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

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 BMW R 1200GS 2012 BMW R 1200GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
206.8 km/h / 129 mph.
Weight
504.9 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
ColoursTitan silver, blue-
Make ModelBMW R 1200GSSuzuki DL 1000 V-Strom
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)765 mm-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)30.1 inches-
Seat Height850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 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 in1335 mm / 52.5 in
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in2285 mm / 89.9 in
Width953 mm / 37.5 in910 mm / 37.0 in (without accessories)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight205 kg / 452 lbs-
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.2 US gal22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Wet Weight238 kg / 525 lbs252 kg / 555 lbs (with accessories)
Performance
Top Speed206.8 km/h / 129 mph. 207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)4.4 sec-
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 Ratio0.2365 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m23.4 sec / 203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph23.3 sec / 199 km/h / 123.7 mph
Standing Start 0-140 km/h7.9 sec-
Standing Start 0-200 km/h19.6 sec-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.3 sec / 186.5 km/h / 115.9 mph12.2 sec / 181 km/h / 112.5 mph
Engine
CO299.8 CO-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
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, emission standard EU-3-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
ExhaustFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption4.30 litres/100 km (23.3 km/l or 54.70 mpg)-
Fuel InductionBMS-K+, ∅50mm throttle butterflyFuel injection with 45mm throttle bodies
Fuel Reserve4L / 1.1 US gal-
IgnitionBMS-K Electronic ignition
Spark Plug-NGK, CR8EK
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
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 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel frame, load-bearing power unitAluminium, twin spar
Suspension - FrontTelelever, stanchion diameter ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustableTelescopic, 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 / 4.0 in.110 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
Lighting system12V 55W headlight-
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 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.
RimsCast aluminium-
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR19110/80 R19
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17150/70 R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 BMW R 1200GS

The 2012 BMW R 1200GS edges out the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom thanks to its more peak power, higher torque, lighter kerb weight, 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 - 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.
  • Lighter: 238 kg vs 252 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • 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.

2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - Advantages

  • 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 vs 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 BMW R 1200GS and 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2012 BMW R 1200GS 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 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 is lighter, the 2012 BMW R 1200GS or the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2012 BMW R 1200GS is lighter at 238 kg compared to 252 kg for the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - a difference of 14 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2012 BMW R 1200GS or the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2012 BMW R 1200GS produces more peak power at 81 kW, compared to 72 kW for the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2012 BMW R 1200GS or the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom has the larger tank at approximately 22 litres vs 20 litres for the 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS or the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 BMW R 1200GS has the edge in more peak power and higher torque, while the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom stands out for liquid cooling 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.