BMW G450X Enduro Review - Page 1 - Page 2 - Page 3
Specs – BMW G 450 X Enduro

Any new machine in this competitive market is always going to be viewed with scepticism in regards to durability but I must say it appears that BMW has certainly done its homework on the G 450 X.

What impressed me the most was that the BMW is engineered directly for the factory for ADR compliance. No ugly fender extension stuck on as an afterthought, no tacked on indicators and no need for a huge amount of work to unleash the full potential of the engine. No need to rely on a dealer to properly de-restrict your new pride and joy as is the case with all the Japanese offerings in the marketplace. A process in which many dealers fail their customers, thus doing their product extreme injustice in the process.

With BMW’s G 450 X you simply plug in a supplied connector into the wiring loom and full power is available for when you hit the trails. Wonderfully simple, and by far the biggest positive point of difference in BMW’s favour. Particularly for owners who have little mechanical knowledge or the ability to set a machine up properly for themselves.

As a result, when judged against the established class peerage as they come out of the crate, the BMW G450X is the most well thought out approach to modern four-stroke performance on the trails. And for that BMW are to be applauded.

BMW provide a full two-year warranty on the G 450 X providing the mandatory service regimen is met. Again, that is another positive point of difference in favour of the BMW. Oil changes are required every ten hours and piston changes are recommended every 70 hours. While that may sound over the top, it is comparable to most of the hard core 450cc enduro opposition and better than some.

If you want the chance to sample the G450X while brushing up on your dirtbike skills then BMW offer specific training courses to help develop better off-road riding techniques. The two-day courses are practical workshops with expert tutors on hand to demonstrate correct techniques which students then practice in a controlled environment. Courses are held in NSW, Queensland and Victoria. At $895 (inclusive of G 450 X hire) the courses are not cheap, but what better way to evaluate whether you and the G 450 X are a marriage made in heaven? 

Also BMW recently announced a come and try day at Dargle on June 21 where participants can also try a G 450 X Enduro on for size in its natural environment. You will have to get in quick with an email to info@bmwmotorrad.com.au with your name, address, current motorcycle, contact number and email address in order to score yourself an invite to the ride. Numbers are limited, first in best dressed.

• Model - BMW G 450 X Enduro
• Engine – 449.5cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, single cylinder
• Bore x Stroke - 98 x 59.6mm
• Compression Ratio - 12:1
• Induction - Keihin fuel injection
• Transmission – Five speed, chain drive
• Seat Height – 9550mm
• Dry Weight – 111kg
• L x W x H - 2200x 806 (including mirrors) x 1475mm
• Wheelbase - 1475mm
• Ground Clearance 130mm
• Front Suspension - Marzocchi inverted forks
• Rear Suspension - Ohlins single shock
• Brakes - Single disc front and rear, Brembo calipers
• Tyres - 90/90-21 (F), 140/80-18 (R)
• Fuel Capacity – 8 Litres
• Warranty – Two years
• Price – Expect to pay around $12,500