The clearest look yet at the new mini GS
BMW unveiled the Concept F 450 GS at EICMA last November, providing a sneak peek at a potential twin-cylinder adventure bike that would fall between the G 310 GS and the F 800/900 GS. Prototypes of the F 450 GS have since been seen in a number of online spy images. Although those have been instructive, newly disclosed design filings from BMW have given us a clearer picture of the production model F 450 GS’s appearance.
The design filing, which was recently released by the UK’s intellectual property office, shows several changes from the original concept and largely matches the spy photos, but it is much more detailed and does not have a bothersome test rider obstructing anything.
When we compare a picture of the concept with one of the design illustrations, we observe a number of differences. First, the design filing shows a production model with mirrors, turn indicators, reflectors, and passenger accommodations—all of which were absent from the concept. The design features five-spoke cast wheels that resemble the wheels on the F 900 R in place of the wire-spoked wheels used in the concept.
Except for a few crucial spots, the bodywork is essentially the same. The trim above the BMW roundel emblem is much smaller on the design, ending just below the handlebar riser and having a lower profile. In addition, the shape of the windscreen differs greatly from the concept.
As we move backward, the dark trim between the tank cover and the steel trellis frame’s visible portion has been reshaped and cut away, and the piece that connects it to the seat’s front edge now has a lined texture.
The idea was to use a piece of white steel tubing that stuck out from the back of the subframe to hold luggage. The design added more bodywork over the subframe and what looks like a pannier mounting point below the passenger seat. BMW moved the exhaust to the side of the rear wheel to make more room for luggage and a passenger peg.
The frame, the Parallel-Twin engine, the suspension, and the brakes all look the same as they did in the original idea. BMW says that the engine in the concept makes 35 kW (47 horsepower), which is the most power allowed by European A2 license class rules. We expect that to stay the same in the production model. According to the design filing, BMW says that the concept’s inverted fork is fully adjustable, but we can’t be sure of that. BMW also said that the concept weighs 175 kg (385 pounds) to meet the A2 class’s power-to-weight ratio requirements, but we can’t confirm the weight from the drawings.
We think BMW will officially announce the production version of the F 450 GS in the fall, maybe even at EICMA, where the concept first appeared. Then, we will find out the official specs,
which will tell us how the F 450 GS might compare to the KTM 390 Adventure R, the CFMOTO Ibex 450, and the Moto Morini Alltrhike.