New Delhi: BMW has entered India’s growing adventure bike market with the new F 450 GS, priced at Rs 4.70 lakh (ex-showroom). It is BMW’s most affordable adventure motorcycle here and takes on one of the segment’s most popular names, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
Both bikes are built for touring and off-road riding, but they offer different things. The BMW comes with a twin-cylinder engine and more premium components, while the Himalayan 450 stands out for its lower price and established adventure setup. Here is how they compare on paper.
Engine and performance difference
BMW F 450 GS
The BMW F 450 GS comes with a 420cc, water-cooled, twin-cylinder engine that makes 46.9 bhp and 43 Nm of torque. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox. On paper, it offers more power and torque than the Himalayan, which could help on highways and long-distance touring.
RE Himalayan 450
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 uses a 452cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder Sherpa engine producing 39.47 bhp and 40 Nm. It also gets a six-speed gearbox. While it makes less power, the Himalayan has already built a strong name among adventure riders for its usable performance and off-road ability.
Body difference
BMW has equipped the F 450 GS with a steel tube trellis frame and a steel tube sub-frame. It gets 43 mm upside-down front forks and a rear shock with compression and rebound adjustment. Suspension travel is 180 mm at both ends. The seat height stands at 845 mm, while the wheelbase is 1,465 mm.
The Himalayan 450 also gets a steel trellis frame and 43 mm USD forks, but with 200 mm travel at the front and rear. It uses a linkage-type monoshock at the back. Seat height is lower at 825 mm, while wheelbase is longer at 1,510 mm. That lower seat could make it easier for more riders to manage.
Price difference
Price is where both bikes differ sharply. The BMW F 450 GS starts at Rs 4.70 lakh (ex-showroom), putting it in the premium side of the segment.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 starts at Rs 3.05 lakh (ex-showroom), making it significantly more affordable. Buyers looking for value may lean towards the Himalayan, while those wanting a more premium package may consider the BMW.