2013 BMW R 1200GS LC vs 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 BMW R 1200GS LC 2013 BMW R 1200GS LC

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
215.4 km/h / 133.8 mph
Weight
238 kg / 525 lbs
2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder
Power
110.3 kW / 150 hp @ 9250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
217 kg / 478 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20132013
Make ModelBMW R 1200GS LCDucati Multistrada 1200
Dimensions
Seat Height850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in850 mm / 33.4 in
Wheelbase1507 mm / 59.3 in1530mm / 60.2 in
Height1450 mm / 57.1 in1310 mm / 51.5 in
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in2200 mm / 86.6 in
Width953 mm / 37.5 in945 mm / 37.2 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight205 kg / 452 lbs 188 kg / 417 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Liters / 5.3 US gal20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal
Wet Weight238 kg / 525 lbs217 kg / 478 lbs
Performance
Top Speed215.4 km/h / 133.8 mph-
Max Power92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm110.3 kW / 150 hp @ 9250 rpm
Max Torque125 Nm /12.7 kgf-m / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm124.5 Nm / 12.7 kgm / 91.8 lb-ft @ 7500rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.7 sec-
Engine
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in1198.4 cc / 73.1 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mmFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm106 x 67.9 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:111.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid / Air cooledLiquid cooled
Exhaust-Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes
Exhaust managementFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption5.7 L/100 km / 17.6 km/l / 41.4 US mpg-
Fuel InductionThrottle valve: 52 mm Carburetion: BMS-X Emission control: Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converterMitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1.0 US gal-
Fuel TypePremium unleaded (95 RON)-
IgnitionBMS-K Marelli electronic
Lubrication-Wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 11.8 maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchAnti-hopping wet clutchLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
Final DriveShaftChain #530, front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 40
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.059 / 5th 0.943 / 6th 0.848:11st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 27/20 / 4th 24/22 / 5th 23/24 / 6th 22/25
Transmission / Drive2.91:16 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeConstruction type tubular steel bridge frame, engine self-supportingTubular steel trellis frame
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion 37 mm, central spring strutMarzocchi 50 mm fully adjustable USD forks
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring preload hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheelProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rake-25°
Steering Head Angle64.5 °-
Trail-110 mm / 4.33 in
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in170 mm / 6.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear220 mm / 7.9 in170 mm / 6.7 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 510 W (nominal power)-
Electrical SystemAlternator 620 W Battery /Ah 12V/12 maintenance-free Headlight H7W / LED (SA) Starter 0.9 kW-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 305mm Hydraulically actuated twin disc brake, BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (standard, part intergal, disengageable)2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers, 4-piston, 2-pad. ABS as standard equipment
Brakes - RearSingle 275mm disc, 2 piston caliper, BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (standard, part intergal, disengageable)Single 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Rims - Front3.00 x 19-
Rims - Rear4.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 R19120/70 - ZR17
Tyres - Rear170/60 R 17190/55 - ZR17
Wheel Caster99.6 mm / 3.9 in.-
Wheels - FrontCast aluminum wheels and spokes or laced wire spokes10-spoke light alloy, 3.50 x 17
Wheels - RearCast aluminum wheels and spokes or laced wire spokes10-spoke light alloy, 6.00 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200

The 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200 edges out the 2013 BMW R 1200GS LC thanks to its lighter kerb weight, 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

2013 BMW R 1200GS LC - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 220 mm vs 170 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 190 mm vs 170 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 217 kg vs 238 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • 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.

2013 BMW R 1200GS LC vs 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2013 BMW R 1200GS LC and 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200?
The 2013 BMW R 1200GS LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm, while the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200 is powered by Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2013 BMW R 1200GS LC or the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200?
The 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200 is lighter at 217 kg compared to 238 kg for the 2013 BMW R 1200GS LC - a difference of 21 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 2013 BMW R 1200GS LC or the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 BMW R 1200GS LC has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200 stands out for lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.