2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure vs 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Weight
590.8 pounds
2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 90° Granturismo V 4, counter rotating crankshaft, 4 valves per cylinder, Twin Pulse firing order
Power
170 hp / 125 kW @ 10500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
240 kg / 529 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsDynamic Traction Control-
Year20212021
MakeBMW-
ModelR 1250GS Adventure-
ColoursWhite/Red/Blue, White/Red/Black, Black/Grey, Grey/Yellow-
Make ModelBMW R 1250GS AdventureMultistrada V4
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)910 mm-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)35.8 inches-
Seat Height890 mm to 910 mm / 35 in to 35.8 in 820 mm to 910 mm / 32 in to 35.8 in - possible840 mm - 860 mm / 33.1 in - 33.9 in - Adjustable
Wheelbase1504 mm / 59.2 in1567 mm / 61.7 in
Ground Clearance-220 mm / 8.6 in
Height1460 mm / 57.5 in-
Length2270 mm / 89.4 in-
Width980 mm / 38.6 in-
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)4.23 US quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)4.00 litres-
Dry Weight-215 kg / 474 lbs
Fuel Capacity30 Litres / 7.9 US gal22 Litres / 5.8 US gal
Coolant Capacity2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)-
Wet Weight268 kg / 591 lbs240 kg / 529 lbs
Performance
Mods from previous modelRelease of 40 Years GS special edition with adaptive headlight routing assemblies-
Maximum RPM9000 RPM-
Top Speed200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph-
Max Power136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm170 hp / 125 kW @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 8750 rpm
Engine
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke-
CO2110.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Stroke76.0 mm-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement1254 cc / 76.5 cu-in1158 cc / 71 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mmFour stroke, 90° Granturismo V 4, counter rotating crankshaft, 4 valves per cylinder, Twin Pulse firing order
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection-
Bore x Stroke102.5 x 76 mm83 x 53.5 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:114.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid / Air cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsRegulated three-way catalytic converter, compliant with EU5 emission standardEuro 5
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Engine ManagementBMS-O-
Exhaust-Stainless steel muffler, double catalytic converter and 4 lambda probes
Fuel Consumption4.75 litres/100 km (21.1 km/l or 49.52 mpg)-
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve Electronic fuel injection system, Øeq 46 mm elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire system
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons-
Fuel TypePremium unleaded, 95 (RON)-
Idle Speed1050 +/- 100 RPM-
Oil FiltrationK & N KN-160-
StarterElectric 900WElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 11.8 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
Chain SizeNone (Shaft Drive)-
ClutchWet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activatedMultiplate wet clutch with hydraulic control, self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run
Final DriveShaftChain, front sprocket z16, rear sprocket z42
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 2nd 1.714 3rd 1.296 4th 1.059 5th 0.943 6th 0.8481st 40/13, 2nd 36/16, 3rd 34/19, 4th 31/21, 5th 23/29, 6th 25/27
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveConstant meshStraight cut gears, ratio 1.8:1
Primary Drive Ratios1.650-
Secondary Drive Ratio2.910-
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system6-speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down System
Chassis
Fork Tube Size (in.)1.5 inches-
Fork Tube Size (mm)37 mm-
Frame TypeTwo-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engineAluminum monocoque frame
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad 37mm Telelever, central spring strut50 mm fully adjustable USD forks
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD spring strut, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand wheel, rebound-stage damping adjustable by hand wheel (Option: Dynamic ESA)Fully adjustable monoshock, Remote spring preload adjustment, aluminum double-sided swingarm
Rake25.5°24.5°
Steering Angle65.1°-
Trail95.4 mm / 3.8 in102.5 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front210 mm / 8.3 in170 mm / 6.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear220 mm / 8.7 in180 mm / 7.1 in
Electronics
Equipment / Features-Backlit handlebar switches, 5 in TFT color display
Safety Equipment-Riding Modes, Power Modes, ABS Cornering, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Daytime Running Light, Ducati Brake Light
TachometerStandard-
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationTFT colour display5 in TFT color display
Lighting systemLED headlight-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 305mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers2x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo monobloc 4-piston 2-pad calipers, radial master cylinder
Brakes - RearSingle 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliperSingle 265mm disc, Brembo 2-piston floating caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS as standard (part integral), disengageable (option: ABS Pro)Standard Cornering ABS
Brake Fluid TypeDOT 4-
Rims - Front-3 x 19 in
Rims - Rear-4.5 x 17 in
Tyre Pressure - Front36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa)-
Tyre Pressure - Rear42 PSI (2.9 Bar or 290 kPa)-
Tyres - Front120/70 R19120/70 ZR 19 Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
Tyres - Rear170/60 R17170/60 ZR 17 Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
WheelsCross spokeLight alloy cast
Wheels - Front3.00 x 19 in-
Wheels - Rear4.50 x 17 in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure

The 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure edges out the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 thanks to its higher torque, larger fuel tank, 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

2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 143 Nm vs 125 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Larger displacement: 1254 cc vs 1158 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 220 mm vs 180 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 210 mm vs 170 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 170 hp vs 136 hp - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lighter: 240 kg vs 268 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 840 mm - 860 mm vs 890 mm to 910 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure vs 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure and 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4?
The 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure uses Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 is powered by Four stroke, 90° Granturismo V 4, counter rotating crankshaft, 4 valves per cylinder, Twin Pulse firing order.
Which is lighter, the 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure or the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4?
The 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 is lighter at 240 kg compared to 268 kg for the 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure - a difference of 28 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure or the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4?
The 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 produces more peak power at 170 hp, compared to 136 hp for the 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure or the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4?
The 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 has the lower seat at 840 mm - 860 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure sits higher at 890 mm to 910 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 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure or the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4?
The 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure has the larger tank at approximately 30 litres vs 22 litres for the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 500-600 km vs 366-440 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure or the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 BMW R 1250GS Adventure has the edge in higher torque and larger fuel tank, while the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 stands out for more peak power and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.