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The most important features of the new BMW F 650 GS at a glance:

• Patented concentric swing arm mount with pivot passing through front sprocket
  • Allows for a longer swing arm (~30mm) which provides better traction with an equivalent overall vehicle length
  • Significantly less chain and sprocket wear due to reduced chain stretch during compression and rebound of suspension
  • Greater freedom in terms of vehicle packaging and optimized weight distribution
• All new 450cc single cylinder motor developed by BMW engineers
  • Fuel injection including catalytic converter for efficient yet powerful motor
  • Included “power plug” that remaps ECU for increased power output (off road only)
  • Strong low rpm torque as well as excellent power and torque through the entire rev range
• US 49-State Street Legal
• 2 extra sprockets included
• Full BMW Motorrad 3 year/36,000 mile limited warranty

Engine

The engine has been developed by BMW Motorrad engineers, completely from scratch and with the sole purpose of Sport Enduro riding. With a bore and stroke of 98mm x 59.6mm it has been designed as a free revving, short stroke motor. Further enhancing its performance is the Dual Overhead Cam design with 4 valves per cylinder that are made of Titanium. Cam followers are used on the intake side and bucket tappets on the exhaust side.

The engine is water cooled with a one piece radiator and a fan as standard. This enables riders to negotiate even the toughest terrain as slow as needed without overheating. Oil duties are handled by a dry sump lubrication system with 2 separate pumps. Another technological innovation is the mounting of the clutch which is on the end of the crank. This allows for a much smaller clutch basket and plates which enables the motor to rev faster and more freely.

In standard Street Legal form engine output is 41hp @ 7,000 rpm and 32 lb/ft @ 6,500 rpm. However, for those who wish for more off road performance the standard power plug can be connected raising output to 52 hp @ 9,000 rpm and 32 lb/ft @ 7,800 rpm. Note that with the power plug installed, the motorcycle is no longer street legal.

Frame and Suspension

The G 450 X frame is manufactured from high strength stainless steel precision tubes. Tubes set in direct lines of the directions of the main forces minimize the amount of material and result in a light overall construction. Since the frame is made of stainless steel, there will not be any areas of corrosion or rust as a result of paint being worn or scratched off. The rear subframe is made of aluminum and also serves to mount the fuel tank, the seat and various ancillary parts.

Suspension duties are handled by a 45mm upside down Marzocchi fork in front and a directly mounted Öhlins shock in the rear. Both are adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression damping. Front suspension travel is 11.8" front and 12.6" rear.

The swingarm is constructed of aluminum. It’s mounting is the core element of the overall G 450 X concept: the swing arm pivot point and the center point of the pinion are identical. By combining these two points together, chain tension remains constant under compression and rebound. This helps to extend the life of the chain and sprockets as there is significantly less stress on them. A by product of this is that the chain can therefore be set with very little slack. Going even further, BMW Motorrad engineers took advantage of this design and added 30mm to the swing arm while keeping the overall vehicle length the same. A longer swing arm translates into even better traction.

In typical Enduro fashion a 21" wire spoked wheel is fitted at the front with an 18" wheel at the rear. The tires on both wheels are secured by a rim lock to prevent rotation on the rim. Braking is handled by a Brembo twin (2) piston floating caliper up front and a Brembo single (1) piston caliper in the rear. Rotor diameters are 10.2" front and 8.7" rear.

Customized Performance

Just like the rest of the BMW Motorrad Enduro line up the G 450 X has customized performance so the bike fits the rider, not the other way around. The G 450 X is fitted with asymmetrical handlebar brackets like the R 1200 GS. Turning these 180 degrees enables the double butted aluminum handlebar to be shifted 20mm fore and aft.

Not only has the G 450 X been designed with customized performance for ergonomic comfort but also as its name implies...performance. Each G 450 X comes standard with 2 extra front sprockets. As shipped and EPA certified the bike comes with a 15:48 secondary ratio. However, for off road use the consumer can install either a 14 tooth or 13 tooth front for better acceleration.

US DOT Regulations

Due to unique DOT regulations in North America, US production features a different headlight lens, rear taillight, registration plate mount and directional indicators compared to ECE versions.