2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
193 km/h / 120 mph
Weight
564.4 pounds
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
Year20102009
ColoursYellow, gray-
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-
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in-
Width915 mm / 36.0 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight223 kg / 492 lbs196 kg / 432 lbs
Fuel Capacity33 L / 8.7 US gal20 Litres / 5.3 US gal
Wet Weight256 kg / 564 lbs (road ready, fully fueled )-
Performance
Top Speed193 km/h / 120 mph209.7 km/h / 130.3 mph
Max Power81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm88 kW / 95 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm102 Nm / 10.4 kgf-m / 75.9 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4630 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.6 sec12.0 sec
Engine
Fuel ControlSOHC-
CO2106.7 CO-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.1078 cc / 65.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 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 Ratio12.0:110.0:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledAir cooled
ExhaustClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Exhaust managementFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption6.3 L/100 km / 15.7 km/l / 36.9 US mpg-
Fuel InductionBMS-K+, 50mm Throttle butterfly diaFuel Injection, 45 mm throttle body
Fuel Reserve4L / 1.1 US gal-
IgnitionBMS-K / electricMarelli electronic
Starter-Electric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle-plate dry clutch, ∅180mmWet multiplate with hydraulic control
Final DriveShaftChain
Gear Ratios1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel frame, load-bearing power unit-
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
Rake25.7°-
Trail101 mm / 3.97 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
Electrical SystemAlternator three-phase alternator 720 W Battery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
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 - Front2x ∅305mm Discs, 4 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS2 x 320 mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABSSingle 245mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR19120/70 - ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17180/55 - ZR17
Wheels - Front2.50 x 19"-
Wheels - Rear4.00 x 17"-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S

The 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S edges out the 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure thanks to its more peak power, lighter kerb weight, lower seat height, fuel injection and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 120 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 81 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.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure and 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S?
The 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke, while the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S is powered by Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder. This is a fundamental difference - the 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is a two-stroke engine while the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which is lighter, the 2010 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 2010 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 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S?
The 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S produces more peak power at 88 kW, compared to 81 kW for the 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2010 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 2010 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 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S?
The 2010 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 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S?
Both are strong choices. The 2010 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.