Bike Files: Ducati Scrambler

Charming retro aims to transport its riders to the Land of Joy

Ducati Scrambler? That looks like it’s straight out of the 1960s…

That’s the idea. When Ducati introduced its mass market retro in 2015 its inspiration was the single cylinder Scrambler which was built between 1962 and 1974. Although the new bike was powered by Ducati’s ubiquitous V-twin engine, the styling and the bright and breezy colours evoked memories of the original. Helped by a cheesy ‘Land of Joy’ marketing campaign and some sharp pricing (at least by Ducati standards) it was an instant sales success.

That was a decade ago. What’s happened since then?

The thing with traditional designs like this is that you don’t really want to be fiddling with them too much. Ducati made a whole bunch of derivatives though, to try and widen the appeal and open some more wallets. The base model was called the Icon but there were restyled and upspecced versions like the Desert Sled, Flat Track Pro, Urban Enduro, Full Throttle… so many that we will, for sure, have forgotten some. There was also an 1100cc version in addition to the base 800, and there were a load of derivatives of that too!

When was the last major update?

An almost completely new model was introduced for 2023. Styling was, understandably, not radically different to the originals, but under the skin it was almost all change. The 803cc V-twin stays, but has been reengineered for Euro 5 emissions. It’s a classic unit, one of the last remaining air-cooled engines you can buy, and the distinctive 90-degree cylinder layout and desmodromically operated valves (of which there are only two per cylinder) make for a very distinctive and characterful motorcycle.

The chassis too has been updated and there is a very good electronics package, beyond what you’d expect on a ‘basic’ retro. The dashboard is a really cool 4.3” TFT, and you get loads of modern tech filtering down from Ducati’s sportier models, like cornering ABS, four level traction control and two throttle maps.

The range has been rationalised a bit too. At the time of writing, the 800s range consists of the base Icon and the higher-spec Nightshift and Full Throttle, which are all restyled derivatives of the Icon and include many of the accessories and modifications which cost extra on the base model. The Nightshift, for example, has wire wheels and a café racer vibe while the Full Throttle is inspired by flat trackers and includes a Termignoni silencer as part of its upgrade package.

Aren’t Ducatis really expensive?

Considering the badge on the tank, the Scramblers aren’t as pricey as you might think. Ducati see them as an entry into the brand and they’re priced largely in line with similar models from other European brands.

Like?

Good point. There are not too many obvious competitors out there, but Triumph’s Scrambler 900 is the most obvious. We’d say the Ducati has the Brit bike licked on performance and character, although the Triumph’s more refined nature and traditional looks will woo some buyers.

So what’s the differences between the models?

The base Icon is already pretty funky, coming in a range of bright colours and bold designs. Ducati have built this bike to be modified, so there are a whole host of official accessories available to help you personalise your Scrambler and give it your own stamp of individuality.

The Icon’s variants, the Nightshift and Full Throttle, are mainly cosmetic makeovers, although you get a bunch of neat modifications as standard. There is also still an 1100 version, with a bigger engine giving more performance, although this is generally a much slower seller than the smaller engined bikes.

What are the Ducati Scramblers like to ride?

These days just over 70bhp might not seem like much, but it’s more than enough to have fun on. The seat height is relatively low and the saddle narrow, making them easy for inexperienced riders to get on with, while the wide ‘bars make it a pleasure to ride at slow speeds and for hustling around twisties.

It’s actually a lot of fun on ‘mountain pass’ kinds of road, where the torquey engine really helps to dig it out of slow corners. The chassis spec is nothing to write home about and while there’s not much by way of adjustability, the suspension and brakes are of good quality. The Pirelli tyres also look like they’re designed to go off-road, really enhancing that scrambler look but, in reality, they’re really good on the asphalt (and not that great on the dirt, TBH).

Faster roads aren’t the Scrambler’s natural territory but you won’t give up much to faster bikes as it’s just so easy to ride. That said the comfort isn’t great on longer rides, although if you want a long distance tourer you’ll probably be looking elsewhere anyway.

Which is the best model of Ducati Scrambler to buy?

They’re all great but if you’re thinking of adding a few accessories then one of the higher spec models makes more sense. For example, an Icon fitted with the Termi slip on and accessory quickshifter will work out more expensive than the Full Throttle version, which comes with those parts as standard.

At the end of the day all the 800s pretty much ride the same, so as much as anything else it comes down to price and which one you best like the look of. The 1100 Sport Pro is also in the range although, to be honest, you don’t really need the extra performance in a bike like this.