2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 vs 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder
Power
110.3 kW / 150 hp @ 9250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
217 kg / 478 lbs
2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm
Top Speed
207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph
Weight
252 kg / 555 lbs (with accessories)
Full Specifications
General
Year20122012 - 13
Make ModelDucati Multistrada 1200Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom
Dimensions
Seat Height850 mm / 33.4 in840 mm / 33.1 in
Wheelbase1530mm / 60.2 in1535 mm / 60.4 in
Ground Clearance-165 mm / 6.5 in
Height1310 mm / 51.5 in1335 mm / 52.5 in
Length2200 mm / 86.6 in2285 mm / 89.9 in
Width945 mm / 37.2 in910 mm / 37.0 in (without accessories)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight188 kg / 417 lbs-
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Wet Weight217 kg / 478 lbs252 kg / 555 lbs (with accessories)
Performance
Top Speed- 207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph
Max Power110.3 kW / 150 hp @ 9250 rpm72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm
Max Torque118.7 Nm / 12.1 kgm / 87.5 lb-ft @ 7500rpm101 Nm / 10.3 kg-m / 74.5 lb-ft @ 6400 rpm
Standing Start 0-1000 m-23.3 sec / 199 km/h / 123.7 mph
Standing Start ¼ Mile-12.2 sec / 181 km/h / 112.5 mph
Engine
Displacement1198.4 cc / 73.1 cu-in996 cc / 60.8 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke106 x 67.9 mm98 X 66 mm
Compression Ratio11.5:111.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
ExhaustStainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes-
Fuel InductionMitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodiesFuel injection with 45mm throttle bodies
IgnitionMarelli electronicElectronic ignition
LubricationWet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.-
Spark Plug-NGK, CR8EK
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.Wet, multiple discs, hydraulic
Final DriveChain #530, front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 40Chain, RK525 SMOZ7, 112 links
Gear Ratios1st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 27/20 / 4th 24/22 / 5th 23/24 / 6th 22/25-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellis frameAluminium, twin spar
Suspension - FrontMarzocchi 50 mm fully adjustable USD forksTelescopic, coil spring, oil damped, 43mm forks
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarmSwingarm, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable for preload and rebound damping
Rake25° -
Trail110 mm / 4.33 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front170 mm / 6.7 in160 mm / 6.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear170 mm / 6.7 in162 mm / 6.4 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers, 4-piston, 2-pad. ABS as standard equipment2 x 310mm discs, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliperSingle 260 mm disc, 1 piston caliper.
Tyres - Front120/70 - ZR17110/80 R19
Tyres - Rear190/55 - ZR17150/70 R17
Wheels - Front10-spoke light alloy, 3.50 x 17-
Wheels - Rear10-spoke light alloy, 6.00 x 17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200

The 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 edges out the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom thanks to its lighter kerb weight and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 217 kg vs 252 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More front wheel travel: 170 mm vs 160 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 vs 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 and 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 uses Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom is powered by Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 or the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 is lighter at 217 kg compared to 252 kg for the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - a difference of 35 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 or the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom has the larger tank at approximately 22 litres vs 20 litres for the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 366-440 km vs 333-400 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 or the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and higher front wheel travel, while the 2013 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.