MotoSpecs

2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S vs 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S

Sport touring

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
220 kg / 485 lbs
2014 BMW R 1200RT LC 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC

Sport touring

Engine
N/A
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
274 kg / 604 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20132014
Make ModelDucati Multistrada 1200SBMW R 1200RT LC
Dimensions
Seat Height850 mm / 33.4 in805 mm / 31.5 in - 825 mm / 32.5 in Variable seat heights available between 760mm / 29.9 in and 850mm / 33.5 in
Wheelbase1530mm / 60.2 in1485 mm / 58.5 in
Height1310 mm / 51.5 in1416 mm / 55.7 in
Length2200 mm / 86.6 in2222 mm / 87.5 in
Width945 mm / 37.2 in983 mm / 38.7 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight192 kg / 423 lbs-
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal25 Litres / 6.6 US gal
Wet Weight220 kg / 485 lbs274 kg / 604 lbs
Performance
Max Power110.3 kW / 150 hp @ 9250 rpm92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque124.5 Nm / 12.7 kgm / 91.8 lb-ft @ 7500rpm125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.8 sec-
Engine
Displacement1198.4 cc / 73.1 cu-in1170 cc / 71.4 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder-
Bore x Stroke106 x 67.9 mm101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio11.5:112.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir/Liquid cooled
Emissions-Euro 3
ExhaustStainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes-
Exhaust management-Fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter
Fuel Consumption6.0 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg / 47.5 Imp mpg-
Fuel InductionMitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodiesElectronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system, 52mm throttle valve Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter
Fuel Reserve-4 Litres / 1 US gal
IgnitionMarelli electronicDigital engine management
LubricationWet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.Wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 16 Ah, maintenance-free
Drivetrain
ClutchLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.Multi-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChain #530, front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 40Shaft
Gear Ratios1.84:11st 2.438 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.059 / 5th 0.943 / 6th 0.848:1
Primary Drive Ratios-1.65
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed, constant-mesh gearbox with helical cut gears
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellis frameContinuous tubular steel bridge-type frame
Suspension - FrontSach 48 mm fully adjustable USD forks. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ducati Skyhook SuspensionBMW Telelever, 37 mm central spring strut
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment. Electronic spring preload with DSS aluminium single-sided swingarmCast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW EVO Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) via handwheel, rebound damping adjustable via handwheel
Rake25° -
Steering Head Angle-63.6°
Trail110 mm / 4.33 in-
Wheel Travel - Front170 mm / 6.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear170 mm / 6.7 in136 mm / 5.4 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-Three-phase 540 W generator
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers, 4-piston, 2-pad. ABS as standard equipment2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers
Brakes - RearSingle 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliperSingle 276mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)
Rims - Front-3.50 x 17
Tyres - Front120/70 - ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/55 - ZR17180/55 ZR17
Wheel Caster-116 mm / 4.6 in
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - Front10-spoke light alloy, 3.50 x 17-
Wheels - Rear10-spoke light alloy, 6.00 x 17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S

The 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S edges out the 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC thanks to its lighter kerb weight, 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

2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S - Advantages

  • Lighter: 220 kg vs 274 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More rear wheel travel: 170 mm vs 136 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 170 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2014 BMW R 1200RT LC - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Lower seat height: 805 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.

2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S vs 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC - FAQs

Which is lighter, the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S or the 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC?
The 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S is lighter at 220 kg compared to 274 kg for the 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC - a difference of 54 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S or the 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC?
The 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S sits higher at 850 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 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S or the 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC?
The 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC has the larger tank at approximately 25 litres vs 20 litres for the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 416-500 km vs 333-400 km between stops.
Does the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S or 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC have ABS?
The 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S or the 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S has the edge in lighter kerb weight and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2014 BMW R 1200RT LC stands out for larger fuel tank 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.

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