BMW Motorrad is back in the headlines and this time, It’s about bringing the GS legacy to the masses, with a bike that’s compact, capable, and crucially made in India. Enter the BMW F 450 GS, a machine that could very well redefine the mid-size adventure motorcycle scene when it hits Indian roads in January 2026.
After its global debut at EICMA 2025, this all-new ADV is poised to replace the outgoing G 310 GS and become the brand’s most affordable GS ever. But don’t mistake “affordable” for “watered down.” This is a proper GS, just… condensed.
Built in India, Engineered for Everywhere
If the G 310 series was BMW’s trial run in India, the F 450 GS is the graduation party. Co-developed with long-time partner TVS Motor Company, the new GS will roll off the Hosur plant, already known for producing export-grade BMW bikes.
This isn’t a rebadged G 310 GS or a parts-bin exercise. BMW’s engineers built this bike from scratch, starting with an all-new 420cc twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine—a huge jump in refinement and performance.
Let’s run the specs:
| Specification | BMW F 450 GS | RE Himalayan 450 | KTM 390 Adventure | Honda NX500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 420cc, Twin-Cylinder | 452cc, Single | 399cc, Single | 471cc, Twin |
| Power | 48 hp @ 8,750 rpm | 40 hp @ 8,000 rpm | 44 hp @ 9,000 rpm | 47 hp @ 8,600 rpm |
| Torque | 43 Nm @ 6,750 rpm | 40 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | 37 Nm @ 7,000 rpm | 43 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-Speed | 6-Speed | 6-Speed | 6-Speed |
| Expected Price | ₹4.50–₹5.50 lakh | ₹3.06–₹3.37 lakh | ₹3.95 lakh | ₹6.33 lakh |
BMW has found a sweet spot here. The F 450 GS slots between the Himalayan 450 and the Honda NX500, both in displacement and price—while offering the smoothness of a twin-cylinder and the prestige of the GS badge.
The Easy Ride Clutch
You’ve heard of ride-by-wire and quickshifters. But BMW’s Easy Ride Clutch adds a unique twist—it’s a semi-automatic clutch system that reduces the need to fully engage the clutch lever every time you shift.
It’s not a DCT. It’s not a full auto. Think of it as Honda’s E-Clutch, but with Bavarian tuning.
Why does it matter? Try navigating Bangalore’s traffic for an hour. Or crawling through rocks in Spiti Valley. This feature could make the F 450 GS one of the least fatiguing ADVs to ride in Indian conditions.
GS Design Language, Downscaled
Visually, the F 450 GS is unmistakably GS. It’s got:
- The signature beak-style front fender
- Upright riding posture with wide handlebars
- Sculpted tank panels and spoke-wheel variants for that off-road vibe
While the global market will get four variants — Basic, Exclusive, Sport, and Trophy — expect India to see two trims initially:
- Base Variant: Core GS features, stripped-back price
- Premium Trim: Full electronics suite, maybe even spoke wheels and heated grips
BMW may introduce the higher trims later depending on demand, but they’ll likely want to hit the ₹4.5–₹5.5 lakh sweet spot to stay competitive.
Electronics & Features
This is where the F 450 GS throws the kitchen sink.
- 6.5-inch full-color TFT display with BMW’s ConnectedRide integration (navigation, media, calls, bike data)
- Four riding modes including off-road settings
- Switchable dual-channel ABS
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Traction control
- LED lighting throughout
- Heated grips (on upper trims)
- Adjustable suspension setup with long travel
These aren’t gimmicks. For long-distance riders, weekend tourers, or even first-time ADV buyers—these features make a difference. Especially at this price point.
Performance
Unlike the KTM 390 Adventure, which leans more towards road-biased adventure, or the Himalayan 450, which keeps things simple, the F 450 GS offers a balance of comfort, smoothness, and capability.
That twin-cylinder engine won’t just be smoother on highways—it’ll also feel less stressed during high-speed touring. Less vibration. Less fatigue. More confidence. And that matters on Indian highways, where 100+ km/h cruising is now the norm.
It’s not trying to be a Dakar racer. It’s trying to be the most liveable mid-size ADV. That’s a smart move.
Launch Timeline & Booking Details
Initially rumored to debut at India Bike Week 2025, BMW now seems to be targeting a January 2026 launch, with dealerships expected to start accepting bookings by late December 2025.
Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad will be the early rollout zones, but BMW’s wide dealership network should make this bike accessible pan-India by Q2 2026.
TVS’s involvement also means after-sales support and parts availability will be better than most European brands, at least in tier-1 and tier-2 cities.
Market Impact
Let’s be honest—the G 310 GS was a solid bike, but it always felt slightly underpowered and overpriced compared to rivals. It sold on brand value, not brute performance.
The F 450 GS flips that.
This bike has:
- More power than the Himalayan
- More refinement than the KTM
- More badge appeal than both
All without hitting the ₹6–7 lakh territory that scares away first-time premium buyers.
If BMW plays this right, the F 450 GS won’t just replace the 310 GS—it’ll obliterate its legacy and create a new standard in sub-500cc adventure touring.
Final Word
The BMW F 450 GS might be small by GS standards—but it’s big on potential. With a twin-cylinder heart, a cutting-edge feature list, and pricing that stays under the psychological ₹6 lakh barrier, this bike could become the gateway GS not just for India, but globally.
It looks the part. It rides better. And it’s made right here in India.
With competition heating up and adventure riding becoming more mainstream, the F 450 GS isn’t just arriving at the right time—it might just define the next era of affordable premium ADVs.
FAQs
BMW is expected to launch the F 450 GS in January 2026, following its EICMA 2025 debut.
Yes, the F 450 GS will be manufactured at TVS Motor’s Hosur plant, making it a Made-in-India bike for global and domestic markets.
The bike uses an all-new 420cc twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 48hp and 43Nm of torque.
Highlights include Easy Ride Clutch, TFT display, four riding modes, traction control, adjustable suspension, and LED lighting.
BMW is likely to price the F 450 GS between ₹4.50 and ₹5.50 lakh (ex-showroom) to stay competitive in the mid-size ADV segment.
