2015 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2015 BMW K 1600 GT 2015 BMW K 1600 GT

Touring

Engine
Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph
Weight
319 kg / 703 lbs
2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo

Touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
110.3 kW / 150 hp @ 9250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
515.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Windscreen
Year20152014
Colours-Grey, red
Make ModelBMW K 1600 GTDucati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo
Warranty-2 years unlimited mileage
Dimensions
Storage-Top box, saddle bags
Seat Height810 - 830 mm / 31.9 - 32.7 in (standard) 780 - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.5 in(optional rider seat) 750 mm / 29.5 in (special accessory seat, single-section)850 mm / 33.4 in
Wheelbase1680 mm / 66.1 in1530mm / 60.2 in
Height1465 mm / 57.7 in (excl. mirrors)1310 mm / 51.5 in
Length2489m m / 98.0 in2200 mm / 86.6 in
Width1000 mm / 39.4 in (incl. mirrors)945 mm / 37.2 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight295 kg / 650 lbs192 kg / 423 lbs
Fuel Capacity26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal
Wet Weight319 kg / 703 lbs220 kg / 485 lbs
Performance
Top Speed239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph-
Max Power118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm110.3 kW / 150 hp @ 9250 rpm
Max Torque175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm124.5 Nm / 12.7 kgm / 91.8 lb-ft @ 7500rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.6912 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.7 sec11.8 sec
Engine
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Desmodromic valve control
Displacement1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.1198.4 cc / 73.1 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke72 x 67.5 mm106 x 67.9 mm
Compression Ratio12.2:111.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-Euro III
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Exhaust-Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes
Fuel Consumption5.95 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg6.0 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg / 47.5 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-XMitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1.1 US gal2.50 litres / 0.66 gallons
Fuel TypePremium unleaded (95 RON)-
IgnitionDigital CDIMarelli electronic
Lubrication-Wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activatedLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
Final DriveShaftChain #530, front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 40
Gear Ratios1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.7881st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 27/20 / 4th 24/22 / 5th 23/24 / 6th 22/25
Gearbox-6-speed
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeChill-cast rear frame: aluminium, extruded sectionsTubular steel trellis frame
Suspension - FrontDual longitudinal control armSachs 48 mm fully adjustable USD forks. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension
Suspension - RearParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variableProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment. Electronic spring preload with DSS aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rake-25°
Seat-Dual
Steering Head Angle62.2°-
Trail108.4 mm / 4.3 in110 mm / 4.33 in
Wheel Travel - Front115 mm / 4.8 in170 mm / 6.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.3 in170 mm / 6.7 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator580 W Alternator-
Instrumentation-Multifunction digital dashboard.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-245 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Front2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers, 4-piston, 2-pad. ABS as standard equipment
Brakes - RearSingle ∅320mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)-
Rims - Front3.0 x 17-
Rims - Rear6.00 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 - ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17190/55 - ZR17
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-
Wheels - Front-10-spoke light alloy, 3.50 x 17
Wheels - Rear-10-spoke light alloy, 6.00 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo

The 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo edges out the 2015 BMW K 1600 GT thanks to its lighter kerb weight, fuel injection, 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

2015 BMW K 1600 GT - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 810 - 830 mm vs 850 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo - Advantages

  • Lighter: 220 kg vs 319 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 170 mm vs 135 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 170 mm vs 115 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 BMW K 1600 GT and 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GT uses Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2015 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo?
The 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo is lighter at 220 kg compared to 319 kg for the 2015 BMW K 1600 GT - a difference of 99 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2015 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GT has the lower seat at 810 - 830 mm, making it more accessible. The 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo sits higher at 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2015 BMW K 1600 GT or 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo have ABS?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GT is listed with ABS as standard. The 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2015 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 BMW K 1600 GT has the edge in lower seat height and standard ABS, while the 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Granturismo stands out for lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.