Editor Siddhartha Sharma and presenter Ankur Taneja tested the BMW F 450 GS and the KTM 390 Duke motorcycles in Goa, India [1].

The evaluation explores how the smallest GS model in the BMW lineup performs and whether the updated KTM 390 Duke maintains its characteristic thrill [1]. These tests provide insight into the competitive landscape of entry-level premium motorcycles in the Indian market.

During the trials, Sharma operated the BMW F 450 GS to determine what makes the bike unique within its category [1]. The motorcycle is positioned as a versatile option for riders seeking a balance of adventure and urban agility. In India, the BMW F 450 GS carries a starting price of Rs 4.70 lakh (ex-showroom) [2]. The top-end pricing for the model reaches Rs 5.30 lakh (ex-showroom) [2].

Simultaneously, Taneja put the KTM 390 Duke through its paces to assess its handling and power delivery [1]. While some reports suggest a comparison with the KTM 390 Adventure S, the NDTV AutoMate session focused on the Duke model [1].

The testing took place across the diverse terrain of Goa, allowing the riders to experience coastal roads, and varied surfaces. This environment is often used to simulate the mixed-use conditions that target buyers of these specific motorcycle segments.

The BMW F 450 GS represents a strategic move to lower the entry barrier for the GS brand. By offering a smaller displacement engine, BMW aims to attract younger riders or those transitioning from smaller displacement bikes without sacrificing the adventure aesthetic. The KTM 390 Duke, meanwhile, continues to compete as a benchmark for performance in the sub-500cc naked bike segment [1].

“The BMW F 450 GS carries a starting price of Rs 4.70 lakh (ex-showroom).”

The introduction and testing of the BMW F 450 GS signal a shift toward the 'downsizing' trend in the premium adventure segment. By competing against established performance models like the KTM 390 Duke, BMW is attempting to capture a broader demographic of urban commuters who desire off-road capability, potentially challenging KTM's dominance in the small-capacity premium market in India.