2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S vs 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000

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
2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000

Sport touring

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
643.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2013-
Colours-Realtree APG HD camouflage
Make ModelDucati Multistrada 1200S-
Warranty-12 Months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.1 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-155 mm
Seat Height850 mm / 33.4 in845 mm / 33.3 in.
Wheelbase1530mm / 60.2 in1,520 mm / 59.8 in.
Height1310 mm / 51.5 in1,405 mm / 55.3 in.
Length2200 mm / 86.6 in2,235 mm / 88.0 in.
Width945 mm / 37.2 in900 mm / 35.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight192 kg / 423 lbs239 kg / 526.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons
Wet Weight220 kg / 485 lbs292.1 kg / 643.9 lbs
Performance
Max Power110.3 kW / 150 hp @ 9250 rpm-
Max Torque124.5 Nm / 12.7 kgm / 91.8 lb-ft @ 7500rpm102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 10400
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.4870 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.8 sec-
Engine
Displacement (ci)-63.64 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1043.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-77.0 x 56.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.0 x 2.2 inches
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Fuel Control-DOHC
Displacement1198.4 cc / 73.1 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke106 x 67.9 mm-
Compression Ratio11.5:110.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustStainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes-
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 bodies-
IgnitionMarelli electronicDigital
LubricationWet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.Wet mDouble disk, manual
Final DriveChain #530, front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 40Chain
Gear Ratios1st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 27/20 / 4th 24/22 / 5th 23/24 / 6th 22/25-
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellis frameAluminium twin-tube
Suspension - FrontSach 48 mm fully adjustable USD forks. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension43 mm inverted fork with stepless
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment. Electronic spring preload with DSS aluminium single-sided swingarmHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged,
Rake25° 27.0°
Trail110 mm / 4.33 in-
Wheel Travel - Front170 mm / 6.7 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear170 mm / 6.7 in-
Electrical Systems
Lighting system-30W x 2 halogen
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers, 4-piston, 2-pad. ABS as standard equipmentDouble disc
Brakes - RearSingle 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front120/70 - ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/55 - ZR17180/55-ZR17
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 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 thanks to its liquid cooling. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S vs 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S and 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S uses Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S or the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S has the edge in liquid cooling, while the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.