MotoSpecs

2006 BMW R 1200GS vs 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2006 BMW R 1200GS 2006 BMW R 1200GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin
Power
72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
213 km/h / 132 mph
Weight
496.0 pounds
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
Year20062008 - 09
Make ModelBMW R 1200GSSuzuki DL 1000 V-Strom
Dimensions
Seat Height895 - 915 mm / 35.2 - 36.0 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 Weight199 kg / 439 lbs-
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.2 US gal22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Wet Weight225 kg / 496 lbs236 Kg / 520 lbs
Performance
Top Speed213 km/h / 132 mph 207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph
Max Power72 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 Ratio0.4986 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m23.3 sec / 207 km/h / 129 mph23.3 sec / 199 km/h / 123.7 mph
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.3 sec / 181.5 km/h / 112.8 mph12.2 sec / 181 km/h / 112.5 mph
Engine
Stroke4-
Engine TypeTwin-
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/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut-off, dual ignition-
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm98 X 66 mm
Compression Ratio11.0:111.3:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid 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 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
Rake27.1°-
Trail101 mm / 4.0 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in.160 mm / 6.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in.162 mm / 6.4 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 310mm discs, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle ∅265 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 260 mm disc, 1 piston caliper.
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR19110/80 R19
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17150/70 R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2006 BMW R 1200GS

The 2006 BMW R 1200GS edges out the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom thanks to its higher torque, 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

2006 BMW R 1200GS - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 101 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger displacement: 1170 cc vs 996 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 162 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 190 mm vs 160 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 840 mm vs 895 - 915 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2006 BMW R 1200GS vs 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2006 BMW R 1200GS and 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2006 BMW R 1200GS uses Twin, 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 2006 BMW R 1200GS or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2006 BMW R 1200GS is lighter at 225 kg compared to 236 Kg for the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - a difference of 11 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2006 BMW R 1200GS 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 2006 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 has the larger fuel tank, the 2006 BMW R 1200GS or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom has the larger tank at approximately 22 litres vs 20 litres for the 2006 BMW R 1200GS. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 366-440 km vs 333-400 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2006 BMW R 1200GS or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
Both are strong choices. The 2006 BMW R 1200GS has the edge in higher torque and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2009 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.

Related Comparisons

All BMW R 1200GS years All Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom years
Build your own comparison →