After being introduced to international markets for some months, the BMW R 1300 GS is now available for purchase in India. Everything on this motorbike is brand new, including the engine and chassis, making it an entirely new bike. Just one glance at the new R 1300 GS reveals that BMW Motorcycles has created a more competitive “GS” that is narrower and sharper. We compare it to the Ducati Multistrada V4, which is, without a doubt, the most sporty ADV available.
DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 VS BMW R 1300 GS: DESIGN
Based on its design, the Ducati Multistrada V4 motorcycle is clearly an Italian vehicle. The bike has a commanding presence on the road, attractive lines, and good proportions. It is quite appealing with its aggressive front end, huge fuel tank with side radiators, and thinner tail portion.
Conversely, the BMW R 1300 GS has a distinct aesthetic all its own. German engineering is evident in the way it blends form and function in its design. The design is more streamlined than the previous R 1250 GS, although it retains the traditional ‘GS’ form. Its broad beak, the fuel tank’s design, and the upswept tail section all demonstrate this. The R 1300 GS is easily identifiable thanks to the Boxer engine’s protruding cylinder heads on both sides.
DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 VS BMW R 1300 GS: PERFORMANCE
The Ducati Multistrada V4’s 1158 cc engine is equipped with a V4 Granturismo configuration. It has a counter-rotating crankshaft, four valves per cylinder, a Twin Pulse firing order, and a V4 – 90° design. It is a liquid-cooled engine. It generates 125 Nm of torque at 8,750 rpm and 167.62 horsepower at 10,500 rpm. Its maximum speed is 180 km/h.
The BMW R 1300 GS, on the other hand, has a bigger 1300 cc engine. It is a 4-stroke, 2-cylinder air/liquid-cooled engine. At 6,500 rpm, it produces an impressive 149 Nm of torque and an unspecified quantity of power (bhp). Moreover, this BMW bike’s top speed is 225 km/h.
DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 VS BMW R 1300 GS: FEATURES
The Ducati Multistrada V4 has numerous ride modes that may be customized, including keyless start and LED lights. In ‘Road’ mode, for instance, you can set the engine power to complete. It’s the first of its kind with radar-based adaptive cruise control and blind spot recognition. The bike’s front and rear suspension are electronically adjustable. In tests, the suspension provided outstanding handling and was terrific at calming down bumpy surfaces.
Conversely, the competing BMW R 1300 GS adventure bike employs a more sophisticated version of BMW’s para lever and telelever suspension system. Although not as soft as the R 1250, this setting results in a smooth ride. The GS is more accessible for driving around curves because of its improved suspension and reduced dimensions.
The bike also features several ride modes, an electrically adjustable windscreen, electronic suspension adjustment, and traction control settings. It also has adaptive cruise control, much like the Ducati. This makes highway cruising more accessible, as it adjusts speeds according to traffic volume.
DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 VS BMW R 1300 GS: HARDWARE
The Ducati’s frame is made of an aluminum monocoque. The wheel diameters are the same as those of the BMW, and alloy or wire spoke wheels are available as options. Regarding brakes, the Ducati’s front discs are 10 mm larger than the GS’s, while the GS’s rear disc is 25 mm larger.
The BMW’s rear subframe is fastened to the main frame, resulting in a two-part frame. The bike has wheels that are 19 inches up front and 17 inches along the back. Depending on the version, it comes with wire-spoke wheels or alloys.
DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 VS BMW R 1300 GS: PRICE AND VARIATIONS
The starting price of the Multistrada V4 Standard is Rs. 21,48,000. The Multistrada V4 S, V4 Rally, and V4 Pikes Peak models are priced at Rs. 26,73,000, Rs. 30,02,000, and Rs. 1,48,000, respectively. The Multistrada V4 prices listed are average ex-showroom pricing.
The following versions of the BMW R 1300 GS are available: GS, Triple Black 1, Triple Black 2, GS Trophy, and Option 719. The starting price is Rs. 20.95 lakh.