2015 BMW R 1200R LC vs 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2015 BMW R 1200R LC 2015 BMW R 1200R LC

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
231 kg / 509.2 lbs
2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
460.8 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2015-
Colours-Red, Star White
Make ModelBMW R 1200R LC-
Warranty-2 years unlimited mileage
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-810 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-31.9 inches
Seat Height760 mm - 820 mm / 29.9 in - 32.2 in785 mm / 30.9 in.
Wheelbase1515 mm / 59.6 in1,511 mm / 59.5 in.
Height1300 mm / 51.1 in (excl. mirrors)1,040 mm / 40.9 in.
Length2165 mm / 85.2 in2,200 mm / 86.6 in.
Width880 mm / 34.6 in (incl. mirrors)830 mm / 32.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-182 kg / 401.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Liters / 5.3 US gal17.50 litres / 4.62 gallons
Max Load450 kg / 992 lbs-
Wet Weight231 kg / 509.2 lbs209.0 kg / 460.8 lbs
Performance
Max Power92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm-
Max Torque125 Nm / 12.7 kgf-m / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm124.50 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 91.8 ft.lbs) @ 7250 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.7967 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-4.2 x 2.7 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-106.0 x 67.9 mm
Displacement (cc)-1198.40 cc
Fuel Control-Desmodromic valve control
Displacement (ci)-73.13 cubic inches
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.-
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm-
Fuel System-Injection. 53mm throttle bodies with full Ride by Wire
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm-
Compression Ratio12.5:112.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid / Air cooled-
Emissions-Euro 3
Exhaust-Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin aluminium mufflers
Fuel InductionThrottle valve mm 52 Carburetion BMS-X Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1.0 US gal-
Fuel TypePremium unleaded (95 RON)-
IgnitionBMS-K -
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 11,8 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchOil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operatedLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
Final DriveShaftChain
Gearbox-6-speed
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth-
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engineTubular steel Trellis frame attached to the cylinders head
Suspension - FrontTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mmOhlins fully adjustable 48mm usd forks
Suspension - RearCast 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 handwheelProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Ohlins monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rake-24.3°
Seat-Dual seat
Steering Head Angle62.3°-
Trail-93 mm / 3.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in152 mm / 6.0 in.
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 510 W (nominal power)-
Electrical SystemAlternator three-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power) Battery /Ah 12V/12 maintenance-free Headlight H7W / LED (SA) Starter 0.9 kW-
Instrumentation-Colour TFT display
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-245 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.6 inches
Brakes - Front2 x 320 floating discs, 4 piston calipersDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Brakes - RearSingle 275mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral), disengageable-
Rims-Y-shaped 3-spoke in light alloy
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR 17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR 17190/55-ZR17
Wheel Caster125,6 mm / 4.9 in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 BMW R 1200R LC

The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC edges out the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling, standard ABS 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 R 1200R LC - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 760 mm - 820 mm vs 785 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 130 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 152 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2015 BMW R 1200R LC vs 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC and 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm, while the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC or the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC has the lower seat at 760 mm - 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S sits higher at 785 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC or 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S have ABS?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S 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 R 1200R LC or the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 S stands out for fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.