Adventure bikes have come a long way. Back in the day, they were all about comfort and distance: big fuel tanks, tall windscreens, and plush saddles built to eat miles. These days, though, the game’s changed. The modern ADV rider wants something lighter, simpler, and more capable when the road disappears. Bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan and CFMoto Ibex 450 are proof of that shift.
The Himalayan keeps things basic: a 21-inch front wheel, 17-inch rear, about 17 liters of fuel, and a wet weight around 441 pounds (200 kilograms). It’s straightforward, affordable, and tough enough for rocky trails without being intimidating. The Ibex 450 takes it up a notch with a twin-cylinder engine making somewhere in the mid-40s for horsepower, decent suspension travel, and a curb weight in the low 400s. Both bikes show where adventure riding’s headed: less bulk, more fun.
Then you’ve got the BMW GS, the total opposite of that philosophy. The GS name has long stood for big, tech-stuffed mile-munchers. Think 550 to 600 pounds of motorcycle with every comfort feature imaginable. Great for coast-to-coast rides, but not exactly something you’d want to wrestle through a muddy climb. BMW’s aware of that reputation, and it’s why the new F 450 GS is such a big deal.
The F 450 GS aims to bring that legendary GS capability into a much more approachable package. It’s been spotted several times in testing, showing off a compact frame, tall stance, and a high-mounted exhaust. It’s expected to use a 450cc parallel-twin engine with around 48 horsepower, tuned for torque and manageability rather than brute force. Early prototypes even hint at long-travel suspension and rally-style ergonomics, clear signs that BMW is targeting real-world trail riding, not just gravel roads. In other words, it’s a GS designed for riders who actually like dirt.
And here’s where TVS comes in. The Indian manufacturer that builds BMW’s small-displacement bikes (the G 310 R and G 310 GS) has been co-developing this new platform with BMW. TVS has already teased a new adventure model debuting November 4 in Milan, right around EICMA, and it’s almost certainly built around this same 450cc engine. Expect a tall windscreen, a high front beak, upside-down forks, and a 19-inch front wheel paired with a 17-inch rear. It should also come with a full-digital display, traction control, a quickshifter, and dual-channel ABS. Power will likely hover in the same mid-40s range, paired with a six-speed gearbox.
Now, I just came back from India (the aftertaste of curry still lingers in my mouth), where I toured TVS Motor’s factory and saw firsthand the scale of its production. It’s impressive, boasting rows of precision machinery, meticulous assembly lines, and a workforce that clearly takes pride in building bikes that end up all over the world. Cameras weren’t allowed inside, so you’ll have to take my word for it, but I even caught a glimpse of what had to be the new engine of the 450 GS. I can’t show you the photo, because there isn’t one, but trust me, it’s legit.
This kind of bike is exactly what makes adventure riding more accessible. A middleweight that's reasonably lightweight, with real suspension travel and good electronics, is easier to ride, cheaper to own, and more fun when the trail turns ugly. You don’t need to cross a continent to enjoy it. You just need a long weekend and a dirt road.
If TVS and BMW get it right, this new 450 could mark a real turning point. The adventure class is shifting away from size and power toward simplicity and capability. That’s good news for everyone from seasoned ADV junkies to riders just discovering what lies beyond the pavement.
Suffice it to say that all adventure-eager eyes will be on TVS and BMW at EICMA 2025.
Sources: NDTV, BikeWale, TVS via Instagram
