Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015 vs. BMW R 1200 GS 2015

Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015

Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

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Overview - Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015 vs BMW R 1200 GS 2015

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 are both enduro motorcycles that offer powerful engines and capabilities for both on-road and off-road riding. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

Starting with the engine specifications, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015 is equipped with a 1198.4cc engine that delivers 160 horsepower and 136 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 has a slightly smaller 1170cc engine that produces 125 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque. Both bikes have a 2-cylinder configuration, but the Ducati has a larger bore and stroke, resulting in more power and torque.

In terms of transmission, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015 uses a chain drive, while the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 utilizes a prop shaft. Chain drives are generally lighter and offer better power transfer, but they require more maintenance compared to prop shafts.

Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015

Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015

When it comes to suspension, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015 features an upside-down telescopic fork at the front, providing excellent stability and control. The BMW R 1200 GS 2015, on the other hand, utilizes a strut front suspension. While the Telelever front suspension on the BMW may take some getting used to, it offers improved comfort and stability.

In terms of braking, both bikes are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015 is praised for its superb Brembo braking system with ABS, providing excellent stopping power and safety. However, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 has been criticized for having very sharp brakes.

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1529mm compared to the 1507mm of the BMW R 1200 GS 2015. The seat height of the Ducati is slightly lower at 845mm, while the BMW sits at 850mm. The Ducati also weighs slightly less at 232kg compared to the 238kg of the BMW.

Both bikes have a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters, allowing for decent range during long rides. However, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015 has been criticized for its narrow windshield, which may not provide sufficient wind protection for some riders. Additionally, the Ducati is known to be a more expensive option compared to the BMW.

Overall, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015 offers a well-drivable and powerful engine, sensitive chassis, and a superb braking system. It also provides tunable power modes, cruise control, and the ability to combine optional equipment packages. On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 is praised for its powerful engine, low fuel consumption, comfortable seating position, and its ability to be used off-road. It also has a high reputation in the motorcycle community. However, it has a long and expensive surcharge side, and its Telelever front suspension may take some getting used to. Additionally, the brakes on the BMW have been described as very sharp.

Technical Specifications Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015 compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2015

Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015
BMW R 1200 GS 2015

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore106 mmBore101 mm
StrokeStroke67.9 mmStroke73 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpm
TorqueTorque136 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio12.5
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingAir
DisplacementDisplacement1,198.4 ccmDisplacement1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionStrut

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width190 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,190 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth1,000 mmWidth953 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,529 mmWheelbase1,507 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height845 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)232 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015

Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015

The diva from Bologna is no longer a diva at all - the Ducati Mulitstrada 1200 behaves exactly as you would expect from a touring enduro. The predecessor was already agile, but the current Multi now also impresses with smooth manners in all speed ranges. This could seem almost boring to true fans of the old Mulitstrada, but makes it more usable overall. In tight corners, it needs a little more pressure than the competition, but it also draws a nice line and in hairpin bends, thanks to the DVT system, the now predictable attack from far below is very beneficial. When the bends get wider, the Multistrada 1200 draws on the full power of its 160 hp in the upper rev range, which only a few competitors can keep up with. The seating position has also been eased compared to its predecessor, and the rider now sits much more comfortably in front of the wide handlebars.

Well-drivable, powerful engine

sensitive chassis

superb Brembo braking system with ABS

tunable power modes

cruise control

optional equipment packages can be combined.

Windshield rather narrow

not a cheap pleasure

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

A GS is at home almost anywhere - but only to a limited extent on the racetrack. It's a pleasure to feel the power of the partially water-cooled boxer twin cylinder on the exit of the bend - 125 hp only seems much weaker on paper than 150 or even 160 hp on the competition. With 125 Newton metres of torque, the acceleration from the bottom is superb anyway and the GS, at 238 kilos ready to ride, does not carry too much flab despite its bulky appearance. In very tight corners, the low centre of gravity also has a positive effect - the BMW R 1200 GS is very hard to crack! Even the front telelever suspension, which suppresses the front wheel's tendency to sink in when braking, fits perfectly into the overall package on the GS and can only slightly detract from its sporty character.

Powerful engine

low fuel consumption

comfortable seating position

can also be used off-road

high reputation

Long and expensive surcharge side

Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to

Brake very sharp.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Ducati Multistrada 1200 vs BMW R 1200 GS

There are a few key differences between a Ducati Multistrada 1200 2015 and a BMW R 1200 GS 2015. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 66 days compared to 93 days for the Ducati Multistrada 1200. Since model year 2010 1000PS.de editors have written 13 reviews for the Ducati Multistrada 1200 and 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS since model year 2005. The first review for the Ducati Multistrada 1200 was published on 02/11/2009 and now has more than 3,700 views. This compares to more than 19,100 views for the first review on BMW R 1200 GS published on 20/01/2004.

Price Ducati Multistrada 1200

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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