Two Ducati Scramblers debut before EICMA
Variants sport flavour-of-the-year road bike Cafe Racer and off-road-focussed Desert Sled.
2 min read•8 Nov '16
6K+ views




The Ducati World Premier held on November 7, just two days before the Milan motorcycle show, kicked off with two exciting new variants of the entry-level motorcycle, the Scrambler. Led by a presentation of Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, the bikes were launched before a global audience of almost 420,000.
Scrambler Cafe Racer
Cafe racers certainly seem to be the theme for 2016, with both Triumph and BMW Motorrad unveiling the retro racing versions of their Street Twin and R NineT, respectively, at Intermot last month. Now it was Ducati's turn. The Scrambler Cafe Racer doesn't deviate mechanically from the base bike and maintains the same frame, engine and even the fuel tank. What have changed are the handlebars, with this bike featuring low-slung clip-ons, along with bar end mounted mirrors. To add to the leaned over posture, there's also a new cafe racer seat with a passenger cover. Minimalism is the mantra with this Cafe racer as it gets a tiny fairing behind its single instrument pod as well as a short front mudguard. The fact that now both wheels are of the same size -- 17" -- and sport Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres (a far cry from the on-off road tyres from the standard Scrambler) is another big change. Keeping in line with the whole "racer" part of its new moniker, the bike also gets a radial front brake pump to increase braking performance. Some new details include a new logo on the tank, a black engine with brushed fins and a black anodised aluminium cover over the Termignoni exhaust.
Scrambler Desert Sled
While the Scrambler has always hinted at a bit of off-road pedigree, none of the models so far have really delivered on the promise of mixing it up in the dirt. Until now that is. This new Scrambler Desert Sled packs a whole lot of changes to make it extremely capable on the rough stuff. This includes a completely reinforced chassis along with fully-adjustable long-stroke suspension at both ends, offering 200mm of wheel travel at front and rear. The wheels are now 19"-17" (front-rear) rugged wire-spoke units and are shod with specially designed Scorpion Rally STR on-off road tyres. There's also a new tougher aluminium swing arm to handle riding on loose surfaces. To help with better control when mixing it up in the dirt, this Scrambler gets a flatter seat which now sports a height of 860mm. These apart, the Desert Sled gets a raised front fender, a new stronger handlebar with a crossbar, as well as a safety grille on the headlight.
Both these Scramblers are now Euro IV compliant and we expect them in India sometime next year.
Suggested News
Ducati unveils new Multistrada 950 at pre-EICMA 2016 conference
The smaller-capacity offering in the Multistrada line-up has been designed to offer premium adventure-touring experience.
2 min read•8 Nov '16




2017 Suzuki Hayabusa launched at Rs 13.88 lakh
The legendary 1,300cc Hayabusa has been brought in via the CKD route; available in three colour combinations.
1 min read•7 Nov '16

Royal Enfield Rider Mania 2016 : To Goa and beyond
Rider Mania 2016, Royal Enfield's annual motorcycle event, will kick off on November 18th in sunny Goa.
1 min read•7 Nov '16

File image.
2017 KTM 200 and 390 Duke to debut at 2016 EICMA
The Milan motorcycle show will see the unveiling of the 2017 KTM 125, 200 and 390 Dukes
2 min read•7 Nov '16

Mojo to become Mahindra's premium bike brand
Mahindra Two-Wheelers plans to move away from smaller bikes and convert Mojo into their unified brand for premium motorcycles.
2 min read•28 Oct '16

Poll of the month
Will the Hyundai Creta be overtaken in 2026? If so, which SUV will do it?
Tata Sierra
Renault Duster
Kia Seltos
Maruti Suzuki Victoris
No, the Creta will stay on top
564 votes•88 days remaining
Can't decide which car to buy?
Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries.
Poll of the month
Will the Hyundai Creta be overtaken in 2026? If so, which SUV will do it?
Tata Sierra
Renault Duster
Kia Seltos
Maruti Suzuki Victoris
No, the Creta will stay on top
564 votes•88 days remaining
Can't decide which car to buy?
Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries.















