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BMW Announced Concept F450GS Near-Production-Ready 386-lbs

32K views 272 replies 35 participants last post by  choerenz  
#1 ·
#8 ·
I'm surprised (pleasantly) that this model is even on the drawing boards. With the CFMoto 450 Ibex already in place for 2025 at $6.5K I didn't think BMW would bother to compete with a similar specification machine.

I wonder which markets they will prioritize. USA/Europe high $/€ (as the A2 license aspects suggest) or Asia/India low $, high volume markets (or both with appropriate pricing policies).
Will be real interesting to see what gets released where & when.
 
#9 · (Edited)
That would be the answer to “upgrades to the 310”. Larger question might be how much? The 310 is a bargain priced unit . Not something BMW is known for. And the 450 size is suddenly very competitive and with quality Asian manufacturers. And tariffs not withstanding, produced at okay prices.
The most often reported issue of sales on 310 is too small for US market. Upping to larger for sure would be for US sales, maybe they’ll keep the 310 in production for Asia? Article I read said TVS will be maker
id suspect wheel size is to emphasize “Adventure aspect” 19/17 being size of choice for road oreinted Dual sports. No doubt they will offer a rally model like the big GS
 
#10 ·
#11 ·
Very exciting bike :)
But my guess would be that the price will be premium.... :-/
 
#13 ·
Maybe Apperilla will reprise its role building the smaller BMW‘s. Honda talking 450, KTM announced improvements to theirs but there’s 3 or more sweet looking Chinese units that promise a better price point built often at same plant……the powers are listening.
 
#14 ·
I have to admit it looks really nice! I was waiting for years for this kind or bikes. Now that I've bought my Baby-GS the market is finally shifting 🤣

I was thinking about buying a Gasgas ES700. After a couple of weeks I came to the conclusion that all I need is a better suspension and maybe spoked wheels (but these are more cosmetic than technically necessary to be honest). Even the relatively low power engine doesn't bother me too much. So at the end I ordered a Level 2 kit from RR. While waiting for delivery, I saw first spy shots of the new 390 Adventure R, Aprilia Tuareg 457, the new DRZ (that wasn't sold in Germany since 2008!) and now the F450. You can't imagine what was going on in my head🤣 The timing was just a bit too late. Otherwise I may have bought a DRZ next year.

But all in all the 310 is still a great universal bike and I'll keep it :cool:
 
#16 ·
It took almost the same as purchase price for one 310 user to upgrade so it would seem reasonable the price would go up on an upgraded model. Quite more profitable to bring out a model with potentially higher sales in NA than 310 than upgrade current steller design.
 
#19 ·
At the moment, I'm split between the KTM 390 Adv R and the F450GS, but regardless of which I buy, I plan to keep my 310GS as backup. I missed out on part of my Mexico trip thanks to a second ignition coil failure; if I had had a backup bike, that wouldn't have happened.

P.S. My first ignition coil failure was at ~10,000 miles; it bench tested as good but the bike would not run until they swapped in a known good one. My second ignition failure occurred at 32,000 miles. The metal cylinder that clips to the top of the spark plug was missing; it probably broke off from metal fatigue and was lost when we were doing road side diagnostics 3-1/2 hours into Mexico. I now carry a spare ignition coil on long trips; you can get them from a US dealer for $220 or shipped to your door from Europe for ~$160 (link below).

 
#25 ·
Honestly guys, this looks EXACTLY what (I think) we have all been asking about. It looks super dang cool and yes, even though the price will have to be more, this looks like an incredible update to the 310GS.

My hopes and dreams are :

  • No more engine vibrations on the highway that literally crack my bones.
  • Higher top speed (again, with no vibrations). I can legally cruise here on the main highways at 140-150. Impossible to do on the 310GS without going insane (plus the single isn't really designed for this). If I could go 150 comfy, I would be in heaven.
  • 5mm shorter side stand. The 310 side stand is still giving me "the jimmies"....I always think the bike will just fall over.
  • Android dash thing (or Apple) with some Bluetooth connectivity for music/ANC.
  • AND AND AND.....please please..CRUISE CONTROL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <<<<<<<<<<----------------
  • Heated grips cost about $20 to add....so please BMW, just add them at the factory, they are really a lifesaver.

That's it.....I will certainly upgrade if at least some of these conditions are met..I want something new to play with.
 
#30 ·
The 450 is the upgrade to 310. Sales of 310 were lackluster at best in North America and mostly to bargain hunters and small bike enthusiasts. If sales to other markets were profitable it will continue on in present form, but there’s fierce competition in this arena especially as electric bikes come on strong in other markets. id strongly suspect far more amazing prospects are just around the corner as manufacturers realize there is a market for the 450 segment in North America. Be nice to see more in the sub 300lb range. There could be interesting developments in marketing if a major manufacturer Country gets tariffed out of the picture.
 
#38 ·
I don't think the G310GS is in any danger of not being produced. It sells over 24,000 units per year & compared to other BMW Motorrad offerings, only "R" & "F" series bikes achieve more. BMW leans heavily on its "GS" branding.

Given 7-8,000 units a year in India alone, we probably overestimate the importance of North American sales, which for the G310GS are likely very limited (& always were irrelevant) regarding the G310GS.
It was neither designed or built for the North American market. I'm sure BMW has enjoyed the higher margins achievable from selling it here however.

The future of motorcycling belongs in nations that use motorcycles for transport (not weekend toys). Toys don't sell in sufficiently competitive quantities.
 
#32 ·
The 450 is the upgrade to 310.
Depends on what you mean by upgrade:

They're completely different bikes. Both will continue; one for Class 1 license holders and one for Class 2 license holders. He alludes to this in the video. That's adding another class, not upgrading.

However, since the US does not have license classes, BMW NA will import whatever they think will sell, i.e., they might replace the 310 with the 450 in NA market.

Will the release of the 450 have an effect on the price of the 310 either new or the second hand market?
There will be some who switch to the 450; that should reduce demand for the 310; that should reduce the price of used 310s. BMW rarely lowers the prices of new bikes, though they do offer rebates for slower selling models as the season wanes.
 
#34 ·
The used market is already full of low mileage, prepped 310 yet price still not at bottom, same story with many motos. Pricing has changed, just like autos. The quality across the board of modern manufacturing is amazing. Even at bargain prices, one see’s decent bikes sit for months “for sale“ as it is easier, smarter to get the latest in technology, if not economical. The lack of sales of the 310 in NA pretty much ensures it’s not coming here much will depend on sales in its original target area. If it continues to sell well it will be made. But if there is a strong market, one can be assured the Asian manufacturing powerhouses will produce a less expensive unit. Quality of Asian stuff having become quite good evidenced by most traditional makers moving to Asian production. It’s an awesome Time to own a motorbike.
 
#36 ·
I was looking at the second hand market here in Ireland and as you say some decent spec bikes are holding their price but sitting a while on sale even with loads of extras thrown in. Personally I was waiting till the new year to upgrade my suspension for my trip abroad but now I'm in two minds and think I'll wait till spring and see what spec of 450 they release and go from there. I'm really fond of my 310 also but km after km chugging away would I prefer on a single cylinder or the twin? Decisions Decisions and spoilt for choice. I think it's a good time to be a consumer.