2016 BMW R 1200 RS vs 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 BMW R 1200 RS 2016 BMW R 1200 RS

All-Round

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
520.3 pounds
2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

All-Round

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder
Power
55 kW / 75 hp @ 8250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
207 kg / 456 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSwitchable ABS.-
Year-2017
ColoursLupin Blue/Light Metallic Grey, Granite Grey Metallic Matte-
Make Model-Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
Dimensions
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in.860 mm / 33.9 in - low seat 840 mm / 33.0 in available as accessory
Wheelbase1,527 mm / 60.1 in.1505 mm / 59.3 in
Height1,273 mm / 50.1 in.1213 mm / 47.8 in (brake reservoir)
Length2,202 mm / 86.7 in.2200 mm / 86.6 in
Width925 mm / 36.4 in.940 mm / 37.0 in (mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs191 kg / 421 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons13.5 Litres / 3.57 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal
Wet Weight236.0 kg / 520.3 lbs207 kg / 456 lbs
Performance
Max Power-55 kW / 75 hp @ 8250 rpm
Max Torque125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions68 Nm / 6.9 kgf-m / 50 ft-lb @ 5750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.6231 HP/kg-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 2.9 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)101.0 x 73.0 mm-
CO295.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement-803 cc / 49.0 cu in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection-
Bore x Stroke-88 x 66 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:111:1
Cooling System-Air cooled
Emissions-Euro 4
Engine LubricationWet sump-
Exhaust-Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, aluminium tail pipes
Fuel Consumption4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)5.0 L/100km / 20 km/l / 47 US mpg / 56 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction-Electronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body
Fuel Reserve3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchOil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operatedAPTC wet multiplate with mechanical control
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Chain; front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 46
Gear Ratios-1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveConstant mesh-
Primary Drive Ratios-Straight cut gears; ratio 1.85:1
Transmission / Drive-6-Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engineTubular steel Trellis frame
Suspension - FrontTelescopic Upside-Down fork46mm Fully adjustable usd fork
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad ParaleverKayaba rear shock, pre-load and rebound adjustable. Aluminium double-sided swingarm
Rake27.7°24°
Trail115 mm / 4.5 in.112 mm / 4.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in.200 mm / 7.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in.200 mm / 7.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)276 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.9 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.Single 330 mm disc, radial 4-piston calliper with ABS as standard equipment
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.Single 245 mm disc, 1-piston floating calliper with ABS as standard equipment
RimsCast aluminum wheels-
Tyres - Front120/70-17Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 120/70 R19
Tyres - Rear180/55-17Pirelli Scorpion? Rally STR 170/60 R17
Wheels - Front-Spoked aluminium wheel 3,00" x 19"
Wheels - Rear-Spoked aluminium wheel 4,50" x 17"

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2016 BMW R 1200 RS and the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2016 BMW R 1200 RS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 860 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2016 BMW R 1200 RS vs 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 BMW R 1200 RS and 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled?
The 2016 BMW R 1200 RS uses Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke, while the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is powered by Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder. This is a fundamental difference - the 2016 BMW R 1200 RS is a two-stroke engine while the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 BMW R 1200 RS or the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled?
The 2016 BMW R 1200 RS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled sits higher at 860 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2016 BMW R 1200 RS or the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 BMW R 1200 RS has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled stands out for higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.