Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
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P122 RIDE REVIEW I 2027 BMW F 450 GS Despite the relatively tall 33.3-inch seat height (-15mm and +20mm seat options are available), I felt at home and unconcerned, even as a short rider. Rain mode took much of the stress out of the wet ride by softening pow - er delivery and adding more rider aids. Eighty mph cruising is easy enough, but the weather didn't give us long enough in the saddle to determine whether the unusual 135-degree crankpin offset results in less vibration. BMW quotes an average fuel consumption of 62 mpg, while on test the 450 returned 49 mpg even when ridden hard. Realistically, 50 mpg to 58 mpg and around 185 to 220 miles should be easily achievable from the 3.6-gallon tank. Niggles? Cruise control is not even optional, while the mirrors are only okay. The screen, great off-road, is too low to offer much wind protection at speed. And although the GS's easy-going, softly setup suspension worked well and the Maxxis tires coped with the standing water, the brakes, so positive on dirt, lacked edge and feel on the road. VERDICT The F450 GS will be ideal for this class, espe- cially compared to the KTM 390 Adventure, CFMOTO 450MT and Royal Enfield Himalayan, all similar bikes that will give you change out of $8000. You can't use the gearbox as a handbrake when parking the GS on a hill. Wind protection is probably on a par with the competition, but not to BMW's usual high standard. And we still have a few unanswered questions about this test due to the weather. However, newer riders seeking a genuine taste of the GS experience will not be dis - appointed with the new F450 GS. With 48 horsepower on tap and a curb weight of 392 pounds, it is perhaps the liveliest bike in the class. The new 420cc motor is easygoing yet has enough fizz to make it a lot of fun on road and dirt alike, and the option of the Easy Ride Clutch takes the BMW a step above the competition and makes it incredibly easy to ride both on and off-road. CN 2027 BMW F 450 GS Engine Twin-cylinder, inline four-stroke, w/ 135° crankshaft offset Valvetrain 4 valves per cylinder, overhead camshafts Displacement 420cc Bore x Stroke 72.0 x 51.6mm Compression Ratio 13.0:1 Transmission 6 speed Horsepower (claimed) 48 hp @ 8750 rpm Torque (claimed) 32 lb-ft @ 6750 rpm Fuel System Fuel injection, throttle-by-wire Clutch Wet, multiplate; hydraulic actuation, centrifugal ERC auto-clutch system Frame Steel tubular space Front Suspension KYB inverted 43mm telescopic fork, rebound & compression adjustable Rear Suspension Aluminum swingarm, KYB WAD shock, preload & rebound adjustable Front-Wheel Travel 7.1 in. Rear-Wheel Travel 7.1 in. Front Brake 4-piston monoblock Brembo caliper, 310mm disc, ABS Rear Brake Single-piston floating ByBre caliper, 240mm disc, ABS Front Wheel Cast aluminum; 19 x 2.50 in. Rear Wheel Cast aluminum; 17 x 3.50 in. Front Tire 100/90-19 in. Rear Tire 130/80-17 in. Rake 28.1° Trail 4.5 in. Wheelbase 57.7 in. Seat Height 33.3 in. Fuel Capacity 3.6 gal. Weight (wet, claimed) 393 lbs.