Words: Matthew Shields

Ducati’s Scrambler has been a big success story for the Italian motorcycle manufacturer. More than just a fashion statement, the Scrambler is an easily customisable motorcycle than makes no concessions in terms of engine and handling performance in creating a well-stylised package. In other words, it looks great and goes goods too.

Based on the 803cc, two-valve per-cylinder, Desmodue V-twin engine that powered the Monster 796, this engine platform was the baby in the range until the release of the 400cc Scrambler Sixty2 this month. The engine has lost a little bit of power and torque from the Monster through emissions regulations, but the engine characteristics are a lot more suited to the Scrambler style.

The changes to the engine from the 796 include a gentler cam profile for the 11-degree valve overlap, 50mm throttle body and new exhaust system which in the end also make it Euro 3 complaint – hence the work to the intake and exhaust tracts. Otherwise, the rest of the engine is the same like the six-speed gearbox, APTC clutch slipper clutch and big, 12,000km service intervals.

Power is plentiful and it’ll wheelie if you are good enough, but more importantly the power delivery is smooth and strong right the way through the rev range. From low speed it pulls strong with no hint of aggression, but still gets along at a licence-losing turn of speed. It’s easy to manage, plentiful when you want it to be, but best of all full of character.

Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

Despite this being Ducati’s smallest, least technologically advanced engine platform, Ducati been doing two-valve per-cylinder big V-twins for over 45 years. That experience shows in the rider-friendly performance that isn’t devoid of V-twin ‘character’ – something many retro-styled machines don’t always have. The sound from the Full throttle’s Termignoni pipe tops things off.

Handling could be nothing else on a Ducati than a trellis frame, and so it is on the Scrambler. The rake is the same as the Monster but the trail is a lot longer with an 18-inch front wheel. There’s not much difference in the wheelbase, and the handling dynamic through those changes makes for a predictable, manoeuvrable and compliant chassis dynamic.

The Scrambler’s flat-track inspired wide handlebar, flat footpegs and plush seat make it a comfortable riding position, and when you want to give it some and push it around through the corners it rides responsively and predictably. Around town it is fast and flickable, while that low seat height makes it easy to manage for short riders – more so with an optional low seat.

The only suspension adjustment you get in the Scrambler is rear preload, with 150mm of travel supplied from Kayaba equipment front and rear. The adjustability isn’t an issue for what the Scrambler is designed to do, and for base level equipment it’s proof that Ducati has done a lot of R&D to get the Scrambler’s handling so good out of the box.

Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

Braking is excellent and the Scrambler runs Brembo brakes using the Bosch 9.1 MP AMS system. Up front is a single Monobloc radial-mount caliper. Just like the suspension, the braking isn’t aggressive and has plenty of feel through the system, but at the same time is as sharp and strong as you can get.

Where the Scrambler really has it sorted is in the attention to detail in recognition of Ducati’s past. It’s easy to look over them but touches like the teardrop tank, single dial offset on the top triple clamp, headlight glass design, fuel filler cap and of course the old-school looking Pirellis could have been overlooked for a cost saving, but they haven’t been.

Then there’s the quality detail touches all over the bike like trick-looking wheels, machine-finished aluminium covers on the clutch and alternator and the detail work on the aluminium cam belt covers. At the same time there’s four different models to choose your ‘style’ not to mention more accessories and apparel than there are days in the year, probably…

I get the massive appeal of the Scrambler as a customising base and a style icon – it is equally great at being both of those. But better still is how well it performs, how much fun it is to ride and how good the quality of build is for a machine that costs under $15k. Style, price, performance – the Scrambler has them all. It’s no wonder this machine is such a success.

Specifications

Capacity: 803cc
Power: 55kW @ 8250rpm
Torque: 68Nm @ 5750rpm
Dry weight: 170kg
Seat height: 790mm
Price: $14,990 plus ORC
Detailed specs: www.ducati.com.au