BMW G 650 GS versus Ducati Multistrada 1260

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 650 GS

Adventure
Ducati

Ducati Multistrada 1260

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2011 bis 2016
Built von 2018 bis 2020
RRP
RRP 16.990 €
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Pros:
  • light and manoeuvrable
  • uncomplicated
  • favorable consumption
  • solid workmanship
  • enough space for passenger
Pros:
  • Powerful engine
  • Precise chassis
  • Windbreak
  • Comfort
  • Service
Cons:
  • radiates little emotion
Cons:
  • Nothing to get at low speed
  • Off-road capability

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.477 mm
Length :
2.165 mm
Seat :
780 mm
Weight :
192 kg
Wheelbase: 1.585 mm
Length :
2.190 mm Height : 1.495 mm
Seat :
825 mm
Weight :
232 (max: 450 ) kg

Engine

Motor type unknown 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 652 ccm
Hub: 83 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5
Motor design: V-motor 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.261 ccm
Hub: 72 mm
Hole: 106 mm
Cooling: Flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 60 NM bei 5.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Maximum speed: 251 km/h
Performance: 158 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 130 NM bei 7.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
350 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges (steel)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-down telescopic fork (travel 170 mm)
Rear suspension:
Adjustable central strut (travel 170 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm made of aluminium
Tyres at the front: Width: 120 mm, 17 inches
Rear tyres: Width:190 mm, 17 inches

Brakes

Rear brake
Disk
Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 265 mm)

The Multi is at a crossroads

One has to pay the highest praise to the Ducati engineers that one hardly notices these extra pounds. And yet the multi is at a crossroads. The whole electrics are not only for safety because of the bearish engine, it must be to make the heavy vehicle manageable. The most striking example of this is the electronic parking brake. At the push of a button, the rear brake can be activated to pin the Duc to a hill for a start, thus facilitating uphill start-ups. The Multistrada 1260 S has nice but completely unnecessary things like the backlit switches on board. Impossible for serious use off-road would be the delicate blinkers in the hand protectors, which lead their meaning ad absurdum.

Ducati actually has the most sporty adventure bike in the range with the Multistrada 1260 S, because the competition from BMW or Triumph can't keep up (and probably won't). With her rousing style she won many friends in the Test team and gave us a lot of fun.

On the other hand, it is comfortable enough for the long tour, great to use and well crafted. That she can't get into the terrain – as a gift, she would only lie down next to all the other adventure bikes that were sunk by her riders there in a nod to reality.

The test bike was provided to us by Ducati-Hamburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: from 16.990€
  • Used (3 years old): 12,000€
  • Years built: 1260 since 2018
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: red, grey, white