BMW R 1200 GS 2017 vs. Ducati DesertX 2022

The BMW R 1200 GS 2017 and the Ducati DesertX 2022 are both enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and specifications.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 is equipped with a Boxer engine that has a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm. It delivers a powerful engine power of 125 HP and a torque of 125 Nm. The transmission is a prop shaft and it has 2 cylinders with a displacement of 1170 ccm. On the other hand, the Ducati DesertX 2022 has a V engine type with a bore of 94 mm and a stroke of 67.5 mm. It has a slightly lower engine power of 110 HP and a torque of 92 Nm. The transmission is a chain and it also has 2 cylinders with a displacement of 937 ccm.

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

Moving on to the suspension, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has a front suspension that is a strut with preload adjustment, while the rear suspension is a single swing arm with preload adjustment. The chassis is made of steel and has a twin tube, load-bearing engine frame type. The front brakes are double disk type. The front tire diameter is 19 inches and the rear tire width is 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1507 mm and the seat height is 850 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 238 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 20 liters.

In comparison, the Ducati DesertX 2022 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. The rear suspension is a swing arm with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. The chassis is also made of steel but has a tubular frame type. The front brakes are double disk type. The front tire diameter is 21 inches and the rear tire width is 150 mm with a diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase is slightly longer at 1608 mm and the seat height is higher at 875 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is slightly lower at 223 kg and the fuel tank capacity is slightly higher at 21 liters.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 is praised for its mature concept, strong engine, easy handling, powerful brakes, adjustable modes and traction control, extensive equipment range, good image, and value retention. On the other hand, the Ducati DesertX 2022 is praised for its great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, powerful engine, powerful brakes, and well-thought-out detail solutions. It also comes with extensive standard equipment.

Ducati DesertX 2022

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses as well. The BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has many features that come at an extra cost and the boxer engine may be exposed in really tough terrain. The Ducati DesertX 2022 has a smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range, suspension response slightly behind that of the fork, a very high, non-adjustable seat height, and little space and no handholds for a pillion passenger.

Overall, both the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 and the Ducati DesertX 2022 have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and riding style when choosing between the two.