BMW F 450 GS

autocar.india

•7w

Since most of your riding is going to be in gridlocked Mumbai traffic, the Trophy variant of the BMW F 450 GS with the centrifugal clutch is the one that makes the most sense. Yes, there will be a small adaptation window, but once you get used to the clutch, it is a very handy feature to have - not having to use the clutch lever in traffic is a boon! To be sure, take a test ride before you make your decision.

autocar.india

•21w

Sadly, in India, if you're looking for a decently priced sub-500cc, twin-cylinder adventure bike, then you'll have to extend your wait as there's nothing currently or on the horizon either. The BMW F 450 GS is, all things said and done, the somewhat palatable option because the Honda NX500 - as accomplished a bike as it is - simply cannot justify its steep Rs 7.44 lakh ex-showroom asking price, even with its super convenient and non-intrusive E-Clutch technology. We'd advise you to also take a look at the mid-spec Exclusive variant of the 450 GS because that has pretty much every option that you'd need and want ticked without the centrifugal clutch seen on the top Trophy model. Its also a good chunk more affordable to buy. If you're okay with making your peace with the alloy wheels, then you also save the moolah that BMW wants you to shell out for the pretty - but pricey - cross-spoke wheels. Unless you're a hardcore off-road rider, these spoked wheels bring no functional improvement and sticking with the alloys is the sensible bet. You could also purchase them a little later on, if your heart is really set on them. Coming to the Aprilia Tuareg 457, there’s no clear India launch or even global reveal timeline yet.

autocar.india

•43w

We have not yet ridden either the Norton Atlas or the BMW F 450 GS, so we can't comment on the riding dynamics of either machine. We would suggest you wait until you can see multiple reviews of both bikes before purchasing either one to err on the side of caution.

autocar.india

•2w

Considering that the KTM 390 Adventure is a bike that (at most) costs Rs 4 lakh, while the Honda NX500 E-Clutch is nearly Rs 7.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi prices for both), there's little to be compared between the two on these terms. The KTM is surely the more sporty, the more off-road ready and the more feature-laden bike of the two, but at the same time its polarising looks, buzzy and gruff engine and mediocre suspension (on the 350cc and 398cc X variant) are some areas where it should do better. Since you bought a first-gen 390 Duke and you didn't gel with it, perhaps that could very well ring true for the 390 Adventure as well. The NX500, on the other hand, is a calm, smooth and composed machine but isn't what you'd call exciting. It is definitely more road-biased and is best thought of as a tourer that can handle bad roads than an out-and-out off-roader. We'd recommend you take a look at the BMW F 450 GS too, if you're shopping in this category as it brings a different flavour to the table.

autocar.india

•3w

The BMW F 450 GS is the only twin-cylinder adventure motorcycle that fits in your budget, while the Honda NX500 E-Clutch is another option you can check out. That said, both these motorcycles are not a significant upgrade over your Himalayan 450 in terms of performance and the on-road price of the NX500 E-Clutch stretches over your Rs 8 lakh budget. We suggest you wait until the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 and the Norton Atlas GT will be available in the Indian market. Take a test ride of both these motorcycles and pick which one suits you best.