BMW Concept F 450 GS – First Look

The engine is a brand new Parallel-Twin, hence the F nomenclature like the other Twins and not a G like the Single-cylinder G 310 GS. BMW says the engine was designed to meet the A2 licensing class, which means it tops off at the maximum 35 kW (48 hp) cap. Specific details remain scarce, but BMW does confirm the engine uses lightweight magnesium materials and has a unique (for BMW) ignition offset.

The engine is mounted to a new trellis frame designed for agility and precision, as well as light weight, though as per A2 power-to-weight requirements, the F 450 GS will have to weigh at least 175 kg (386 pounds).

Up front, the Concept F 450 GS is equipped with a fully-adjustable inverted fork, while the rear shock is angled along the line from the headstock to the rear wheel, which is something we see more from other manufacturers than BMW.

"We were able to start the development of this vehicle with a clean slate. The aim was to enable excellent off-road capability and, at the same time, a nimble and precise handling on the road,” says Marc Weber, lead engineer of the Concept. “Accordingly, the BMW Concept F 450 GS is equipped with a fully adjustable upside-down fork and a shock absorber with load-dependent damping, drawing on technology from rally and enduro sport."

The brakes are an unusual mixed bag, with a single radial-mount Brembo caliper up front, but a ByBre-branded caliper for the rear wheel. Sure, they’re both technically Brembos, but it remains to be seen whether the production model will have ByBre brakes front and rear to reduce costs.

Like most BMWs, the F 450 GS will feature a lot of electronic rider aids, though at the moment, only selectable ride modes and lean-sensitive ABS have been confirmed. Traction control should be expected as well. A 6.5-inch TFT display handles the electronics settings and infotainment system.

Regarding a future production version, the Concept’s project manager says the F 450 GS will be very close to what we see here.

"Following the very sporty off-road focus of the Concept F 450 GS, we will implement the bike as close as possible to this concept. We will only adjust the seat height for better accessibility and easier handling," says Johaan Simon, vehicle project manager. "As an alternative to the cross-spoke wheels (19 inches front, 17 inches rear), lightweight but high-strength cast aluminum wheels in the same dimensions are also conceivable."

BMW says the series production F 450 GS will arrive some time in 2025. What remains to be seen is if it will eventually be joined by other models, such as an F 450 R or F 450 RR.