Ducati is the go-to brand when buying a hard charging, high-performance motorcycle that simply oozes style and charisma. From blazing a trail on the racetracks to winning over riders on the road with its sportbikes, Ducati has an enviable fan base and continues to deliver sought after machines year-after-year.
There are landmark bikes scattered throughout the company's history, with more recent examples being the introduction of the iconic and hugely successful Ducati Monster range in 1993 to the raw thrills of the Streetfighter in 2009, and Ducati can boast that they have produced more lust-worthy machines than any other manufacturer.
Another such bike is the Ducati Scrambler, an amalgamation of retro styling and modern mechanicals that delivers thrills per mile. With each model in the line-up offering a different riding experience, here are 10 things you need to know before buying a ducati scrambler.
10 The Start Of Ducati
Bombed to smithereens during the Second World War, the Ducati factory originally produced radio components before swapping to retrofitting bicycles with a small displacement engine known as a Cucciolo, Italian for puppy or baby animal, due to the noise the engine made.
Their first motorcycle released in 1950 had a 48cc engine and would top out at 40 mph. Little did they know that some sixty-years later they would be responsible for unleashing the 221 hp Panigale V4 R onto the world.
9 From Downtown To Desert
First added to the Ducati range in 1962 and propelled by a 450 cc engine, the original Scrambler transformed the company's image in the United States. Ever evolving, the bike received its latest refresh in 2019 and now presents itself as a highly refined machine.
Noted as being easy to ride and being both light and small, the Scrambler should appeal to those looking to fulfill a multitude of roles from café racer to dirt road warrior, inner city commuter tool to fashionable style statement. The scrambler does it all.
8 The Line-Up
With eight bikes making up the current range, and one awesome looking e-bicycle, there is plenty of choice available for the those looking to get in on the Ducati Scrambler scene along with configurable options to set the motorbike apart from the crowd.
Having sold over 55,000 Scramblers since 2015, Ducati pins the bike's success on the fact that it remains simple to ride, easy to use, and has a do-it-all attitude. Like a Swiss Army knife, the Scrambler is a multipurpose tool that can tackle anything.
7 The Icon
Retaining a premium feel, the Icon is pushed along by a 73 hp 803 cc engine that delivers a fantastically fat amount of torque throughout the rev range and allows the bike to remain a very flexible performer wherever you are.
Classically styled, the newest Icon features a digital information display, LED indicators, dual channel Bosch cornering ABS, super comfortable seating, interchangeable side covers and smart looking 10 spoke wheels derived from the bigger 1100.
6 The Sled
Whether it be the enduro-inspired standard Desert specification or the limited edition Fasthouse, the bike is said to cater for those who appreciate the unconventional and offers a unique mix of both an off-road feel and retro lifestyle values.
In Desert specification, the bike is equipped with a high front mudguard and extended rear fender, a bespoke seat, hydraulic clutch control and Pirelli Scorpion tires. The Fasthouse gets a colored frame, numbered plate, unique livery, individual seat and black spoked wheels.
5 The Pro
Those lusting after more power are well catered for with the 86 hp/65 lb ft 1079 cc air cooled engine fitted to the more muscular Pro. Whether it's the fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension fitted to the Sport Pro or the Kayaba rear on the standard Pro you know this is one serious bike.
Both bikes are fitted with the Ducati safety pack which comprises cornering ABS and lean sensitive traction control, whilst three riding modes (City, Journey, Active) allow for different engine maps to run depending on the riders needs.
4 The E-Bike
Inspired by its full bloodied gasoline-engined sibling, the Scrambler e-bike is powered by a Shimano Steps E7000 250w motor and 504 Wh battery pack. A low center of gravity and Pirelli tires ensure grip and handling when it counts.
Aimed at commuters and explorers alike, the e-bike comes with an eleven speed Sram NX transmission, luggage rack, aluminum mudguards, 80mm Suntur XCR 34 spring-loaded forks and 4 caliper braking. Offered in black or yellow, exclusivity is guaranteed.
3 Awesome Customization
Keen for buyers and riders to stamp their own unique personalities on their bikes, Ducati offers a huge range of accessories and add-ons for the scrambler, whether it be from initial purchase configuration to used owner modification.
From extended leather seating to Baja-styled exhausts, racing livery options to reinforced top cases there are options and styles to satisfy the needs and urges of any modifier, so there is no reason, or excuse, to keep a bike looking standard.
2 Trendy Apparel
Want to let the world know that you're a proud fan or Ducati Scrambler owner, then head over to the Ducati clothing store. Not only stuffed full of fashion but also functional wear, there are plenty of ways to express yourself.
Deciding between the Desert Sled long-sleeved tee or the Born Free polo won't be easy but if you want watches, mugs, caps, wallets, scarves, jackets, trousers, helmets, bags or a scale model bike you'll find it on offer.
1 The Other One
Designed as an off-road Bonneville, the Triumph Scrambler, on sale from 2006 to 2016, utilized a 865cc engine with 54 hp and offered a cheaper alternative to the Ducati to both purchase, own and maintain.
Losing out on power compared to the Italian, Triumph have introduced the Street Scrambler which now makes use of a 900cc engine which produces an improved 65hp as well as revised styling.