Ducati has just revealed an updated Scrambler 800. The bike, which will go on sale in international markets from November 2018, gets cosmetic tweaks, tech, and features as part of the update. We can expect this model to arrive in India shortly after it hits markets in Europe and the USA.
The Scrambler has proved to be a success for Ducati, with sales of over 55,000 units since its debut around four years ago. In light of this, the Italian bike maker appears to have not wanted to fix something that’s not broken and the cosmetic changes have been kept to a minimum. The most prominent ones are the LED turn signals and new headlight with an LED DRL that is quite similar to the one on the Scrambler 1100. The bike also gets redesigned tank panels and a muffler cover that is now more cylindrical. Ducati has added a new ‘atomic tangerine’ colour as well.
The similarities to the Scrambler 1100 go further in the form of borrowed 10-spoke alloy wheels and a brushed aluminium finish on the engine casing. Like the 1100, the smaller Scrambler now gets cornering ABS, which, as Ducati explains, allows “you to make a panic stop while at full lean without crashing”. Interestingly, when launched, the Scrambler 800 will be the most affordable motorcycle in India with this tech.
The motorcycle also gets new switchgear that is said to be more ergonomic. The indicators also have the self-cancelling feature. Ducati has also said that the bike's revised seat is flatter and comfortable for both, the rider and pillion. The website also states that the bike features an improved suspension setup and we hope this translates to a plusher feel, as the outgoing model is known to be a bit harsh. Other mechanical changes include a hydraulic clutch control with adjustable levers, both features seen on the Scrambler 1100 as well. Lastly, the new Icon features updated graphics on the instrument cluster along with the Ducati Multimedia System that allows Bluetooth connectivity. When paired, the screen will show data like calls, messages and music information.
When we recently rode the Scrambler 1100, one of its appealing factors was how it felt a lot more premium than the Scrambler 800. Happily, these additions should go a long way towards making the Scrambler Icon feel a lot more premium. That said, these updates could come with a small price hike and the current Scrambler Icon starts at an already high Rs 7.23 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Expect to see these updates spread over the rest of the Scrambler range as well in the coming months.
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
