With the ECU circuit completed with the ‘power plug’ and the full 52bhp released, the 450X turns into a completely different animal. In low-power mode it is perfect for fast trail riding and easy power, but with full power on tap there’s a big slug of horsepower on top that allows the BMW to rev out and stretch its legs. On the faster, more open sections of the massive loop we were riding the 450 showed real pace, blasting across gullies without being intimidating to the average off-road rider (that being me.)
The suspension is remarkably supple – faster riders reckoned that it was too soft – with that satisfying Öhlins squish as the rear shock sucked up all the stones and abuse I could throw at it with ease. Many enduro bikes, notably KTMs, have steep steering-head angles which make them quicker to brake and turn but also lively and prone to tankslapping. At no point did the BMW feel anything other than stable and reassuring, all the while steering precisely and giving the rider loads of feedback. You’d have to be switched right off to lose the front end on this bike.
All is not perfect, however. When hot the 450X displayed a tendency to stall just off the throttle, and all the journalists were experiencing this so it wasn’t just me. My record was three times in a row followed by one over-balance and a topple, which was massively annoying. BMW are pretty quick to identify and act on things like this and I would imagine a software update to the fuel-injection’s ECU would cure this overnight, but it shouldn’t have made it this far to be fair.
It’s bloody great to see BMW finally make the move into serious off-road sport. The 450X has been substantially tested in enduros already and is aimed straight for KTM’s jugular, although it will take a while to get used to seeing BMW enduro bikes alongside vast R1200RTs in the poshest motorcycle dealerships in the country. They’ve got a full 10-year plan (at least) behind this model and the chances of a 17”-wheeled supermoto version within the next two years are reasonably high. Competition is good for business, and the arrival of the 450X can only be good news for the European dirtbike scene. It’s certainly very good news for the serious off-road rider.
Specifications
Price: £5,595
Engine: 449cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve single
Power: 52bhp @ 7800rpm
Torque: 40nm @ 5400rpm
Front suspension: 45mm adjustable marzocchi
Rear suspension: Öhlins monoshock, fully adjustable
Front brake: 260mm disc, four-piston caliper
Rear brake: 220mm disc, two-piston caliper
Dry weight: 111kg (claimed)
Seat height: 955mm
Fuel capacity: 8l
Top speed: 85mph (est)
Colours: White/blue
