2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S vs 2019 BMW R 1200R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2019 BMW R 1200R 2019 BMW R 1200R

All-Round

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Weight
511.5 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsWindscreen. Traction control. Cruise control. Hands-Free.Switchable ABS. Riding Modes Rain and Road.
ColoursDucati Red, white, dark greyLight White/Cordoba Blue, Iced Chocolate Metallic, Racing Red
Warranty2 years unlimited mileage-
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)33.3 inches-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)845 mm-
Seat Height825 mm / 32.5 in.790 mm / 31.1 in.
Wheelbase1,530 mm / 60.2 in.1515 mm / 59.6 in.
Height-1300 mm / 51.2 in.
Length2,200 mm / 86.6 in.2165 mm / 85.2 in.
Width-880 mm / 34.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight212 kg / 467.4 lbs-
Fuel Capacity20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons18.00 litres / 4.76 US gallons
Wet Weight-232.0 kg / 511.5 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Max Torque129.50 Nm (13.2 kgf-m or 95.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions125.0 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.7453 HP/kg-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)106.0 x 71.5 mm101.0 x 73.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.2 x 2.8 inches4.0 x 2.9 inches
Displacement (cc)1262.00 cc1170.0 cc
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeTwin, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDesmodromic valve controlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
CO2120.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)115.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement (ci)77.01 cubic inches71.39 cubic inches
Engine DetailTestastretta DVT-
Fuel SystemInjection. Bosch electronic fuel injection system, elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire, equivalent diameter 56 mmInjection. Digital engine management with electronic fuel injection, electronic throttle valve control (fly by wire)
Compression Ratio13.0:112.5:1
EmissionsEuro 4Closed-­loop 3-­way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-­4
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
ExhaustStainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes-
Fuel Consumption5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l or 45.23 mpg)4.96 litres/100 km (20.2 km/l or 47.42 mpg)
Fuel Reserve-3.00 litres / 0.79 US gallons
IgnitionDual Spark-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchLight action, wet, multiplate slipper clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-runWet eight-disc clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChainShaft drive (cardan)   (final drive)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveChain 5.30-
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel TrellisTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front48mm fully adjustable usd forks.Upside-down telescopic fork. diameter 45 mm, silver-anodized
Suspension - RearFully adjustable Sachs unit. Remote spring preload adjustment. Aluminium single-sided swingarmCast aluminium single-sided swing-arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD travel-related damping strut, spring pre-load steplessly and hydraulically adjustable via handwheel, adjustable rebound damping
Rake24.0°27.7°
SeatDual seat-
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in.126 mm / 4.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front170 mm / 6.7 in.140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear170 mm / 6.7 in.140 mm / 5.5 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationLCD display-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)330 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)13.0 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.6 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)245 mm-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
Rims5-spoke light alloy. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires.-
Tyres - Front120/70-17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/55-17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S edges out the 2019 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

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.

2019 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 vs 2019 BMW R 1200R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S and 2019 BMW R 1200R?
The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2019 BMW R 1200R is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S or the 2019 BMW R 1200R?
The 2019 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 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S or the 2019 BMW R 1200R?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2019 BMW R 1200R stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.