2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin
Power
73 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
193 km/h / 120 mph
Weight
564.4 pounds
2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder
Power
70 kW / 95 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
209.7 km/h / 130.3 mph
Weight
196 kg / 432 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20062007 - 08
Make ModelBMW R 1200GS AdventureDucati Multistrada 1100
Dimensions
Seat Height890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in850 mm / 33.5 in
Wheelbase1507 mm / 59.3 in1462 mm / 57.6 in
Ground Clearance-186 mm / 7.3 in
Height1450 mm / 57.1 in (excl. mirrors)-
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in-
Width915 mm / 36.0 in (incl. mirrors)-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight223 kg / 492 lbs196 kg / 432 lbs
Fuel Capacity33 Litres / 8.7 US gal20 Litres / 5.3 US gal
Wet Weight256.0 kg / 564.4 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed193 km/h / 120 mph209.7 km/h / 130.3 mph
Max Power73 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm70 kW / 95 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft-lbs @ 5500 rpm102.9 Nm / 75.9 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4450 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m24.7 sec / 190.5 km/h / 1118 mph-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.9 sec / 170.7 km/h / 106 mph12.0 sec
Engine
Engine TypeTwin-
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Stroke4-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 in.1079 cc / 65.8 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm98 x 71.5 mm
Compression Ratio11.0:110.5:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledAir cooled
Fuel Consumption6.3 L/100 km / 15.7 km/l / 36.9 US mpg-
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut off, dual ignitionFuel Injection, 45 mm throttle body
Fuel Reserve4L / 1.1 US gal-
IgnitionBMS-KMarelli electronic
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery CapacityBattery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle plate dry clutch, ∅180 mm, hydraulically operatedWet multiplate with hydraulic control
Final DriveShaftChain
Gear Ratios1st 1.583 / 2nd 1.259 / 3rd 1.033 / 4th 0.903 / 5th 0.903 / 6th 0.805:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame, engine load-bearing-
Suspension - FrontTelelever, stanchion ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable.Marzocchi 43 mm fully adjustable upside-down fork
Suspension - RearDie-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of handwheel, rebound damping adjustable.Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock; hydraulic remote pre-load control. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rake26.2°-
Trail101 mm / 4.0 in92 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front210 mm / 8.3 in165 mm / 6.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear220 mm / 8.7 in145 mm / 5.7 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorAlternator three-phase alternator 720 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front2 x 305mm discs, 4 piston caliper2 x 320 mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 245mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Rims - Front2.50 x 19-
Rims - Rear4.00 x 17-
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR19120/70 - ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17180/55 - ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

The 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure edges out the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 thanks to its larger fuel tank, higher rear wheel travel, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Larger displacement: 1170 cc vs 1079 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 220 mm vs 145 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 210 mm vs 165 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 850 mm vs 890 - 910 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure and 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100?
The 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses Twin, while the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 is powered by Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder.
Which has more power, the 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100?
The 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure produces more peak power at 73 kW, compared to 70 kW for the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100?
The 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 has the lower seat at 850 mm, making it more accessible. The 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure sits higher at 890 - 910 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100?
The 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the larger tank at approximately 33 litres vs 20 litres for the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 550-660 km vs 333-400 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100?
Both are strong choices. The 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the edge in larger fuel tank and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.