BMW R 12 G/S 2025 vs. Ducati DesertX 2026

BMW R 12 G/S 2025

BMW R 12 G/S 2025

Ducati DesertX 2026

Ducati DesertX 2026

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Technical Specifications BMW R 12 G/S 2025 compared to Ducati DesertX 2026

BMW R 12 G/S 2025
Ducati DesertX 2026

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeV
BoreBore101 mmBore96 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke61.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power109 HPEngine power110.3 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque115 NmTorque92 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12 Compression Ratio13.1
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore50 mmThrottle Bore52 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeToughened, DryClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping, Clutch systems
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingOil-airCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement890 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter46 mm
TravelTravel210 mmTravel230 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionParaleverSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialSteel

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engineFrame typeMonocoque
RakeRake63.1 degreeRake27 degree
TrailTrail120.8 mmTrail114 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, MonoblockTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter265 mmDiameter265 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Engine drag torque control, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Engine drag torque control, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie, Modern electronics, Comfort, EBC, Engine management, Variable valve timing, Ducati Quick Shift DQS, DTC

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,580 mmWheelbase1,615 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height860 mmSeat Height880 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15.5 lFuel Tank Capacity18 l
RangeRange313 kmRange333 km
Combined CO2 emissionsCombined CO2 emissions119 g/kmCombined CO2 emissions125 g/km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption5.1 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption5.4 l/100km
Euro NormEuro NormEuro 5+Euro NormEuro 5+

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentHeated grips, Keyless System, LED daytime running lights, LED-HeadlightsEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, USB socket, Modern electronics, Automatic turn signal reset, Charging & power, Lighting

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 12 G/S 2025

BMW R 12 G/S 2025

The BMW R12 G/S is not a sensible GS, but an emotional one. It is aimed at tall, experienced riders who value character, directness and the classic boxer feeling more highly than comfort, electronics and suitability for everyday use. Those who understand and can ride it will get a bike with real charisma and rare riding pleasure - everyone else will not be happy with it.

charismatic air/oil-cooled boxer

direct, analogue riding feel

surprisingly comfortable seat

stable, sporty suspension on good roads

high-quality overall impression

independent character

high-quality mechanical overall impression

Demanding seat height

difficult manoeuvring

limited motorway capability

little wind protection

noticeable vibrations on the handlebars

noticeable load change reactions

Ducati DesertX 2026

Ducati DesertX 2026

The new DesertX is the last Ducati model to be based on the new 890cc V2 engine. And it is also the model that benefits most from the new engine. It is still as sporty, adventurous and stable as before, but can also score points in everyday use or on more technical off-road terrain thanks to the sociable engine. The greatest room for improvement is in long-distance comfort, but that is already complaining at a high height. The new DesertX is a very well-rounded overall package, with plenty of performance on and off the tarmac and hardly any weaknesses worth mentioning.

Very controllable, yet sporty and revvy V2 engine

strong torque at low revs

very good gear ratios

high chassis stability

very good off-road ergonomics

finely tuned electronics

good feel for the front wheel

precise modulation of the front brake

pragmatic improvements compared to the previous model

cruise control, quickshifter and USB-A and USB-C as standard

Hardly any weight saving compared to the predecessor

smaller main tank - moderate range of just under 300 km

wind protection at 1.85 m on the helmet rather mediocre

quickshifter sometimes sensitive to unintentional contact with boots

rear brake with a lot of idle travel

pillion footrest somewhat in the way with large boots

Price Comparison Average Market Price BMW R 12 G/S vs Ducati DesertX

Price BMW R 12 G/S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Ducati DesertX

Model year
Current average market prices

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