BMW Motorrad launches new F 450 GS in South Korea, starting at W12.5m

BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle division of BMW, announced Tuesday it is launching the BMW New F 450 GS premium adventure motorcycle in South Korea.

The BMW New F 450 GS is an entirely new model designed to bring the GS series' signature on- and off-road riding experience to a wider range of riders through a lighter frame and more accessible handling.

In terms of design, the front features full LED headlights with an X-shaped daytime running light, combined with a sharply forward-swept nose and dynamic body lines that give the motorcycle an unmistakably bold GS family look.

The bodywork incorporates GS-defining design elements throughout, including the signature "beak," "tooth" and distinctive flyline. The sleek silhouette running from the fuel tank through the seat to the rear emphasizes a light, dynamic character, while the center section of the 14-liter fuel tank is slimmed down to allow riders to brace the bike securely with their knees whether seated or standing.

Built on a curb weight of 178 kilograms and an entirely new chassis, the BMW New F 450 GS delivers agile yet stable riding performance.

Both front and rear suspension offer 180 millimeters of travel, covering a wide range of on- and off-road conditions. The front uses a 43mm inverted telescopic fork, while the rear employs an aluminum double swingarm with a central spring strut. Lightweight cast aluminum wheels — 19 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear — paired with dual-sport tires round out the setup for stable riding across varied surfaces.

The BMW New F 450 GS is powered by a 420cc parallel-twin engine producing 48 hp and a maximum torque of 4.4 kg·m. The powertrain was developed from the outset specifically for the F 450 GS, engineered to deliver strong performance and sharp responsiveness despite its compact, lightweight construction.

A new six-speed gearbox comes standard across all trims, along with Shift Assistant Pro, which enables quick upshifts and downshifts without operating the clutch lever in most riding situations.

The GS Trophy trim of the BMW New F 450 GS comes standard with the new Easy Ride Clutch (ERC), a system that uses a precision centrifugal mechanism to automatically engage and disengage the clutch based on engine speed.

The BMW New F 450 GS also offers four riding modes to handle a variety of surfaces and conditions: Rain, Road, Enduro and Enduro Pro.

Safety electronics include ABS Pro for stable braking through corners, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) to suppress rear-wheel slip, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) to prevent unintended throttle input during hard braking, and engine drag torque control to reduce rear-wheel slide during deceleration.

The cockpit features a 6.5-inch TFT color display with sharp graphics and excellent visibility. Riders can intuitively check key riding data — including speed, engine rpm, DTC status, braking force and lean angle — and easily select the appropriate riding mode for any environment.

The BMW New F 450 GS goes on sale in South Korea in two trims: Exclusive and GS Trophy, priced at 12.5 million won ($9,310) and 13.5 million won, respectively.

Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad recently launched the BMW Motorrad Vantage app, an integrated lifestyle platform for motorcycle customers.

BMW Vantage, first introduced in 2020 as the automotive industry's first lifestyle platform, offers a wide range of services spanning mobility, travel, culture and education, built around "Vantage Coin," a membership points currency exclusive to customers.