MotoSpecs

2008 BMW R 1200GS vs 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 BMW R 1200GS 2008 BMW R 1200GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
77 kW / 105 hp @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
208.4 km/h / 129.5 mph
Weight
504.9 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
Year20082008 - 09
Make ModelBMW R 1200GSSuzuki DL 1000 V-Strom
Dimensions
Seat Height850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in840 mm / 33.1 in
Wheelbase1506 mm / 59.3 in1535 mm / 60.4 in
Ground Clearance-165 mm / 6.5 in
Height1450 mm / 57.1 in1335 mm / 52.5 in
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in2285 mm / 89.9 in
Width915 mm / 36.0 in910 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 Weight229 kg / 505 lbs236 Kg / 520 lbs
Performance
Top Speed208.4 km/h / 129.5 mph 207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)3.6 sec-
Acceleration (100-140 km/h)4.1 sec-
Acceleration (140-180 km/h)4.8 sec-
Acceleration (60-100 km/h)4.0 sec-
Acceleration (60-140 km/h)8.1 sec-
Max Power77 kW / 105 hp @ 7500 rpm72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft/lb @ 5750 rpm101 Nm / 10.3 kg-m / 74.5 lb-ft @ 6400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.5086 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m-23.3 sec / 199 km/h / 123.7 mph
Standing Start 0-140 km/h5.9 sec-
Standing Start 0-200 km/h16.0 sec-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.3 sec12.2 sec / 181 km/h / 112.5 mph
Engine
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer-
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Stroke2-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub 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/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
Fuel Consumption5.8 L/100 km / 17.2 km/l / 40.5 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 2.37 / 2nd 1.64 / 3rd 1.29 / 4th 1.06 / 5th 0.93 / 6th 0.84:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame, engine load-bearingAluminium, twin spar
Suspension - FrontTelelever, stanchion diameter 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°-
Trail101 mm / 3.97 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in160 mm / 6.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in162 mm / 6.4 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 720W-
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 305 mm 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

2008 BMW R 1200GS

The 2008 BMW R 1200GS edges out the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom thanks to its more peak power, 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

2008 BMW R 1200GS - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 77 kW vs 72 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • 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

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2008 BMW R 1200GS vs 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 BMW R 1200GS and 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS uses Two cylinder boxer, 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 2008 BMW R 1200GS or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS is lighter at 229 kg compared to 236 Kg for the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - a difference of 7 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which has more power, the 2008 BMW R 1200GS or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS produces more peak power at 77 kW, compared to 72 kW for the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2008 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 2008 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 2008 BMW R 1200GS or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 BMW R 1200GS has the edge in more peak power and higher torque, while the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom stands out for liquid cooling. 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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