MotoSpecs

2005 BMW R 1200GS vs 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2005 BMW R 1200GS 2005 BMW R 1200GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
213 km/h / 132 mph
Weight
496.0 pounds
2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder
Power
70 kW / 95 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
209.7 km/h / 130.3 mph
Weight
196 kg / 432 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20052007 - 08
Make ModelBMW R 1200GSDucati Multistrada 1100
Dimensions
Seat Height895 - 915 mm / 35.2 - 36.0 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 Weight199 kg / 439 lbs196 kg / 432 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.2 US gal20 Litres / 5.3 US gal
Wet Weight225 kg / 496 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed213 km/h / 132 mph209.7 km/h / 130.3 mph
Max Power72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm70 kW / 95 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft-lbs @ 5500 rpm102.9 Nm / 75.9 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4852 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m23.3 sec / 207 km/h / 129 mph-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.3 sec / 181.5 km/h / 112.8 mph12.0 sec
Engine
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Stroke4-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 in.1079 cc / 65.8 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/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut-off, dual ignition-
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm98 x 71.5 mm
Compression Ratio11.0:110.5:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledAir cooled
Fuel Consumption5.5 L/100 km / 18.0 km/l / 42.4 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.Marzocchi 43 mm fully adjustable upside-down fork
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.Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock; hydraulic remote pre-load control. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rake27.1°-
Trail101 mm / 4.0 in92 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in.165 mm / 6.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in.145 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
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR19120/70 - ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17180/55 - ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2005 BMW R 1200GS

The 2005 BMW R 1200GS edges out the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 thanks to its 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

2005 BMW R 1200GS - Advantages

  • Larger displacement: 1170 cc vs 1079 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 145 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 190 mm vs 165 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 196 kg vs 225 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 850 mm vs 895 - 915 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2005 BMW R 1200GS vs 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2005 BMW R 1200GS and 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100?
The 2005 BMW R 1200GS uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 is powered by Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2005 BMW R 1200GS or the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100?
The 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 is lighter at 196 kg compared to 225 kg for the 2005 BMW R 1200GS - a difference of 29 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2005 BMW R 1200GS or the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100?
The 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 has the lower seat at 850 mm, making it more accessible. The 2005 BMW R 1200GS sits higher at 895 - 915 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2005 BMW R 1200GS or the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100?
Both are strong choices. The 2005 BMW R 1200GS has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100 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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