2003 Ducati 999 S vs 2004 BMW R 1100S vs 2004 BMW R 1100S

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
2003 Ducati 999 S 2003 Ducati 999 S

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt driven
Power
100 kW / 136 hp @ 9750 rpm
Top Speed
270 km/h / 168 mph
Weight
199 kg / 438 lbs
2004 BMW R 1100S 2004 BMW R 1100S

Sport

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
504.9 pounds
2004 BMW R 1100S 2004 BMW R 1100S

Sport touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
71.4 kW / 98 hp @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
227 km/h / 141 mph
Weight
236 kg / 520 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20032003 - 04
Colours-Gray, Red, Gray/Mandarin, Blue
Make ModelDucati 999 SBMW R 1100S
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-33.3 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-845 mm
Seat Height780 mm / 30.7 in860 mm / 33.9 in.
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in1,478 mm / 58.2 in.
Height1090 mm / 42.9 in1,160 mm / 45.7 in.
Length2095 mm / 82.5 in2,180 mm / 85.8 in.
Width730 mm / 28.7 in895 mm / 35.2 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight199 kg / 438 lbs208 kg / 458.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity15.5 Litres / 4.1 US gal / 3.4 Imp gal18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons
Wet Weight-229.0 kg / 504.9 lbs
Performance
Top Speed270 km/h / 168 mph227 km/h / 141 mph
Braking (100 km/h - 0)-40.0 m / 131 ft
Braking (60 km/h - 0)-13.5 m / 44.3 ft
Max Power100 kW / 136 hp @ 9750 rpm71.4 kW / 98 hp @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque106 Nm / 10.8 kgf-m / 78.1 ft-lb @ 8000rpm97 Nm / 9.9 kgf-m / 71.5 lb-ft.@ 5750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.4642 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.0 sec12.1 sec / 177.5 km/h / 110.3 mph
Engine
Displacement (ci)-66.21 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-99.0 x 70.5 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.9 x 2.8 inches
Engine Type-Two cylinder boxer
Fuel Control-OHC
Stroke-4
Displacement (cc)-1085.00 cc
Displacement998 cc / 60.9 cu in1085 cc / 66.2 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt drivenFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke100 x 63.5 mm99 x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio11.4:111.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir/Oil cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationSynthetic, 10W/40-
ExhaustSingle steel muffler with catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption5.56 L/100 km / 18 km/l / 42.3 US mpg / 50.8 Imp mpg6.0 L/100 km / 16.6 km/l / 39.0 US mpg
Fuel InductionWeber Marelli electronic fuel injection, 54 mm throttle body Bosch fuel injection
Fuel Reserve-4 Litres / 1.05 US gal
IgnitionMarelli electronicBosch electronic
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
Spark PlugChampion RG4HC-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V 10Ah12 V, 14 Ah (special equipment: 12V, 19 Ah)
Drivetrain
ClutchDry multiplate with hydraulic controlDry, single plate
Final DriveChainShaft
Final Drive Ratio2.400:1 (15/36)-
Gear Ratios1st 2.466 / 2nd 1.765 / 3rd 1.400 / 4th 1.182 / 5th 1.043 / 6th 0.958:11st 2.050 / 2nd 1.600 / 3rd 1.270 / 4th 1.040 / 5th 0.900 / 6th 0.800
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive RatiosStraight cut gears, 1.84:1-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellis Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine
Suspension - FrontÖhlins 43mm upside-down fully adjustable fork with TiN surface treatmentBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central spring strut, rebound damping adjustable
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshockDie-cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Rake23.5° - 24.5°-
Trail97 mm / 3.8 in-
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in110 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear128 mm / 5 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.9 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-276 mm
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston calipersDouble disc
Brakes - RearSingle 245mm disc, 2 piston caliperDouble disc
Rims - Front-3.50 x 17"
Rims - Rear-5.00 x 17" (special equipment: 5.50 x 17")
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/50 ZR17180/55-ZR17
Wheel Ratio - Rear-1:2.81
Wheels-Die cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - FrontY-shaped 5-spoke light alloy 3.50 x 17-
Wheels - RearY-shaped 5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2003 Ducati 999 S

The 2003 Ducati 999 S edges out the 2004 BMW R 1100S thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height, liquid cooling and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2003 Ducati 999 S - Advantages

  • Lighter: 199 kg vs 236 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 800 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More front wheel travel: 120 mm vs 110 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2004 BMW R 1100S - Advantages

  • Larger displacement: 1085 cc vs 998 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2003 Ducati 999 S vs 2004 BMW R 1100S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2003 Ducati 999 S and 2004 BMW R 1100S?
The 2003 Ducati 999 S uses Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt driven, while the 2004 BMW R 1100S is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which is lighter, the 2003 Ducati 999 S or the 2004 BMW R 1100S?
The 2003 Ducati 999 S is lighter at 199 kg compared to 236 kg for the 2004 BMW R 1100S - a difference of 37 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2003 Ducati 999 S or the 2004 BMW R 1100S?
The 2003 Ducati 999 S has the lower seat at 780 mm, making it more accessible. The 2004 BMW R 1100S sits higher at 800 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2003 Ducati 999 S or the 2004 BMW R 1100S?
Both are strong choices. The 2003 Ducati 999 S has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2004 BMW R 1100S stands out for larger displacement. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.