2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S vs 2015 BMW R 1200R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S

All-Round

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
467.4 pounds
2015 BMW R 1200R 2015 BMW R 1200R

All-Round

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
509.3 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsWindscreen. Traction control. Cruise control. Hands-Free.-
ColoursDucati Red, white, dark greyBlue, grey, white
Warranty2 years unlimited mileage-
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)845 mm-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)33.3 inches-
Seat Height825 mm / 32.5 in.790 mm / 31.1 in.
Wheelbase1,530 mm / 60.2 in.1,515 mm / 59.6 in.
Height-1,300 mm / 51.2 in.
Length2,200 mm / 86.6 in.2,165 mm / 85.2 in.
Width-906 mm / 35.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight212 kg / 467.4 lbs-
Fuel Capacity20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons
Wet Weight-231.0 kg / 509.3 lbs
Performance
Max Torque129.50 Nm (13.2 kgf-m or 95.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.7453 HP/kg-
Engine
Displacement (ci)77.01 cubic inches71.39 cubic inches
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke
CO2120.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)90.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)106.0 x 71.5 mm101.0 x 73.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.2 x 2.8 inches4.0 x 2.9 inches
Displacement (cc)1262.00 cc1170.00 cc
Fuel ControlDesmodromic valve controlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine DetailTestastretta DVT-
Fuel SystemInjection. Bosch electronic fuel injection system, elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire, equivalent diameter 56 mmInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K+ digital enfinemanagement with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition
Compression Ratio13.0:112.0:1
EmissionsEuro 4Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
ExhaustStainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes-
Fuel Consumption5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l or 45.23 mpg)3.90 litres/100 km (25.6 km/l or 60.31 mpg)
Fuel Reserve-3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons
IgnitionDual Spark-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchLight action, wet, multiplate slipper clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-runSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChainShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveChain 5.30-
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel TrellisTwo section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load bearing engine-gearbox unit
Suspension - Front48mm fully adjustable usd forks.Telescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm
Suspension - RearFully adjustable Sachs unit. Remote spring preload adjustment. Aluminium single-sided swingarmCast 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 handwheel
Rake24.0°27.7°
SeatDual seat-
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in.126 mm / 4.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front170 mm / 6.7 in.140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear170 mm / 6.7 in.140 mm / 5.5 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationLCD display-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.6 inches10.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)13.0 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)330 mm320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)245 mm265 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
Rims5-spoke light alloy. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires.Cast aluminium
Tyres - Front120/70-17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/55-17180/55-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S edges out the 2015 BMW R 1200R thanks to its 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

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 170 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 170 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 BMW R 1200R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 790 mm vs 825 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S vs 2015 BMW R 1200R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S and 2015 BMW R 1200R?
The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2015 BMW R 1200R is powered by Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S or the 2015 BMW R 1200R?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R has the lower seat at 790 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S sits higher at 825 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S or the 2015 BMW R 1200R?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2015 BMW R 1200R stands out for 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.