Ducati Multistrada 1260 S vs BMW R 1200 GS – Spec Comparison

Ducati will be launching its flagship adventure touring bike, the Multistrada 1260, in India on 19 June. While the bike is available in four versions globally, we expect the 1260 S to be the first one to be launched here. The new bike will take over the reins from the Multistrada 1260 S, rubbing shoulder against the BMW R 1200 GS. We take a look at how the new kid on the block stacks up against the bike to which modern adventure touring motorcycles owe their existence to - 

Design

Quite typical of adventure touring motorcycles, both the Multistrada 1260 and the R 1200 GS get a high-riding stance, massive fuel tanks, raised handlebars, tall windshields and wide and comfortable seats.  However, there is a stark difference between the designs of the two motorcycles. The Multistrada 1260 S looks suave and aerodynamic with the bulk focussed at the top. The R 1200 GS on the other hand gets an edgy design with the boxer engine’s cylinders protruding out. The Multistrada 1260 S looks modern and elegant while the R 1200 GS looks indestructible, as if it was designed giving precedence to functionality over the form.

Engine

Both the motorcycles here are European, but they employ completely different engine architectures. The Multistrada 1260 S, like any bona fide Italian bike, gets a V-twin engine which makes it compact and slender at the bottom. Called Testastretta DVT, this 1262cc 90-degree engine gets variable valve timing to make power more accessible. It churns out 156bhp and 129Nm of torque. 

The boxer engine has been a defining characteristic of the R 1200 GS since the inception of the GS range in the 1980s. The 1170cc boxer engine is smaller in capacity and output as compared to the Multistrada 1260 S. It develops 125bhp and 125Nm of torque. This engine delivers power to the rear wheel through a shaft drive as opposed to the chain drive on the Multistrada 1260 S.

Equipment 

Today’s adventure touring motorcycles feature some of the most comprehensive rider aids given the kind of terrains and conditions they are expected to put up with. The Multistrada 1260 S and the R 1200 GS are two of the most technologically advanced bikes out there. 

The Multistrada 1260 S gets vehicle hold control, four riding modes, skyhook suspension, wheelie control, bi-directional quickshifter and cruise control. The LED headlamps get cornering function, while the instrument console gets a TFT display. You can pair your phone with the multimedia system to control a bunch of telephonic functions. 

The R 1200 GS calls its electronically adjustable suspension as Dynamic ESA. The motorcycle can be ridden in two modes. The optional Pro package on the R 1200 GS offers Enduro and Dynamic riding modes and hill start control. The dynamic traction control and ABS Pro regulate the intrusion according to inputs from the lean angle sensor.

Expected pricing 

The Multistrada 1260 S will be marginally pricier than the outgoing model. As such we can expect it to retail at around Rs 18 lakhs. Like the previous model, the 1260 S will be followed by the standard and Pike Peak versions. While the GS Adventure variants are quite expensive, the road-oriented R 1200 GS starts at Rs 15.7 lakhs. The Pro variant on the other hand, commands a premium of Rs 18.9 lakhs. 

All prices are ex-showroom.