2009 BMW R 1200R vs 2009 Ducati 848

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 BMW R 1200R 2009 BMW R 1200R

Sport

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
219.6 km/h / 136 mph
Weight
491.6 pounds
2009 Ducati 848 2009 Ducati 848

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, 90°°L°twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
98.5 kW / 134 hp @ 10000rpm
Top Speed
257.8 km/h / 160.2 mph
Weight
168 kg / 370.4 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20092009
ColoursNight black, Night black with stripes, Granite grey, Crystal grey-
Make ModelBMW R 1200RDucati 848
Dimensions
Seat Height800 mm / 31.4 in830 mm / 32.6 in
Wheelbase1495 mm / 59.1 in1430 mm / 56.3 in
Height1273 mm / 50.1 in (excl. mirrors)1090 mm / 42.9 in
Length2145 mm / 84.4 in2095 mm / 82.2 in
Width906 mm / 35.6 in (incl. mirrors)-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs168 kg / 370.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.7 US gal16 Litres / 4.2 US gal / 3.5 Imp gal
Wet Weight223.0 kg / 491.6 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed219.6 km/h / 136 mph257.8 km/h / 160.2 mph
Max Power80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm98.5 kW / 134 hp @ 10000rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 85 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm96 Nm / 9.8 kgf-m / 70.8 lb-ft / @ 8250rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.5418 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m22.6 sec / 213 km/h / 132 mph-
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.9 sec / 187.2 km/h / 116.3 mph11.1 sec
Engine
Stroke4-
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cu in848 cc / 51.7 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 90°°L°twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 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 mm94 x 61.2 mm
Compression Ratio11.0:112.0:1
Cooling SystemAir/Oil-cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Oil Specification-Semi-Synthetic, 10W/40
ExhaustClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and lambda probe. Twin stainless steel mufflers.
Fuel Consumption7.2 L/100 km / 13.8 km/l / 32.4 US mpg5.3 L/100 km / 18.9 km/l / 44.5 US mpg / 53.4 Imp mpg
Fuel InductionElectronic intake manifold injection BMS-KMarelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies
Fuel Reserve2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons-
IgnitionDigital engine managementDigital CDI
Lubrication-Wet sump
Spark Plug-Champion, RA59GC
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle disc dry clutch, hydraulically actuatedWet multiplate with hydraulic control
Final DriveShaftChain
Gear Ratios1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.8481st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 28/20 / 4th 26/22 / 5th 24/23 / 6th 23/24
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive-Straight cut gears, ratio 1.84:1
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel spaceframe, load-bearing engineTubular steel trellis frame in ALS 450
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strutShowa 43mm fully adjustable upside-down fork
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustableProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm.
Rake27.1°24.5°
Steering Head Angle62.9°-
Trail119.1 mm / 4.7 in103 mm / 4.05 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in127 mm / 5.0 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 720 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm discs, ABS2 x 320mm Disc, Brembo 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265mm disc, ABSSingle 245 mm disc, Brembo 2 piston caliper
Rims - Front3.50 x 17'-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR 17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR 17180/50 ZR17
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 BMW R 1200R

The 2009 BMW R 1200R edges out the 2009 Ducati 848 thanks to its higher torque, larger fuel tank, lower seat height, higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 BMW R 1200R - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 96 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Lower seat height: 800 mm vs 830 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 1170 cc vs 848 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2009 Ducati 848 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More front wheel travel: 127 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 BMW R 1200R vs 2009 Ducati 848 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 BMW R 1200R and 2009 Ducati 848?
The 2009 BMW R 1200R uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2009 Ducati 848 is powered by Four stroke, 90°°L°twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder..
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 BMW R 1200R or the 2009 Ducati 848?
The 2009 BMW R 1200R has the lower seat at 800 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 Ducati 848 sits higher at 830 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 2009 BMW R 1200R or the 2009 Ducati 848?
The 2009 BMW R 1200R has the larger tank at approximately 18 litres vs 16 litres for the 2009 Ducati 848. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 300-360 km vs 266-320 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2009 BMW R 1200R or the 2009 Ducati 848?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 BMW R 1200R has the edge in higher torque and larger fuel tank, while the 2009 Ducati 848 stands out for liquid cooling and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.