BMW Introduces the 2026 F 450 GS

BMW Motorrad just pulled the wraps off its newest entry into the middleweight adventure segment — the 2026 BMW F 450 GS. Designed from the ground up as a true adventure bike for riders who value simplicity, low weight, and real off-road capability, the new 450 GS brings a fresh, compact energy to the GS family.

At the core is a newly developed 420cc parallel-twin engine producing roughly 48 horsepower and 43Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox. The big talking point here is BMW’s Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) — a centrifugal clutch system that can take over clutch engagement automatically, reducing rider fatigue and simplifying low-speed control. Think of it as a clever halfway point between a traditional manual clutch and Honda’s DCT system — still rider-focused, just easier when the trail gets tight.

The new steel-tube frame and tubular sub-frame are designed for durability and balanced weight distribution, with the bike tipping the scales at a claimed 392lbs (178 kg) ready to ride. Suspension travel comes in at about 7.1 inches front and rear, matched to a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combo with tubeless tires. That setup hints at a machine tuned equally for long stretches of tarmac and the rocky paths that GS riders inevitably find.

The electronics suite is pared down but modern — ride modes for Rain, Road, and Enduro, plus ABS, traction control, and Dynamic Brake Control. It’s not overloaded with tech; it’s just enough to keep you confident when conditions change.

Visually, it’s unmistakably a GS. The signature LED headlight with its X-shaped daytime running light ties it to its larger siblings, while the compact bodywork and tall stance signal a focus on agility. Multiple seat heights — from around 830mm to 865mm — make it approachable for a wide range of riders. BMW also thought about ergonomics: adjustable handlebars and foot controls help the bike fit you rather than the other way around.

BMW plans to release four trims:

• Base (Cosmic Black) – simple and affordable entry point
• Exclusive (Cosmic Black) – upgraded finishes and accents
• Sport (Racing Red) – with a sport suspension setup
• Trophy (Racing Blue Metallic) – rally-inspired, with the Easy Ride Clutch as standard

Expect the 450 GS to hit dealers in late 2026, with U.S. arrival likely stretching into early 2027.

BMW’s move into this displacement range makes perfect sense. Riders have been asking for a lighter, more manageable GS for years — something between the G 310 GS and the F 800 GS — and the 450 GS looks to hit that sweet spot. With less weight, modern rider aids, and genuine off-road intent, this could be one of the most approachable GS models yet.

For those of us who prefer exploring beyond the pavement without wrangling a 500-pound adventure rig, the F 450 GS might just be the most exciting GS in years.

2027 BMW F 450 GS Specs