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Thoughts on Ducati’s New Scrambler

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In the flurry of new model introductions last week, one bike seemed particularly significant here to us at MD. The Ducati Scrambler. You can see pictures of the four versions and all the details in our earlier article.

We have been looking for a single motorcycle that appeals to both older riders interested in simple, standard-style models and younger, “hipsters” that prefer retro designs that are easily customizable. To us, the Ducati Scrambler is one of the first bikes that appears likely to appeal to both groups.

The Scrambler should offer excellent performance with a torquey 803 cc v-twin, six-speed transmission and a claimed 75 hp. The bike looks light and compact, which the specifications confirm. Just 375 pounds dry, and a reasonably low 31″ seat height (an even lower seat is available as an accessory).

The choice of a lighter, single front disc brake design appeals to us, as well. We remember fondly the old Honda Hawk 650 that stopped well with a single front disc, and the new Scrambler has a much more powerful radial four-piston caliper gripping a huge 330 mm disc. Should be plenty, and it is coupled with standard ABS.

Your reaction to styling will always be subjective, but we think Ducati really nailed it. From the steel trellis frame to the old school round headlight, this is functional simplicity. With one of the most modern air-cooled designs, the finned v-twin only adds to the charm factor.

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We like the idea of an 18″ front wheel, with a relatively narrow 110/80 profile, but perhaps Ducati got carried away with the rear tire (180 mm wide). We think a 160, or even a 150, would have been plenty of rubber out back, and been more in character with the rest of the design.

The 3.6 gallon fuel tank should provide reasonable range, even for touring. This engine should achieve 50+ mpg, providing for a good combination of spirited performance and economy.

Beginning at less than $8,500 U.S. MSRP, we think the Scrambler is priced right, as well. Ducati undoubtedly hopes you have some money left over to buy some of the accessories that will soon be available from the brand.

Can the Ducati Scrambler really appeal to baby boomers and hipsters at the same time? We think it can, and we think it’s going to be a big sales success. We can’t wait to test one.

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200 Comments

  1. Adventure Seeker says:

    Honda Hawk wasn’t a 650. This bike is not an American Scrambler. I scramble with my 1200 Sportster but it doesn’t make it a Scrambler.

    • todd says:

      The Hawk was a 305, 400, and 650. There were other sizes too if you preface “Super” or “Night.”

  2. mark from toronto says:

    Oh yes I like it quite a but, hopefully Ducati will offer a dual sport kit for it. Air cooled Ducatis are where its at. Well done!!

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “Oh yes I like it quite a but”

      again, this site is about motorcycles. let’s leave the Kim K. chatter for Mirror and the Sun.

  3. joe b says:

    not sure why, but these bikes don’t do anything for me?

    • Norm G. says:

      curious have you ridden one…? if you haven’t, i strongly advocate moving BEYOND simply evaluating bikes static. once upon a time, i used to make this mistake. the “visual” is but 1 dimension whereas there are actually 3.

      #2 is the “audible” component (ie. the visual plus the sound of the bike idling say with a pipe). and finally the 3rd is “motion” (ie. the sound, the throttle response, and the visual from behind the controls).

      until you’ve pulled all that together it’s easy to dismiss kit. the Bonnie’s a good example of this. visually, it doesn’t look like much, sitting idling, doesn’t sound like much. take one for a ride however, and you quickly come to realize there’s a characteristic “buzz” to Triumph’s parallel twin that makes you forget what the bike looks like…? how much it weighs…? and that it doesn’t have 2 million HP…? gear heads know what I’m talking about.

      • slipjoint says:

        As long as the seller refuses to look beyond my ability to purchase, I will demand that they meet objectives 2 and 3 while maintaining objective 1. Motorcycycles can easily made to be attractive and still have a high function level it has been done for decades. I’m sure the motorcycle may perform well, but the styling could have been used on a new sportster. I need to be able to enjoy the walk up to and from the bike before and after the ride. The only good thing about modern styling is that there really is no need to clean a bike now with styling like this it’s akin to polishing dog poo.

  4. blizzard says:

    I’m waiting for someone to do a scrambler that looks as good as the Honda CL72 250 and the CL77 305 scramblers did….

  5. Eric says:

    I dunno… A Scrambler without a high pipe or spoked wheels? Bash plate? High front fender?

  6. motowarrior says:

    OK, I really like the look and the price of this bike, but I have a real concern. A friend of mine who recently retired as a Ducati tech, said that Ducati has gone to liquid cooled bikes for a reason other than power. He said the air cooled motors run very hot, and that the engine paint flakes and discolors. Here in the Deep South, overheating is a serious problem ( I once fried a BMW boxer motor in traffic). Does anyone know about Ducati overheating issues?

    • Jeremy in TX says:

      I never had any issue with mine, and I caned that bike regularly. The fuel injection was tuned though, so I wasn’t running as lean as factory settings. But I don’t remember a heat issue before tuning the FI either, though that would have been emissions compliant specs from 10 years ago – not sure how much leaner the bikes have to run today to pass.

      My Buell on the other hand can initiate nuclear fission if I get caught at a long stoplight in August.

      • mickey says:

        My son has never had an over heating issue with his Ducati Monster. Lots of other issues, like recurring oil leaks, electrical problems and a locked up transmission, but to it’s credit it has not over heated.

        • Jeremy in TX says:

          When I said I never had an issue, I was referring to engine heat / flaking. I definitely had other issues!

    • TF says:

      They run lean (and hot) as delivered so that they can meet the stupid Euro emissions standards. They are certainly rideable though and I never saw my 1100evo even come close to over heating even when stock. I did notice quite a difference in engine temp when I changed my ECU (to add more fuel). The dry clutch engines run even cooler, especially with an open cover. I would not be concerned, they are fun and reliable engines.

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “He said the air cooled motors run very hot, and that the engine paint flakes and discolors.”

      I’ve seen this on a friend’s 2v. it’s a modern one (lean Fi) and he does a lot of miles. it wasn’t flaking so much as it puckered. never seen this on any of the old school carby’s (rich conditions aid cooling). not that I was necessarily looking for it, but they used to be every where. don’t know if this is the finish that they’re using, but I’ve seen cured powder coat re-liquify when subjected to enough heat.

      • Norm G. says:

        BEHOLD BEHOLDERS…!!! the friend’s 2V.

        http://tinyurl.com/l3qbslc

        left side cover. notice the popcorn effect.

        http://tinyurl.com/mrmg48n

        front cylinder head. here we have CARAMEL popcorn (mmmnn). it’s really just the dirt embedded into the coating after it molted and then cooled.

        http://tinyurl.com/kxawcc4

        here we have just plain ol’ road grime. no don’t take away from these pics, that the bike is a wreck. these are just close up shots of areas in question, the bike is actually a quite proper and clean red framed/white wheeled S2R 1000 ducati with arrow canisters.

        however, instead of spending umpteen hours “finger f%@#in” the thing…? he actually goes out and rides/commutes on it. he’s never once complained about the heating of the finish as competing in the next “biker build-off” is not his intent.

        not to say that it isn’t a problem…? it’s just not a problem for HIM. a fashionable gent (as much as the next man) just not a Hipster, not an Exterior Decorator.

    • stradakat says:

      No worries about the Ducati twins overheating. Owned a PASO 750 with fully enclosed body work. If it got real hot in summer rush hour traffic, it would start to run rough from fuel boiling in the float bowls but the engine handled the heat fine.

      Ducati air cooled twins are nearly bullet proof. And sound wonderful. Get one.

  7. slimlidlicker says:

    The price is great. The look is a bit funny. Not sure why they even call it a scrambler. I like my vintage BSA/triumph/XS650 desert sleds so I am not timid around heavy things off road, but this thing just looks like it will smash to bits if I were to do something rough with it. Its just a nice regular bike with odd looks and a good price. Definitely not a scrambler by my definition.

  8. Roberto says:

    Ducati manufactures L-twins, not V-twins. You mention that you like the idea of an 18 inch front tire but you didn’t say why? There are a lot more choices with 17 inch tires. I think that Ducati will sell boat loads of these bikes and people will have a blast on them. I noticed that Ducati doesn’t attempt to showcase their engines, not necessarily a showstopper for me, just an observation. The GT1000 was the same, bad timing for that bike. Bravo Ducati, you did well!

    • Dave says:

      Re: “Ducati manufactures L-twins, not V-twins. ”

      They manufacture 90* V-twins (like other brands have and do) and call them L-twins. It’s marketing terminology, nothing more.

      • Ducman says:

        From Wikipedia: “The most prevalent V angle for a V8 is 90” Please tell Detroit, Germany etc, to start referring to 90 deg V-8’s as L-8’s. Referring to 90 degree V-twins as L-Twins is undoubtedly another misguided Harley Lifestyle fabrication.

    • Jeremy in TX says:

      Is one cylinder longer than the other? I think not. I’m going with V-twin on this one. I leave the L-twins to the brochure writers. 🙂

      • Roberto says:

        The letter “V” or “L” denotes the cylinder angle degree, not the cylinder length. In the Ducati engine design, it is 90 degrees, hence the “L” denotation.

        • Jeremy in TX says:

          I am aware as to why Ducati people likes to use the “L.” I just think it is dumb. Going by that kind of logic, only companies running a 45° V-twin could use the “V”. Most V8’s are 90°, but nobody calls them L8’s.

          See? Dumb. Just my opinion.

          • mickey says:

            So is a Moto Guzzi technically a transverse L , and not a transverse V since the cylinders are splayed at 90 degrees? I’m confused lol

        • DaveA says:

          Ya, um no, it doesn’t. The overwhelming majority of people everywhere, including Ducati themselves, refer to them as V twins in regular conversation (everywhere except the brochure). This is a silly argument devoid of any relevance whatsoever.

          • Jeff says:

            I think it’s the way the engine sits in the frame. One cylinder almost vertical, the other almost horizontal… makes an L…

            That said, I agree, it’s still a gimmick.

          • Norm G. says:

            re: “I think it’s the way the engine sits in the frame. One cylinder almost vertical, the other almost horizontal… makes an L”

            YAHHTZZEE…!!!

            lose the V (vertical) cylinder and you have neither an L-twin or a V-twin, but a PW50.

        • peter harris says:

          Well – L came into because they cant the engine forward – more “L”ish than “V”ish. I’m feeling silly-ish getting involved-ish.

    • JBozZRX says:

      Maybe old radial engines should be called “asterisk 5’s” or “asterisk 7’s”, maybe “double asterisk 14’s”?

  9. Mars says:

    Wow HS1 – – – – that’s a lot of psychology based on something as thin as what kind of bike a persosn might like. Shallow nonsense, is what I read. So, whoever makes such distinctions and characterizations is, IMO, not worth the consideration. I do not give a crap what some office dorks think of me (in that hypothetical way that many people think A LOT about other people (always, seemingly, “worse” than themselves)). Small minds think about things and people, big minds think about ideas.

    • KenHoward says:

      Nonsense is right: I’m 62, powerfully drawn to this bike (currently own a Bonneville SE), and _still_ don’t even really know what a “hipster” is. Maybe, at my age, it would be a complement to be labeled as one? Or, maybe I’m beyond caring.

  10. Mike says:

    I want to like this bike, but I just can’t get comfortable with it. A lower seat height would help (lower than the 30.x “low seat”). As would a version (there are 4, what’s another one), that is more street oriented – where they will all be ridden anyways. 17 inch front, non-dual sport tires, some wind protection, etc. $8500 + TTL is still a large hunk of change too. We’ll see how it goes in the market with the hipsters and whether they have any cash/credit left after student loans.

    Perhaps I’ll pick one up in a few years for $3500 and put a lowered suspension on it, and make it more street oriented.

  11. Philip says:

    I think the Kawasaki W800 would do more for uniting boomers and hipsters than this bike. I know Kawasaki
    got burnt on the W650, but that was 12 years ago, times have changed.

    • RD350 says:

      Agreed .. they could easily sell a nice scrambler/street tracker or cafe racer based on the W800. I like them better than the Triumphs.

  12. Pete says:

    I want to like it but I don’t really like it. I think it’s the tank. Me no like tank.

  13. Neil says:

    It looks fun. I think that’s the point. The Monster seat, and peg position were horrid. Sport bikes are cramped. Cruisers are boat anchors. Having owned several standards like this, they make you want to ride. They make car drivers want to ride! Young people. Old people. “Can I take that for a spin?” – And if it sells well, I would not be surprised to see an 1100. Watch the video at scramblerducati.com – Looks like a hoot to me. And if these 2d pictures look good. This thing is gonna look pissa in person. (old 70s term for great!)

  14. HS1-RD-CX100-VFR says:

    I’m interested in the real world answer to the question of whether this bike can appeal to boomers and hipsters. We get a lot of college and post-college age summer employees at my workplace. A few of us regulars talk bikes and they join in out of interest or just being a captive audience. This is their assessment, not mine, of Harley guys. I share not to bash Harley guys, but to show a perspective that the cruiser market might be peaked. They consider them either scheezy old guys or dorky old guys wanting to be seen as scheezy. I asked about young guys on Harley’s and the image appears to be “young, creapy guys wanting to impress old scheezy guys”. Sport bike riders are either engineering geeks or short, comic book loving guys. They don’t really know much about adventure bike riders (some know about The Long Way Down), but when several were pointed out, they thought intense, introverted loners. I’m not sure I get any of these characterizations, but if they are widespread it shows that the narrow niches that are so prevalent have kind of marginalized motorcyclists in general. We have lots of turnover from year to year of seasonal employees and these stereotypes have been independently expressed by employees from different states and college backgrounds. Maybe the Ducati scrambler can bring back what Honda was marketing with their “you meet the nicest people” campaign. I don’t think we are seen as being ” not nice people”, Rather, just as being a little odd in a way that younger people don’t want to emulate. Whatever the reasons, I don’t think motorcycling is as mainstream as it was thirty years ago. I think the hipster, retro thing is some younger people breaking away from the aforementioned stereotypes.

    • Dave says:

      Re: ” I think the hipster, retro thing is some younger people breaking away from the aforementioned stereotypes”

      A convenient part of the hipster aesthetic is that for the most part, retro is cheap. Besides, the hipsters who can afford this will be called posers by the rest who can’t.

      Hipsters started the same way as most youthful fashion movements. A small group distinguished themselves as unique and different (looking) and millions of others have been trying to be included ever since.

    • Austin ZZR 1200 says:

      Having lived in an epicenter of hipsterdom (Austin’s East Side), I can tell you that the most bleeding edge, non-conformist would not buy this bike (a black Bonneville will win each time for a non-custom). And that is ok because this type of hipster represents the vanguard of a larger youth movement which would buy this bike. So I think its ok to dispense with the term hipster all together and refer to them as millennials. Will this bike appeal to both millenials and geezers (I am one at 46) I think so.

    • Provologna says:

      One word: paragraphs

      Try it someday.

      • peter harris says:

        another word: punctuation

        Something’s missing – a semi colon, a period – something. It’s driving me crazy.

        I’m starting a new paragraph – this is an ellipse….

    • todd says:

      Wow, an HS1. I own one of those 90cc twins. Not many other people do.

  15. Austin ZZR 1200 says:

    I dont understand the complaints about weight. An 800cc motor is not small and at this price point, nobody should complain (especially since no one has ridden it). This bike and the Indian Scout will duel it out for bike of the year. Both of them are battling for a space next to my DL 650.

    • Vince says:

      Well said!

    • VLJ says:

      Unless something very weird happens, forget about it, the Kawi H2R already has the 2015 BOTY title locked up.

      • Curly says:

        The H2 doesn’t get my vote just like the Panagale didn’t get it either. I’d rather ride something that is actually rideable on the road and not something that just has 3 times the power that I can use. So, yes the Scrambler will be in the running fot BOTY but we’ll have to see how good it really rides.

        • mickey says:

          I agree but I am not a moto journalist. If it is up to the public to vote, it is usually something practical people van actually see themselves owning.

        • VLJ says:

          Nope. MOTY usually goes to a game-changer, something that moves the goalpoats. The FZ-09 already accomplished what this Ducati hopes to achieve, thus diminishing the Ducati’s impact. Meanwhile, the Panigale didn’t truly set any new benchmarks, In fact, it usually lost to the BMW S1000RR (HP4 or otherwise) in the magazine shootouts.

          The H2R doesn’t merely move the goalposts, it creates an entirely new playing field. Never before has a new model introduction represented a full 50% increase in hp in a single bound. We all sit here questioning the usability of 200-hp streetbikes like the ZX-14 and S1000RR, and suddenly here comes a supercharged monster that surpasses them not by the usual ten or twenty hp, but by a full one hundred fire-breathing ponies?

          Unheard of. In this recent economic downturn era of moto-austerity, it’s nearly unthinkable. The kneejerk temptation will be to celebrate the significance of the Indian Scout, but come on, feel-good Americana stories only go so far. The H2E is a full-on Godzilla-attacking-the-entire-industry story.

          • Dirck Edge says:

            Probably should compare the horsepower of the street-legal H2, which we should know soon.

          • VLJ says:

            Even the street version’s claimed 225 hp is still a game-changer, particularly since it sports a new-to-the-mainstream-industry supercharger. This makes for far Bigger News than anything else we’ve seen so far this year. The H2R? “For track use only” or not, it is still going to be a regular-production offering. It’s not some pie-in-the-sky boutique item like the Lotus motorcycle, or even a very-limited-run Ducati Superleggeria that mere mortals were never going to be able to purchase.

            If the H2R produces real-world numbers that are anywhere close to Kawi’s claims, it will be the wildest motorcycle ever offered to the general public by a major manufacturer. Nothing else is even within shouting distance. Such a landmark bike would have to win MOTY, hands down.

          • mickey says:

            I guess it depends on whose list you are reading

            Motorcyclist’s MOY for 2013 was the R1200GS BMW (not much of a game changer) as it was for Motorcycle.com, MotorcycleNews.com,

            Rider Magazines was a peoples choice award and it went to the Honda F6B

            Roadrunner chose the Indian Chieftain

      • Austin ZZR 1200 says:

        The H2 could prove to be a gimmick which already seems to be giving KHI a halo over its brand (anything to differentiate itself from the big 4 in a commodity market). If the technology can offer real-world benefits (lower weight, better durability, better mileage) outside of increased power, maybe. But the bike that offers new tech AND drives sales will win BOTY. Right now the industry is looking for new riders…the H2 does not do that…but this scrambler does

    • John says:

      It’s light for an 800cc bike. Most Scramblers, by far, were in the 175cc-500cc single class and weighed dramatically less 40 years ago. What’s next? A 350lb MX bike?

  16. pete Rasmussen says:

    Hi Ken,
    I’ve got a DS1000 SS 2004 model with 60,000klm which I’ve serviced myself since the warranty period finished. Mine has only needed a couple of shims in all this time. Usually just a matter of checking the clearances, belt and oil and filter changes. Mine is fun to work on and I get real satisfaction from having it running sweet. Gem of an engine.

  17. JPJ says:

    I question Ducati as to how long will this bike be around. I thought Ducati was changing over to all water cooled bikes. The Scrambler is a slightly reconfigured Monster. I like the simplicity of the 2-valve air cooled motors. Valve adjustments are not that big of deal, can easily be handled by someone with some basic tools, in your garage in an afternoon listening to your favorite college football game on the radio. Monster EVO 1100.

  18. KenHoward says:

    I love the looks and the specs of the basic “Icon” model. I’m sure I’ll also love the sound and feel. My only real concern is expensive, yearly valve maintenance for the desmo valves. I read a comment regarding a Cycle World article last year on Ducati air cooled engines that switching to “MBP collets” would easily increase maintenance intervals to that of Ducati’s water cooled engines.
    Anyone here have an opinion about this mod?

    • TF says:

      Yearly?

      • KenHoward says:

        The air cooled engines call for valve maintenance every 6,000 mi, versus 18,000 mi for the liquid cooled models.

        • TF says:

          It’s 7500 and it’s a valve clearance check. Based on my experience with my Hyper and speaking with different technicians, it’s the exception when adjustments are needed at that mileage. I recently passed 15K on my Multi and no adjustments were needed there either. Ducs have come a long way in recent years.

        • Neil says:

          Stay off the redline and it should be fine. It’s still often but I would go 12 after the first 6000 check and just make sure not to beat on it. My brother has an 07 air cooled Multi and his stays in check pretty well, except for going thru four plastic tanks. Ethanol. Who’d a thunk that?

  19. Mark says:

    One of the few bikes I regret selling was my 2007 KTM 690 SM.
    It was a great back road, don’t fear turning into gravel or dirt road type of bike.

    I’ll own one of these.

  20. Denny says:

    What is purpose of this machine? I find it kind of cheated. They have already several Monsters which is basically same naked bike but better looking.

    • xlayn says:

      with you.
      think of it like the Honda CB500 line; this is a monster with a different frame, tank and looks, it the bmw 9rt of Ducati…
      what it is interesting and this is my opinion, they are selling in this bike, 9rt, cb1100 an apparent simplicity… which they don’t have for sure as bikes still have to met several laws (dump licence plate position, catalyst, temperature at which the machine runs, tammed performance, cables… cables everywhere).
      The best approach to a simple enduro machine will be…. you are right one… of the enduro versions of any company that makes enduro bikes…
      But then again I’m sure the bike on the flesh looks lovely and rides fine and that on the buyers book it’s a check

    • t says:

      I think the current Monsters look cartoonish. This Scrambler is closer to what the Monster should be.

  21. Gham says:

    One of the best things about this bike is all the attention it’s getting.Maybe Guzzi will feel compelled to get off their butts and make a V7 scrambler.

    • Gronde says:

      If Guzzi built a scrambler it would look better but make 30 hp less. Exciting enough when parked, but a real dog on he highway.

  22. RRocket says:

    My thoughts? I’d rather have a KTM 690 Duke. Nearly the same HP and significantly lighter.

    • Dave says:

      And about as similar to this as a Goldwing. There’s a good reason big singles lost popularity for street bikes. Ride a 690 a while and I think you’ll see why.

      • RRocket says:

        By your statement I’m guessing you haven’t ridden a 690. What little vibration is more than acceptable. And I’ve spend plenty of time on a 690 Duke. Is 15,000km a year enough for you?

    • RD350 says:

      I agree .. I’d rather have a KTM Duke (not the latest version but the previous one) or the Supermotatd 690. The latest 690 single with counter balancer is “smooth enough” and quite powerful at 70hp. Either would smoke the Scrambler everywhere accept on the highway.

      I wish Ktm would build a retro street legal dirt bike using the 690 motor … perhaps something reminiscent of the old Pentons!

  23. Blackcayman says:

    This bike in this link has been around a while…. I would bet someone at Ducati has seen it..

    http://www.2wheeltuesday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Yamaha-XS-650-Street-Tracker.jpg

    What do you think?

    • xlayn says:

      Looks more like a flat tracker, and Ducati seems to wanted the “they had a scrambler”… to park in Starbucks looks

      • Blackcayman says:

        exactly what it is – but look at the two side by side, The Ducati is very similar, and that’s why I like it. As a 3rd bike

    • John says:

      I think that needs an FZ07 engine in it.

  24. mechanicuss says:

    Cool. The mission, weight, style, all appeal to me. First bike I’ve seen in a while that doesn’t look like a Romulan space ship. Pinch me?

  25. John says:

    40 year old Ducati 450 Scrambler – 308 lbs wet. That’s a lot closer to what I actually want.

    http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/ducati_450_scrambler_1974.php

    • t says:

      Then go buy it. I’m sure there are a few still out there.

      • RD350 says:

        He’s obviously saying he wants something light-weight … not that he wants a vintage bike. He makes a valid point.

        Why so snarky?

        • t says:

          I assumed it was the same “John” who posted this statement earlier about the Scrambler;

          “A complete waste of time,space and money.”

          • John says:

            Incorrect. Someone else. I think this is an excellent bike. My only disappointment is that it got so close to what I want without hitting the bullseye exactly. A 500cc V-twin and a 50lb weight loss would having me sell my body to rich gay men.

          • t says:

            Weird that they let different people have the same user name. Anyway, if Duc made a smaller displacement version of this with 50 fewer pounds, I’d probably go for that too. Right now I’m still hoping KTM does a dual sport with the 390. I’m not ruling out this 803 Scrambler though.

    • Jeremy in TX says:

      A bike that can be folded up like a credit card with your bare hands and can’t top 85 mph without the wind behind it?

      • Jeremy in TX says:

        In all seriousness, I know what you mean. It won’t be classically styled, but perhaps KTM will give us something off-roady in the near future based on their 390?

        • John says:

          I don’t buy their lie that the Duke frame isn’t good enough for ADV use. No buyer of a 390 DP bike is looking to win races, they just want to go down the road and explore trails. Aside from this, there is a spy foto of a 390 Duke Super Moto. But a real Super Moto.

    • Randy Singer says:

      I remember the Ducati 450 scrambler fondly. I lusted after one as a teenager. It would be nice to have a new version that is just as light, only with modern technology in the engine. That 1974 Scrambler only made 27 horsepower. More or less equivalent to what a 250 beginner’s bike makes today. The just-released Ducati Scrambler makes three times the power.

      • MG3 says:

        My brother had an early 70’s 450 Ducati ‘scrambler’. One night he let me take it into New York City with my girlfriend on the back. That was forty years ago (damn) but what I do remember was that the bike was more than capable of carrying two people through all the craziness of the Long Island Expressway. Felt like it would do whatever I needed it to do, without a problem. It was bright yellow, like a taxi, and it pulled like a truck. So now I sit around and wonder why did motorcycles have to get so big and heavy? Kawasaki should make a stripped down version of the KLR 650. Drop all the goofy plastic and giant tank – and give us a light, simple single that can be used for all kinds of riding.

    • Neil says:

      Suzuki TU250 with a big bore kit!

  26. JBozZRX says:

    Wow. A new bike that doesn’t look like an insect. Maybe my ’99 ZRX won’t be my last new bike.

  27. Daimyo says:

    As a 27-year-old who lives in the city and has (barely) enough money to afford a motorbike,I thought I would chime in since the ads seem to be targeting people in my demographic.

    I like the scrambler, especially the icon version which is the cheapest. I test rode a monster 1200, hyper Strada, and a monster 796 a few weekends ago and liked them all, I especially like the monster but the amount of plastic covering the engine and the frankly horrendous routing of the coolant hoses on the left side of the bike is just plain ugly and I can’t believe that they actually left the factory looking like that.

    Seeing this bike with its air cooled naked engine is honesty refreshing after seeing the mess of the new monsters. I am MGMT – most of the gear most of the time, since I use my bike is my main method of transportation, I don’t have a handlebar mustache and I refuse to wear a three-quarter helmet so maybe I’m not exactly who ducati is pursuing with this bike but if it gets my local hipsters off their ancient CB 400s then I see it is nothing but a good thing.

  28. Vrooom says:

    I really like the looks of the bike, not sure I’m thrilled about the 18″ front tire. That really limits the tire selection. There are lot’s of 19″ dual sport options, lot’s of 17″ street going options, but 18″ tires are a bit limiting IMO. I used to own a classic Concours (1000), and it had a similar sized front tire.

  29. Bullet Bob says:

    I like the Urban Enduro variation. I have been flogging a Speed Triple for awhile now and something a little more laid back that gives me time to enjoy the scenery instead of making my eyes water might be a good change of pace.

  30. frank says:

    Sensible, good looking, AND fun! .. Way to go Ducati! This one’s on my list. But save the fashion statement for some other model, and lose the 180 rear. It’s not either needed or appropriate for this bike.

  31. Toddo says:

    What is all the fuss about weight and high vs. low pipes and the weight compared to a triumph scrambler? A scrambler is 451lbs. dry with high pipes and the Duc is 375 with low pipes .probably half of the weight difference is the pipes! These are both boutique bikes that will never go off-roading anyway. I would think it more important to discuss reliability and service issues between Ducati and Triumph. Let’s see, my 748s burned up so they gave my a 916 to shut me up. The 916 had issues with the fueling and ignition. Meanwhile my 07 675 Daytona (track day bike)has had no issues in 12k miles (1 rectifier recall) and my 07 bonnie t100 hasn’t even needed a valve adjustment in 48k miles!

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “Let’s see, my 748s burned up so they gave my a 916 to shut me up. The 916 had issues with the fueling and ignition.” 

      wait, just so everybody’s on the same page, which century are we discussing…? 19th or 20th…?

  32. Bill says:

    All this whining about high pipes/low pipes – Don’t they realize the aftermarket will sell you all the high pipes you can afford.

    • t says:

      And like any of the whiners would ever even consider riding through a river crossing over their axles.

      • TF says:

        There probably aren’t too many large rocks or logs to smash your low pipe on the way to the coffee shop or micro brewery.

        • xlayn says:

          most sourght aftermarket parts:
          -Mustache trimming and comb holder, wood or tortoise shell color to match glasses
          -old, used leather bags, for old used leather jackets…
          -ruber peggs not to damage leather boot soles
          -conversion kit for skinny white walled 110/100/21 tires with spoked rusty wheels (fully organic)
          -ipad, iphone, iwatch and macbook pro holder and charger, wood or non-organic wood

    • Neil says:

      The Triumph Scrambler high pipes get in the way of your foot on the right peg unless you’re sitting forward on the seat. It’s not a deal breaker per se but I found it annoying when I took a test ride.

  33. Jeremy in TX says:

    I really, really like the bike, and I will probably be a buyer pending a test ride. There is something about timeless design that never goes out of fashion, and I think this bike tugs at the hearts of many demographic groups. My wife, who could not tell a Road Glide from an R1, loves this bike.

    Wish list?

    The ones Ducati can help with…

    1) 1100 cc – My biggest concern is a lack of enthusiasm from the small engine.
    2) An extra gallon of gas – The longer I can go, the better.

    The ones I don’t mind taking care of myself…

    3) Spoke wheels with narrower rear to accept a 160 or 150.
    4) Bespoke suspension

    I’ve read many complaints about the lack of a high pipe. That would look the part, but I’ve never met a high pipe that I’ve gotten along with.

    I think I need to go test ride a Monster 796 to see if I would be satisfied the small engine. I really hope so.

    • mickey says:

      11 horsepower less than you the CB 1100 you called a snoozer Jeremy

      • Jeremy in TX says:

        This bike is also 120lbs lighter than the CB, too. Plus I had an SV650 years ago that was an absolute hoot, so a light bike with 65-ish hp at the wheel can be a lot of fun. The character of the engine has a lot to do with that.

        Did I call the CB a snoozer? Not sure I would go that far. My gripe with the CB is only that it is such a “nice” bike. It is truly a “gentleman’s” bike; refined, competent and predictable. I had high hopes Honda was putting out something with attitude like a modernized Suzuki Bandit 1200, or of its own CB750 – something surprising and exciting. Honda just built the bike for someone else is all, and that left me with a frowny face since I love a big air-cooled I4.

        • Norm G. says:

          re: “This bike is also 120lbs lighter than the CB, too.”

          why that’s a hot chick all by itself.

        • xlayn says:

          ” refined, competent and predictable. I had high hopes Honda was putting out something with attitude…… something surprising and exciting”
          I recommend the random nitrous and turbo applier (20 psi)kit , the pack runs for 10 full seconds, kit will also disable front brake, will work based on statistical data gathered from your heartbeat so when you are the calm part of your ride it will kick in.
          For 1000 extra bucks it will also spill oil in front of your rear tire and intermitently block front wheel brakes.

        • mickey says:

          My last “light bike” that I recall was a 73 RD 350. A nice bike in it’s own right, plenty fast, but it was so small and light it was like a toy, especially out on the highway. I rode it from Ohio to NC once down I-75 and the wind draft off of a Volkswagon Beetle would move it around. Haven’t owned anything under 500 pounds since. A little heft can be a good thing.

          • mickey says:

            Of course if I was really going to ride it off road I wouldn’t want anything heavier that a 75 Yamaha DT 250 which if I remember correctly was just under 300 pounds.

      • Blackcayman says:

        the CB1100 weighs in at a porky 570 Lbs

    • Neil says:

      Smaller motor is lighter and easier to ride for any rider. I am sure they though about the gas and opted for lower weight, making the bike more manageable, and a certain look.

      • Jeremy in TX says:

        The 800cc Monster only weighs two pounds less than the 1100 according to a buyers guide on another motorcycle magazine website. Two pounds. In exchange for that two pounds, you get an extra 33% more horsepower.

        I don’t mind them offering a smaller engine for those who feel uncomfortable with the extra juice, but I still want the bigger one. At roughly 85 hp at the wheel, the 1100 is easily manageable by an intermediate rider.

        As far as gas is concerned, it is an Italian bike. They didn’t think about the gas. I’m sure it has a 3.6 gallon gas tank because a 4.6 gallon tank didn’t look right to the designer (and possibly because it is the same fuel cell used on the outgoing Monster models?).

        • Neil says:

          I rode my brother’s 1100. That thing hates around town riding. Open the throttle A LOT and it smiles wide!

    • John says:

      Personally, I’d much prefer a 500cc engine, another 25-40lbs shaved off. The word “Enduro” calls me, but the word “Urban” waves me off. I want a twin to get to the trail, but not so big that it makes the trail riding less fun.

      • Jeremy in TX says:

        Less power makes for less fun, particularly when I am not on the trail. Which is 70% of the time for me. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for light weight. But taking out 300cc of displacement off of a twin cylinder engine would net you what? 5 lbs maybe?

        It’s already a pretty light engine. They’d have to save the weight from the chassis.

        • John says:

          well, they’d have to design a new engine/frame combo instead of recycling.

          For what it is designed to do, it hits the bullseye. What it is designed to do and how it is marketed, however, are two different things. It looks like a scrambler, but it too big to be one. It’s just a hipper Monster for the neckbeards.

          However, if someone reviews the UE off road and claim it is an excellent trail/DP bike, I may go for one….if the ship i’m stalking comes in….

          • Jeremy in TX says:

            I don’t know John. I’d be very surprised if you couldn’t take this bike anywhere you could take one of those noodly 350-lb scramblers from yesteryear with an equal amount of ease. However, your thought about prepping a 390 Duke for scrambler duty sounds like a winner.

        • John says:

          I may go for the Ducati Duke 390 and roll my own. Won’t look like a Scrambler, but it could actually BE one.

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “My biggest concern is a lack of enthusiasm from the small engine.”

      no worries, it’s a desmo. if this engine were spring valved and made by say, Honda…? well Houston Texas, you’d have a problem.

  34. John Scott says:

    Couple things to clear out of the way – the license plate mount is the way it is due to Euro regulatory requirements – gotta have x-amount of rear fender to be in compliance. Lots of bikes have an ugly – but easy to ditch – rear sub-fender/p;ate mount. I can’t say I care for the pipe design either but once Ducati put the induction in the center of the V on the current Pantah-derived engines your choices are limited if you want enough header length to get the mid-range performance desired. I’m sure the after-market will come up with a more attractive (but less effective) pipe design – which will most likely include all y’alls beloved high-pipes.

    All that said what we’re REALLY getting – FINALLY! – is an all-around motorcycle that isn’t covered in plastic – I’m looking at you Honda and your CB/CT/NC lines. Admittedly great bikes as far as function goes but looks ranging from acceptable to flat-out hideous. A regular MOTORcycle – with that lovely air-cooled V-twin right where we can see it. Oh, and what appears to be an actual seat – not a vinyl-covered wedgie device – but an ordinary place to park my middle-aged rear end.

    If Triumph can shake the retro-nonsense and update Bonneville we might have some interesting competition going…

  35. red says:

    I like it – REALLY like it. Just one hangup, as a shade tree DIY’er the desmo valve train turns me off. At least it has a wet clutch.

    A solid japanese motored twin cyl bike in this style would be a home run – IF they could get past their love of futuristic origami insectoid look and stick with classic shapes and a round frickin headlight.

    • TF says:

      Spend some time on a Ducati owners forum and research the number of Desmo or belt failures on the newer models. As I said in the other thread, there are much less reliable systems on a Ducati. Also, if you can check and adjust valve clearance with rocker arms, OHC, shim and bucket, etc. you can check/adjust Desmo clearances.

      The whole Desmo-phobia thing reminds me of the White Power PDS bad-mouthing that KTM endured (no pun intended) for years before they finally went back to a linkage rear suspension.

      • Norm G. says:

        re: “Spend some time on a Ducati owners forum and research the number of Desmo or belt failures on the newer models.”

        screw that, gon’ ridin’.

        re: “if you can check and adjust valve clearance with rocker arms, OHC, shim and bucket, etc. you can check/adjust Desmo clearances.”

        screw that, suzi’s got band camp.

        re: “The whole Desmo-phobia thing reminds me…

        …I’ve got a doctors appointment, gonna check me for a hernia.

        • Hot Dog says:

          You’ve got elevated PSA, have the Doc check that too and think of us posters here at MD, when he does.

          • Norm G. says:

            re: “You’ve got elevated PSA”

            good to know, just lost an uncle on the 17th. however thanks to step-dad’s courage at getting screened, mum’s still got herself a husband after 25 years, and for last Christmas i got HIM “best quality” HD picture. 60″ edge lit LED and a blu-ray, i spared no expense.

            the man’s a cancer survivor, you want that i should let ’em keep watching his beloved football on the same TV he had in Germany in ’82…? don’t think so. i mean WE don’t have a TV like that..?!?! but ya know what, HE does.

      • red says:

        @ Desmo-Phobia Anonymous:
        “hello I’m Red and I have DP”

        Well that’s good to hear that it’s doable for backyard types. I have read other accounts that make it sound more voodoo-magical and best left to the hands of the $100/hr Ducati techs.

        • Norm G. says:

          re: “I have read other accounts that make it sound more voodoo-magical and best left to the hands of the $100/hr Ducati techs.

          to a degree that’s blown out, but to a degree it’s also TRUE. however (comma) don’t let that twist you up. forget all of that and let’s deal with the reality of how all this comes about…

          #1, even though we’re broke, we still want to live above our means and try and ride around on FANCY kit imported from Italy.

          #2, that so called “$100/hr tech” gets billed out a that because he likely made the investment in tools, and took the time to go to school and get educated in that specific discipline (or at least I hope he did?). something you or I definitely DIDN’T bother to do.

          we chose a different path. this (not unlike us) he chose not just to have a career and life fulfilled…? but to pay the rent, the taxes, put food on the table, and buy his mom, g/f, wife some flowers every once in a while, etc. etc.

          micro economies are just like MACRO economies in that they are LOOPS. money must change hands. they don’t work if/when for selfish reasons we endeavour to SHORT-CIRCUIT them.

        • Jeremy in TX says:

          It is different, but not difficult. There is a learning curve, but it is cake after you’ve done it a couple of times.

        • TF says:

          Google “Lt. Snyder” and you’ll find all the instructions, tools, and shims/belts you will need to maintain your new Desmo Scrambler. Then all you will need to do is find a friendly dealer who will turn your 7500 mile service indicator off for you, LOL!

          • Norm G. says:

            re: “Then all you will need to do is find a friendly dealer who will turn your 7500 mile service indicator off for you, LOL!”

            that’ll be $100 bucks. cash or charge…?

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “as a shade tree DIY’er the desmo valve train turns me off.”

      good. keeping DIY types “switched off” is likely the idea.

      good or bad, DIY is a ultimately a self-centred thought process that discounts the notion, that while you’re an individual…? you’re also part of a whole.

      …and if an individual has a problem…? the company has a problem. (Mr. Rhinehart voice)

  36. Kevin P says:

    Not all scramblers had high pipes in the day. While, I love the “mile high pipe” look, this Ducati actually mimics an older, much forgotten Ducati Scrambler. The 1970 Ducati 450 Scrambler 450 had a low chrome pipe on the right side, tear drop shaped tank in red with chrome sides, small front fender. It was a single cylinder. I wish I could post a photo, but look it up.

    To my eye the red with silver 2015 Scrambler is strikingly similar in basic design. It’s way cooler than the heavier, slower Triumph Scrambler, probably more comfy than the Monster. Fit it with some Tourance (or the newest TKC70) tires and it would be a peppy, fun old school bike for not much money. It’s a shame that valve adjustments on air cooled Ducatis are 6000-7500 miles, even though some say they stay in spec longer. I wouldn’t take that gamble on a Ducati. Also a pity that my local Ducati dealer closed.

    • TF says:

      It will be interesting to see if they push the valve check frequency out on this engine. I don’t understand why the 2V engines aren’t 15K+ miles like the 4V engines. On a bike like this a 15K frequency would be a great selling point since they are obviously trying to lure new buyers to the brand.

      Yeah, my 1100evo was in spec at 7500 miles. Frankly, the belt condition and tension concerns me more than valve clearances. I replace them every two years regardless of mileage. Cheap insurance.

      • Norm G. says:

        re: “I don’t understand why the 2V engines aren’t 15K+ miles like the 4V engines.”

        sounds like you understand just fine. one’s air cooled, the other other’s water. water affords greater thermal stability/control regarding head temperatures. for all it’s greatness and flexibility, cast aluminium alloys have their limits. that stuff WILL melt…! lol

        • TF says:

          I guess that makes sense but it’s deformation of the valve head (not the aluminum cylinder head) that causes the clearances to tighten/change, right? Do you think there’s much difference in temp (in those areas) between the two engine types? What about the size and shape of the valves between the two? A larger diameter valve would be less likely to maintain its shape.

          • Norm G. says:

            re: “I guess that makes sense but it’s deformation of the valve head (not the aluminum cylinder head) that causes the clearances to tighten/change, right?”

            chain’s only a strong as it’s weakest link.

            valves, springs, cams, guides, seats, rocker arms, etc. are all made of different material (steel, bronze, etc) that are ultimately anchored into less stable, less dense aluminium as a base.

          • xlayn says:

            Looks like you decided to wear the insightful hat today… didn’t think about heat related to more maintenance….
            water cooled engines can be allowed to rev higher and by the law of “I want it faster” more stress, yet still longer maintenace window, interesting

          • Norm G. says:

            re: “by the law of I want it faster”

            don’t short change human nature. the law you spoke of in it’s entirety reads, “i want it bigger, better, faster, and all for FREE”…

            the Universe let’s out a big belly laugh.

  37. Tom Shields says:

    It’s sooooooo close to being a cool, modern interpretation of a “standard.” But I think Ducati blew some of the details.

    First, that 18″ front tire. There’s no point to it and it just complicates tire replacement. Second, calling the thing a “scrambler” when it isn’t even close, except for a few design cues. (And if it’s really a scrambler, it needs a high pipe as others have said, and knobbies. But since this is actually an asphalt-only bike, no knobbies or high pipe.) Third, the 180-section rear tire is way too big for this size bike and will only hinder the handling. But people equate fat tires with performance, so here’s yer fat tire!

    I think this bike is more than a little conflicted. 🙂

  38. Mungus says:

    For a simple, everyday, just go ride bike, I’ll be deciding between this scrambler and a V7 in the spring. I get the feeling that the choice will come down to , range? or horsepower? If there’s ever a bike that has both, I’m sold.

    • t says:

      As a former small block Guzzi owner, get the Duc.

      • Gutterslob says:

        As a former Duc owner, get a Japanese bike.

        • t says:

          I’ve got Japanese, and yeah, they are reliable. I’m leaning towards Austrian though for my next bike.

        • Neil says:

          YAM FZ07. Yeah but it does not have the cool factor. It’s so appliance looking by comparision. Makes me like the SR400 better as well. My TU250 got horn honking, waves, people driving next to me and yelling how cool it was. “Is that from the 70s?”

  39. Nobade says:

    Give it a conventional valve train and belt drive and I’d be all over it. As it is, I’m not buying a bike that requires regular trips to the dealer for service. And I am done with chains for street bikes.

    • eddie says:

      Desmos are fine for reliability, and in many cases more reliable than conventional valves. Easy to work on too when it is time to adjust. No regular trips – I”ve owned 2. I”m not a mechanic, and adjusted my own valves as well as replaced the valve belts. Sold one bike with 20k miles on it running like a top, second with 32k. Don’t drink the cool-aid, and no need to pass it around. 80-100k miles are common on these motors which is similar or more than all others.

  40. ABQ says:

    I would like a lower 30″ seat height, but that might make the pegs too cramped. Maybe if there were a peg lowering kit also. I would also like the rear brake pedal to be large enough that I could find it and press it with the heal of my boot. Teeny tiny pedals and shifters are annoying if I have to look for them.

  41. Ed says:

    The old high pipes sucked. No doubt they were “the look.” But who cares? What are we protecting anyway? They were hot and noisy with higher COG. This is a scramber for the evolved.

  42. Jim says:

    Without a high pipe it’s not a true scrambler…

    • Dave says:

      What about high-pipes (besides burns) makes a bike or it’s rider “scramble”?

      Would you prefer the catalytic converter be directly under the seat? 😉

  43. PN says:

    I’m glad there is a Ducati Motorcycle Company making the sorts of bikes that it does (I like everything Italian), but the new Scrambler does not particularly appeal to me. I know Ducati has to make equal-length exhaust headers, but the current curley-cue design looks a little odd and clunky to me.

  44. Pat says:

    I like it, love the whole scrambler idea. But I wish they would have done high pipes on it, like the Triumph. I think it’s very reasonably priced, even the higher priced models. Not real keen on the short fenders, but I do like the version with the longer back fender. If I didn’t have my Bonneville, I would at least look at these when they come out.

  45. John says:

    A complete waste of time,space and money.

  46. Lenz says:

    In terms of looks, simplicity and relatively low weight this bike definitely appeals to me. Realistically with the wheel / tyre sizes and limited suspension etc, the bike will be limited in an off road situation but should compete well with the Triumph Scrambler – the Ducati is lighter I think.

    I love the sound of the Triumph Scrambler with the Arrow exhaust – this Ducati should also be music to the ears with the right exhaust. In overall terms it appears to be cost effective, light handling, rider ergonomics friendly unit.

  47. HS1-RD-CX100-VFR says:

    You can’t realistically ford a stream at a depth greater than this bike’s exhaust outlet (I just did six mountain stream crossings today). Without a guard the bottom pipes would be in danger of getting crushed in off-road riding though. So would some other important, expensive parts, too.

    I’d like this a lot as a second bike and probably ride it on every in-town trip. It’s just a nice, simple, lightweight bike. It’s a modern version of what the masses rode in the 1970’s before bikes got outstanding, big, complicated, expensive, and the masses responded by giving up riding altogether.

    • Curly says:

      HS1! I’ll bet not many here know that one. Did you trim the carb slides?

      • HS1-RD-CX100-VFR says:

        I was too young to be that sophisticated. I still own the bike. Know where to find oversized pistons?

        • Curly says:

          YL1 jugs will drop on and can be found along with OS pistons. Try Speed & Sport for thoe pistons and rings.

        • Curly says:

          Actually it looks like Speed & Sport have the HS1 pistons and rings in stock. Search prefix 241 for the pistons and 132 for the rings. And cut those slides!

  48. John says:

    I’m just not sure how they rationalize the $1500 between the Icon and the other three. It’s like a built in $1400 extra profit margin.

  49. pete Rasmussen says:

    My ds 1000 had 180 rear but I fit 170’s no problems. Makes her more nimble, not wanting to stand up under brakes in corners.

  50. pete Rasmussen says:

    Simple, light, comfortable for two, smooth and seems they have tuned it for sweetness rather than all out performance. Should be a nice bike.
    Easy to service motor !

  51. VLJ says:

    This is probably the first Ducati I would ever seriously consider purchasing. They’ve made plenty of great bikes, but for my purposes they’ve always been either too narrowly focused, too pricey, or both. This one seems like a more comfortable, punchier, far more charismatic Triumph Scrambler, and it’s even priced right.

    Love it.

  52. Ed says:

    I like it, I agree the weird plate hanger wouldn’t last long.It would look worlds better if thy just tacked it on at the end of the seat where a real fender would go.I think the Triumph scrambler looks more like a real scrambler even though it’s way too heavy.No Ducati dealers within 100 mi of me so the likelihood of me ever buying one is nil.I still think it’s a cool bike though.

  53. mickey says:

    There is sort of precedence for this low exhaust of a street trail bike if you think back to the Honda SL/XL series of bike which had a low pipe or pipe to beyond the footpegs and then swept up. This just doesn’t have much muffler to sweep up. Rear tire is because any bike with a tire LESS than 180 gets ridiculed these days ( ala CB 1100 et al). My biggest gripe about this bike besides the wide rear tire is the lack of proper fenders. The tires speak to the true intention on any bike and this one is no exception.

    This is as much a true scrambler as large ADV bikes are …in other words, 99 percent concrete and 1 percent hard packed dirt.

    Probably a fun street bike though.

  54. WSHart says:

    The spoke wheel versions look like they use tubes. Pass. The other two I will give serious consideration to as I am a great fan of such bikes and one of these will win my wallet. The only reason I have yet to add a Triumph Scrambler to my garage is its use of tubes. Archaic and dangerous at speed when you flat one and in today’s world totally unwanted, unmerited and needless given the technology at hand to make them tubeless.

    If it delivers the smiles per gallon to match the author’s guesstimated miles per gallon I will gladly buy one. Unlike so many others here that keep wishing for something more and all the while wanting to pay less for it, I will buy one.

    These people are the reason we normally get so few models. Its not that they write cheques their sad little asses can’t pay or but instead the ones they write so pathetically here and in internet forums throughout the web they never intend to sign.

    Talk is what they do and talk is cheap.

  55. rider33 says:

    I just hope that by the time the production version makes its way to dealers it works as well as this thing looks. If so, its destined to be a cult bike, and a keeper.

  56. joe b says:

    I doubt if any of the magazines will gather the run of the mill “standards”, and compare them all. With so many new bikes released, it would be nice to have them side by side for comparison, leaving the top tier bikes for another story.

  57. Kentucky Red says:

    Kinda looks like a bulked up Honda Grom, doesn’t it?

  58. RD350 says:

    It’s growing on me. Some angles look better than others. I hope for an S version with lighter weight and premium suspension.

    I love retro Scramblers. I wish the Japanese would jump in to the class. How about a retro style enduro with a low seat height and that one could actually trail ride. Think early 70s DT or XL!

  59. Dan W. says:

    The 180 section may well have been a nod to the general in-stock status of that tire size at shops everywhere (but good luck replacing that front quickly…) but I do agree – my own HawkGT stops fine with a single brake disc – granted I uprated mine to the big rotor from a ST1300 and the Tokico caliper off a GSXR (sorry Soichiro).

    As for the exhaust, yeah – now we see why all the promo photos were of the port side of the machine – that is some ungainly plumbing there. But it’s hard to get a lot of suspension travel AND a low seat height at the same time and Ducati is in business to SELL bikes – and as everyone who has dismayed at all the cruisers that sell in the US knows, low seats sell well when the customer doesn’t really ride very well (meaning many riders, sadly).

    My Cagiva-vintage M900 Monster was a proper ride – and I’ll bet that the development period from then to now has earned the Scrambler some real ability – these will likely be as popular as they are fun to ride. I only wish Harley could pull something half as cool – but who am I kidding ? A reasonable bike with sporting references to flat-tracking ? Naaah….

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “A reasonable bike with sporting references to flat-tracking?”

      CRAZY TALK…!!!

      • Blackcayman says:

        Indian Motorcycles is paying attention….

        A “Street-Tracker” with the Scout’s motor is just a new frame away from reality.

        • John says:

          Maybe. If you look at the real 741 Scout, it’s not a cruiser, it’s a multipurpose street/trail naked ADV bike. If they did THAT bike instead of the cruiser, it would do well. But maybe people just buy more cruisers because they’re stupid like that.

    • John says:

      Honda had to do it with the VT Ascot. I would buy a modern version of the Ascot again, in a heartbeat. Even with cruser oriented shaft drive and water cooling, it was as light as the Ducati Urben Explorer, over 30 years ago. Imagine if Honda actually tried……

      • Blackcayman says:

        I’m sure someone over there is scratching his head thinking “we built this 30 years ago”.

        What they should do is just make it – What’s old is new again!

  60. skybullet says:

    “375 pounds dry, 803cc, 75 hp” and what looks like comfortable ergos checks a lot of boxes for me. Leaving bells and whistles off keeps the price low too. If it rides smoothly and handles good it will be a contender for my next bike.

  61. brian says:

    To me, that exhaust and pipe mucks up the whole right side of the bike. Guzzi’s V7 is still the sharpest bike in this litter, maybe someday they’ll get to a horsepower level that is competitive.

    • Guzzisti says:

      Not with the small block engine Brian I’m afraid – its at its limit right now. If you like small block Guzzis, you like them as they are. If you need more power get a biger bike. 🙂

  62. tla says:

    yea, really, less than six inches travel on a scrambler is kinda weak….

  63. edpix says:

    I like the concept but if its going to be a scrambler it HAS to have high pipes…
    That low pipe is seriously out of character…

  64. Matric says:

    I’m 45. Ride a Yamaha FZ-07. Used to ride dualsport and adventure bike. Love the idea of a scrambler. This one looks nicer than the Triumph. But THE thing (plate holder) hang over the back tire has to go. I don’t understand the need to put a 180 rear tire. This trend isn’t justified imo. I’d like more wheel travel for the Scrambler. Less than 6 inches? Poser bike? I’ll wait to read some reviews.

    Would i buy a Ducati? No way. Jus a few dealers in my area. Would i put something like Avon Distanzia on my FZ-07? Probability is high.

    • Curly says:

      But wait, your FZ-07 has a 180 on the back too. They no more expect this bike to be a real off roader than Yamaha did the Big Bear Scrambler so the big tire is really just for style. I’ll bet they focus grouped it to death and the target market folks said bigger is better! We may know better and that it could be a fun dirt road bike with a 19 up front and a 150-17 out back but you have to give the customer what they want when selling the sizzle.

      • Matric says:

        I would prefer narrower rear tire on my FZ-07. My previous bikes had 150, 160 and 180 wide tire. I did’t find any advantage with the wider tire. I guess that i’m not a trendy guy. lol. Sometimes study market make some unsuccessful bikes. Remember the Yamaha Vision 550 back in the beginning of the 80s? It represented supposedly what people wanted. It was a mistake.

        • Curly says:

          Now the 83 Vision was good and the fairing covered up most of the ugly. Mine ran great. Could have used another 100cc, a 6th gear, wider rims and you would’ve had an SV650 20 years earlier.

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