- The 2026 BMW F 450 GS launches in India on April 23 as an entry-level adventure bike
- It features a 48 hp twin-cylinder engine, outperforming rivals' single-cylinder powertrains
- BMW's Easy Ride Clutch removes the need for manual clutch operation in all riding conditions
The new entry point into the BMW Motorrad lineup is just around the corner. The 2026 BMW F 450 GS is set to launch in India on April 23 as an entry-level adventure tourer. It will be offered in four variants: Basic, Exclusive, Sport and Trophy. Developed as an all-new motorcycle, the F 450 GS is being manufactured in India and will also be exported to several global markets. In the Indian market, it will compete directly with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure. Here are five features that give the BMW F 450 GS an edge over its key rivals.
Power Of Twin:
At the core of the new BMW F 450 GS is a newly developed in-line, twin-cylinder engine producing 48 horsepower and 43 Nm of peak torque. Both its key rivals use single-cylinder powertrains. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is powered by a 452 cc engine that generates 40 horsepower and 40 Nm of torque, while the KTM 390 Adventure features a 398.6-cc single-cylinder engine producing 46 horsepower and 39 Nm of peak torque.
Also Read - Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Launched In Spain, India Awaits 350cc Version
Easy Ride Clutch:
The BMW Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) system eliminates the need to manually operate the clutch lever while riding. This is different from the bi-directional quickshifter available in KTM 390 Adventure. ERC applies to all situations, from starting off and changing gears to off-road maneuvers.
Aluminium Wheels:
The new BMW F 450 GS features lightweight, cast aluminium wheels. It is fitted with tubeless tires for road and off-road use. However, the F 450 GS rides on a 19-inch front wheel, compared to 21-inch on the Himalayan and Adventure (19-inch as an option). KTM and Royal Enfield offer tubeless, cross-spoked wheels as an option with their adventure tourers.
Also Read - Top 5 Reasons To Buy Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Over Yamaha XSR155
Seat Height And Handlebar Adjustment:
Seat height adjustment is available in the Himalayan and 390 Adventure. But BMW takes ergonomics alterations to the next level with the F 450 GS. It offers three different seat variants, adjustable hand levers, a handlebar riser, and footrests with height-adjustable gearshift and footbrake levers. The new BMW F 450 GS comes with a two-part seat (845 mm) as standard. The low Black rider's seat (830 mm) and the high Rallye seat in Black/White/Red (865 mm) are available as part of the Original BMW Motorrad Accessories. The standard adjustable handlebar levers and the optional 20 mm handlebar risers are made of anodised silver aluminium.
The new BMW F 450 GS comes standard with a footrest system with removable rubber grips. The foot brake and gearshift levers can be altered by 20 mm in two positions. Wider enduro footrests are available as optional accessories.
Lighter than rivals:
The BMW F 450 GS is significantly lighter than its rivals. Weighing 178 kg, it offers a superior power-to-weight ratio compared to the Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure. By comparison, the Royal Enfield tips the scales at 196 kg, while the KTM weighs 182 kg.