BMW R 1200 GS Adventure K255 versus Ducati Multistrada 1200

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure K255

Adventure
Ducati

Ducati Multistrada 1200

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2006 bis 2013
Built von 2010 bis 2018
RRP
RRP
waveform
waveform
Pros:
  • Load donkey
  • good-natured driving behaviour
  • long range
  • comfortable seating position
  • very good wind protection
  • also suitable for long and fast motorway passages
Pros:
  • Power
  • Sound
  • Precise chassis
  • Space
Cons:
  • heavy, manoeuvring problematic
  • vulnerable ABS
Cons:
  • Sparse furnishings

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.510 mm
Length :
2.250 mm Height : 1.470 mm
Seat :
890 mm until : 910 mm
Weight :
256 (max: 475 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.529 mm
Length :
2.190 mm Height : 1.495 mm
Seat :
845 mm
Weight :
232 kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Cooling: Luft/Ölgekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor type unknown 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.198 ccm
Hub: 68 mm
Hole: 106 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette

Performance

Maximum speed: 200 km/h
Performance: 98 HP at 7.000 U/Min
Torque: 115 NM bei 5.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 33 Litre
Reach:
600 km
Maximum speed: 248 km/h
Performance: 152 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 128 NM bei 7.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre

Chassis

Frame type:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel)
Front suspension:
Telelever 41mm central strut (travel 210 mm)
Rear suspension:
WAD strut (travel 220 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm Paralever
Tyres at the front: 110/80 R19
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17
Rear suspension:
Mono-featherleg

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 265 mm)
Front brake
Double disc Rear brake
Disk

Conclusion - what gets stuck

"Excellent off-road capability with even increased road characteristics" was the press release for BMW's new adventure. By offroad, the scribes probably didn't mean the cross-piste with jumps and deep sand at that time - the GS 1200 Adventure is simply too heavy for that. Nevertheless, this motorcycle is the ideal bike for the gaaaanz long journey. Charly Boorman and Ewan McGregor provided the proof in 2007 on their "Long Way Down" journey, in which they covered 23,500 kilometers through Africa precisely on these machines.
 
Unfortunately, even used and older GS Adventure bikes are not quite cheap. Depending on age, mileage, condition and equipment, up to 13,000 euros are required. However, it is doubtful that such prices are actually paid, but for a good GSA K255 one has to reckon with 8,000 euros. Back to the initial question: Is it worth it? Clear "YES!" on our part, because these machines last forever and still bring a lot of joy after 15 years.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • New price: 13.500 € (naked)
  • Used: 6,000 to 13,000 € (depending on age and condition)
  • Years built: 2006-2013
  • Colours: various

Superbike for everyday use

What's stuck? The Multistrada is a capped superbike that is suitable for everyday use, allows long tours at a time, is fast and also ensures the passenger a comfortable livelihood.

It offers almost the same riding performance as a superbike, the same stability when it needs to go faster and packs a wendigkeit. It is the superbike for the rider, who no longer wants to edge on the motorcycle, but may enjoy the upright posture.
With her whole facility she enjoyed Dietmar and me a lot.

For everyone else, think about it well. If you don't want to be constantly challenged, who enjoys the peace, who gets the constant roar ingenuity on your nerves, who wants to cruise first – let it stay.

The test bike was provided to us by Ducati Hamburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Used (3 years old): 12,000€
  • Years built: 2010-2018
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: red, white, grey