Check Out The BMW G450X Enduro Motorcycle
Over the last 80 years BMW Motorcycles has made off-road history time and time again. The marque is now closely involved in off-road sports as never before and is premiering 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, unrivaled 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.
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 aluminum handlebar that guarantees optimum control on all surfaces.
Patented swing arm mount.
The real finesse in the chassis sector and a unique feature of the BMW G 450 X is the coaxial mount of the swing arm and chain pinion. 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 spring 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 constructions. A positive effect on the riding characteristics is that the effect of changing loads on the powertrain is now noticeably reduced.
Thanks to the patented coaxial mounting of the swing arm and drive chain pinion plus a wheelbase at competition level, the swing arm is 30 mm longer, markedly improving the traction properties. The rear wheel remains longer in contact with the ground in all situations, keeping the driving force better on the surface. Also, compared with the competition, a significantly greater length adjustment range of the rear wheel results which means different pinion and chain ring combinations can be used with the same chain with no problem.
When a pinion has to be replaced, the swing arm must be removed; however, in comparison to conventional concepts, this is not a particularly time consuming task. An experienced mechanic can replace the pinion in about 15 minutes and, because of the much lower wear of the entire final drive, the pinion needs to be replaced less often then by the competition.
Design.
The looks of the BMW G 450 X immediately make clear the affinity to BMW Motorrad. The dynamic “Flyline” allows the new motorcycle to be identified as a typical member of the BMW enduro world, the most striking element is the typical family beak – also the distinguishing characteristic shared by all GS models.
The optical appearance also expresses pure sporting performance with the associated aggression. This results in the look and feel of a fascinating vehicle that has the right to “ride to win” in competitive races. The color concept of the G 450 X is oriented to the G 650 Xchallenge. The standard color is “racing white” with blue accents typical of BMW which highlights the affiliation to the G model family and the new, sporty enduro line from BMW.
