2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S vs 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000

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
2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000

All-Round

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
526.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsWindscreen. Traction control. Cruise control. Hands-Free.Small windscreen.
ColoursDucati Red, white, dark greyOrange/black, black, grey/black
Warranty2 years unlimited mileage-
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)845 mm-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)33.3 inches-
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.1 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-155 mm
Seat Height825 mm / 32.5 in.845 mm / 33.3 in.
Wheelbase1,530 mm / 60.2 in.1,520 mm / 59.8 in.
Height-1,405 mm / 55.3 in.
Length2,200 mm / 86.6 in.2,235 mm / 88.0 in.
Width-900 mm / 35.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight212 kg / 467.4 lbs-
Fuel Capacity20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons
Wet Weight-239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs
Performance
Max Torque129.50 Nm (13.2 kgf-m or 95.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 7700 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.7453 HP/kg-
Engine
CO2120.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement (cc)1262.00 cc1043.00 cc
Displacement (ci)77.01 cubic inches63.64 cubic inches
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeIn-line four, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.2 x 2.8 inches3.0 x 2.2 inches
Fuel ControlDesmodromic valve controlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (mm)106.0 x 71.5 mm77.0 x 56.0 mm
Engine DetailTestastretta DVT-
Fuel SystemInjection. Bosch electronic fuel injection system, elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire, equivalent diameter 56 mmInjection
Compression Ratio13.0:110.3:1
EmissionsEuro 4-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet 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)-
IgnitionDual SparkDigital
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchLight action, wet, multiplate slipper clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-runWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveChain 5.30Sealed chain
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel TrellisAluminium twin-tube
Suspension - Front48mm fully adjustable usd forks.43 mm inverted fork with stepless
Suspension - RearFully adjustable Sachs unit. Remote spring preload adjustment. Aluminium single-sided swingarmHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged,
Rake24.0°27.0°
SeatDual seat-
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in.106 mm / 4.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Front170 mm / 6.7 in.150 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear170 mm / 6.7 in.150 mm / 5.9 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationLCD display-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.6 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)13.0 inches12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)330 mm310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)245 mm250 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.Double disc. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.Single disc. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper.
Rims5-spoke light alloy. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires.-
Tyres - Front120/70-17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/55-17180/55-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S edges out the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 thanks to its lower seat height, 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

  • Lower seat height: 825 mm vs 845 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • More rear wheel travel: 170 mm vs 150 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 170 mm vs 150 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S vs 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S or the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S has the lower seat at 825 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 sits higher at 845 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 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S has the edge in lower seat height and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 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.