2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
193 km/h / 120 mph
Weight
564.4 pounds
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
Full Specifications
General
CommentsPower Steering-
Year20112012
ColoursYellow, grey-
Make ModelBMW R 1200GS AdventureDucati Multistrada 1200
Dimensions
StorageFront Rack Capacity 100 lbs / 45.4 kg. Rear Rack Capacity 50 lbs / 22.7 kg. Towing Capacity 1,050 lbs / 476.3 kg-
Ground Clearance (mm)1,278 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)50.3 inches-
Seat Height890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in850 mm / 33.4 in
Wheelbase1507 mm / 59.3 in1530mm / 60.2 in
Height1450 mm / 57.1 in1310 mm / 51.5 in
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in2200 mm / 86.6 in
Width915 mm / 36.0 in945 mm / 37.2 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight223 kg / 492 lbs188 kg / 417 lbs
Fuel Capacity33 L / 8.7 US gal20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal
Wet Weight256 kg / 564 lbs (road ready, fully fueled )217 kg / 478 lbs
Performance
Top Speed193 km/h / 120 mph-
Max Power81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm110.3 kW / 150 hp @ 9250 rpm
Max Torque120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm118.7 Nm / 12.1 kgm / 87.5 lb-ft @ 7500rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4871 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.6 sec-
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke-
CO2106.7 CO-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.1198.4 cc / 73.1 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition-
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm106 x 67.9 mm
Compression Ratio12.0:111.5:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
ExhaustClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes
Exhaust managementFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption6.3 L/100 km / 15.7 km/l / 36.9 US mpg-
Fuel InductionBMS-K+, 50mm Throttle butterfly diaMitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies
Fuel Reserve4L / 1.1 US gal-
IgnitionBMS-K / electricMarelli electronic
Lubrication-Wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle-plate dry clutch, ∅180mmLight 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 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848:11st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 27/20 / 4th 24/22 / 5th 23/24 / 6th 22/25
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveAutomatic CVT with EBS, Hi/Lo Range and Reverse. 2/4 WD + Diff Lock-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel frame, load-bearing power unitTubular steel trellis frame
Suspension - FrontTelelever, stanchion ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable.Marzocchi 50 mm fully adjustable USD forks
Suspension - RearDie-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of handwheel, rebound damping adjustable.Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rake25.7°25°
SeatRemovable Passenger Seat and Optional 3-in-1 Versatility-
Trail101 mm / 3.97 in110 mm / 4.33 in
Wheel Travel - Front210 mm / 8.3 in170 mm / 6.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear220 mm / 8.7 in170 mm / 6.7 in
Electrical Systems
Electrical SystemAlternator three-phase alternator 720 W Battery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front2x ∅305mm Discs, 4 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers, 4-piston, 2-pad. ABS as standard equipment
Brakes - RearSingle ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABSSingle 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
RimsCross-spoke wheels-
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR19120/70 - ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17190/55 - ZR17
Wheels - Front2.50 x 19"10-spoke light alloy, 3.50 x 17
Wheels - Rear4.00 x 17"10-spoke light alloy, 6.00 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200

The 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 edges out the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height, liquid cooling, fuel injection and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • 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.

2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 217 kg vs 256 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 850 mm vs 890 - 910 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure and 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200?
The 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke, while the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 is powered by Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder. This is a fundamental difference - the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is a two-stroke engine while the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which is lighter, the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200?
The 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 is lighter at 217 kg compared to 256 kg for the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - a difference of 39 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200?
The 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 has the lower seat at 850 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure sits higher at 890 - 910 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200?
The 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the larger tank at approximately 33 litres vs 20 litres for the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 550-660 km vs 333-400 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the edge in larger fuel tank and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 stands out for lighter kerb weight and 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.