 Over the last 80
years BMW Motorrad has made off-road history time
and time again. The marque is now closely involved in off-road sports as never before and is
premièring an uncompromising, pedigree sport enduro in the attractive 450-cc displacement class. The new BMW G 450 X is a motorcycle
exclusively developed for enduro sport and the most demanding competitive
races in the world. It’s a machine that is ready to compete the moment it
arrives from the factory.
The background to
the development of such a machine is the knowledge that competition-oriented enduro motorcycles represent a parameter with growth
potential in the motorcycle market. Markets such as US, Australia, and Spain,
already register – nearly traditional – stable sales in the off-road sector and
BMW Motorrad wants to help shape and stimulate this and other markets for the
long term. Besides, smaller volume off-road motorcycles open the gateway to
both popular and professional motor sport as well as offering enough potential
to also help the young generation to rediscover the fascination of motorcycles
again.
With the launch of the G 450 X, BMW is also pointing the way for the upcoming generation and towards
sustainably securing the future of the motorcycle in general. The engine with the latest fuel injection and computer-controlled
three-way catalytic converter is Euro III homologated and already meets the vehicle emissions
standards which are becoming ever more rigorous today for sports events as well as for road
vehicles. With these measures BMW Motorrad is also taking a further step
towards public acceptance of enduro sports in the future. The patented,
unrivalled technical features of the new BMW G 450 X make it a driving force
and contribute to the advancement of technological competition in this 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. BMW Motorrad goes still further with the BMW G 450
X and is not content with constructional features traditionally seen in the
class. High-tech solutions have been realized in both the engine and chassis in
keeping with the cross-country sporting tradition of the house and giving the
marque a fascinating exclusive off-road profile.
The concept of
the BMW G 450 X is based on keeping the mass con-
centrated as near as possible to the center of gravity and realizing 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 for the driving pinion
so there is no change in length of the
chain on compression and rebound, minimizing the effects of the final
drive on the vehicle’s response. Further consequences of this unequalled
technical approach are a noticeably longer swing arm for the same wheelbase as
the competition and, with it, maximum
traction bringing concrete advantages in enduro sport with its extreme demands
on rider and machine.
Fundamental to
the overall plan is the saving in length through the alliance of the swinging bearing and pinion rotation axis. Not only does it enable
a longer swing arm, but the modern high-performance DOHC single-cylinder engine
with an output of 50 bhp could also be positioned further to the rear. The
cylinder was more strongly tilted to 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 also
contributed to adapting the engine to
meet the requirements of the Euro III exhaust gas norm without loss of
performance, which is anything but standard in this motorcycle category.
Further concept advantages include optimum
protection of the airbox and voluminous air flow due to its placement
above the engine in front of the seat. One consequence of the resolutely
implemented, centralized concentration of masses close to the centre of gravity
is the 8.5-liter tank under the seat. The filler manifold is positioned 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 battery is protected from dirt and easily
accessible 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 very 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 is 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 development. The seat of the BMW G 450 X is made from a piece of special foam plastic. Foregoing 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 an ingenious frame construction: The
frame tubes were placed straight ahead
of the swing arm pivot, bring-ing maximum stiffness at the same time as minimum weight and lowest use of material.
Further plus points of this overall arrangement resulted for the radiator. This
now had enough space to be designed in one piece. This saved additional coolant
hoses and and with a low weight,
important for an off-road motorcycle.
The development of
the BMW G 450 X focussed on the ergonomic shape and design of the active riding
configuration. Starting from the
steering head to the rear section of the seat, the machine has an
extremely slender waistline exactly where the rider sits, offering maximum
freedom of movement. Especially in a standing position, the rider benefits
because the absence of the tank at this point provides unrestrained clearance
and the motorcycle can be kept appreciably slimmer.
In this
configuration the G 450 X is the first BMW enduro to be uncompro-misingly
developed for professional competitive racing. Like no other vehicle, the advantages of the unique
construction features are revealed to the full in rugged off-road conditions;
features such as the effective concentration of the masses around the center of
gravity, the engine effects eliminated by the unique swing arm mounting,
the resulting low wear of chain and pinion,
the extreme handling reminiscent of a 250 series motocross motorcycle with prodigious tracking stability, the low weight, the powerful engine and the
high-technology spring elements that offer the ambitious enduro sports
rider a number of package and design benefits in hard competition plus
limit-less riding pleasure. Measured by the options it incorporates, the G 450
X
is the most powerful off-road BMW of all times for hard offroad riding.
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
continues the off-road expertise in the field of professional enduro sport
already consistently realized in the BMW G 650 Xchallenge.
It weighs about 40 kilograms less than the G 650 Xchallenge for roughly the
same output and, from the first draft to the last detail, 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 and it goes without saying that it has all parts
required for MOT approval as standard. This means that – unlike other vehicles
in this class – it’s no problem to ride
the BMW G 450 X to the track on its own two wheels.
The innovative,
patented technology of the single-cylinder sports enduro concept was put to the
test in all relevant highly-competitive events through-out the 2007 season by
experienced and successful racing professionals such as Sascha Eckert, Simo
Kirssi and Joël Smets who were able to harmonize and further develop the
concept. Today the motorcycle comes ready for offroad racing and competitions
at the highest level and with approval for public road traffic without further
modification straight from the factory.
Thanks to great traction at low revs, smooth engine output and fast revving, superior riding
qualities with extremely light
handling, best balance in slow
“trial” sections and enormous stability at higher speeds, not only professional or
well-versed enduro riders, but even enduro sport novices have no problem in
mastering this racing motorcycle.
To corroborate the extremely sporty enduro qualities, BMW Motorrad
has
a works racing team that already took part in different Enduro sports events
with the G 450 X during the test phase and will continue to race it in the
Enduro world championship of the E2 class for example, or the German cross
country championship (GCC).
The model designation G stands for a new
‘G’eneration of sporty motorcycles in the mid-range and lower cc segment,
distinguished by its consistent lightweight, easy handling, tracking stability
and safe riding qualities. For drive power, the focus is placed on powerful,
cultivated, dependable and economic single-cylinder engines.
G stands symbolically for a well thought out
‘G’eneral concept and perfection down to the last detail, for the performance
of the whole vehicle, for the
masterful harmony of all individual components in respect to an impressive
whole. G also stands for
‘G’reat riding qualities and pure, unadulterated riding pleasure.
The range of
possible uses of the G models covers a wide spectrum.
From the light allrounder ideal for touring to the agile super moto performer and the
robust hard enduro up to the genuine sports enduro with competitive qualities. While
the models of the 650 series are based on a common technical basis, but are
differentiated by the consistent configuration and exclusive product
features for their respective purpose, the high performance machine G 450 X is
the first representative of a motorcycle generation
that shows itself to be uncompromisingly competitive and success oriented,
representing the sporty spearhead of the G-series as a result. Common
to all G models is the high-grade substance of the product and proverbial BMW
quality, independent of where it is produced.
Specially tailored to customers’ riding
styles and the abilities of the G 450 X, exclusive training is in preparation
and will progressively supplement the offers for the new motorcycle.
From a technical point of view, the BMW G
450 X has no forerunners.
It is a brand-new development where features such as weight saving plus perfect
and uncompromising configuration to the requirements of the
competition-oriented offroad racing were at the forefront of the specification
for the developer.
 Engine.
The 449 cc single-cylinder DOHC 4-stroke engine
of the G 450 X was developed by BMW. The compact cylinder head of the
short-stroke four-valve power unit houses the technical elements of the K 1200
S: for example, the intake valves are operated by follower valves; the outlet control is implemented
by tappets. A
space-saving configuration distinguished by high engine peeds. Optimum
performance that meets the requirements
of the Euro III exhaust gas norm
is realized by fuel injection with
oxygen sensor regulation and a dual throttle valve system which
ensure that the engine reacts more sensitively to throttle commands. The
crankshaft and conrod are fitted with roller bearings and the weight-optimized
two ring piston is forged.
A balance shaft
effectively reduces the vibrations typical of a single-cylinder engine. The
constant mesh five-speed transmission was widely staggered
for optimum connections in racing. The primary coupling sits directly on the
crankshaft and is configured as a wet clutch with a clutch diaphragm. In
contast to 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
the conventional geared-down clutches, this is possibe because the clutch only
needs to transmit a correspondingly reduced torque on the transmission input
shaft. The clutch is operated by a cable.
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 volumes of 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 approximately one liter 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 G 450 X engine turns backwards. The cylinder is tilted forward by
approxi-mately 30 degrees, enabling the center of gravity to be moved in the
direction of the front wheel thereby benefitting 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, promoting optimum
performance.
The engine of the BMW G 450 X, with a
compression ratio of 12 : 1, is started by an electric starter; an additional kickstarter is unnecessary thanks
to a powerful battery and fuel injection with invariably reliable starting
action. 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 radiator. A
fan behind the cooler provides sufficient air flow rate at low flow speeds.
The production exhaust system is made of
stainless steel and the catalytic converter is fitted in the silencer
(absorption silencer). For exclusive use in competitive racing, optional purely
sporting end silencers are offered as special equipment
and it is possible to switch to the extreme “race” mapping stored in the engine
control unit.
Despite the powerful alternator and electric
starter, the high-performance engine
of the BMW G 450 X weighs no more than the aggregate of competitor motorcycles
(less than 30 kilograms). The exact power and torque data are not yet fixed.
Chassis.
The chassis of the BMW G 450 X is a
completely new development that
uses selected high-quality components and materials. The years of enduro
experience of BMW Motorrad flowed into the development of the chassis. 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 terrain with ease of
handling,
great maneuverability
and
extreme tracking stability.
 Innovative frame concept.
The frame layout is based on the experiences
of the development engineers, the know-how from competitive racing and attendant research and develop-ment work. The knowledge gained
from earlier rally sport activities was also incorporated. The frame of the BMW
G 450 X is an absolutely new develop-ment that differs in principle from all
constructions of the competition. In the main part it consists of thin walled,
but high-strength stainless steel precision tubes and is welded to the node
points with forged parts deployed for the purpose. No additional surface
treatment is necessary. The entire main
frame weighs merely 8.6 kilograms and is distinguished by excellent
stiffness.
The lower bow of the frame tubes runs
directly from the swinging axle straight to the steering head. On the other
hand, the upper bow creates a direct con-nection between the suspension strut mount and steering
head. The wheel forces are braced centrally on the frame over the suspension strut so that the light rear frame that is bolted to the main frame
and is formed by aluminum
square profiles now only needs to bear the weight of the rider. All in
all this construction 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 two-arm swing arm made
from aluminum square profiles
which supports a directly linked Öhlins central suspension strut with a generous spring travel of 320 mm. This high-technology element is
variably adjustable in pressure and outward stroke damping as well as in the
spring pre-tension. The suspension of the 21-inch front wheel is undertaken by
a 45 mm upside-down fork by Marzocchi that absorbs even the roughest bumps with a spring travel of 300 mm and is also fully adjustable.
A powerful brake system with double-piston
floating
caliper from Brembo ensures the deceleration of the BMW
G 450 X. The front single brake
disc has a diameter of 260 mm, the rear disc measures 220 mm.
In order to live up to the the harshest
off-road conditions, the BMW G 450 X has a light, impact resistant and
highly stable plastic underride protection fitted
as standard and that has already proved itself in racing. The motorcycle also
has a double-butted Magura aluminium handlebar that guarantees optimum control
on all surfaces.
The exact geometrical data of the chassis is
subject to the last fine tuning activities and will be made known at a later
date.
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