BMW F 450 GS to Launch in India Today

• Expected to be priced under Rs. 5 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Powered by a 420cc, parallel-twin motor
• Manufactured by TVS in India

The highly anticipated BMW F 450 GS is all set to be launched in India today. The middleweight baby GS has generated a significant buzz in India, especially since it will be manufactured locally by TVS Motor Company at its Hosur factory.

Since the F 450 GS will be made in India, the expectation is that BMW Motorrad should price it aggressively in the country. And, it will stand true to some extent as BMW is expected not to make the same mistake as it did with the erstwhile G 310 GS. That said, the F 450 GS will command a premium for its twin-cylinder engine and the BMW badge.

Bookings are already underway, and sources indicate that the prices could start in the region of Rs. 4.80 lakh to Rs. 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Meanwhile, the range-topping GS Trophy variant is expected to command an on-road price of nearly Rs. 6.5 lakh to Rs. 7 lakh, which benefits from features such as tubeless wire-spoke wheels and the Easy Ride Clutch (ERC).

While the expected pricing may seem to be on the higher side, especially considering the competition, BMW would want to create a buffer for the upcoming F 450 R naked streetfighter and the F 450 RR sportbike. Both bikes are expected to be positioned below the GS in terms of pricing.

Powering the BMW F 450 GS will be a 420cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that produces 48bhp at 8,750rpm and 43Nm at 6,750rpm. The engine gets a unique 135-degree crank and comes paired with a six-speed gearbox. It benefits from a slipper clutch, while a bi-directional quickshifter is offered as standard.

As for the cycle parts, the BMW F 450 GS rides on a 19/17-inch wheel setup, wrapped in dual-purpose tyres. The bike is underpinned by a tubular trellis frame, suspended on KYB upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock.