The small-displacement trend continues to go strong within the motorcycling world, as more and more manufacturers launch, debut, or tease new models. And one of the biggest debuts in recent memory, at least in terms of the concept and the outpouring of eagerness for the motorcycle, is obviously BMW's upcoming F450 GS.
I've been waiting for this motorcycle on bated breath ever since it dropped cover last year, as the proportions, the smaller engine, and the overall rugged design that mimics its awesome bigger siblings, look utterly fantastic in my opinion. If you don't know already, I'm a big fan of small adventure bikes, and small bikes in general, with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 being my current lord and savior.
But while we've had teases of the F450 GS here and there, along with a new patent drawing of a production version, and the designer himself saying the bike is coming, it's been all quiet on the Western Front from BMW since its debut at EICMA last year. That, however, might be changing as, reportedly, for the anniversary of its concept debut, the production machine will be shown at this year's show.
Woot, I'm excited.
The report comes from Le Repaire Motards, which states that BMW is planning on introducing the production-ready F450 GS at this year's EICMA show in Milan, Italy. For anyone unfamiliar with EICMA, the show, which will start this November, is where all the major motorcycle manufacturers go to drop their latest and greatest teases, production models, and generally get a sense of what their competitors are doing. There are also parties.
It has, over the years, waxed and waned in manufacturer support and debuts, but in recent years, after Covid exploded the industry, the show's seen a rebirth of sorts. And you've found more participation and excitement revolving around what's dropping at the show, which is likely why BMW is choosing EICMA for the F450 GS' launch, as it very well could be one of its most important motorcycles to date.
As for specs, the F450 GS is expected to use a small-displacement 450cc twin-cylinder engine—all-new from BMW—producing around 47.5 horsepower, which would make it OK for A2 licenses in Europe. There's also adjustable suspension, front and rear, and everything supposedly is designed for the off-roader in all of us. Again, as a lover of both dirt and small bikes, this motorcycle speaks to me and I hope it's as good as I've now made it out to be in my head.
One rumor from the outlet is that BMW might offer its automated gearbox on the machine, but that would sorta defeat the low-priced purpose of the machine, though I could see it coming in later to help get even more people riding.
But, thankfully, we won't have to wait long to see if the rumor of its production debut to be true, as EICMA is only two months away. Stay tuned.
