motorcycle.com
