Ducati Scrambler 1100

Test: Ducati Scrambler 1100 (Baujahr 2018)

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image"Innovative, young and a free spirit, the Ducati Scrambler is much more than just a motorcycle. It is a universe full of joy, freedom and self-realization," it says on the Scrambler homepage. Now we are testing less universes, but motorcycles. So what can the Ducati Scrambler 1100 do on the (milk) road?

First contact with the Ducati Scrambler 1100

Since 2014, Ducati has been building a new Scrambler based on the previous models from 1962. So a lot of history, ducati can - and must - fall back on. In general, Ducati is the only brand besides Triumph that could produce a Scrambler credibly out of tradition. This is objectively wrong, of course, because in the 1950s and 1960s, all Japanese manufacturers offered their own scramblers, among others. And yet: the gut feeling takes this type away, especially from the Italians and the British.
A scrambler is practically the ancestor of an enduro. When these were not yet available in the mass market, "climbers" (from the English: "Scrambler") were first put together by resourceful hobbyists, later the market became more professional. In order to be able to survive in the terrain, the new mopeds differed from the road machines by high-rise exhaust tailpipes, larger fenders, coarser tyres and a wider handlebar. But that was it: own frameworks for serious off-road use, such as those used by today's enduros, were not available at the time. Highers were also rare.
All this has the modern Scrambler of the Ducati. Launched in 2014 with 800 cubic meters and 75 hp, Ducati followed with the 86 hp 1100. Nevertheless: First of all, we have to clarify briefly whether the Scambler is a Ducati at all. This seems clear at first: the engine of the 1100s was last used in the Ducati Monster, so comes from the mother house. The entire design of the Scambler is also from Ducati, so why a sub-brand? A sub-brand is always used when you want to put a certain property of the product forward. At the same time, you can afford more, because the properties actually associated with the brand can be stretched far.
Then we want to check the Scrambler universe. "Style, Sophistication and Performance" - that is: style, sophistication and performance, which is how Ducati defines itself in his own words. Also the Scambler?

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First: Style

Wow. The Scrambler is fed up. It is available in different colour variants and equipment versions, but one thing must be left to Ducati: it is a scrambler through and through and that in every version. In addition, everything you touch is valuable. For example, Ducati pinched the aluminium panels on the tank in the machine we drove from cheap plastic, it is really aluminium. Even small details such as the rear-view mirrors or the cockpit are fitting. The headlight and the rear light just look great. One word about the not very easy-to-read cockpit: One may argue about whether analogue instruments of the Scambler would have been better. But if digital instruments, then so: A circular instrument with an oval insert, that already looks good. And: It looks better than with many other models of the Italians. So if it is not a Ducati in this respect, that would only be an advantage.

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Second: sophistication

A normal Duc convinces with sophisticated solutions that all serve one goal: Ducatis want to be the most sporty machines in their segment. Scramblers are not very sporty per se, but should look good and suitable for off-road. Sophistication is not necessary here, but a powerful engine, a reasonable sitting position and a reasonable, not too hard chassis. In this respect - let me be clear - there is the biggest gap between a conventional Ducati and the Scrambler. The Scrambler 1100 emphasizes very different sides from the rest of the model range. It does them well, but also in a different way. So is it a Ducati in terms of sophistication? Yes, but at the same time, because of the different definition of sophistication, the use of a sub-brand makes the most sense.

Third: Pferformance

A Ducati without performance? U-n-d-e-n-k-b-a-r! Here the scambler has to deliver, otherwise the common customer threatens with deprivation of love. And deliver the Scrambler, albeit in its own way. Even the sitting position on and not in the motorcycle indicates it: The Scrambler 1100 is not intended for the wild cornering hatz. Mixed tyres also stand in the way of such ambitions. So what does the Duc deliver?
First of all a feast for the senses. In addition to the already mentioned optics, a medium-comfortable chassis for the tour in between, but above all what ensures the pressure: a fantastic engine. The air-cooled L-Twin was last used in the Monster and is not the most modern propellant in the Duc engine range. But the most fitting. It is unbelievable how much pressure the engine exerts from lower speeds. Above all, the sound is incomparable. You often catch yourself accelerating, only to hear this roaring engine sound. So you can bobthrough the area and just roar around for fun. At the top, it must be noted, surprisingly little happens for a Ducati engine. At the top, it has to be noted, but for a Scrambler engine, an astonishing amount happens.
Originally intended for light terrain, one thing is clear: Torque beats peak power at a Scrambler, so the engine is just right.
With its rather long wheelbase and follow-up, the Scrambler is designed for stability rather than handiness. But thanks to the wide handlebars, only a little more power has to be expended and the scrambler turns on without laying down.

Conclusion

The Ducati Scrambler has a special position in the Italian model range: it reassures the driver. At the same time, it delivers a very different kind of pleasure tours, which is more aimed at cruising. For this, it dispenses with high utility value (and, by the way, also a higher off-road suitability). Intermediate sprints on country roads and in the city are their precincts, with bollerning sound it goes ahead. Those who have fun, who finally want to recognize the meaning of V2 engines and those with the sense of emotion can rejoice over the Scrambler. A Ducati? Yes, but for some it is the black sheep in the family, for others the only Ducati they want to buy. Feat: It does not have much competition, there are mainly the BMW R nineT Scrambler and various Triumph models on the market.
Last note: The 1100 is on the price list with 12,990 euros, while the little sister with 75 hp is available from just under 8,000. A hefty extra charge for 11 more-hp - but if you can, you should treat yourself to it.

The test bike was kindly provided by Ducati Hamburg.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 12,990 Euro
  • Years of construction: since 2018
  • Colours: yellow, black, grey
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General

Type
Scrambler
Eia
€13,090

Dimensions

Length
2,190 mm
Height
1,330 mm
Weight
206 kg
Ab. Weight
390 kg
Seat
810 mm
Wheelbase
1,514 mm

Driving Performance & Range

0 to 100
3.9 s
60 to 100
2.5 s
Tank contents
15 l
Consumption
5.2 l
Range
280 km
Highest-speed
204 km/h

Motor & Power Transmission

Engine design
Desmodromically controlled V2
Number of cylinders
2
Cooling
Air
Displacement
1,079 cc
Hole
98 mm
Hub
71 mm
Performance
86 HP
Torque
88 NM
Number of gears
6
Drive
Chain

Suspension & Brakes

Frame
Lattice tube frame
Suspension front
Upside-down fork, adjustable
Travel:
150 mm
Strut rear
Adjustable central spring leg
Travel:
150 mm
Suspension rear
Two-arm swingarm made of aluminum
Brakes in front
Double disc
320 mm
Tyres at the front
MT 60 RS 120/70 ZR18
Brakes rear
Single disc
245
Rear tyres
MT 60 RS 180/55 ZR17
Abs
Curve ABS from Bosch