BMW Motorrad Malaysia introduces the New BMW F 450 GS

BMW Motorrad Malaysia recently introduced the New BMW F 450 GS, marking the arrival of the legendary GS spirit in a lighter, more agile form. First previewed as a concept at the EICMA international motorcycle show in 2024, the production-ready New BMW F 450 GS carries forward the distinctive design language and high-performance engineering of that original vision, now tailored for riders seeking the perfect balance of everyday usability, touring comfort, and off-road capability without the weight and complexity of larger-displacement machines.

The New BMW F 450 GS combines the versatility of a true all-rounder with cutting-edge technology refined from BMW Motorrad's decades of GS development. At its core and only available with the Trophy edition is the BMW Easy Ride Clutch (ERC), a centrifugal clutch system that simplifies clutch operation during starting, gear changes, and demanding off-road manoeuvres—setting a new standard in rider accessibility and control. Built with high-quality components including magnesium parts for reduced weight and maximum performance, the New BMW F 450 GS delivers playful handling, precise manoeuvrability, and dynamic riding characteristics that make every ride engaging, whether commuting through Kuala Lumpur or exploring remote trails.

The New F 450 GS – Agile Adventures in Iconic GS Form.
The New BMW F 450 GS features a completely redesigned construction for the 48 hp mid-range. Its design focuses on consistently implementing the current BMW GS design language, with iconic features such as the LED headlight with "X" daytime riding light and the distinctive flyline, which runs from the front GS-typical "beak," across the tank and seat, and continues to the very narrow, slim rear. In terms of both drivetrain and chassis, the New BMW F 450 GS offers everything you would expect from a GS, with ergonomics optimised both relaxed and dynamic on- and off-road motorcycling. The handlebars, made of butted aluminum tube, are positioned high and close to the body, while the body and the 14-liter tank underneath are designed to provide optimal support and a good knee fit when sitting or riding off-road in a standing position. Hand guards in white is also included as standard.

The New BMW F 450 GS comes with a two-part seat as standard, providing ideal ergonomic conditions for comfort and dynamics for most riders, supported by a footrest system with removable rubber grips. While it primarily designed for on-road use, its serrated profile also makes it suitable for off-road use, offering an optimal balance between grip and comfort. In the New BMW F 450 GS, off-road footpegs are included as standard, alongside a tinted Rallye windshield. Another practical feature is the height-adjustable footbrake lever, can be tool-adjusted vertically by 20 mm to two positions to suit individual on- and off-road riding needs. The gearshift lever is also height-adjustable – via a toothed mechanism on the shift shaft.

The New BMW F 450 GS’s chassis combine low weight with high robustness, thus meeting the demands of both dynamic road riding and demanding off-road passages. The conscious use of steel as a frame material offers clear advantages over aluminum, especially in tougher terrain. A wheelbase of 1,465 mm, a steering head angle of 28.1 degrees, and a trail of 115 mm ensure precise steering response, high driving stability, and playful handling. At the same time, the compact packaging ensures excellent accessibility to the key components – a plus for both maintenance and tough off-road use. This is complemented by a high-quality spring and damper elements that reflect its off-road capabilities.

The front wheel is guided by torsionally rigid upside-down telescopic forks with 43 mm inner tubes, while the spring travel is 180 mm. The Sports Suspension is used in the New BMW F 450 GS. Here, the forks are adjustable for both rebound and compression. The fixed fork tubes are anodised in gold, as are the butted aluminum handlebars. The fork bridge is forged from aluminum. The rear wheel is guided by a closed, lightweight, hollow, cast aluminum, double armed swinging arm with a directly linked, central suspension strut and progressive damping, which is unique in this segment. A damping system prevents the spring strut from bottoming out by increasing compression damping with increasing compression. The central spring strut of the new F 450 GS has an adjustable spring base ("spring preload") and adjustable rebound damping. The spring travel is also 180 mm.

Sporty, dynamic cornering fun on the road as well as off-road adventures are reflected in the New BMW F 450 GS’s choice of wheels – lightweight yet robust cast aluminum, measuring 2.5 x 19 in the front and 3.5 x 17 in the rear. Meanwhile, the tubeless tires for road and off-road use are sized 100/90-19 at the front and 130/80-17 at the rear. The front wheel of the new BMW F 450 GS features a floating single-disc brake with a Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper and a 310 mm brake disc diametre for efficient, stable deceleration. A single disc brake with 1-piston floating caliper and 240 mm diametres is used on the rear wheel.

At the heart of the New BMW F 450 GS is a completely redesigned two-cylinder, liquid-cooled, in-line engine, installed transversely to the direction of travel. It has been engineered to be lightweight, powerful, high-torque, smooth-running – while achieving low fuel consumption of 3.8 l/100 km and a characterful, emotional sound. The resulting power output is 35 kW (48 hp) at 8,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 43 Nm at 6,750 rpm, allowing for a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 165 km/h. Meanwhile, optimised smooth running is courtesy of a counterweight shaft (counterbalance shaft) positioned in front of the crankshaft that absorbs unwanted vibrations. A wet-sump lubrication system with a chain-driven oil pump ensures a reliable lubricating oil supply under all operating conditions. Exclusively in the New BMW F 450 GS Trophy edition, an aluminium engine guard is included as standard.

A special technical highlight of the New BMW F 450 GS is the Easy Ride Clutch (ERC), an innovative system that arrives as standard on the GS Trophy variant. In combination with the BMW Shift Assistant Pro, manual operation of the clutch lever is no longer required – from starting off to gear changes to demanding maneuvers. The clutch lever, however, remains installed, allowing the rider to use the clutch manually when needed. This delivers a decisive advantage in special riding situations – for example, to lift the front wheel over an obstacle or to improve control when descending on slippery surfaces. The heart of the ERC is a precisely operating centrifugal unit in the clutch, which engages the clutch depending on the engine speed – its handling of which is similar to that of a conventional clutch operation. In heavy city traffic, on tight bends, or off-road, the ERC provides noticeable relief for the rider, as it effectively prevents the engine from stalling.

Technologically, it is a particularly advanced form of the centrifugal clutch. Unlike conventional systems, it remains closed during overrun. The result is familiar and predictable handling, equivalent to that of a conventional clutch. Engine braking is fully maintained until the vehicle is almost at a standstill; only when the idle speed is reached does the clutch automatically open – just as the rider would otherwise do manually. Even when rolling with the vehicle in gear, for example when riding downhill, the engine is actively dragged along, generating effective engine braking torque. The clutch remains closed during overrun, ensuring maximum control. At the same time, the rider can intervene at any time using the clutch lever and manually override the system.

Further optimising the riding dynamics, the redesigned six-speed transmission transmits torque to the left-hand secondary drive via an X-ring chain. Shift Assistant Pro allows the rider to shift up without using the clutch, providing perfect acceleration with virtually no interruption in traction. Conversely, Shift Assistant Pro allows for downshifts without using the clutch. This feature enables very fast gear changes, minimises clutch actuation, and significantly reduces undesirable influences on the rear wheel and jerking movements caused by load changes. Additionally, Shift Assistant Pro also significantly reduces the independent movements of the rider and passenger during conventional gear changes, making shared motorcycle enjoyment even more comfortable.

Aside from standard equipment, such as the ABS Pro, DBC, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as well as engine drag torque control (MSR), the New BMW F 450 GS Trophy comes equipped with Riding Modes Pro, which includes four riding mode: "Rain", "Road", "Enduro" and an additional “Enduro Pro”. The “Enduro Pro” is designed for off-road use with rough terrain tires. Wheelie control and rear wheel ABS are deactivated in this mode. ABS Pro, DTC, and throttle response can be customised in this mode as well.

As for connectivity, the New BMW F 450 GS features a large 6.5-inch TFT display as standard, delivering unrivaled information diversity, quality of presentation, and user-friendliness. The display was designed to be large to ensure optimum readability, even under difficult lighting conditions. It is linked to the multi-controller on the left handlebar fitting, allowing for quick, safe, and convenient operation. In the New BMW F 450 GS Trophy, the Sport Screen is standard, providing detailed information on DTC, braking power, and lean angle. There is a practical USB-C socket in the handlebar area.

The New BMW F 450 GS Trophy is available exclusively in the GS Trophy Racing blue metallic colour.

For more information on the New BMW F 450 GS Trophy, visit the BMW Motorrad Malaysia website