BMW R 1150 R versus Ducati Desert X

BMW R 1150 R

Naked

Ducati Desert X

Reise-Enduro

Is it still worth buying a BMW R 1150 R today?

The BMW R 1150 R was built from 2000 to 2006 and is therefore anything but a modern motorcycle. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at this beautiful machine - especially since there is hardly any other boxer model from BMW that is available used at a similarly low price.... weiter

BMW R 1150 R im Test

Gallery

What can the Ducati Desert X do better than Multistrada - and what not?

Next taboo break at Ducati: The Desert X is the first Ducati in many years with a 21-inch front wheel. It thus underlines its claim to a serious off-road suitability and wants... weiter

Ducati Desert X im Test

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2005 bis 2006

Built von 2022 bis 2025~

RRP

RRP 16.790 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

easy and manoeuvrable to drive despite size and weight
used relatively cheap
is also suitable as a tourer
wonderful boxer with sound
sufficient power, powerful torque

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:

vulnerable ABS system
fiddly battery removal

Cons:

Quickshifter smooth only at higher speeds
Accessories sometimes very expensive
Heated grips not standard
moderate wind protection

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length : 2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 800 mm
Weight : 238 (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 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-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: 197 km/h
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min

Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 446 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:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel)

Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever

Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 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
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake (∅ 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

The BMW R 1150 R is a grateful bike that offers riders a confident and safe riding experience even with high mileage. There are many used machines of this type, most fortunately in uncrafted original condition. But old machines are not really cheap either: 1150s are hardly available in good condition under 4,000 euros. To answer the opening question: Yes, it is still worth buying a 15-year-old motorcycle today. At least if it is a BMW R 1150 R.

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.