2027 BMW F 450 GS first look: Hurry up and wait

Today, BMW unveiled the F 450 GS. The mid-size adventure bike first appeared as a concept at EICMA 2024, driving anticipation for its production model. The Bavarians made good on that hype by officially introducing the F 450 GS. The only catch is that it won’t be available for another year (or longer).

BMW expects the first F 450 GS units to roll into North American dealerships by late Q4 2026 or early Q1 2027. The model’s price tag remains under wraps until a date closer to that market launch. While U.S. customers will have to wait a little longer for the little GS, its specs are available now.

Capability and accessibility

The outgoing G 310 GS was far from the top pick in the category. The 450 GS aims to address its predecessor’s shortcomings with a newly developed chassis and engine. To do so, BMW rebuilt the GS from its foundation up, designing a new steel tubular frame and 420 cc parallel-twin engine. The latter not only acts as a stressed member of the former, but also produces a reported 48 horsepower (at 8,750 rpm) and 32 foot-pounds of torque (at 6,750 rpm). Those figures are par for the entry-level course (and for A2 licensing, in countries where that applies). What isn’t is the 450’s riding aids. 

Chief among them is BMW’s new Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) centrifugal clutch, which simplifies shifting for newer riders and dirt dabblers alike. All of the F 450s coming to the United States will have the GS Trophy package, which also includes BMW’s Gear Shift Assist Pro quickshifter. With the ERC and quickshifter, “manual operation of the clutch lever is completely eliminated.” Still, the wee GS comes with a fully operational clutch lever for those who demand full control of the model’s six-speed gearbox. It's your choice. You can operate the clutch yourself or let the motorcycle do it for you.

Standard ride modes include Road, Enduro, and Rain, while the GS Trophy trim unlocks Enduro Pro mode. Other electronic aids include ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), and Engine Drag Torque control (MSR). Further defying segment conventions are the 450’s 6.5-inch full-color TFT, USB-C port, fully adjustable controls (hand levers, gearshift lever, and brake pedal), and heated grips, all of which come standard.

The G 310 GS was hardly lauded for its off-road pedigree. If the specs are any indication, the 450 GS won’t be, either. BMW enlists a rebound- and compression-adjustable KYB fork and a preload- and rebound-adjustable KYB shock, which yield 7.1 inches of travel at both ends. That draws even with the G 310 GS’s front and rear travel measurements. The same goes for the model’s wheels. The standard F 450 opts for cast wheels, while the GS Trophy benefits from a wire-spoke set. However, both variants roll on a 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear. 

Of course, no spec sheet tells the full story. To do that, one has to actually ride the motorcycle. That’s why we’ll have to wait another year before the full story is told.

2027 BMW F 450 GS
Price (MSRP)	TBA
Engine	420 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, parallel twin
Transmission, final drive	Six-speed, chain
Claimed horsepower	48 @ 8,750 rpm
Claimed torque	32 foot-pounds @ 6,750 rpm
Frame	Steel tubular
Front suspension	KYB 43 mm fork, adjustable for compression and rebound damping; 7.1 inches of travel
Rear suspension	KYB WAD shock, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping; 7.1 inches of travel
Front brake	Single Brembo four-piston caliper, 310 mm disc with ABS
Rear brake	Single-piston caliper, 240 mm disc with ABS
Rake, trail	28.1 degrees, 4.5 inches
Wheelbase	57.7 inches
Seat height	33.3 inches
Fuel capacity	3.6 gallons
Tires	100/90-19 front, 130/80-17 rear
Claimed weight	393 pounds (wet)
Available	Q4 2026/Q1 2027
Warranty	36 months
More info	bmwmotorcycles.com