Trying Too Hard to be Hip?
Ducati announced the long-awaited, much heralded and leaked Ducati Scrambler at the 2014 Intermot show in Cologne.
The Scrambler was then introduced to the U.S.A. at the2014 AIMExpo show in Orlando, Florida on October 16 (read more about the weird intro in the 2014 AIMExpo Report Home).
Here are the Ducati Scrambler photos from the Intermot 2014 introduction.
The Scrambler is a modern take on a Ducati classic that anyone under 50 years old probably doesn’t remember.
The air-cooled engine is from the Monster 796, which is actually 803 cc. Ducati claims 75 horsepower and 50 ft. lbs. of torque, probably just about right for this type of bike.
The Scrambler has a six-speed transmission and APTC wet multi-plate clutch with mechanical, not hydraulic, control. Ducati also claims a wet weight of 410 lbs. (we’ll believe it when we weigh it).
The Scrambler also has the Ducati trellis frame, a Kayaba suspension with a front upside-down forks and a rear monoshock.
Brakes are by Brembo brakes with two-channel ABS and the bike has LED lights and digital instrument cluster. Ducati said the list price will start at $8,595, but it’s difficult to know if it will sell after the first rush.
The Scrambler will be available in the “Icon”, “Full Throttle” and “Urban Enduro” livery. A video and photos from the AIMExpo introduction are below, along with a slide show and specifications. Is the Scrambler trying too hard to look hipster cool? Will it sell after the initial surge? Is it too much of a single-focused bike that’s not really great at any one task? Only time will tell…
UPDATE: Live Ducati Scrambler photos from Intermot 2014! and more Ducati Scrambler photos and video below.
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From “J.C.” (October 2014): “Too hipster? I don’t think so. I’m not in the typical hipster age group…long since past it. Currently ride an ’01 SV650 and I’d happily own the Scrambler X in green in a heartbeat. Sure looks like it would fit the kind of riding I like to do.
I’m not all that interested in a lot of the new bikes being offered — as good as they are likely to be. Just can’t see myself riding one. I want a bike that I WANT to look back at when I park it. Most of the newer bikes do nothing to inspire the passion for a bike that I consider part of the ownership experience. The SV does and so does the Ducati.
I don’t think it is too specialized — I can see it filling a lot of tasks perfectly. I consider most “adventure” bikes too heavy, too goofy looking and too expensive. This little Scrambler just checks all the right boxes for me. Unfortunately, with two kids in college, Ducati will have to wait a year or two before I sign the dotted line.”
From “M.M.” (October 2014): “Yes, Yes, and Yes! It’ll sell, I’m going to buy one for sure. Been waiting for something new, but not a transformer. Liked the retro bikes that the Hipsters were building but wanted more of a modern developed bike, and yes the Ducati Scrambler seems to fit that bill.
Wanted another bike for rural roads, suburbs, commutes, trips to the foothills (California Sierra’s and foothills) dirt roads. Didn’t need to ride it to work, The price is the final clincher, this is the bike.
The Honda nc700x was looking good but it’s just not retro, and not exciting enough. I believe Honda missed the new feel (market) with their bikes again. Now I’ll replace my BMW K1200GT, the Honda 2015 Gold Wing F6B, and the BMW K1600GT will be considered for that list.
I decided long ago that 3 bikes are needed to fill all the niches, but now after waiting so long for new bikes, I’ve dropped the need for a dirt type motorcycle, so I’m down to just 2 types.”
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