Ducati Multistada VS BMW GS1200

When knowing ducati ENDURO released versions with capacities really surprised because the same engine with BMW GS1200 is the main rival.

we see from the table below if it can rival the greatness of the BMW GS1200

	Ducati Multistrada 1200 $14,995US	Ducati Multistrada 1200S $18,995US	2009 Multistrada 1100S $14,495US	2010 BMW R1200GS $14,750.00US MSRP	Note
Engine
Type	L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled	L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled	L-Twin cylinder, 2 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled	Air-cooled/oil-cooled Boxer twin-cylinder
Displacement	1198.4cc	1198.4cc	1078cc	1170 cc
Bore x Stroke	106×67.9mm	106×67.9mm	98 x 71.5 mm	101.0 mm x 73.0 mm
Compression Ratio	11,5:1	11,5:1	10.5:1	-4307:59
Power	150 CV – 150hp – 110,3kw @ 9250rpm	150CV- 150hp – 110,3kw @ 9250rpm	70 kw – 95 hp @ 7750 rpm	81 kW (110 hp) at 7,750 rpm
Torque	12,1kgm – 87,5lb-ft – 118,7Nm @7500rpm	12.1kgm – 87,5lb-ft – 118,7Nm @7500rpm	102.9 Nm – 10.5 kgm @ 4750 rpm	89lb-ft – 120 Nm at 6,000 rpm
Fuel injection	Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies	Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies	Marelli electronic fuel injection, 45 mm throttle body	Electronic intake pipe injection / BMS-K+ digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition
Exhaust	Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes	Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes	Marelli electronic fuel injection, 45 mm throttle body
Transmission
Gearbox	6 speed	6 speed	6 speed	Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox
Ratio	1=37/15  2=30/17  3=27/20  4=24/22  5=23/24  6=22/25	1=37/15  2=30/17  3=27/20  4=24/22  5=23/24  6=22/25	1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 24/28	2.82:1 to 2.91:1 (lowered from previous models)
Primary drive	Straight cut gears, ratio 1.84:1	Straight cut gears, ratio 1.84:1	Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.84:1	helical gear teeth
Final drive	Chain 5.30″; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 40	Chain 5.30″; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 40	Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 42	Shaft drive
Clutch	Light action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.	Light action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.	Wet multiplate with hydraulic control	Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Chassis
Frame	Tubular steel Trellis frame	Tubular steel Trellis frame	Tubular steel Trellis frame	Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load- bearing engine-gearbox unit
Wheelbase	1530mm	1530mm	1462 mm / 57.6 in	1,507 mm
Rake	25°	25°	24°
Steering lock	76°	76°
Front suspension	Marzocchi 50mm fully adjustable USD forks	Ohlins 48mm fully adjustable USD forks, electronic compression and rebound adjustment	Ohlins 43 mm fully adjustable upside-down fork with TiN	BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut, spring preload with 5-position mechanical adjustment
Front wheel travel	170mm (6.7in)	170mm (6.7in)	165 mm / 6.5 in	190 mm
Front wheel	10-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x 17	10-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x 17	6-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x 17	2.50 x 19″ Cast aluminum wheels
Front tyre	120/70 ZR 17	120/70 ZR 17	120/70 ZR 17	110/80 R 19
Rear suspension	Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm	Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Ohlins electronic monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm	Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Ohlins monoshock; hydraulic remote pre-load control. Aluminium single-sided swingarm	Cast 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
Rear wheel travel	170mm (6.7in)	170mm (6.7in)	141 mm / 5.6 in	200 mm
Rear wheel	10-spoke light alloy 6,00 x 17	10-spoke light alloy 6,00 x 17	5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17	4.00 x 17″ Cast aluminum wheels
Rear tyre	190/55 ZR 17	190/55 ZR 17	180/55 ZR 17	150/70 R 17
Front brake	2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo callipers, 4-piston, 2-pad. ABS optional	2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo callipers, 4-piston, 2-pad. ABS as standard equipment	2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, 4-piston, 2-pad caliper	Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston fixed calipers
Rear brake	245mm disc, 2-piston calliper	245mm disc, 2-piston calliper	245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper	Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, double-piston floating caliper
Fuel tank capacity	20l – 5.3 gallon (US)	20l – 5.3 gallon (US)	20 L (of which 6.5 l reserve) / 5.3 US gal (of which 1.7 US gal reserve)	20 l
Dry weight (excludes lubricants and battery)	189kg (417lb) – No ABS	192kg (423lb – Sport Edition	196 kg / 432 lbs	203 kg
Wet weight	217kg (478lb) – No ABS	220kg (485lb) – Sport Edition		229 kg
Seat height	850 mm	850 mm	850 mm / 33.5 in	850 / 870 mm (low seat 820 mm, lowered suspension 790 mm)
Max height	1400 mm	1400 mm
Max length	2150 mm	2150 mm	2130 mm	2,210 mm
Versions	Dual seat, ABS optional	Dual seat, ABS as standard equipment available in two packages: -SPORT (Cam belt covers, air intake and hugger in carbon fibre) -TOURING (side panniers, heated grips and center stand)

Sport Touring Amenities

The Multistrada 1200’s screen is designed with 60mm of vertical adjustment to ensure efficient wind protection for all rider heights and effortless high-speed riding over long distances.

The fuel tank has been developed using a new moulding technology which balancing between capacity and weight and the 20 litre (5.3 gallon US) capacity should provided over 300km (186 miles) between fuel stops.

Two 12V power outlets situated on either side of the area below the rider’s seat can be used to power up to 3A (fused) accessories such as heated gear, intercoms or mobile phone chargers.

A special connection point for powering the GARMIN satellite navigator (optional feature) is situated near the instrumentation.

DESIGN: “Character” of the Multistrada 1200

EXHAUST: style and sound

The exhaust is shaped and positioned to improve overall weight distribution. The tailpipes are also short, so as not to impinge on the space needed for the large panniers. “The internal structure of the silencer is designed to achieve the characteristic Ducati sound without compromising compliance with sound and hydrocarbon emission standards (Euro3).”

The frontal air intakes (carbon fibre on the ‘S’ Sport version) act as air flow conveyors, one to the oil coolers and the other to the airbox to feed the engine.

The single-sided rear swingarm is made using a single piece casting, with fabricated and welded sections creating a strong, hollow and lightweight component that contributes considerably to the Multistrada’s sure-footed handling.

The symmetrical headlight, rather than stacked Cycloptic look of the outgoing bike, uses four halogen lamps, two for low and two for high beam to provide excellent illumination. In addition, the front and rear side lights use LEDs, and feature a special shape of intense white light guidance, which both improves road illumination and makes the motorcycle more visible to other road users.

CHASSIS SET-UP: frame, brakes and suspension

Chassis geometry, such as wheelbase, swingarm length, and rake, trail and offset aims to balance stability at high speeds with dynamic agility. The chassis is designed to achieve lean angles of up to 45° and the combination of reduced weight and generous steering lock of 76° (38° left and right) makes tight manoeuvres at low speeds very easy to manage.

FRAME

The Ducati signature Trellis frame uses large diameter, light gauge tubing with two central cast aluminium sections and a Trellis rear subframe. The frame has 19% more torsional rigidity than the Multistrada 1100.

The high pressure, die casted, magnesium front subframe reduces the high, frontal weight and contributes to chassis feel and control.

TIRES

Pirelli worked alongside Ducati as its technical partner, developing the new Pirelli Scorpion Trail tyres specifically for the Multistrada 1200. They represent the first dual compound Tire for on/off road use with the central section of the Tire a harder compound than the outer sections. Combined with a special tread design and carcass structure, their 190/55 section delivers racing performance on the road in terms of grip and lean angles, while ensuring high mileage for touring and good off-road performance.

BRAKING SYSTEM

The front brakes use twin radially mounted Brembo four piston, two pad callipers actuated by a master cylinder with an adjustable lever. The front is fitted with 320mm discs, while a single 245mm disc on the rear is gripped by a single Brembo calliper – so it’s a high performance braking system then. The Bosch-Brembo ABS system is optional for the standard version of the Multistrada 1200 and fitted as original equipment on the ‘S’ version. An option to disable the ABS is available via the instrumentation, but is automatically reactivated at the next ignition-on (GRRRRRRRR- Hated that on the KTM 990 Adventure and the BMW R1200GS Adventure).

SUSPENSION

The standard version Multistrada 1200 uses 50mm Marzocchi front forks, featuring a special forged fork bottom and full adjustability in spring pre-load, rebound and compression damping. The rear is controlled by a Sachs monoshock adjustable in spring pre-load, and rebound and compression damping. Both front and rear have 170mm of travel, the extra-long movement providing excellent comfort even when fully loaded and even if the rider decides to leave the asphalt for an off-road route. The ‘S’ version features the Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) system, developed in conjunction with Öhlins.

TECHNOLOGY

HANDS FREE

The Multistrada 1200 ignition is not actuated with a normal key. Instead, an electronic key in the rider’s pocket communicates with the Multistrada within a distance of approximately 2 metres, recognising the dedicated key code and automatically enabling the ignition. Pressing the key-on switch then activates the motorcycle’s electrics and the engine can then be started.

The electronic key, which consists internally of a circuit with two radio systems, externally doubles as a mechanical flip-key, required to open the seat and fuel tank cap. When parking the motorcycle an electric steering lock, which is actuated by pressing a button, is automatically disabled upon the next ignition-on.

ON-BOARD COMPUTER

The on-board computer system is made up of a large, high visibility LCD with the main data and a dot-matrix circular LCD which visualises various functions according to whether the bike is stationary or moving.

The main LCD displays speed, rpm, gear, total mileage, trip1/trip2, Tire pressures (as standard on the ‘S’ version Touring package), engine coolant temperature, fuel level and time.

When the motorcycle is in motion, the dot-matrix LCD displays the selected riding mode, remaining fuel/distance, current fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average speed, air temperature, trip time, and ‘freezing conditions’ alarm. When stationary, it enters a setting menu from where adjustments to the various functions can be made.

The Sport, Touring, Urban or Enduro Riding Mode can be changed while either stationary or in motion, as well as the load settings for ‘rider only’, ‘rider with luggage’, ‘rider and passenger’ or ‘rider and passenger with luggage’.

‘S’ VERSION

The main features of the ‘S’ version consist of the ABS system and the innovative Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) system, developed specifically for the Multistrada 1200 by Öhlins in partnership with the Ducati engineers. The ‘S’ version is available in the two equipment options of Sport Edition and Touring Edition.

SPORT EDITION

The Sport Edition is enhanced with special carbon fibre components which further accentuate the distinctive character of the Multistrada 1200. They consist of front air intakes, cam belt covers, rear hugger and lateral air extractors.

TOURING EDITION

The Touring Edition focuses on comfort and convenience. A centre stand not only provides parking practicality, but is also essential in the event of Tire maintenance during a long distance journey. Easily connected heated grips are controlled via the instrument panel to three settings and are a must for any tour where adverse weather conditions threaten rider comfort.

Stylish luggage panniers, designed together with the bike, offer a load capacity of 57 litres (or 77 litres with large lid versions) and use a fast and secure attachment system that blends perfectly when the panniers are removed.

TAILOR-MADE ACCESSORIES

With its wide range of potential uses and benchmark performance, Ducati decided to manage the development of some key Multistrada 1200 accessories in cooperation with both the product development and the design departments. This integration right from the start of the project has optimised both style and performance.

The current collection of accessories is in addition to those already included on the Sport and Touring Edition, which are also available individually. They include carbon fibre air intakes, cam belt covers, rear hugger and lateral air extractors, panniers, heated grips and centre stand.

Garmin GPS

Garmin, a leading producer of satellite navigation systems, has created a navigation system for the Multistrada 1200. Pre-loaded into the system are the addresses of the entire official Ducati dealer network in addition to the main MotoGP and World Superbike circuits. The Ducati navigation system has an anti-glare touch screen, 18 bit LCD display, a lithium battery which remains charged for up to 8 hours, and a microSD expandable memory. It includes a mounting kit and dedicated plug-and-play cables.

Low seat

The lowered seat reduces height by 25mm and provides sure-footed confidence when fully loaded.

Top case

A 48 litre capacity the top case capable of holding two full-face helmets is available and comes with a passenger backrest and an integrated fixing system that makes it easy to attach. When removed, the topcases support plate acts as a practical luggage rack.

Anti-theft alarm

Ducati has developed an integrated anti-theft system, including movement, anti-tamper and lifting sensors, as well as a sound alarm to act as a further deterrent.

Electric filler cap

Thanks to the hands-free system, the Multistrada 1200 can be started without the key leaving the rider’s pocket. With the electric filler cap there is also no need to use the flip-key or remove gloves as it is opened simply by raising a tab and closed by pressing it down. At every power-down, the hands-free system allows 60 seconds for the electric filler cap to be opened.

Carbon fibre spray guards

From a protective part to a designer accessory – the carbon fibre spray guards on the rear wheel not only carry out their traditional function but also make the bike lighter and add enduro style details.

Carbon fibre front mudguard

The carbon fibre front mudguard with its criss-cross pattern enhances the aggressive beauty of the front end.

Tire pressure monitoring system

As well as the ABS, DTC and ride-by-wire, Ducati offers an additional safety tool. The system is made up of two sensors inserted inside the special Tire valves, which communicate via the radio system inside the hands-free electronic key. This real time communication displays temperature and pressure information on the instrument panel and signals any problems.

VERSIONS

• Standard
• ABS Package
• ‘S’ – with ABS and Öhlins suspension fitted with Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) in Sport Edition or Touring Edition version

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