Can one bike really do it all? 🤔
00:00 Introduction
07:12 Trail Ride
09:43 Road Ride
20:51 Pillion Ride
24:35 Final Thoughts
Courtesy of Mark Borrett at North Oxford Motorrad, we’ve been lent a brand new BMW F 450 GS for the day, and we’re putting it to the test to find out exactly where it fits in the adventure bike world.
Is it a true lightweight adventure bike? A road tourer with off-road capability? Or could it genuinely replace two bikes in your garage?
To answer that question, we’re comparing it with two bikes we know extremely well:
🏍️ Honda CRF300L – our benchmark for trail riding and green laning.
🏍️ BMW R1300 GSA – our long-distance touring machine that can still tackle the occasional trail.
We take the F 450 GS onto everything from local byways, back roads and main roads testing its comfort, handling, performance and off-road ability to discover where it really shines.
Nicky also joins us on the back to give a pillion passenger’s perspective. Is the new BMW comfortable for two? Would she happily spend a full day touring on it?
By the end of the day, we’ll answer the question every adventure rider is asking…
Can the BMW F 450 GS really be the one bike that does it all?
If you’re considering the new F 450 GS, or you’re torn between a lightweight trail bike and a big adventure bike, this video is for you.
👍 If you enjoy the video, please give it a Like, subscribe to Trail and Tarmac, and let us know in the comments…
If you could only own ONE motorcycle, what would it be?
#BMWF450GS #BMWGS #HondaCRF300L #R1300GSA #AdventureBike #TrailRiding #GreenLaning #MotorcycleReview #TrailAndTarmac #AdventureMotorcycling
8 Comments
Good real world review… thanks guys.
Great review Darren Max and Nicki 🙂 Good that you highlighted the potential parking issue with first gear not locking the back wheel. Yes something to be aware of but easily overcome by selecting 2nd gear.
One of the complaints of the earlier versions of this bike were bad fuelling and stalling issue's which appear to be overcome with this model. I like the "Trophy" colour scheme and the way the whole bike is set out and looks. A good all rounder.
However I would say my Himalayan 411 is better at chugging around at 20mph, self servicing and cheaper spares and I don't have any concerns over dropping it as it's practically worthless (priceless to me though 🙂 )
Good video! Even I like a lot the Trophy colors, I will go for the Sport model as it does not hace the ERC. I don't need it at all. Agree with you in the cruise control thing, It should be there even optional, I hope that BMW will make a retrofit kit for this.
Great review! focused on the “baby” GS until April 2026; however, I am so glad I chose the R1300 GS! You just explained the reasons for this, so is your preference seriously leaning towards the “baby” now?
The point you make about leaving the bike in first gear when parked… I nearly always do on all traditional clutch bikes. Especially when loading onto and off a lowering trailer. So, if I were buying one, I'd personally just go for the standard clutch version. And just a question re the ERC feature… is the only thing the fact that it takes away clutch control at low speeds in first gear? I may be being a bit thick but I'm getting increasingly confused about the actual purpose (benefit/s) of some of these new clutch/clutch-less features.
Good review. Have to disagree with you regarding the ERC off road. I find it extremely capable off road particularly up steep rutty hills. You're not worried about it stalling and it's very confidence inspiring to the point my off road adventure riding has improved immensely. A steep track I struggled with on my 411 Himmy and my DR650 was a stroll in the GS. Only other bike I got up to the top with ease was my CT110 with gear switch to low. Incidentally another bike I didn't worry about stalling halfway up. With the parking, you pick and chose your places. Turn off in 1st gear and it will hold facing forwards up to a slight incline. I've uploaded a video early on to dispel early misinformation going around. I have a brakefix adjustable brake hold. I haven't had to use it yet. My bike has been away for its first service this week. Looking forward to it being delivered back home tomorrow. Keep up the good reviews. I like the casual chat style format. Subbed
Hi Darren and Max, what a great first review by you both and with the assist of your lovely Wife/Mum 😂😂 My friend and I first set eyes on this bike as a prototype in the NEC two years ago. It was presented full rally spec and we both thought….WOW!!
My friend intended to purchase one for offroad (Ridgeway etc) and rides with his son who has a 124ktm sport bike. He told me when the bike was spec'd up with spoked wheels etc it had crept over 11 grand!! As you both pointed out, I told him about the cfmoto 450mt which is cheaper and pretty much ready to go. Then Voge released the 800rally for similar money to the BMW F450 GS!!… The BMW is a very striking bike…. but I feel it's nothing like what they originally pitched it to be for the public, in both spec and price from what we were told at the NEC.
Ironically last year I was knocked off my brand new Motorbike exactly where that Kia cut across you…me battered and bruised, bike written off… that roundabout is a utter disgrace with all its unnecessary markings and signs and is an unaddressed accident black spot!
As I have said before… really enjoying what is happening and being done on your cracking channel… long may it continue Lads 🏆👍👍👍
Sadly it’s pretty bad on highways with the lack of cruise control.