BMW Introduces the 2027 F 450 GS, a Lightweight GS With Big-Bike Intent

A new era of compact adventure: the 2027 BMW F 450 GS arrives lighter, sharper, stronger.

BMW Motorrad is shrinking the GS spirit into a lighter, more approachable package with the all-new 2027 F 450 GS—a ground-up design built around a fresh 420cc parallel-twin engine. The mission is clear: deliver a true GS experience in the fast-growing 400–500cc segment.

With its friendly power curve, learner-friendly clutch tech, and signature GS ergonomics, the F 450 GS aims to feel intuitive on the road, stable on the highway, and confident when the pavement ends. It’s positioned perfectly for riders looking for adventure capability without the weight or intimidation of the bigger GS family.

In a booming small-displacement market, BMW’s newest mini-adventurer might just land at the perfect moment—and early impressions suggest it hits all the right notes.

The 420cc parallel-twin produces a neatly A2-compliant 48 hp at 8,750 rpm and 32 lb-ft at 6,750 rpm, but it’s the character of the engine that stands out. A 135-degree crankpin offset, DOHC head, and a counter-rotating balance shaft give it the smoothness and tractability riders expect from a GS—usable torque down low, clean revs up high, and reduced vibration on long stints. The wet-sump oiling system keeps things compact, while a stainless-steel exhaust with dual catalytic converters ensures emissions compliance without strangling performance. Throttle response is handled by BMW’s BMS-Z ride-by-wire, which opens the door for refined fueling maps and future electronic rider aids.

But it’s the transmission that may be the most intriguing piece of the powertrain. Instead of simply scaling down its larger GS gearboxes, BMW has equipped the F 450 GS with an advanced compact unit designed specifically for new and intermediate riders. It features a new-generation anti-hopping (slipper) clutch that reduces lever effort and stabilizes the chassis during aggressive downshifts—especially handy off-road or on steep descents. The gearbox internals were engineered to shorten shift throws and deliver a more positive, mechanical feel, and the overall design aims to lower the learning curve while still giving experienced riders the precision they expect.

A standout innovation on the F 450 GS is BMW’s Easy Ride Clutch (ERC)—a centrifugal, semi-automatic clutch system designed to make low-speed control almost foolproof. Standard on the GS Trophy variant, ERC allows the rider to pull away, crawl through traffic, or tackle tight off-road sections without ever touching the clutch lever. For beginners, it reduces the stress of stalling; for experienced riders, it adds precision and frees up attention for terrain and line choice.

ERC works in harmony with Gear Shift Assist Pro, enabling clutchless upshifts and downshifts once you’re on the move. Importantly, BMW has kept the traditional lever in place for moments where manual modulation is essential—such as easing down a slippery descent, pivot-turning, or lofting the front wheel over an obstacle. In everyday riding, though, the system keeps things simple: with a gear engaged, you just roll on the throttle to start, as the clutch disengages at idle and automatically re-engages as revs rise. The familiar engine-braking sensation is preserved, but the risk of an accidental stall is dramatically reduced.

This blend of convenience and control pushes the 450 into new territory, making it one of the most approachable—and cleverly engineered—small-displacement adventure bikes on the horizon.

Beneath the bodywork, BMW has built the F 450 GS around an all-new tubular-steel frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, improving torsional rigidity while keeping weight and overall dimensions tight. The chassis geometry strikes a purposeful balance—57.7-inch wheelbase, 28.1-degree rake, and 4.5-inch trail—aiming for nimble turn-in without introducing twitchiness at speed.

Suspension comes courtesy of KYB, with a 43 mm USD fork up front and a centrally mounted rear shock employing BMW’s WAD (progressive) damping. Both ends deliver 7.1 inches of travel, giving the F 450 GS legitimate rough-road capability. The GS Trophy’s Sport Suspension package elevates things further with fork adjusters for rebound and compression, while the rear shock adds preload and rebound tuning, allowing riders to dial in the bike for luggage, terrain, or more spirited riding.

Stopping power is handled by a Brembo four-piston front caliper biting a 310 mm disc, paired with a 240 mm rear. These work under the supervision of BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, providing cornering-sensitive intervention for safer braking on mixed surfaces. Dynamic Brake Control adds another layer of assurance by momentarily closing the throttle during hard braking to prevent unwanted drive and keep the bike stable.

Electronics remain firmly in line with the GS philosophy of confidence and control across varied terrain. The F 450 GS comes standard with Rain, Road, and Enduro ride modes, each tailoring throttle response, traction control, and ABS behavior to conditions. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) helps manage rear-wheel slip on pavement and dirt, while MSR (engine drag-torque control) prevents unwanted rear-wheel hopping during aggressive downshifts or abrupt roll-offs—especially useful on loose surfaces. Cornering-aware ABS Pro ensures predictable braking even when the bike is leaned over.

Step up to the GS Trophy package, and the system unlocks Enduro Pro—a mode designed for experienced riders and rough-terrain tires. Here, the electronics loosen their grip: rear ABS is deactivated, wheelie control allows deliberate front-end lift, and both traction and throttle responses can be customized to the rider’s preferences. It gives the F 450 GS a far more dynamic personality off-road, without sacrificing the underlying safety net.

Ergonomically, the F 450 GS is set up for long days and mixed-terrain travel, with a neutral riding triangle and a cockpit designed around clarity and connectivity. A 6.5-inch TFT display with BMW Connectivity comes standard, pairing seamlessly with a smartphone for calls, music control, and full turn-by-turn navigation via the BMW Motorrad Connected app. A USB-C charging port sits near the handlebar for on-the-go power. Lighting is fully LED, highlighted by BMW’s signature “X” GS headlight, giving the 450 the same visual identity as its larger siblings.

The two-piece seat measures 33.3 inches in standard form, with BMW offering a 32.7-inch low seat and a 34.0-inch Rallye seat to accommodate different rider heights and preferences. Adjustable brake and clutch levers are standard, and optional 0.79-inch bar risers allow riders to tailor cockpit reach—especially helpful when standing off-road. The GS Trophy version further sharpens the ergonomics for dirt duty with wider enduro footrests, an adjustable-height rear brake pedal, and a height-adjustable gear shifter.

Wheel and tire choices strike a road-to-dirt balance, with cross-spoked tubeless wheels running a 100/90-19 front and 130/80-17 rear—a setup well suited to mixed-surface adventure riding.

Visually, the F 450 GS channels the full-size GS design language: a pronounced beak, functional radiator grille, and the flowing “flyline” from the tank to the trim tail section. The GS Trophy treatment brings added flair with Racing Blue Metallic paint, a white frame, white hand guards, and upgrades like an aluminum engine guard, Riding Modes Pro, Sport Suspension, Gear Shift Assist Pro, and the Easy Ride Clutch.

To round things out, BMW offers a wide range of accessories—from navigation prep for the ConnectedRide Navigator or Smartphone Cradle, to multiple luggage solutions, crash protection, and comfort-focused add-ons—allowing riders to tailor the F 450 GS into anything from a daily commuter to a lightweight expedition machine.

As for timing, BMW has confirmed the F 450 GS as a 2027 model, with deliveries slated to begin in Q4 of next year. That places the launch squarely in the heart of the growing lightweight adventure market, giving BMW plenty of runway to position the 450 as the new entry point into the GS lineup.

BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch underscored the bike’s mission and character:
“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. Its low weight, superior performance and perfect balance between agility and stability ensure a particularly intuitive riding experience. Thanks to its precise handling and typical GS expertise, it performs impressively both on and off the road. The F 450 GS is the perfect ‘best buddy’ for every riding situation. It is uncomplicated, robust, and always ready. It sets the benchmark for sporty adventure bikes in its class.”

It’s a bold claim—but if the engineering story holds true, the 2027 F 450 GS may well become the new standard-bearer for small-displacement adventure bikes, delivering the GS experience in a lighter, friendlier, and more accessible package.