1. The new BMW G 450 X.
Just Add Race Numbers.

BMW Motorrad Australia introduces the G 450 X, its first competition enduro motorcycle; race-bred and battle-hardened.

The G 450 X was designed by the passionate 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 against the men and machines 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, via their BMW Motorrad dealer. Just add race numbers.

The patented, unrivalled technical features of the new G 450 X contribute to the advancement of technological competition in this segment.

The BMW G 450 X. Different by design.

BMW Motorrad is never content with run-of-the-mill design and construction features. High-tech design ideas have been implemented for both the engine and the chassis, in keeping with the BMW Motorrad off-road sporting tradition.

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 where demands and stresses on rider and machine are intense.

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.

BMW G 450 X benefits in brief:

• concentration of mass in the centre of the machine and low down
• unique swing arm mount reduces engine effect for better traction, lower chain/sprocket wear
• low weight
• powerful engine

The BMW G 450 X weighs about 40 kg less than the G 650 Xchallenge for roughly the same output and is perfectly tailored to the requirements of the serious enduro rider.

It comes with a standard 48-tooth rear sprocket and a 15-tooth front sprocket. Included with every machine in the parts kit are alternative 13 and 14-tooth front sprockets.

The engine output of 38 kW (52 hp) is achieved at 9,000 rpm by activating a Power-Up plug, boosting the standard engine output from 30 kW at 8,000 rpm. Peak torque is 44 Nm at 7,800 rpm (Power-UP plug in place, suitable for off road/competition use only) or 42.8 Nm at 6,500 rpm without it. Switching between modes can be quickly and easily effected.

Testing times.

The innovative, patented technology of the BMW single-cylinder sports enduro concept was put to the test in highly-competitive events throughout the 2007 season by experienced and successful racing professionals such as Sascha Eckert, Simo Kirssi and Joël Smets, all of whom helped to finesse the final product.

Excellent traction, smooth responsive engine output, superior riding qualities with extremely light handling, composed balance in slow sections and enormous stability at higher speeds, mean this machine can be enjoyed by all types of enduro riders: highly experienced professionals as well as social riders.

During 2008 the BMW Motorrad Motorsport works racing team has been hard at work in different Enduro sports events, racing in the Enduro World Championship and the German

Cross-Country Championship, with Simo Kirssi winning the Mühlhausen GCC event outright in August.

From passionate professionals for passionate professionals.

BMW Motorrad recognises the interest in global markets in 450 cc enduro sport activities and sees sales potential, especially in Australia, the USA and Spain, countries where a strong existing competition segment exists with many passionate dirt-bike fans.

With an enduring background in off-road machines, BMW is well placed to enter the 450 cc market for the first time.

BMW selected the 450 cc category because it is the biggest segment globally and also the segment where the most exciting racing takes place.

From an Australian standpoint this is also the largest segment of the market, and will thus 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.

New name, new number.

The new BMW model designation 'G' introduces a new 'G'eneration of sporty motorcycles powered by powerful, refined, dependable and economic single-cylinder units.

While the BMW G 650 models share many components between their models, the new BMW G 450 X is a stand alone model within the G-series family.

Quotes.

"The new BMW G 450 X is going to be one of the revelations of 2008," said Cameron Cuthill, General Manager of BMW Motorrad Australia and New Zealand.

"The BMW G 450 X has many technical innovations; it is light, agile and fast. It represents cutting edge thinking in the 450 cc enduro segment.

"This machine provides incredible value for money at $12,450 when you consider its mix of performance, technology, and features.

"BMW is serious about having fun on dirt. We know there are a lot of Australian riders who would love to have a BMW in their shed, and the BMW G 450 X is going to be the machine that sparks a long term love affair with the brand.

"We have been greatly encouraged by the huge amount of interest in this bike since it first appeared early in 2007 in prototype guise and competed at a round of the World Enduro Championship.

"In Australia last year, the response from visitors to motorcycle shows where we displayed the bike was immense.

"Now the BMW G 450 X has landed.

"Off-road riders should expect to see these BMW machines out on the trails very soon," Cameron said.

For further press/media information contact:

Tim James
Product Communications Manager
BMW Group Australia
Phone: 03 9264 4150
Fax: 03 9562 2799
Mobile: 0438 041 134
Email: Tim.James@bmw.com.au

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2. The new BMW G 450 X in detail.

• Powerful 38 kW 450 cc fuel injected, water-cooled engine
• Clutch on crankshaft, five-speed gearbox
• Coaxial mount for swing arm pivot and front sprocket
• Power-Up plug for race-style mapping
• Brembo brakes
• Race-bred digital instrument cluster with lap function

The BMW G 450 X is a brand-new development with a strong competition focus that uses technology, high performance and light weight to achieve its goals. It was designed from the ground-up for competition.

Tough, demanding development programme.

Elite enduro racing places an enormous stress on materials.

During development, the G 450 X required non-traditional methods to be applied to ensure it was ready for its role as a winning enduro racer.

Testing included the toughest enduro environment with near impossible hill-climbs, freezing cold and extreme heat, water crossings and continuous racing in extremely dusty, rocky and muddy conditions.

The machine had to be able to withstand all these conditions reliably and over a sustained period. Rarely are machines developed to be this tough.

The testing programme primarily included real-world competition as well as numerous bench tests and trials on special test tracks.

From the outset this required the G 450 X prototypes to mix it with the best of the best in the World Enduro Championships, where the slightest weakness of rider or machine can spell defeat or failure. Long-term trials in rough terrain in both Spain and Italy rounded off the overall programme. Only then was the go-ahead for production received.

Engine.

The 449.5 cc single-cylinder DOHC 4-stroke motor of the G 450 X was developed by BMW. The compact cylinder head of the short-stroke four-valve power unit borrows some of the technical elements of the K 1200 S.

The intake valves for example, are operated by follower arms; the outlet control is implemented by bucket type tappets. It's a space-saving configuration that works at high engine speeds.

Optimum performance that meets the requirements of the Euro III exhaust emission standard is achieved by fuel injection with oxygen sensor regulation and a dual throttle valve system which ensures that the engine reacts more sensitively to throttle position.

The crankshaft and conrod are fitted with roller bearings and the weight-optimised two ring piston is forged. A balance shaft effectively reduces the vibrations typical of a single-cylinder engine.

The primary coupling sits directly on the crankshaft and is configured as a wet clutch. Unlike conventional concepts, the BMW G 450 X clutch is considerably more compact and has a smaller diameter with the same number of discs. Contrary to conventional geared-down clutches, this is possible because the clutch only needs to transmit a correspondingly reduced torque on the transmission input shaft. The clutch is cable operated for optimum performance, adjustability and lightness.

The engine is fed with oil by a wet sump lubrication system. Two oil pumps, a pressure pump and a suction pump use the same oil to lubricate the gearbox and the crankshaft. The two integrated oil sieves and oil filter are easy to access from the left side of the engine for replacement. The volume of oil of approx. one litre can be checked via an inspection glass.

An intermediate shaft with integrated ventilation function transfers the power from the crankshaft to the gearbox and means that the crankshaft of the G450X engine turns anti clockwise.

The cylinder is tilted forward by approximately 30 degrees, enabling the centre of gravity to be moved in the direction of the front wheel thereby benefiting the suspension. A further advantage of tilting the cylinder is the creation of space for the intake air ducting that can now come vertically from above and virtually straight down, promoting optimum performance.

The engine of the BMW G 450 X runs a compression ratio of 12: 1 (on PULP) and uses an electric starter thanks to a powerful battery and highly reliable fuel injection. An automatic decompression function with a centrifugal force valve lifter reduces the power demanded by the starter.

Even when the machine has to travel for longer periods at higher revs in difficult and slow off-road sections, the engine is never excessively thermally loaded thanks to its large-volume, single-piece water cooler. A thermo fan provides sufficient air flow rate at low air flow speeds.

The exhaust system is made of stainless steel and aluminium and the catalytic converter is fitted in the silencer.

Despite the powerful alternator and electric starter, the high-performance engine of the BMW G 450 X weighs in at close to the average of its competitors, (at less than 30 kg).

The engine produces 38 kW (52 hp) at 9,000 rpm and 44 Nm of torque at 7,800 rpm when the Power Up plug is installed. Without the plug installed nominal power is 30 kW and 42.8 Nm of torque at the reduced levels of 7,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm respectively.

Chassis.

The chassis of the BMW G 450 X is a completely new development that uses selected high-quality components and materials. BMW Motorrad engineering staff brought their many years of enduro experience to the project as well as the additional input of the test team.

The main consideration in the geometry and overall configuration of the chassis was to meet the especially high demands of off-road racing. The results are excellent properties in rough terrain with ease of handling, great manoeuvrability and extreme tracking stability.

Innovative frame concept.

The frame layout is based on know-how from competitive racing and attendant research and development work.

The knowledge gained from earlier rally sport activities was also incorporated. The frame of the BMW G 450 X is a completely new development that differs in principle from all the machine's rivals. In the main it consists of thin walled, but high-strength stainless steel precision tubes and is welded to the node points with specially forged parts. No additional surface treatment is necessary. The entire main frame weighs a mere 8.6 kg and boasts excellent stiffness properties.

The lower section of the frame tubes run directly from the swing arm pivot point straight to the steering head. The upper section creates a direct connection between the suspension strut mount and steering head.

The wheel forces are braced centrally on the frame over the shock absorber so that the light sub-frame is bolted to the main frame and is formed by aluminium square profiles and only needs to bear the weight of the rider.

This layout enables the optimum flow of force, requires minimum use of material, thus allowing a hitherto unrivalled ratio of rigidity to weight.

The 18-inch rear wheel is suspended in a robustly dimensioned swing arm made from aluminium square profiles which supports a directly linked Öhlins shock absorber with a generous travel of 320mm.

This high-quality shock absorber features pre-load adjustment as well as tool-free compression and rebound damping adjustment.

The front wheel is located via 45 mm upside-down Marzocchi forks that absorb even the roughest bumps. Spring travel is 300mm and is also fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping.

A powerful brake system with a twin-piston floating Brembo calliper ensures the G 450 X stops fast. The single front brake disc is 260 mm in diameter, while the rear measures 220 mm.

In order to live up to the harshest off-road conditions, the BMW G 450 X has a light, impact resistant and highly stable plastic bash plate fitted as standard and that has already proved itself in racing at the highest level, including the brutal Erzberg Enduro.

The motorcycle also has a double-butted Magura aluminium handlebar that guarantees optimum control on all rides.

Ground-breaking coaxial design provides ultimate traction.

The real finesse in the chassis and a unique feature of the G 450 X is the coaxial mount of the swing arm and counter shaft. The swing arm pivot has been mounted through the hollow gearbox output so that there is no longer any change in length of the chain on compression and rebound over the entire suspension travel.

The chain tension remains constant independent of the compression position; the pinion, chain and chain ring are subject to less wear than in conventional designs.

The coaxial design virtually eliminates the negative torque effect of conventional designs. This allows the suspension to be extremely reactive while under acceleration, which greatly improves traction capabilities especially on challenging hill-climbs, exiting corners and whenever the rider is having fun.

Thanks to the patented coaxial mounting of the swing arm and counter shaft plus a wheelbase ideal for competition, the swing arm is 30 mm longer, markedly improving traction. The rear wheel remains in contact with the ground in all situations for longer. Increased traction equals increased ability to accelerate or brake.

When the front sprocket has to be replaced, the swing arm must be removed; however, in comparison to conventional concepts, this is not a particularly time consuming task.

The standard rear sprocket has 48 teeth, and the front has 15 teeth, with 13 and 14-tooth sprockets bundled with the bike's parts kit.

Design.

The BMW G 450 X is undeniably a BMW, from the family beak to the discrete roundel positioned where you would expect to find a fuel cap.

The BMW G 450 X is finished in the BMW Motorrad "Racing White" colour scheme, with typically blue BMW accents.

The digital information cluster provides electronic readouts for speed, operating hours, odometer, two trip metres, two stopwatch functions, clock, lap timer, speed averaging function and a maximum speed warning. The display backlight colour can also be changed from red to yellow through a series of stages.

The handlebar can be adjusted through a number of different stages as well, as is normal BMW practice for reach and angle of tilt.

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3. Specifications.
BMW G 450 X.