MotoSpecs

2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom

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 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm
Top Speed
207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph
Weight
236 Kg / 520 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20082008 - 09
Make ModelBMW R 1200GS AdventureSuzuki DL 1000 V-Strom
Dimensions
Seat Height890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in840 mm / 33.1 in
Wheelbase1507 mm / 59.3 in1535 mm / 60.4 in
Ground Clearance-165 mm / 6.5 in
Height1450 mm / 57.1 in (excl. mirrors)1335 mm / 52.5 in
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in2285 mm / 89.9 in
Width915 mm / 36.0 in (incl. mirrors)910 mm / 37.0 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight223 kg / 492 lbs-
Fuel Capacity33 Litres / 8.7 US gal22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Wet Weight256 kg / 564.4 lbs236 Kg / 520 lbs
Performance
Top Speed193 km/h / 120 mph 207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph
Max Power73 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft-lbs @ 5500 rpm101 Nm / 10.3 kg-m / 74.5 lb-ft @ 6400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4630 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m24.7 sec / 190.5 km/h / 1118 mph23.3 sec / 199 km/h / 123.7 mph
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.9 sec / 170.7 km/h / 106 mph12.2 sec / 181 km/h / 112.5 mph
Engine
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer-
Stroke4-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 in.996 cc / 60.8 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 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 66 mm
Compression Ratio11.0:111.3:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid 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 with 45mm throttle bodies
Fuel Reserve4L / 1.1 US gal-
IgnitionBMS-KElectronic ignition
Spark Plug-NGK, CR8EK
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery CapacityBattery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle plate dry clutch, ∅180 mm, hydraulically operatedWet, multiple discs, hydraulic
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-bearingAluminium, twin spar
Suspension - FrontTelelever, stanchion ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable.Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, 43mm forks
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, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable for preload and rebound damping
Rake24.8°-
Trail101 mm / 4.0 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front210 mm / 8.3 in160 mm / 6.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear220 mm / 8.7 in162 mm / 6.4 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorAlternator three-phase alternator 720 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches-
Brakes - Front2 x 305mm discs, 4 piston caliper2 x 310mm discs, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 260 mm disc, 1 piston caliper.
Rims - Front2.50 x 19-
Rims - Rear4.00 x 17-
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR19110/80 R19
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17150/70 R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure edges out the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom 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 101 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 996 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 220 mm vs 162 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 210 mm vs 160 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - Advantages

  • Lighter: 236 Kg vs 256 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 840 mm vs 890 - 910 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure and 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom is powered by Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom is lighter at 236 Kg compared to 256 kg for the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - a difference of 20 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom has the lower seat at 840 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 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the larger tank at approximately 33 litres vs 22 litres for the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 550-660 km vs 366-440 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the edge in higher torque and larger fuel tank, while the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom stands out for lighter kerb weight and 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.

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