2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
73 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
193 km/h / 120 mph
Weight
256 kg / 564.4 lbs
2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder
Power
88 kW / 95 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
209.7 km/h / 130.3 mph
Weight
196 kg / 432 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20082009
Make ModelBMW R 1200GS AdventureDucati Multistrada 1100S
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 kg / 564.4 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed193 km/h / 120 mph209.7 km/h / 130.3 mph
Max Power73 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm88 kW / 95 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft-lbs @ 5500 rpm102 Nm / 10.4 kgf-m / 75.9 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4630 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
Stroke4-
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 in.1078 cc / 65.7 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. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition-
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm98 x 71.5 mm
Compression Ratio11.0:110.0:1
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.43 mm inverted telescopic fork Öhlins, fully adjustable, TIN treated fork legs
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.Swingarm with mono-shock Öhlins, fully adjustable
Rake24.8°-
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

2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure edges out the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S thanks to its higher torque, 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

2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 102 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Larger displacement: 1170 cc vs 1078 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.

2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 88 kW vs 73 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lighter: 196 kg vs 256 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 850 mm vs 890 - 910 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure and 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S is powered by Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S?
The 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S is lighter at 196 kg compared to 256 kg for the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - a difference of 60 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S?
The 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S produces more peak power at 88 kW, compared to 73 kW for the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S?
The 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S has the lower seat at 850 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 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 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the larger tank at approximately 33 litres vs 20 litres for the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 550-660 km vs 333-400 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the edge in higher torque and larger fuel tank, while the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S stands out for more peak power and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.