BMW Motorrad is all set to expand its GS family in India with the upcoming F450GS, but there’s a fresh twist that has caught everyone’s attention. According to recent reports, BMW might offer this baby GS in two flavours — one with a regular manual gearbox and another with a semi-auto gearbox.
Why A Semi-Auto Gearbox?
If this happens, it would be the first time the GS lineup gets a semi-auto option at this entry level. BMW’s idea is clear — make the F450GS more beginner-friendly. Many new riders love adventure bikes but worry about frequent gear shifts in city traffic or while touring. A semi-auto gearbox could bridge that gap, giving them an easier ride without sacrificing too much of that classic GS feel.
There’s no deep info yet on what kind of semi-auto tech BMW will use. Given the price segment, it might be a simpler setup rather than the high-end systems you see on larger adventure bikes or touring machines.
Touring Or Adventure?
Another interesting piece is the wheel setup. The F450GS is expected to roll on a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, similar to the R1300GS. This hints that BMW could be positioning the F450GS more as a light touring bike rather than a pure off-roader.
This combo makes sense for India, where most GS buyers want a bike that can handle highways and rough roads but still feels manageable in the city.
Made By TVS, For The World
BMW’s long-standing partnership with TVS means the new F450GS will roll off the same Hosur line that builds the G310 series. Once production starts, India won’t just be getting this bike first — it’ll also be exported worldwide from here.
Expected Price And Launch
The global reveal of the F450GS will likely happen by September, with India getting it immediately after. Expect the base model to carry an ex-showroom price around Rs. 4 lakh, which keeps it competitive in the growing entry-level ADV segment.
Should You Wait For It?
For Indian riders who love the GS name but found the G310GS a bit underpowered or dated, the F450GS could be the perfect step up. If BMW pulls off the semi-auto variant well, it might attract younger buyers who are still learning the ropes but want that premium touring bike badge.
A baby GS with an easier gearbox, touring-friendly wheels, and BMW’s build quality could make for an interesting package. Keep an eye out — this one might just shake up the mid-cap adventure market when it rolls in later this year.