Presskit: The new BMW G 450 X

The new BMW G 450 X Contents 1. Concept, requirements and features. 2. Model designation BMW G 450 X. 3. Development, technology and design. 4. Technical data.

Concept, requirements and features
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
de¬manding 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 harmonised 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.