2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure 2012 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
2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom 2013 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
252 kg / 555 lbs (with accessories)
Full Specifications
General
CommentsBlata is from the Czech Republic.-
Year20122012 - 13
ColoursMagma red-
Make ModelBMW R 1200GS AdventureSuzuki DL 1000 V-Strom
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)765 mm-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)30.1 inches-
Seat Height890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in.840 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.1335 mm / 52.5 in
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in.2285 mm / 89.9 in
Width915 mm / 36.0 in.910 mm / 37.0 in (without accessories)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight223 kg / 492 lbs-
Fuel Capacity33 L / 8.7 US gal22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Wet Weight256 kg / 564 lbs (road ready, fully fueled )252 kg / 555 lbs (with accessories)
Performance
Top Speed193 km/h / 120 mph 207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph
Max Power81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm
Max Torque120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm101 Nm / 10.3 kg-m / 74.5 lb-ft @ 6400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2152 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m-23.3 sec / 199 km/h / 123.7 mph
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.6 sec12.2 sec / 181 km/h / 112.5 mph
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke-
CO2106.7 CO-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.996 cc / 60.8 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 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 Ratio12.0:111.3:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
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 with 45mm throttle bodies
Fuel Reserve4L / 1.1 US gal-
IgnitionBMS-KElectronic ignition
Spark Plug-NGK, CR8EK
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle-plate dry clutch, ∅180mmWet, multiple discs, hydraulic
Final DriveShaftChain, RK525 SMOZ7, 112 links
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 unitAluminium, 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
Rake25.7°-
SeatTwo section dual seat with variable height riders seat-
Trail101 mm / 3.97 in.110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front210 mm / 8.3 in.160 mm / 6.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear220 mm / 8.7 in.162 mm / 6.4 in
Electrical Systems
Electrical SystemAlternator three-phase alternator 720 W Battery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Lighting system12V 55W headlight-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches-
Brakes - Front2 x ∅305mm Discs, 4 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS2 x 310mm discs, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABSSingle 260 mm disc, 1 piston caliper.
RimsCross-spoke wheels-
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR19110/80 R19
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17150/70 R17
Wheels - Front2.50 x 19"-
Wheels - Rear4.00 x 17"-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

The 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure edges out the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom thanks to its more peak power, 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

2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 81 kW vs 72 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 120 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.

2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - Advantages

  • 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.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure and 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke, while the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom is powered by Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.. This is a fundamental difference - the 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is a two-stroke engine while the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which has more power, the 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure produces more peak power at 81 kW, compared to 72 kW for the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom has the lower seat at 840 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the larger tank at approximately 33 litres vs 22 litres for the 2013 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the edge in more peak power and higher torque, while the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.