2020 BMW R 1250RS vs 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 BMW R 1250RS 2020 BMW R 1250RS

Sport touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph
Weight
535.7 pounds
2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, 90° Granturismo V4, counter rotating crankshaft, 4 valves per cylinder, Twin Pulse firing order
Power
170 hp / 125 kW @ 10750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
260 kg / 573 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsAdjustable Windshield. 2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.-
Year20202023
ColoursBlack Storm Metallic, Style Sport, Style Exclusive, Sparkling Bronze Metallic-
Make ModelBMW R 1250RSMultistrada V4 Rally
Dimensions
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 inAdjustable 870 - 890 mm / 34.3 - 35.0 in 885 mm - 905 mm / 34.9 in - 35.6 in - with high seat accessory 855 mm - 875 mm / 33.7 in - 34.5 in - with low seat #1 accessory 825 mm - 845 mm / 32.5 in - 33.3 in - with low seat #2 accessory 805 mm - 825 mm / 31.7 in - 32.5 in - with low seat #2 + low suspension kit accessory
Wheelbase1530 mm / 60.2 in1572 mm / 61.9 in
Height1255 mm / 49.4 in minimum-
Length2202 mm / 86.6 in-
Width925 mm / 36.4 in-
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)4.00 litres-
Oil Capacity (Quarts)4.23 US quarts-
Dry Weight-227 kg / 500 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.7 US gal30 Litres / 7.9 US gal
Coolant Capacity2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)-
Wet Weight243 kg / 535.7 lbs260 kg / 573 lbs
Performance
Top Speed201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph-
Max Power136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm170 hp / 125 kW @ 10750 rpm
Max Torque143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm121 Nm / 89.2 lb-ft @ 8750 rpm
Engine
CO2109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke-
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 cylinderFour stroke, 90° Granturismo V4, counter rotating crankshaft, 4 valves per cylinder, Twin Pulse firing order
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system-
Bore x Stroke102.5 x 76 mm83 x 53.5 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:114.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid / Air cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard , Euro 4Euro 5
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Engine ManagementBMS-O-
Exhaust-Stainless steel muffler, double catalytic converter and 4 lambda probes
Fuel Consumption4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 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 TypeUnleaded super, octane number 95 (RON) adapive fuel quality regulation (91 to 98 RON)-
Idle Speed1050 +/- 100 RPM-
StarterElectric 900WElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V/12Ah-
Drivetrain
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 Ratios-1=40/13 2=36/16 3=34/19 4=31/21 5=29/23 6=27/25
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveConstant meshStraight cut gears, ratio 1.8:1
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system6-speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down System
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engineAluminum monocoque frame
Suspension - FrontTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm50 mm fully adjustable usd fork with internal stroke sensor. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO (DSS)
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 handwheelCantilever suspension with fully adjustable monoshock. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment. Electronic spring pre-load adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS). Aluminium double-sided swingarm
Rake25.5°24.7°
Steering Angle62.3°-
Trail110.9 mm / 4.3 in105.5 mm / 4.15 in
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in200 mm / 7.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in200 mm / 7.9 in
Electronics
Equipment / Features-Wheelie Control, Ducati Brake Light, Ducati Cornering Light, Vehicle Hold Control, Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO, Ducati Quick Shift, Cruise control, Hands-Free, Backlit handlebar switches, 6,5″ TFT colour display with Ducati Connect and full-map navigation system, Full LED headlight with DRL, Engine Brake Control (EBC), Extended Cylinder Deactivation (ECD)
Safety Equipment-Riding Modes, Power Modes, cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power)-
Instrumentation-6.5 in TFT color display with Ducati Connect and full-map navigation system
Lighting systemLED-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers2x 330mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo M50 Stylema 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 (part integral), disengageableStandard 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 ZR17120/70 R19 Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17170/60 R17 Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
WheelsCast aluminium wheelsSpoked wheels
Wheels - Front3.50 x 17 in-
Wheels - Rear5.50 x 17 in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 BMW R 1250RS

The 2020 BMW R 1250RS edges out the 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally thanks to its higher torque, lighter kerb weight, lower seat height and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2020 BMW R 1250RS - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 143 Nm vs 121 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 243 kg vs 260 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs Adjustable 870 - 890 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 1254 cc vs 1158 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 170 hp vs 136 hp - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2020 BMW R 1250RS vs 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 BMW R 1250RS and 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS uses Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally is powered by Four stroke, 90° Granturismo V4, counter rotating crankshaft, 4 valves per cylinder, Twin Pulse firing order.
Which is lighter, the 2020 BMW R 1250RS or the 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS is lighter at 243 kg compared to 260 kg for the 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally - a difference of 17 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2020 BMW R 1250RS or the 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally?
The 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally produces more peak power at 170 hp, compared to 136 hp for the 2020 BMW R 1250RS.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 BMW R 1250RS or the 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally sits higher at Adjustable 870 - 890 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 2020 BMW R 1250RS or the 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally?
The 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally has the larger tank at approximately 30 litres vs 18 litres for the 2020 BMW R 1250RS. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 500-600 km vs 300-360 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2020 BMW R 1250RS or the 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 BMW R 1250RS has the edge in higher torque and lighter kerb weight, while the 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally stands out for more peak power and larger fuel tank. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.