- To be available in three variants from $13,490
- Expected launch in late March/early April
- To compete against the CFMoto 450 MT and Moto Morini Allthrike 450
BMW Motorrad New Zealand has revealed the launch timeline and pricing details of the highly-anticipated F450 GS. The motorcycle is expected to make its way to the country by early April with a starting price of $13,490 for the Exclusive Cosmic Black model.
Meanwhile, the Sport Racing Red will cost $13,890, and the Trophy colour variant will come in at $14,490. This pricing puts it at a significant premium over the G 310 GS that costs $8,990.
According to BMW Motorrad, the new 450cc twin-cylinder platform will play a central role in the brand’s next growth phase. The company believes it will help sustain its current double-digit sales momentum while expanding its presence in key global markets.
However, the importance of the BMW F 450 GS goes beyond pure volume. It represents BMW’s second serious attempt at widening its customer base, following the mixed reception to the earlier 310 Series. While those entry-level models attracted attention, some buyers questioned whether they fully justified their premium pricing. BMW, though, remains firm on its positioning. The company has made it clear that it will not dilute the brand with budget-focused compromises, insisting that every model must deliver a distinctly premium experience.
Strategically, the new 450 platform is aimed at strengthening BMW’s foothold in the mid-capacity premium segment. This is a space the company sees as having stronger long-term potential than the shrinking high-end superbike category. In many markets, demand is increasingly driven by experienced urban riders seeking practical, manageable motorcycles rather than stepping up to litre-class machines. That shift toward approachability and everyday usability is now evident across global markets.
Technically, the F 450 GS introduces a newly developed 420cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine. It produces 48bhp at 8,750rpm and 43Nm of torque at 6,750rpm. A distinctive 135-degree firing order is intended to give the engine a unique character. Buyers will be able to choose between a conventional six-speed manual gearbox and a semi-automatic transmission option. Now, the main rivals for the bike would be the CFMoto 450 MT and the Moto Morini Allthrike 450.
Equipment levels are equally important to BMW’s premium push. The bike features a 6.5-inch TFT colour display, full LED lighting, heated grips and Bluetooth connectivity. Electronic rider aids include cornering ABS, traction control and Dynamic Brake Control. The F 450 GS will be offered in three variants, Exclusive, Sport and GS Trophy, with differences primarily in features and electronic systems. The top-spec GS Trophy model adds adjustable suspension, an Easy Ride Clutch system and optional tubeless spoke wheels.
Looking ahead, BMW could extend the 450 platform further. With demand for fully faired middleweight sportbikes picking up again, a 450cc sports model remains a realistic possibility. Such a machine would likely position itself against established competitors like the Yamaha YZF-R3, Aprilia RS 457 and Honda CBR500R.
Future 450-based models are expected to share the same steel frame and aluminium swingarm architecture as the F 450 GS. This platform-sharing strategy mirrors the cost-efficient approach used with the previous 310 range. Road-focused derivatives, however, would likely feature shorter suspension travel and 17-inch wheels at both ends to suit sport-oriented riding dynamics.
