Who fancies a baby GS?

For those that like to travel (big distances) light, BMW’s new F 450 GS could be just the ticket.

Let’s face it, not everyone wants a whopping, big adventure bike in their life, and BMW gets that more than most. It’s probably the core reason it’s unleashed the new F 450 GS – a bike aimed squarely at the booming A2 adventure market, and one that drags a hefty dose of R 1300 GS design swagger into the 48hp class. With its unmistakable GS beak, X-shaped LED running light and slim, racy tail, the baby GS looks every inch the younger sibling of BMW’s flagship bruiser.

Power comes from a brand-new 420cc parallel-twin, punching out the A2-friendly max of 48hp at 8,750rpm and 43Nm of torque. BMW’s given it a 135-degree crankpin offset too, delivering a lumpy, charismatic thrum with impressively low vibes, smoothed further by a counter-rotating balancer. Fuel economy, smooth running and a distinctive soundtrack were all key goals… and on paper, it looks like they’ve nailed it.

A big talking point is the new Easy Ride Clutch (ERC), standard on the GS Trophy and optional elsewhere. Think modern auto-clutch wizardry that lets you pull away and shift gears without touching the lever, while still keeping the clutch available for technical off-road moments. Add Shift Assistant Pro on most models and the 450 GS promises seriously slick shifts both up and down the box.

The chassis is all new too, built around a tubular steel frame with the engine as a stressed member. KYB suspension delivers 180mm of travel at both ends, with adjustable forks on the Sport and Trophy variants. Cast wheels (19in/17in) come standard, with cross-spokes available for the dirt-hungry. A single 310mm Brembo up front, ABS Pro and a suite of electronics — Rain, Road and Enduro modes plus DTC, DBC and engine drag control — all come standard. Four trim packs round out the offering, from the simple Cosmic Black Basic to the fully loaded Adventure in Racing Blue Metallic.