Text: Ole-Andreas Isdahl
Photo ADV Pulse/Bike EXIF/Enduro 21
The bridge builder between GS 310 and F 800/900 GS
The presentation of the model, which is currently called the BMW concept F 450 GS, is one of the most exciting things to happen in the motorcycle universe in a very long time. This is completely in line with the trend that points to increased interest and growth in lighter adventure bikes with a wide range of applications and experience possibilities. The big tourers are alive and well, but single-piloting in slightly wilder terrain is of great interest these days. So much so, in fact, that many in the TET community are worried that the interest in gravel riding will become too great and eventually lead to areas being closed to such riding due to excessive loads in particular areas. However, regardless of such concerns, we can say that BMW has met a lot of riders with a motorcycle that really hits the spot. Interest in lightweight mid-range bikes in this segment is undoubtedly high and growing and the concept model of the F 450 GS has everything we could wish for. It’s sleek, long-legged, has a slim body and a slim seat frame with a wide handlebar and an exciting two-cylinder engine that we assume is brand new. Here you can sit and stand well and really enjoy yourself. The fun factor is likely to be addictive and sufficiently high, we assume.
In fact, this is so exciting that many people operating in this class and segment will probably be tempted to wait to order a new bike until it becomes available on the market. At the moment there is little information about technical capacities, but we have some and can read a lot from the pictures and the fact that the model is placed in the A2 class. We understand that this will be a two-cylinder model with around 47/48 hp and probably around 40 – 45 Nm. “The power to weight ratio is good at around 0.28 hp/kg, which is not bad. There is, however, one small point of tension in this case and that is whether a new engine will be able to match the bike’s striking design and other technical data. The design, weight, ergonomics and damping data indicate that this bike will need an engine that delivers well. By all means, it must not disappoint. BMW always knows what it’s doing, but in recent times we’ve seen that successful single-cylinder engines can actually deliver better than two-cylinder engines that lack pep and can sometimes be too predictable. This bike needs an engine that delivers, Royal Enfield has proved they can deliver and now BMW needs to do the same. There’s no reason to believe that BMW can’t do it, but it could happen. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.
Hallelujah for BMW reusing their new light technology from the 1300 GS, it’s just fantastic and we can only look forward to thundering around on dark gravel roads with this equipment that is simply awesome. We have to assume that this component alone will affect the price of the bike, unfortunately quality often comes at a cost, that’s just the way it is. But in this particular case, we have to say that this lighting technology is definitely worth a few extra bucks. It is completely unique. It would be natural to assume that the model gives us access to a healthy range of driver support and tech, such as a nifty instrument technology, gear assist, traction and braking system options and maybe even navigation (now the thousand-pound price tag is getting a bit out of hand here, but let’s face it, such options are going to cost a bit). The model apparently comes with a 19-inch front wheel and is expected to weigh around 175 kg wet. Rumor has it that the model will come in several versions, one of which is long-legged and has good ground clearance with a seat height of about 88.5 cm. The other version will probably be a little lower and more all-round oriented. But we emphasize that these are just rumors so far. The F 450 GS will probably be the link between the current G 310 GS and F 900 GS. By design, the model has a lot in common with the
F 900 GS, which is a good thing. If the engine is sufficiently lively, the model could actually become a challenger to Yamaha’s
Tenere 700, which has a P/W ratio of 0.34, i.e. in figures not much more than the F 450 GS. So if the engine is a success, this can really become a challenger in many areas. The trend is for us to ride lighter bikes with a wider range of applications, of course this depends entirely on what we use the motorcycle for.
Concept is concept
We know from experience that “concept is concept”, which means that the series-produced version can be significantly altered in several respects. The price of mass-producing what manufacturers really want to produce can often turn out to be far too high and compromises have to be made to make the bike saleable and competitive in the market. An element of reality, unfortunately. Of course, it will be very exciting to see how much the fun will cost, but it’s fairly certain that this will cost a little more than the alternatives we’re familiar with today. But that’s fine, A2 bikes are generally well priced today and we’d rather have access to a vibrant and fiery alternative than a slacker that doesn’t live up to expectations. We guess we’re actually willing to pay a bit for it. Kudos to BMW so far, a lot has been done here, but please don’t disappoint us on the engine delivery, we expect this engine to be able to deliver and surprise. By design, this machine needs a decent fun-factor, and for that we need to see some pep.
