Ducati Scrambler

The original Scrambler from Ducati was a series of single-cylinder motorcycles made initially for the American market from 1962 to 1974, sporting engines with capacity ranging from 250cc to 450cc displacements.

In 2014, Ducati reprised the Scrambler line with an all-new Ducati Scrambler, first showcased at the 2014 Intermot motorcycle show. International sales have begun in 2015 and Ducati has developed the 2015 Scrambler as a different sub-brand altogether, together with a range of Scrambler apparel and accessories.

The new Scrambler has the same values as the original iconic Scrambler of the 1970s, but is now a more contemporary interpretation of the legendary name. Ducati says the new Scrambler is intended to be just how the legendary motorcycle would be today if Ducati had not stopped building it.

The Scrambler will be available in four different models – the Icon, Urban Enduro, Full Throttle and Classic, each with distinct personalities shaped by specific logos and other design nuances. For India, Ducati will first launch the Icon, making it the least expensive Ducati on sale here.

Looks and Styling

The 2015 Scrambler is a new bike inspired by the iconic 70s model but with all the technical specifications of a present-day one.  The bike features an upside down stanchion fork, alloy rims, a rear monoshock, and front radialmount calipers.

Firstly, there’s the tank, sculptural and lovingly shaped yet loyal to the original teardrop design of the 70s model, including the ‘upward sloping’ look. Additional character is provided by the tank side covers: made of brushed aluminium, they’re interchangeable to allow plenty of scope for personalisation and feature version-specific logos.

Seat and tank have been formed carefully to give the Ducati Scrambler eye-pleasing proportions.

A compact bike, the Ducati Scrambler has been sized to make it accessible to all motorcyclists while its long seat maximises comfort and can accommodate a passenger comfortably. Redesigned for the present day, the round headlamp is a key part of the Ducati Scrambler look. And then there is the ultra-modern LED light guide technology (used for the side lights) which underlines the outstanding level of technical expertise.

Engine and Gearbox

The Scrambler is powered by a 803cc L-Twin engine which makes 76PS and offers 68Nm of torque at 5750rpm. Derived from the Monster 796 engine, it has an 88 mm bore, a 66 mm stroke and has been redesigned to give smooth acceleration throughout the rev range. The Desmodue engine on the Ducati Scrambler has light machine-finished aluminium covers, including those on the clutch and alternator.

To ensure smooth integration with the compact steel teardrop tank, the Desmodue engine on the Ducati Scrambler features a single 50 mm throttle body with two sub-butterfly injectors: this solution ensures fluid power delivery and accurate control of the fuel being aspirated into the cylinders.

Pistons and crankshaft are the same as those on the Monster 796 and Hypermotard 796 power units, while the camshafts have been designed to ensure linear power delivery. The 2-in-1 exhaust with aluminium silencer has been specially designed for the Ducati Scrambler. It features an aluminium heat plate for improved rider protection and is EURO 3 compliant.

The gearbox is a 6-speed unit while the multiplate APTC oil bath clutch with cable actuation, while emphasising the minimalist nature of the Ducati Scrambler, provides a lighttouch brake lever with outstanding ‘feel’, a real plus point when it comes to the continuous stop-and-go of inner city traffic. Moreover, it features a torque-linked anti-hopping system that prevents rear wheel chatter when downshifting.

Price and Competition

The Scrambler, Ducati’s cheapest offering in the Indian market, will carry a price tag of around Rs 6.78 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).  At that price, the Scrambler will offer a much more affordable option than the Kawasaki Z800 and the Triumph Street Triple, but will be slightly more expensive than the Triumph Bonneville, Kawasaki ER-6n and Kawasaki Ninja 650.