BMW Motorrad is working on a new midsize GS, recently spotted in prototype form. The move follows the launch of the F 450 GS at EICMA 2025, which replaced the G 310 GS and marked a fresh start for BMW’s entry‑level adventure lineup.

Reports from Europe indicate BMW is benchmarking the new bike against Honda’s Transalp and Yamaha’s Ténéré 700, using both as development yardsticks. At the same time, BMW’s partner TVS — which builds the F 450 GS in India — already supplies a revised version of the parallel twin to Norton for its Atlas models. That engine comes in at 585 cc and produces 70 horsepower.

The prototype GS seems to borrow some of that engine’s DNA, yet the Atlas has differences that raise questions about how BMW will configure the motor. One of the most notable distinctions lies in the crankshaft design. Norton’s twin uses the class‑standard 270‑degree firing order, while the F 450 GS runs with an unconventional 135‑degree crankpin offset. Whether BMW will carry that unusual setup into the midsize GS remains to be seen. As for output, expectations point to somewhere around 70 hp, keeping it below the F 900 GS’s 105 hp but right in the mix with other midsize adventure machines. Weight will likely slot in between the F 450 GS and F 900 GS at around 450 pounds wet.

The chassis points to a steel bridge frame that looks closer to the F 900 GS than the entry‑level sibling, with braking components borrowed from larger models. Tubeless cross-spoke wheel sizes — 21 inches up front and 18 inches at the rear — reinforce its off‑road intent. Ample ground clearance also points to a longer-travel suspension in the 9-inch range. The bodywork still shows signs of early development, yet some design cues are already taking shape. The headlight appears inspired by the R1300 GS, though the trademark GS beak has not yet been added. The overall proportions and profile are reminiscent of the Yamaha Tenere 700, which is the model BMW is clearly aiming its sights at.

Naming also remains unknown. “F 600 GS” would fit neatly into BMW’s current scheme, while reviving the “F 650 GS” badge is another possibility. For many riders, the idea of a modern take on the old F 650 GS Dakar from the early 2000s would add an extra layer of intrigue, which could be a way BMW might connect past heritage with its future midsize offering. And as history has shown, actual displacement may not be the deciding factor — past GS models like the F 800 and F 900 GS share the same displacement (895cc) despite their different names. It’s also possible BMW will remove the current F 800 GS from the lineup once this model is launched. 

What’s clear is that BMW still has plenty of work ahead. A production‑ready midsize GS isn’t expected before 2028, but the prototype signals BMW’s intent to strengthen its hand in one of the most competitive segments of the adventure market.

Photos by Bernhard M. Hoehne