The mid-capacity adventure segment in India is heating up, and BMW Motorrad’s upcoming F 450 GS is the latest contender aiming to shake up KTM’s long-standing 390 Adventure dominance.
From fresh spy shots revealing a near-production form to lively debates on social media, the BMW F 450 GS boasts class-leading specs, but its premium price will likely keep some riders sitting tight.
Spied Testing Confirms Production
Recent images of BMW’s test mules, captured riding on Indian and European roads, offer a clear preview of the F 450 GS’s final design. The headlamp setup has swapped the concept’s X-shaped DRLs for a stacked dual-LED arrangement, and the angular front beak, high front mudguard, and beefy fuel tank all scream GS lineage.
Alloy wheels (19″ front, 17″ rear) with dual-purpose tyres hint at touring comfort, while crash guards and a robust bash plate spotted in some shots underline BMW’s off-road ambitions. These images confirm that BMW is committed to a premium build and practical accessories straight out of the box.
The F 450 GS houses a newly developed 450 cc parallel-twin engine expected to deliver around 48 PS and a broad torque curve. By contrast, the KTM 390 Adventure’s 373 cc single-cylinder mill produces 43 PS and is lauded for its punchy, lightweight character.
As one Rider observed, “The twin will feel more refined at highway speeds, but the KTM’s flick-ability in traffic is hard to beat”. Riders must decide whether extra midrange power and multi-cylinder refinement are worth a slight weight penalty compared to KTM’s nimble setup.
BMW equips the F 450 GS with long-travel USD forks, adjustable rear shock, and alloy wheels—tailored for serious touring. KTM’s 390 ADV is based on a steel trellis, features WP suspension, and offers spoked wheels for true off-road agility.
Debates on Team-BHP note that while BMW’s dynamic adjustability is appealing, riders seeking maximum flick-ability and easy wheel changes in remote trails may still lean toward KTM’s simpler design.
Pricing Concerns
Early estimates place the F 450 GS at ₹4.5–5 lakh ex-showroom, translating to over ₹6 lakh on-road once insurance and taxes are added. In contrast, the KTM 390 Adventure starts around ₹2.8 lakh ex-showroom, making it significantly more accessible.
One Rider summed up the consensus: “Technically, the BMW checks more boxes, but at double the price, it risks becoming a ‘nice-to-have’ rather than a practical tool”. Riders accustomed to BMW’s premium positioning warn of high service costs and pricey genuine spare parts, echoing past experiences with the G 310 series.
TVS Partnership and Local Advantage
BMW’s collaboration with TVS Motor Company in India has fueled hopes of better pricing and after-sales support. The F 450 GS will be assembled at TVS’s Hosur plant, potentially easing parts logistics and reducing tariffs.
Enthusiasts debate whether a future “TVS F 450” variant might offer a simplified spec sheet at a lower price, improving the platform’s mass-market appeal. For now, TVS’s local manufacturing is expected to keep the F 450 GS more competitively priced than if it were imported as a CBU (completely built unit).
The Benchmark to Beat
The KTM 390 Adventure remains a standout with its ride tech, TFT display, strong dealer network, and accessible pricing. With over 50,000 units sold in India since its 2021 debut, the 390 Adventure represents proven reliability and strong resale value. Despite BMW’s tech edge, KTM remains the benchmark for value-driven Indian riders.
BMW’s F 450 GS outpaces KTM on spec sheets—twin-cylinder engine, adjustable suspension, premium feel—but comes with a premium price tag and ownership costs. If you’re a spec-hunter with deep pockets, the F 450 GS beckons. If value, network, and practicality drive you, KTM still rules.
