BMW G 450X. February 2009
The G 450 X was designed by enduro riders within BMW Motorrad and comprehensively refined during real world competition.
Over the past two years BMW has been pacing the G 450 X in the World Enduro Championship, measuring the effectiveness of its unique design against the hardest competition in the world. The result is a machine that is as easy to ride as it is fun. Serious fun, seriously fast. Now the production version of that machine is available in Australia and backed by a BMW 2-year/unlimited km warranty. It is priced at $12,450 plus dealer delivery and on road costs.
The G 450 X has been designed explicitly for racing and travelling at speed over rough terrain, all the while delivering the most fun possible to its rider. From a customer perspective the G 450 X arrives ready to race direct from the factory. Just add race numbers. The patented technical features of the new G 450 X contribute to the advancement of technological competition in this segment. The concept of the BMW G 450 X is based on keeping the centre of gravity as low as possible, and ensuring the machine is as agile as possible. BMW Motorrad engineers combined the swing arm's pivoting axle with the front counter shaft, ensuring constant chain length throughout the suspension stroke. In addition, the layout permits a noticeably longer swing arm for the same wheelbase as the competition, delivering the key advantage of enhanced traction, a boon for enduro competition. The engine is placed further back in the chassis, allowing the cylinder to lean further forward creating space for long, straight intake tracts, and allowing the fuel injection nozzle and dual throttle valve fuel injection system to be perfectly positioned.
Additional benefits also include optimum protection for the air box and the consequent air flow due to its placement above the motor in front of the seat, as well as helping to concentrate masses as low as possible in the chassis, by locating the 8-litre fuel tank under the seat. The fuel filler is positioned in the rear part of the seat. Low fuel reserves are indicated by a warning light on the dash. The starter is placed in front of the engine; the battery is protected from dirt and easily accessible directly behind the steering head in the upper triangular frame. The air filter is a square, flat, wet foam element, fixed by a drawer mechanism that makes it very easy, safe, clean and fast to change. For this, the right hand radiator shroud is removed and the air filter drawer is pulled out.
The air intake is positioned at the height of the steering head which helps keep out water and dust. The seat is made from a single piece of special foam rubber. Not having a cover or a substructure as its base saves weight and improves durability. Continuing the unusual technical theme, the clutch is mounted directly onto the crankshaft. The clutch spins faster than traditional designs, allowing it to be smaller and lighter. The stainless steel main frame sits directly ahead of the swing arm pivot, bringing maximum stiffness at the same time as minimum weight and fewest components. A single piece radiator saves unnecessary hoses and it is mounted in one unit in one place, again helping to cut weight. The overall shape of the machine was dictated by the needs of competition. There is a very narrow waist covered by a long flat seat, giving the rider perfect freedom of movement. The engine output of 38 kW is achieved at 9,000rpm by activating a Power-Up plug, boosting the standard engine output from 30 kW at 8,000 rpm. Peak torque is 44Nm at 7,800rpm (Power-UP plug in place, suitable for off road/competition use only) or 42.8Nm at 6,500rpm without it.
Switching between modes can be quickly and easily effected.
BMW chose the 450cc category to enter the market as it is the biggest segment globally. From an Australian standpoint this is also the largest segment of the market, and will give the brand the most space in which to grow its tyre print. The shift to the 450 cc segment is part of an on-going brand shift, moving BMW closer to the desires of younger, sportier riders, as evidenced by the development of the G 650 range as well as the F 800 S/ST parallel twin and the new F 800 GS and F 650 GS.
