BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Ducati Multistrada V4 S

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
Ducati

Ducati Multistrada V4 S

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2021 bis 2024~
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 23.290 €
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Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
  • High seating comfort for driver and front passenger
  • Impressive engine, sporty and refined
  • Good wind protection and easily adjustable windscreen
  • Very handy, yet stable handling
  • Technically everything on board (for an extra charge), what your heart desires
  • Brakes, tires, chassis: Everything was great
Cons:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
  • Range could be better
  • Fully equipped no bargain

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length :
2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.567 mm
Seat :
840 mm until : 860 mm
Weight :
240 (max: 470 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: V4 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.158 ccm
Cooling: Flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
403 km
Maximum speed: 255 km/h
Performance: 170 HP at 10.500 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 8.750 U/Min
Tank contents: 22 Litre
Consumption:
7 l
Reach:
300 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
Frame type:
Monocoque frame (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Upside-down (travel 180 mm)
Rear suspension:
Monoshock (travel 180 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70-19
Rear tyres: 170/60-17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 376 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 330 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 265 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 15,000-20,000€ depending on the equipment
  • used so far only marginally cheaper
  • Years built: 2017-2018
  • Availability: from 12/2017
  • Colors: Rally design in blue, silver, red, black

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Man, it was fun! Volker and Dietmar agree: A great throw from Ducati. Competitors need to dress warmly and we are looking forward to the first comparative tests with GS & Co. Whether die-hard Ducati fans are as enthusiastic about the new Multistrada as we are, it is not to be seen. Objectively, the new V4S is the better motorcycle, but one or the other will still prefer the 1260s with the great V2, because it represents classic Ducati virtues better than the new Multi. In this respect, this machine also polarizes a little, but it probably has to if Ducati wants to be in the top 10. We believe that the opportunity for this is very good. You hear from many pre-orders, Ducati seems to have done everything right. Auguri, Ducati!

The test motorcycle we kindly got provided by Bergmann & Söhne Bremervörde.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: from 20.9900 € (V4S)
  • Availability: from 02/2021
  • Colours: red, grey