Best Enduro Motorcycle

A Review Of The BMW G450X Enduro Motorcycle

BMW has gone so far as to call their BMW G450X a revolutionary enduro motorcycle. With a number of technological improvements over the previous years' enduro motorcycles, even those who might scoff at the BMW G450X would be hard put to not take notice. With an MSRP of $8198, it's true that you could buy two Suzukis, or Hondas, but the truth is that the BMW G450X justifies itself by being a technological powerhouse, and avoiding the prissy attitude that seems so common when considering German engineered luxury. Does the BMW G450X qualify as a luxury vehicle? Does it deserve that prissy attitude? Simply put, the BMW G450X exemplifies the finest in German engineering that can be found in an enduro motorcycle, and comes at competition business-end first. The BMW G450X is not your typical trust-fund crybaby.

BMW's revolutionary treatment of their enduro motorcycle lineup began with looking at all the factors that would come in handy to an enduro rider. They produced a motorcycle in which the countershaft sprocket and the swingarm are on the same pivot, allowing the BMW G450X to retain spring tension simply, without the use of complicated (and weight adding) springs and tensioners. BMW gave it a smaller clutch mounted directly on the crankshaft, providing less heat on the clutch plate. Weight reduction wasn't an afterthought for the BMW G450X, however. The engine is a stressed member in this ride, eliminating the cradle to shed the pounds. Your gas tank is found under the seat to help optimize weight distribution, and the whole shebang is water cooled for the best power possible.

You'll find that the BMW G450X has one of the most capable engines in the enduro motorcycle market. Featuring water cooling, the four-stroke single has four titanium valves, dual overhead camshafts, and is lubed via dry sump. With an actual size of 449cc, the BMW G450X is rated at 41 horsepower and can reach a top speed of 90 miles per hour. The major drawback is that this bike uses the same go-juice as does its vehicular cousin, premium unleaded. Seems the high-falutin' got in there anyway. It's a small price to pay, however, as the BMW G450X enduro motorcycle seems to do wonders with that little bit of spare change in it's 1.8 gallon fuel tank.

The BMW G450X unladen weighs in at a respectable 267 pounds, not including accessories, but including fuel, coolant, and oil. The payload is rated at 351 pounds, so you don't have to pass up that jelly doughnut if you don't want. The question is, can the BMW G450X get past the stigma of being a luxury marquis playing in the dirt? While it's not a rich-man's bike, you'll have to pony up to find out. Regret is not a word often associated with purchasers of BMW motorcycles, however, so chances are it's all in your head.