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For BMW, the words "high performance" don't apply to street bikes only. The G450X is race-ready
and street-legal. Serious
dual-sport riders and enduro competitors everywhere are taking notice of this new bike.The G450X breaks new technical ground in the offroad world,. It is powerful, lightweight, and has a superb suspension right out of the box. The rear shock is a rebuildable, tuneable, Ohlins unit and the hefty inverted forks with fully adjustable damping are by Marzocchi. A unique and important feature is the rear suspension layout. The swingarm (forged aluminum, of course) pivots are exactly in line with the countershaft sprocket. This Holy Grail of rear suspension design decouples the suspension action from the transmission of power. Traction under power is improved by reducing the "hopping" effect as the rear wheel slips and catches.
The all-new engine is all-BMW, cooled by an aluminum radiator and fed by electronic fuel injection.
With its standard catalytic converter, it is clean and quiet. Horsepower is 41 at 7000 rpm in street trim, bumped to an impressive
52 horsepower by installing the optional "off-road use only" coding plug (provided with the bike). A
balance shaft and electric starting ensure that creature comforts, even on this BMW, are not entirely forgotten.
Fine details abound: under-seat fuel tank, aluminum handlebars, magnesium engine parts, stainless steel
exhaust system and wheel spokes. The entire main frame is also made of stainless steel.
At $9500 with a three-year limited warranty, the BMW is priced right in the middle of this segment, backed by a far superior warranty and a strong dealer and parts network.
The G450X scored second-in-class to the worldwide competition in the 2009 World Enduro Championship.
At home, Canadian Guy Giroux achieved the same placing in the Canadian Enduro Championship.
Available accessories include:
web@wolfbmw.com
