After months of waiting—and watching international reviews from the sidelines—the BMW F 450 GS has officially arrived in South Africa.
We attended its public unveiling at BMW Motorrad Montana, where the covers finally came off one of BMW’s most anticipated new motorcycles. More importantly, we were able to take the F 450 GS for a brief first ride and experience its new twin-cylinder engine and Easy Ride Clutch for ourselves.
For this edition of The Launch Report, we examine the new lightweight GS, speak to Christopher from BMW Motorrad Montana’s workshop and share our first impressions from the road.
Watch the complete Launch Report:
The BMW F 450 GS Arrives in South Africa
The F 450 GS has generated considerable interest since BMW first revealed its plans for a new lightweight adventure motorcycle. Until now, South African riders could only examine display motorcycles and follow international reviews. The official launch marked the point at which local customers could finally purchase, test and ride it.
Demand had already exceeded the dealership’s initial allocation. According to BMW Motorrad Montana, every motorcycle from the first shipment had been sold, leaving prospective buyers to join the waiting list.
The outgoing G 310 GS offered an accessible route into the BMW adventure family, but its single-cylinder engine placed limitations on highway riding and longer-distance touring. The F 450 GS moves far beyond that formula.
A More Serious Lightweight GS
The new motorcycle has considerably more presence than the G 310 GS. Its styling is sharper and more closely related to BMW’s larger GS motorcycles.
It uses a 420 cc parallel-twin producing approximately 48 hp and 43 Nm of torque. With a claimed ready-to-ride weight of 178 kg, it promises a useful balance between performance and manageability. The twin feels smoother and more refined, while the extra performance should make highway riding, overtaking and carrying luggage easier.
The F450GS Trophy Takes Center Stage
The motorcycle unveiled at BMW Motorrad Montana was the top-specification GS Trophy. It includes BMW’s Easy Ride Clutch, a metal engine guard, sport suspension and distinctive Trophy styling.
The launch motorcycle also featured BMW crash bars and optional cross-spoke wheels. Because the spokes connect to the outside of the rim, the wheels can use tubeless tyres—an important benefit when a puncture needs to be plugged beside the road.
BMW Easy Ride Clutch Explained
The system automatically engages and disengages the clutch according to engine speed. The rider still selects gears conventionally, but operating the clutch lever is unnecessary during normal pulling away and stopping.
With first gear selected, opening the throttle is enough to pull away. Shift Assistant Pro enables clutchless upshifts and downshifts once moving, while the clutch lever remains available whenever the rider wants it.
One important consideration is parking: because the clutch disengages when the engine is off or below engagement speed, leaving the motorcycle in gear will not necessarily stop it rolling on an incline.
Our First Ride
Our brief first ride took place through traffic surrounding Montana in northern Pretoria. It wasn’t an opportunity to test highways, gravel or technical terrain, but it revealed how naturally the Easy Ride Clutch works.
Opening the throttle in first gear produced a smooth pull-away, and stopping without using the clutch did not stall the engine. Years of habit still made me reach for the lever occasionally, but the system did not require it. The quickshifter also handled low-rpm changes smoothly.
A Noticeable Performance Upgrade
The F 450 GS feels considerably stronger than the G 310 GS. Its power becomes more noticeable from approximately 3,000 to 4,000 rpm, after which it feels responsive and willing to accelerate.
BMW claims a top speed of approximately 165 km/h. Christopher explained that it cruises comfortably at 100 or 120 km/h while retaining useful acceleration—an important improvement over the previous 310 platform.
Light, Nimble and Substantial
At 178 kg ready to ride, the motorcycle feels nimble through traffic and tips into corners easily. Its narrow shape makes the tank easy to grip while seated or standing.
Importantly, it does not feel like a small, inexpensive motorcycle. It feels compact between the rider’s legs but substantial and stable on the road.
Ergonomics, Suspension and Braking
The upright riding position feels familiar, and the seat is noticeably more comfortable than the G 310 GS unit. A raised pillion section should give the passenger a better view over the rider.
The F 450 GS absorbed the launch route’s bumps well. The Trophy receives manually adjustable sport suspension front and rear. Braking performance felt useful, although a slight shudder appeared during one hard stop. We will test it properly during the full review.
Designed to Explore Beyond Tar
The launch motorcycle’s off-road-biased tyres, cross-spoke wheels, engine protection and crash bars strengthen its adventure credentials. Riding modes include Road, Enduro and Enduro Pro, with Enduro Pro allowing additional personalisation.
We did not have a meaningful off-road route, but the low weight, narrow structure and responsive low-speed performance suggest it should be considerably more capable away from tar than its predecessor.
Big-Bike Technology in a Smaller Package
The handlebar controls closely resemble those on BMW motorcycles costing considerably more. Equipment includes a TFT display, heated-grip controls, traction-control adjustment, smartphone connectivity, navigation and vehicle information. The sport display can show engine speed, lean angle and braking input, while a front USB connection can power a phone or navigation device.
The plastics, panels and controls also feel appropriately premium.
Fuel Consumption and Everyday Usability
BMW claims approximately 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The BMW Motorrad Montana team reported closer to 4.2 litres during real-world riding, including spirited use.
Its efficiency, manageable size and Easy Ride Clutch could make it an excellent commuter during the week and a capable gravel-road companion over weekends. BMW has retained a 10,000-kilometre service interval, helping control routine running costs.
Pricing and Value
At the time of launch, the GS Trophy was priced at approximately R135,000. Its equipment includes Easy Ride Clutch, Shift Assistant Pro, TFT display, multiple riding modes, Enduro Pro, adjustable suspension, heated grips, smartphone connectivity, traction control, a metal engine guard and premium BMW switchgear. Optional cross-spoke wheels and crash bars increase the final price.
Who Should Consider the F 450 GS?
Less experienced riders may appreciate its manageable weight, predictable power and resistance to stalling. Commuters gain economy, narrow dimensions and reduced clutch work. Existing G 310 GS owners finally have a meaningful upgrade, while experienced adventure riders may see it as a lighter alternative to increasingly heavy middleweights.
Final Thoughts
Our first ride was short, but it left a strong impression. The motorcycle feels light, agile and approachable without feeling cheap or insubstantial. Its twin-cylinder engine is a meaningful improvement over the G 310 GS, and the Easy Ride Clutch removes much of the effort associated with stop-start riding.
We still need to test highway comfort, real-world consumption, braking, off-road handling and behaviour with luggage or a passenger. Those answers will come when we put it through the Torque & Throttle Performance Index.
For now, the F 450 GS appears to be the lightweight adventure motorcycle BMW’s range has been missing.
Watch the complete Launch Report, subscribe to the Torque & Throttle Motorcycle Co YouTube channel, and join us for the full test.
