BMW F 450 GS vs Honda NX 500: Specs, pricing compared

Following the recent launch of the BMW F 450 GS in India, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has updated the Honda NX500 with the brand’s new E-Clutch technology. The adventure tourer is now priced at Rs 7.43 lakh, ex-showroom, making it significantly more expensive than BMW’s newly launched middleweight ADV rival. Here’s a detailed look at how the BMW F 450 GS and Honda NX500 compare in terms of pricing and engine specs. It should be noted that the NX500, besides the addition of the E-Clutch system, remains unchanged. Under the bodywork, the BMW F 450 GS gets a newly developed 420 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine producing around 48 hp and 43 Nm of torque. The motor comes paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The headline feature here is the Easy Ride Clutch. This centrifugal clutch system allows the bike to move off from a standstill and crawl in traffic without requiring clutch lever input. The clutch automatically engages above around 2,700 rpm, helping prevent stalling during stop-and-go riding conditions.The Honda NX500, meanwhile, uses a larger 471 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that develops 47 hp and 43 Nm. It is also paired with a 6-speed gearbox. While the power figures are close, Honda’s highlight is the new E-Clutch system, which automatically engages and disengages the clutch electronically during starts and gearshifts. Riders still need to use the gear lever manually, but clutch lever operation becomes optional.The BMW F 450 GS is offered in three variants: Base, Exclusive and GS Trophy, priced at Rs 4.70 lakh, Rs 4.90 lakh and Rs 5.30 lakh respectively. The ERC system is available exclusively on the top-spec GS Trophy variant which places it against the newly-launched Honda NX500 E-Clutch version. It is priced significantly higher at Rs 7.43 lakh, ex-showroom.