2015 BMW R 1200R LC vs 2016 Ducati Monster 1200

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2015 BMW R 1200R LC 2015 BMW R 1200R LC

Naked bike

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
N/A
Weight
231 kg / 509.2 lbs
2016 Ducati Monster 1200 2016 Ducati Monster 1200

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
460.8 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2015-
MakeBMW-
ModelR 1200R LC-
Colours-Red
Make ModelBMW R 1200R LC-
Warranty-2 years unlimited mileage
Dimensions
Seat Height760 mm - 820 mm / 29.9 in - 32.2 in785 mm / 30.9 in.
Wheelbase1515 mm / 59.6 in1,511 mm / 59.5 in.
Height1300 mm / 51.1 in (excl. mirrors)830 mm / 32.7 in.
Length2165 mm / 85.2 in2,200 mm / 86.6 in.
Width880 mm / 34.6 in (incl. mirrors)1,040 mm / 40.9 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)4.2 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)4.0 l-
Dry Weight-182 kg / 401.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Liters / 5.3 US gal17.50 litres / 4.62 gallons
Max Load450 kg / 992 lbs-
Wet Weight231 kg / 509.2 lbs209.0 kg / 460.8 lbs
Performance
Max Power92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm-
Max Torque125 Nm / 12.7 kgf-m / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm118.00 Nm (12.0 kgf-m or 87.0 ft.lbs) @ 7250 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.7418 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-4.2 x 2.7 inches
Fuel Control-Desmodromic valve control
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)-73.13 cubic inches
Stroke73.0 mm-
Displacement (cc)-1198.40 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-106.0 x 67.9 mm
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.-
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mmTestastretta 11° L-Twin
Fuel System-Injection. 53mm throttle bodies with full Ride by Wire
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm-
Compression Ratio12.5:112.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid / Air cooled-
Emissions-Euro 3
Exhaust-Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin aluminium mufflers
Fuel InductionThrottle valve mm 52 Carburetion BMS-X Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1.0 US gal-
Fuel TypePremium unleaded (95 RON)-
IgnitionBMS-K -
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 11,8 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchOil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operatedLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
Final DriveShaftChain
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 41. Primary drive: Straight cut gears, ratio 1.84.
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth-
Chassis
Fork Tube Size (in.)1.77 in-
Fork Tube Size (mm)45 mm-
Frame TypeTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engineTubular steel Trellis frame attached to the cylinders head
Suspension - FrontTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm43mm fully adjustable usd forks
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheelProgressive linkage with fully adjustable monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rake-24.3°
Seat-Dual seat
Steering Head Angle62.3°-
Trail-93 mm / 3.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in152 mm / 6.0 in.
Electronics
TachometerStandard-
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 510 W (nominal power)-
Electrical SystemAlternator three-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power) Battery /Ah 12V/12 maintenance-free Headlight H7W / LED (SA) Starter 0.9 kW-
Instrumentation-Colour TFT display
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-245 mm
Brakes - Front2 x 320 floating discs, 4 piston calipersDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Brakes - RearSingle 275mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral), disengageable-
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR 17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR 17190/55-ZR17
Wheel Caster125,6 mm / 4.9 in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 BMW R 1200R LC

The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC edges out the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling, standard ABS and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2015 BMW R 1200R LC - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 760 mm - 820 mm vs 785 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 130 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2016 Ducati Monster 1200 - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 152 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2015 BMW R 1200R LC vs 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC and 2016 Ducati Monster 1200?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm, while the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC or the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC has the lower seat at 760 mm - 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 sits higher at 785 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC or 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 have ABS?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC or the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 stands out for fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.