BMW Motorrad dealers across Australia are gearing up for the much-anticipated arrival of the all-new, highly-innovative and race-bred BMW G 450 X Sport Enduro.

The first shipments of this potent machine arrive in showrooms on 20 September 2008, wearing a highly attractive price-tag of $12,450, plus dealer delivery and on road costs.

The BMW G 450 X offers exceptional features and performance in this extremely competitive market segment.

The 450 cc engine is all new, though it picks up some cylinder head technology developed by BMW for the K Series four-cylinder engine.

The 449.5 cc engine develops a peak of 38 kW (52 hp) at 9,000 rpm and 44 Nm of torque at 7,800 rpm.

The BMW G 450 X is fully road legal. In addition to its advanced BMW engine technology, including fuel injection for fuss-free starting and instant power, it has an innovative drive train and suspension layout as well as an Öhlins Shock absorber as standard equipment.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport completed the development of this machine in the crucible of world class competition in 2007 entering an early prototype in the World Enduro Championships where it scored points on debut.

Since then, a very active competition campaign through the World Enduro Championship as well as national European Championships have seen the development riders atop the podium, and placing well in the world's toughest events such as the Erzberg Enduro.

BMW Motorrad Australia brought one of those early prototype racers to Australia late in 2007 to show off the bike in one of the most important enduro markets in the world. The response was extremely positive with high levels of interest expressed especially from non-BMW owners.

As a result BMW Motorrad Australia and its dealers are expecting a high level of demand for early stocks.

"We are very excited the BMW G 450 X will be offered to the Australian market at just $12,450," said Miles Davis, Marketing Manager, BMW Motorrad Australia and New Zealand.

"We saw how good it was in the hands of Joel Smets at the A4DE earlier this year, when he impressed thousands of enduro fans on a basically standard spec version.

"Early feedback from a few lucky pro-riders to whom we have shown the bike has been very positive. The common theme is amazement at how light the bike feels, how agile it is and how powerful, usable and responsive the motor is.

"Much of the agility is due to its light weight, at just 111 kg dry, and the low centre of gravity. The rider have noted how strong, crisp and smooth the motor is, while the fuel injection system seems far superior to the carburettors that most 450's use.

"We have worked hard to ensure we reach the market with a bike that is well priced, and probably far more competitive than many people would have expected, especially considering the high standard specification.

"We are really excited about the impending launch as we are sure it will be a stand out in the enduro segment," Miles said.

For further press/media information contact:

Alexander Corne
Communications and Specialist Media Manager
BMW Group Australia
Phone: 03 9264 4150
Fax: 03 9562 2799
Mobile: 0439 568 819
Email: alexander.corne@bmw.com.au