BMW R 1200 R versus Ducati Desert X

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 R

Naked
Ducati

Ducati Desert X

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2007 bis 2017
Built von 2022 bis 2024~
RRP 13.100 €
RRP 16.790 €
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Pros:
  • relatively light for a boxer machine
  • powerful engine with character
  • upgradeable as an agile tourer
  • no technical overload
  • safe driving experience
Pros:
  • adult appearance
  • technically (almost) fully equipped
  • Engine with pressure and character
  • wonderful suction noise
  • drives equally well on road and off-road
  • Long warranty and service intervals
Cons:
  • not cheap
  • Windbreak underground
Cons:
  • Quickshifter smooth only at higher speeds
  • Accessories sometimes very expensive
  • Heated grips not standard
  • moderate wind protection

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.515 mm
Length :
2.165 mm Height : 1.300 mm
Seat :
790 mm
Weight :
232 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.608 mm
Length :
2.390 mm Height : 1.425 mm
Seat :
875 mm
Weight :
223 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: V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 937 ccm
Hub: 68 mm
Hole: 94 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 220 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
363 km
Maximum speed: 240 km/h
Performance: 110 HP at 9.250 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
375 km

Chassis

Frame type:
two-part frame concept consisting of the main frame and the rear frame bolted to it, supporting engine (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-down 45 mm (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR 17
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
KYB USD 46 mm, fully adjustable (travel 230 mm)
Rear suspension:
KYB Monoshock, fully adjustable (travel 220 mm)
Rear suspension:
Alu two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 90/90-21
Rear tyres: 150/70R18

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 276 mm)
Front brake
Double disc, Brembo monobloc calipers ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo two-piston caliper ( 265 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Wonderful, this BMW R1200 R. Not only beautiful, fast and safe, but also potent enough for an Alpine tour. Of course, this requires a suitcase system, which goes quite well into the money at BMW. And just a touring disc, which is to be used in the secondary market (e.B. MRA) for about 150 euros. In the mountains you should ride the other bikers quite nicely around the ears, because the 1200s brings everything you need: strength, agility, agility and above all the feeling of security that you can't really do much with this bike.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 12,000€
  • Used (7 years old): 8,000€
  • Years built: 2006-2014
  • Colours: white, matt grey, black, blue, red

Conclusion - what sticks

Ducati has achieved a great success with the Desert X. The machine can do a lot, but is not exactly a bargain. Whether so much technology has to be in an off-road travel enduro is certainly not without controversy. There will be both parties, namely those who say: "Too much stuff" and those who say: "Cool, finally modern technology on a real terrain machine".
 
The test bike was kindly provided by Ducati Hamburg . There is the Desert X as a demonstrator and may be very gladly driven by you. Or you just drop by Ducati Hamburg and enjoy the beguiling sight of Italian motorcycle building art. You will certainly stop in front of the Superleggera. Take coffee, enjoy it and check your account balance! And remember: We only live once and life is damn short.
 

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 15.990€
  • Availability: from 06/2022
  • Colours: white