2027 BMW F 450 GS – First Look

BMW Motorrad has unveiled the 2027 F 450 GS, a new adventure bike aimed squarely at the mid-size 400–500cc segment. “With the new BMW F 450 GS, BMW Motorrad presents a genuine BMW GS in the 48 hp A2 class. It embodies the essence of a GS: Get on, twist the throttle, have fun — with full control and maximum confidence,” said Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad. “Its low weight, superior performance and perfect balance between agility and stability ensure a particularly intuitive riding experience.”

BMW calls the F 450 GS a ground-up redesign for the sub-500cc class, borrowing heavily from the design language of its flagship R 1300 GS. “With the BMW GS-typical flyline, the recognizable radiator grill, signature lighting, and sleek rear end, the design language of the new BMW F 450 GS deliberately draws close attention to the iconic design of its big sister, the R 1300 GS,” explained Alexander Buckan, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad.

At the heart of the new F 450 GS is a 420cc Parallel-twin engine said to produce 48 hp at 8,750 rpm and 32 lb-ft of torque at 6,750 rpm. The liquid-cooled engine features a 135-degree crankpin offset used for its distinctive sound and power delivery, which is also aided by a counter-rotating balance shaft to reduce vibration.

“With its new two-cylinder inline engine, the new BMW F 450 GS boasts an outstanding powertrain for dynamic riding pleasure on- and off-road,” said project manager Johann Simon. “Low weight, ample torque, and exceptional smoothness... make it a perfect partner for a wide range of applications typical of a GS.”

The engine uses a wet-sump lubrication system, dual overhead cams, and four-valve heads with lightweight rocker arms for precise valve control. A compression ratio of 13.0:1 and electronic throttle (“E-Gas”) are said to “deliver responsive power with modern efficiency.”

An interesting innovation is the Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) — standard on the GS Trophy variant — which allows the rider to start and shift without use of the clutch lever. The ERC’s centrifugal system automatically engages based on engine speed. The clutch lever remains functional for manual control, allowing riders to override when needed. BMW says the ERC “effectively prevents the engine from stalling” and enhances comfort by eliminating clutch fatigue during urban or trail use. The system maintains full engine braking and can be manually overridden at any time, ensuring predictable handling and rider control. We’re definitely looking forward to testing the ERC.

We’ll leave it to BMW for a further explanation:

“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. The clutch can be used as usual at any time while riding, if necessary. 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.

The ERC thus enables confident handling even in complex driving situations – whether maneuvering, in city traffic, on winding roads, or off-road – and elevates driving dynamics and comfort to a new level.”

The six-speed gearbox when fitted with Gear Shift Assist Pro (standard on the Trophy variant) allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts essentially removing the need for a clutch when combined with the ERC.

A stainless-steel exhaust system with dual catalytic converters meets Euro 5+ compliance, with the U.S. version omitting the secondary catalyst while maintaining identical performance.

Three standard riding modes — “Rain,” “Road,” and “Enduro” — tailor throttle response and electronic intervention to surface conditions. The GS Trophy model adds “Enduro Pro,” which disables rear ABS and wheelie control for advanced off-road riding.

Supporting electronics include:

• ABS Pro (cornering ABS)
• Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
• Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
• Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR)

BMW engineers developed a new tubular steel frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. “The focus of development was on compact packaging for optimal accessibility, high riding precision, and agile handling on and off-road,” said chassis engineer Marc Weber.

Geometry highlights include a 57.7-inch wheelbase, 28.1 degree rake, and 4.5 inches of trail. The F 450 GS features a non-adjustable 43mm KYB fork and a central rear shock with progressive damping — BMW’s patented WAD system — that stiffens as compression increases to resist bottoming. Both ends provide 7.1 inches of travel. The Trophy model adds “Sport Suspension” with adjustable compression and rebound while the standard shock offers preload and rebound adjustment.

While cast wheels come standard, The GS Trophy is fitted with cross-spoked tubeless wheels (19-inch front, 17-inch rear) and tubeless tires (100/90-19 front, 130/80-17 rear). Braking is handled by a 310mm Brembo front disc and four-piston caliper with a 240mm rear disc and a single-piston caliper. BMW’s ABS Pro enables safe braking while cornering, while Dynamic Brake Control prevents unintentional throttle activation under heavy braking.

The F 450 GS offers a suite of standard electronics, including LED lighting, heated grips, and a large 6.5-inch TFT color display with full connectivity. The screen, controlled via BMW’s left-hand multi-controller, provides navigation, calls, music, and all the usual riding data. Riders can connect a smartphone via Bluetooth or the BMW Motorrad Connected App for turn-by-turn navigation directly on the display. The display includes two GS-specific layouts — Pure Ride and Sport — which show data such as lean angle, traction control intervention, and braking intensity.

The 2027 BMW F 450 GS will be available in the GS Trophy variant for the U.S. market, finished in Racing Blue Metallic with a white frame. The package also includes:

• Easy Ride Clutch (ERC)
• Gear Shift Assist Pro
• Sport Suspension
• Riding Modes Pro
• Cross-spoked wheels
• Rallye windshield

As part of BMW’s premium ownership experience, all 2027 models come with the Ultimate Care Break-In Service, covering the 600-mile service within the first six months or 750 miles. Expected to reach U.S. dealerships in late 2026 or early 2027 with pricing to be announced closer to market arrival.