2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 vs 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 2014 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
234 kg / 516 lbs
2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
573.2 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Windscreen.
Year2014-
Colours-White, blue, olive
Make ModelDucati Multistrada 1200-
Dimensions
Seat Height850 mm / 33.4 in890 mm / 35.0 in.
Wheelbase1530mm / 60.2 in1,510 mm / 59.4 in.
Height1310 mm / 51.5 in1,450 mm / 57.1 in.
Length2200 mm / 86.6 in2,255 mm / 88.8 in.
Width945 mm / 37.2 in980 mm / 38.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight206 kg / 454 lbs229.1 kg / 505.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons
Wet Weight234 kg / 516 lbs260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs
Performance
Max Power110.3 kW / 150 hp @ 9250 rpm-
Max Torque124.5 Nm / 12.7 kgm / 91.8 lb-ft @ 7500rpm125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.5457 HP/kg
Engine
Engine Type-Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)-4.0 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-101.0 x 73.0 mm
Displacement (ci)-71.39 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1170.00 cc
CO2-99.8 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement1198.4 cc / 73.1 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection
Bore x Stroke106 x 67.9 mm-
Compression Ratio11.5:112.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Emissions-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
ExhaustStainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes-
Fuel Consumption-4.30 litres/100 km (23.3 km/l or 54.70 mpg)
Fuel InductionMitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies-
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
IgnitionMarelli electronic-
LubricationWet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.Oil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChain #530, front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 40Shaft drive (cardan)
Gear Ratios1st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 27/20 / 4th 24/22 / 5th 23/24 / 6th 22/25-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Constant mesh
Transmission / Drive6 Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellis frameTwo-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load- bearing engine-gearbox unit
Suspension - FrontMarzocchi 50 mm fully adjustable USD forksBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, central spring strut
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarmCast 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 handwheel
Rake25° 24.5°
Trail110 mm / 4.33 in93 mm / 3.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front170 mm / 6.7 in210 mm / 8.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear170 mm / 6.7 in220 mm / 8.7 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-275 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.0 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-305 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.8 inches
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers, 4-piston, 2-pad. ABS as standard equipmentDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliperSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
Rims-Cross-spoke wheels
Tyres - Front120/70 - ZR17120/70-R19
Tyres - Rear190/55 - ZR17170/60-R17
Wheels - Front10-spoke light alloy, 3.50 x 17-
Wheels - Rear10-spoke light alloy, 6.00 x 17-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 and the 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 850 mm vs 890 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 220 mm vs 170 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 210 mm vs 170 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 vs 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 and 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?
The 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 uses Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is powered by Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 or the 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?
The 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 has the lower seat at 850 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure sits higher at 890 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 or the 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure 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.