The BMW F450GS: A Bike That Divides Opinions
As an editorial writer, I've had the opportunity to test ride a variety of motorcycles over the years, but few have sparked as much debate as the BMW F450GS. This bike has divided the motorcycle community, with some praising its agile and composed chassis, while others have struggled to come to terms with its Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) and its overall design. In this article, I'll take a deep dive into the F450GS, exploring its key features, the pros and cons of its design, and the broader implications for the motorcycle industry.
The F450GS is a 420cc parallel twin with a power output of 47.3hp and a torque of 31.7lb.ft. It has a seat height of 845mm and a kerb weight of 178kg. While the bike's stats are impressive, it's the ERC clutch that has caused the most controversy. Some riders have found it easy to use, while others have struggled to understand its purpose and have cursed it from start to finish.
In my opinion, the ERC clutch is a fascinating feature that sets the F450GS apart from other motorcycles. It brings the ease of a scooter to low-speed riding, but it's conventional the rest of the time. Personally, I think it's a brilliant innovation that makes the bike more accessible to a wider range of riders, but I can understand why some people might find it frustrating.
One thing that immediately stands out is the F450GS's agile and communicative chassis. It makes the bike easy to ride but fun to push harder, which is a rare combination in the motorcycle world. However, the bike's sudden onset of serious vibes as soon as the TFT displays 70mph is a concern. This is a common complaint among riders, and it's something that BMW will need to address in future models.
The F450GS's design has also sparked debate. Some see it as the perfect addition to the range, a versatile, upright road bike with a little light trail ability. However, others think a small-bore adventurer should have greater aspirations in the dirt. This divide is reflected in the ownership community, with some riders struggling to find spoked versions of the bike.
In terms of comfort, the F450GS has some issues. The bike doesn't have enough leg room for riders with longer inseams, and the seat becomes uncomfortable after 50 miles. The vibes through the bars are also a concern, and replacing the plastic end weights with heavy metal could be a good start to addressing this issue.
One of the most interesting aspects of the F450GS is the ERC clutch's ability to prevent the bike from rolling when the motor is off. While it won't roll forward, it will roll back, which can be a concern for some riders. My solution is a large O-ring doubled around the bar end's taper, which stretches over the front brake lever to hold the bike in place. It's a simple and effective solution that costs nothing.
In conclusion, the BMW F450GS is a bike that divides opinions, but it's a fascinating and innovative machine that sets a new standard for the motorcycle industry. While it may not be perfect, it's a bike that's worth riding and exploring, and it's a sign of the exciting future that lies ahead for motorcycles.
