BMW Introduces 450 X Enduro and 800 GS in Milan

During the last 80 years BMW Motorrad has made off-road history time and time again. The marque is now more closely involved in off-road sport than ever and is launching an uncompromising, sport enduro for the attractive 450cc class.

The exclusively developed BMW G 450 X is an enduro sport for some of most demanding competitive racing in the world. It is a machine that is ready to compete the moment it leaves the factory.

The background to the development is the knowledge that competition-oriented enduro motorcycles represent a parameter with growth potential. Markets such as the USA, Australia and Spain already register - nearly traditional - stable sales in the off-road sector. BMW Motorrad wants to help shape and stimulate this (and other markets) for the long term. Smaller volume off-road motorcycles open the gateway to popular and professional motor sport as well as offering enough potential to help the young generation to discover the fascination of motorcycles.

The engine of the G 450 X features the latest fuel injection and computer-controlled three-way catalytic converter. It is Euro III homologated and already meets the rigorous current and future vehicle emissions standards for sports events and road vehicles. With these measures BMW Motorrad is taking a further step towards public acceptance of enduro sports. The patented, unrivalled technical features of the new BMW G 450 X make it a driving force that contributes to the advance of technological competition in its segment.

The introduction of the tough enduro BMW G 650 Xchallenge has already pointed the way: with a frame and swing arm layout for improved offroad traction, low weight, compact chassis, and dynamic engine. The G 450 X goes even further and BMW is not content with constructional features traditionally seen in the class.

High-tech solutions have been realised in the engine and chassis design, in keeping with BMW's cross-country sporting tradition. It is a machine that will give the marque a fascinating and exclusive off-road profile.

The concept of the BMW G 450 X is based on keeping the mass concentrated as near as possible to the centre of gravity and realising a vehicle configuration that adapts perfectly to the requirements of off-road sport. The central element of this concept is the amalgamation of the bearing axle of the rear-wheel swing arm with the axis of rotation of the driving pinion. This ensures that there is no change in the length of the chain on compression and rebound. The effects of the final drive on the vehicle's response are therefore minimized.

Further consequences of this unequalled technical approach are a noticeably longer swing arm (for the same wheelbase as other machines) and, with it, maximum traction. This provides definite advantages in enduro sports which exert extreme demands on rider and machine.

Fundamental to the overall design is a saving in length through the alliance of the swinging bearing and pinion rotation axis. Not only does this enable a longer swing arm but the modern high-performance DOHC single-cylinder engine, with an output of 50PS, is able to be positioned further towards the rear. The cylinder has therefore been angled more acutely towards the front, thus creating space for long, straight intake tracts. In this way an ideal position was reached for the fuel injection nozzle and dual throttle valve fuel injection system. This contributed in adapting the engine to meet the requirements of the Euro III exhaust gas norm - without loss of performance.

Further concept advantages include optimum protection of the airbox and voluminous air flow because of its placement above the motor and in front of the seat. One consequence of the centralised concentration of masses close to the centre of gravity is that the 8.5-litre tank is under the seat. The filler manifold is located below an opening in the rear part of the seat. The reserve function is signaled by a warning lamp in the cockpit.

The starter is placed in front of the engine. The easily accessible battery is protected from dirt and sits directly behind the control head in the upper triangular frame. The air filter is a square, flat wet element fixed by a drawer mechanism that makes it easy, safe, clean, and extremely fast to change. For this,the right cosmetic tank cover (fixed with a quick-release fastener) is removed and the air filter drawer pulled out.

The intake funnel is positioned at the height of the control head whose high-lying position is advantageous in water splashes, or wherever there is heavy dust. The seat of the BMW G 450 X is made from special foam plastic. The foregoing of a cover, and not having a substructure or sump as its base, brings weight advantages.

Another distinctive construction feature is the relocation of the clutch directly onto the crankshaft. A position that enabled the ingenious frame construction - the frame tubes were placed directly ahead of the swing arm pivot, enabling maximum stiffness, minimum weight and minimal use of material. The cooler had sufficient space to be realised in one piece. This saved additional coolant hoses and reduced weight - important for an off-road motorcycle.

The development of the BMW G 450 X focusses on the ergonomic shape and design of the active driving configuration. From the steering head to the rear section of the seat the machine has an extremely slender width - exactly where the rider sits - and provides maximum freedom of movement. In a standing position, the rider benefits because of the absence of a tank. This point provides unrestrained clearance because the motorcycle is appreciably slimmer.

The G 450 X is the first BMW enduro to be uncompromisingly developed for professional competitive racing. The advantages of the unique construction are evident in rugged off-road conditions. These include the effective concentration of masses around the centre of grav¬ity; the engine effects eliminated by the unique swing arm mounting; the resulting low wear of chain and pinion, and extreme handling reminiscent of a 250 series motocross motorcycle. Also notable are the prodigious tracking stability, low weight, powerful engine and the high-technology spring elements. These offer the ambitious enduro sports rider a number of package and design benefits in hard competition, plus limitless riding pleasure.

A dedicated team of specialist engineers and mechanics, who have also taken part in intensive off-road sport privately for many years, has developed this new model for BMW Motorrad under the motto "from passionate professionals for passionate professionals".

The BMW G 450 X weighs about 40 kilogrammes less than the G 650 Xchallenge for roughly the same output and is perfectly tailored to the requirements of the ambitious and success-oriented enduro sports rider. As a completely special and absolutely exceptional motorcycle, the BMW G 450 X is a genuine sports machine that has all parts required for MOT approval as standard. This means that - unlike other vehicles in the class - it is possible to ride the BMW G 450 X to the track on public roads.

The innovative, patented technology of the single-cylinder sports enduro concept was put to the test in highly-competitive events throughout the 2007 season by experienced and successful racing professionals. These included such riders as Sascha Eckert, Simo Kirssi and Joël Smets who harmonized and developed the concept.

The motorcycle comes ready for off-road racing and competition and (with approval) public road use straight from the factory - without modification.

Thanks to great traction at low revs, smooth engine output, high revving, superior riding qualities such as extremely light handling, best balance in slow
"trial" sections, and enormous stability at high speed, the professional, experienced or novice enduro rider will have no difficulty in mastering the G 450 X motorcycle.

To corroborate the machine's extremely sporty enduro qualities, BMW Motorrad's works racing team has already taken part in different enduro sports during the test phase of the G 450 X. The team will continue racing it in the Enduro World Championship of the E2 class and/or the German Cross Country Championship (GCC).

The worldwide market introduction of the BMW G 450 X is scheduled for the middle of 2008.


















The new BMW F 800 GS & F 650 GS

With two completely new enduro models, the F 800 GS and F 650 GS, BMW Motorrad is not just expanding its range of products but also presenting a worthy successor to the successful single-cylinder F 650 GS.

Even when parked, the amazing off-road-capable parallel twin F 800 GS travel enduro, with its sturdy appearance and long spring travel, implies what it can do off-road. It hints at fun riding on all types of road with added stamina and durability on journeys where the destination can only be reached on gravel tracks.

The F 800 GS's smaller brother, the F 650 GS, which also has a parallel twin-cylinder engine, is aimed at people who do not need quite as much spring travel and are looking for a little less adventure. With its low seat height, it is an outstanding all-rounder; easy to control, provides plenty of power combined with economy, and is ideal for everyday use.

High levels of stability allied to easy handling are features shared by the two new GS models. Both offer high-quality workman¬ship, a safe chassis and impressive modern engines for maximum riding pleasure.

The parallel twins' drive comes from the well-established F 800 model series, but beyond this, the new enduro models have been completely redesigned. A new frame and new wheel suspension with new spring-shock absorber elements are strong features. They will surpass the expectations of even the most demanding enduro riders. The previous model's belt drive and single-strut swing arm, which are ideal for pure on-road use, have been replaced by a light chain drive in combination with a very stable and attractive aluminum profile, double-strut swing arm. These are more advantageous when off-road riding. The new GS models are not only in their element on twisty roads - it will also perform exceptionally off-road too.

The F 800 GS combines road and touring capabilities with superior off-road characteristics. It thus performs on both terrains in a way that has never before been achieved in its class. BMW Motorrad has positioned the versatile travel enduro at an attractive price, thus adding a real asset to the market.

The new F 650 GS differs from its higher capacity variant by featuring a lower seat height, lower weight and slightly reduced engine power. It is ideal for newcomers to the genre or as a sturdy all-round motorcycle for all purposes. Compared with its single-cylinder predecessor, the new F 650 GS is an improvement in every area. Despite its designation, which usually refers to the engine size, the F 650 GS has the same 800cc twin-cylinder engine as the F 800 GS. With slightly reduced engine power (71 instead of 85HP) the focus for the F 650 GS is on high torque at lower engine speeds coupled with excellent economy. Despite this it delivers over 20HP more power than its predecessor. The 800cc (sic) F 650 GS guarantees riding pleasure no matter where it goes.












Source: BMW Motorrad

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