2015 BMW R 1200R vs 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

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

All-Round

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
509.3 pounds
2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S

All-Round

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
467.4 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Windscreen. Traction control. Cruise control. Hands-Free.
ColoursBlue, grey, whiteDucati Red, white, dark grey
Warranty-2 years unlimited mileage
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-33.3 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-845 mm
Seat Height790 mm / 31.1 in.825 mm / 32.5 in.
Wheelbase1,515 mm / 59.6 in.1,530 mm / 60.2 in.
Height1,300 mm / 51.2 in.-
Length2,165 mm / 85.2 in.2,200 mm / 86.6 in.
Width906 mm / 35.7 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-212 kg / 467.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
Wet Weight231.0 kg / 509.3 lbs-
Performance
Max Torque125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions129.50 Nm (13.2 kgf-m or 95.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.7453 HP/kg
Engine
Displacement (ci)71.39 cubic inches77.01 cubic inches
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Displacement (cc)1170.00 cc1262.00 cc
CO290.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)120.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)101.0 x 73.0 mm106.0 x 71.5 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 2.9 inches4.2 x 2.8 inches
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Desmodromic valve control
Engine Detail-Testastretta DVT
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K+ digital enfinemanagement with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignitionInjection. Bosch electronic fuel injection system, elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire, equivalent diameter 56 mm
Compression Ratio12.0:113.0:1
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3Euro 4
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Exhaust-Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes
Fuel Consumption3.90 litres/100 km (25.6 km/l or 60.31 mpg)5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l or 45.23 mpg)
Fuel Reserve3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons-
Ignition-Dual Spark
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedLight action, wet, multiplate slipper clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Chain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary Drive-Chain 5.30
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load bearing engine-gearbox unitTubular steel Trellis
Suspension - FrontTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm48mm 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 handwheelFully adjustable Sachs unit. Remote spring preload adjustment. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rake27.7°24.0°
Seat-Dual seat
Trail126 mm / 4.9 in.109 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in.170 mm / 6.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in.170 mm / 6.7 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-LCD display
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches13.0 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches9.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm330 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm245 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
RimsCast aluminium5-spoke light alloy. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires.
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70-17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17190/55-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S edges out the 2015 BMW R 1200R thanks to its higher rear wheel travel 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 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 790 mm vs 825 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 170 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 170 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 BMW R 1200R vs 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 BMW R 1200R and 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R uses Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2015 BMW R 1200R or the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R has the lower seat at 790 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S sits higher at 825 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2015 BMW R 1200R or the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 BMW R 1200R has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S stands out for higher rear wheel travel 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.