Ducati Multistrada V4 RS vs BMW M 1000 XR: Superbike DNA Meets Sport-Touring Versatility

In this week’s head-turning specification showdown, we line up two wildly potent sport-touring machines – the Ducati Multistrada V4 RS and the BMW M 1000 XR. Though wrapped in adventure-tourer and sport-touring clothing, both motorcycles are essentially superbikes in disguise, armed with engines and components from their track-born siblings. But which one takes the crown in this high-octane clash of performance, technology, and exclusivity? Let’s dive into the comparison.

Contents hide

1 Engine and Performance: A Battle of Superbikes on Stilts

2 Weight and Dimensions: Big Bikes, Big Presence

3 Chassis, Suspension, and Tyres: Superbikes in Touring Boots

4 Technology and Features: Luxury Meets Lunacy

5 Price: Both Eye-Watering, One Slightly Less So

6 Final Verdict: Which Hyper Tourer Should You Pick?

Engine and Performance: A Battle of Superbikes on Stilts

Specification	Ducati Multistrada V4 RS	BMW M 1000 XR
Engine	1,103cc V4, liquid-cooled	999cc inline-four, liquid-cooled
Power	180 hp @ 12,250 rpm	201 hp @ 12,750 rpm
Torque	118 Nm @ 9,500 rpm	113 Nm @ 11,000 rpm
Gearbox	6-speed	6-speed
Power-to-weight	800 hp/tonne	901.34 hp/tonne

Both bikes borrow their hearts from their brand’s superbike flagships — the Panigale V4 for Ducati and the S 1000 RR for BMW. The Ducati uses the Desmosedici Stradale V4, while the BMW gets the highly-revving ShiftCam inline-four. Despite the Ducati having more torque at lower revs, the BMW’s peak power advantage gives it a better power-to-weight ratio and a more frantic top-end.

The character of both engines also diverges noticeably — Ducati’s V4 sounds throaty and raw, especially with the optional titanium Akrapovič exhaust, while the BMW’s inline-four delivers a smoother, high-pitched scream that’s unmistakably “M.”

Weight and Dimensions: Big Bikes, Big Presence

Specification	Ducati Multistrada V4 RS	BMW M 1000 XR
Kerb Weight	225 kg (wet, no fuel)	223 kg (kerb)
Seat Height	840-860 mm	850 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	22 litres	20 litres
Wheelbase	1,592 mm	1,548 mm

Despite having super sport performance, both motorcycles carry significant weight and size. They are designed for long-distance comfort, not just corner carving. The Multistrada’s longer wheelbase and slightly taller tank suggest better stability at touring speeds, while the BMW’s compactness may lend itself to sharper dynamics in the twisties.

Chassis, Suspension, and Tyres: Superbikes in Touring Boots

Specification	Ducati Multistrada V4 RS	BMW M 1000 XR
Suspension	Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 (electronic USD fork & monoshock)	Electronically adjustable USD fork & monoshock
Brakes	330 mm dual discs (front), 265 mm disc (rear)	320 mm dual discs (front), 220 mm disc (rear)
Tyres	120/70-ZR17 (F), 190/55-ZR17 (R)	120/70-ZR17 (F), 200/55-ZR17 (R)
Wheels	Forged aluminium (Marchesini)	Forged aluminium (carbon fibre optional)

There’s no compromise on component quality. The Ducati is kitted with Ohlins semi-active suspension and Brembo Stylema brakes, both top-tier bits, while the BMW gets fully electronic suspension tuning and high-spec Brembo monoblocs.

Both wear sticky, track-oriented tyres — Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa on the Ducati and equally grippy Michelin rubber on the BMW. The optional M Competition package on the XR even swaps the wheels for carbon fibre rims, further reducing unsprung mass.

Technology and Features: Luxury Meets Lunacy

As expected at this price point, both bikes are bursting at the seams with electronic wizardry:

Common Features: Cornering ABS, traction control, multiple riding modes, bi-directional quickshifter, wheelie control, TFT displays, cruise control.
Ducati Exclusives:
- Adaptive cruise control with radar front and rear
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Titanium subframe
- Single-sided swingarm
- Numbered limited edition
BMW Highlights:
- Optional carbon bodywork (M Competition package)
- M-themed graphics on TFT
- Extensive customization through Dynamic Pro mode
- Billet-machined components

The Ducati edges ahead on rider assist systems thanks to radar technology, while the BMW aims at track-day readiness and weight savings through its extensive M package.

Price: Both Eye-Watering, One Slightly Less So

Specification	Ducati Multistrada V4 RS	BMW M 1000 XR
Price (Ex-showroom, India)	₹40.67 lakh	₹45.50 lakh

While neither bike can be called value-for-money in traditional terms, the Ducati surprisingly undercuts the BMW by nearly ₹5 lakh. That’s rare for a Ducati vs BMW showdown, where the Italian marque usually demands the higher premium.

Final Verdict: Which Hyper Tourer Should You Pick?

Choose the Ducati Multistrada V4 RS if you want a more refined long-distance ride, a character-rich V4 engine, radar-assisted tech, and touring practicality — all without giving up on superbike-level thrills.
Go for the BMW M 1000 XR if your idea of touring involves pushing lap times at a racetrack on the way to your weekend destination. It’s sharper, lighter, and simply more aggressive in its demeanor.

Bottom Line:
Both motorcycles are overkill for most roads, but they redefine what’s possible when sportbike DNA is grafted into a versatile, upright format. It ultimately boils down to your riding intent — track-touring (BMW) vs tech-laden performance-touring (Ducati).