I rode a Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport: I’ll tell you why it’s a convertible among motorcycles


Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled 2021

Retro bikes are still at the peak of popularity, and many manufacturers are clearing the foam from this, from the British Triumph to the Japanese Kawasaki - specially trained designers study retro models and create classic motorcycles with modern filling. And the main thing that pleases us about the current wave of retro motorcycles is that, for all their visual old-school quality, they are equipped at a completely modern level. Of course, the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled can hardly be called a real rally motorcycle, but it can do something like stock.

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled 2022

The fully adjustable fork and Kayaba monoshock with adjustable preload and rebound smoothing have 20 cm of travel, and with a ground clearance of 23 cm, you can safely conquer difficult places without the risk of rubbing a hole in the crankcase. Of course, on off-road, a 21st wheel would be more appropriate, but 19/17-inch spoked wheels are a proven set for touring bikes, comfortable both on off-road and on asphalt.

No less important than ground clearance and suspension are ergonomics. No amount of suspension travel can replace the comfort of riding in a standing position and the ease of changing position. In this regard, the Sled is designed well: it is a little wide, especially for those who are used to real enduro and motocross motorcycles, but the handlebars are conveniently shaped and well positioned for riding in a stand-up position. The only drawback is underfoot: the aluminum running boards look nice, but even with the rubber inserts removed, they are slippery, especially with dirt and water involved.

The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled 2022 is not much different from the previous version, the only difference is in the colors - a new seat and new colors. It definitely suits the metallic paint on the minimalistic body kit, and the blackened L-twin air-oil cooling with milled fins adds a laconic look, being devoid of hoses and a radiator of the cooling system. But even apart from the advantages of the vintage layout, the side view of the motorcycle is incredibly pleasing to the eye - there are almost no various wires and sensors here. And despite the fact that the platform lends itself quite well to customization and tuning, the stock Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled looks extremely well thought out, tightly built and solid, if you like.


Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled 2021

There are nine models based on the Scrambler platform: two 1100 cc versions and seven 803 cc versions. There is something from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, don’t you think? The seven dwarves are named Icon, Icon Dark, Nightshift, Café Racer, Desert Sled, Full Throttle, and Sixty2.

REVIEW – DUCATI Scrambler 2022 – an evolution that cannot be stopped

DUCATI blew up the INTERMOT-2018 international exhibition with three spectacular premieres of vintage bikes. The new Full Throttle, Desert Sled and Cafe Racer lines for 2022 represent the Joyvolytion philosophy - an evolution of the joy and pleasure that a motorcycle can give to the rider. The Italians showed the fourth representative of the legendary series, the handsome DUCATI Scrambler Icon, back in September 2018.

The Scrambler family has become even more comfortable and safer, organically combining classic design and modern technology. New representatives of the Joyvolytion philosophy reveal the essence of a bike for euphoria - two wheels, a comfortable steering wheel, a simple but powerful engine. In the modern motorcycle industry, the DUCATI Scrambler is a nonconformist going its own way. It is above the race for technology, power and speed. Its purpose is a flow of positive emotions, fun and pleasure from carefree skating.

The Italians offer old-school connoisseurs to choose their element - a smooth highway, a treacherous dirt road or severe off-road, or perhaps subjugate all types of roads and surfaces, easily changing locations. Each of the new Scramblers can become the two-wheeled alter ego of its owner.

The DUCATI Scrambler Icon stands a little apart from the hot new products - it seems as if it does not have a clearly defined character that defines its purpose. And this is also the subtle idea of ​​the masters from Bologna: Ikon is a canon of style, incorporating a combination of the best qualities of the entire series, a true universal fighter who does not tolerate boundaries and restrictions.

Charismatic representatives of the DUCATI Scrambler 2022 series: Desert Sled, Cafe Racer, Full Throttle and Icon

DUCATI Scrambler Cafe Racer 2019

Inspired by the British craze of the 60s for customization for speed, the DUCATI Scrambler Cafe Racer looks like a true king of the asphalt. Finished in the brand's new matte ice silver color with bright blue accents, it takes on the look of the legendary DUCATI 125GP Desmo.

DUCATI Cafe Racer 2022 in new livery

The speed of the bike is added by the laconic headlight fairing and the mirrors attached to the ends of the clip-ons. A massive dual muffler, spoked wheels with road tires, number 54 on the sidewalls in honor of the great Bruno Spaggiari, a lightweight fender and a short, aerodynamic tail - all this unmistakably refers to the old-school custom bikes of the 60s that excited the minds of racing fans.

DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2019

Brash and muscular, he is sure to dominate the dirt track. The bike is inspired by the sports car Californian racer Frankie Garcia used in the 2022 American Hooligan Championship. The same two-tone black and yellow tank, new tailfin and flat seat with contrast stitching.

Power and audacity - nothing superfluous in the image of the DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle

The muscular forked muffler provokes you to twist the gas all the way in order to hear the powerful roar of the 803 cc heart again and again. The name of the bike accurately expresses its essence: open the throttle to full and prove your superiority!

Flat track fighter DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle

DUCATI Scrambler Desert Sled

This hero revives the image of classic American enduro, combining its best expressions with the lifestyle and values ​​of the DUCATI Scrambler philosophy. A rich red frame combined with a rich black engine and an ergonomically shaped seat emphasize the modernity of the bike.

"Rogue" DUCATI Scrambler Desert Sled

In keeping with the style, the headlight is covered with a protective mesh, the tire tread is frankly “toothy”, and the uniquely shaped front fender is placed indecently high. Vintage spoked wheels do not let us forget about the classic forefathers of the new DUCATI Scrambler Desert Trail 2022.

DUCATI Scrambler Dessert Trace 2022 in its element

Fine-tuning the Kayaba shock absorbers and the ABS switch-off function (the latter is implemented only in this model of the new Scramblers) will help add color to off-road riding.

Evolution of technology, comfort and safety of the DUCATI Scrambler 2019

The new line of Scramblers is strikingly different in design from the DUCATI Scrambler 2022, but the Italians also worked on technology for the sake of comfort.

The engine for this series remained the same: 2-cylinder L-shaped Desmodromic air-cooled with a displacement of 803 cm³. The heart, like the early Scrambler, is borrowed from the DUCATI Monster 797, but modified to suit the purpose of the bikes - to give joy and comfort. Engineers worked on the valve timing and software settings to get fantastic pickup from the very bottom and consistently good dynamics at mid-range. Now even owners of powerful, large-volume bikes will be jealous of the DUCATI Scrambler’s traction.

Time-tested L-shaped engine with new settings and design

In maximum power, the engine loses 3 horsepower to its predecessor: the adaptation to the EURO 4 environmental class has an effect. The engine will develop 73 hp. With. at 8,250 rpm (versus 75 hp in previous versions of the DUCATI Scrambler) and a torque of 67 Nm, the peak of which is reached at 5,750 rpm.

All 2022 Scramblers will have the same engines, as well as a 6-speed gearbox with a multi-disc hydraulic clutch, adjustable for response sensitivity, operating in an oil bath. The gearbox clearly and quickly clicks into both up and down gears. But with the suspension in the line, not everything is simple.

The Icon, Full Throttle and Cafe Racer feature an inverted front fork with 41mm Kayaba shock, while the off-road-ready Desert Sled features a 46mm fully adjustable fork with increased stiffness. This made it possible to increase the suspension travel to 200 mm (versus 150 mm for its counterparts) and provide greater freedom for adjustments.

A similar technique was carried out with the rear suspension - the stroke of the double-sided reinforced pendulum of the Desert Sled is increased to 200 mm.

For the entire DUCATI Scrambler 2022 line, the Italians have redesigned the brakes. The manufacturer focuses on the BOSCH Cornering intelligent anti-lock braking system, which will be equipped on all models in the series. The new ABS system is equally effective when braking both in a straight line and when cornering.

Brakes with smart ABS system BOSCH Cornering

The mechanical part of the braking system of the DUCATI Scrambler 2019 is implemented on a 330 mm disc with a 4-piston caliper for the front wheel and a 245 mm disc with a single-piston caliper for the rear wheel.

Only in the DUCATI Scrambler Desert Sled can the ABS system be turned off, because without braking and full wheel locking, off-road riding is not so impressive.

Another update for 2022 is lighting. Now it is fully implemented on LED lamps, including front and rear turn signals with auto-off. The daytime running lights in the front headlight were made brighter - the motorcycle will become more visible during the day - and also more stylish by hiding the diodes behind a black border. The headlight itself in the 2022 version features a black cross-shaped lens, adding a more old-school look to the look of the bikes.

LED turn signals and an updated headlight with DRL, only on Desert Sled protected by mesh

The instrument panel deserves special attention. At first glance, it remains the same as on last year's models - monochrome, readable, similar in appearance to the round speedometers from the 70s. But as soon as you turn the ignition key, it will immediately become clear that the Italians have moved forward here too - the display shows the level of gasoline in the tank and the selected gear. In addition, the device was connected to a USB connector installed under the bike’s seat. On the go, you can not only charge your gadgets, but also receive calls, messages, and view tracks from a playlist: information from your smartphone or other device will be displayed on the screen.

Multimedia tidy DUCATI Scrambler 2019

As a means of expressing character, independent life position and even the alter ego of the rider, the new DUCATI Scrambler should be as comfortable as possible. The Italians paid close attention to this point and provided for adjusting the brake and clutch handles, as well as the sensitivity of the clutch - the motorcycle can easily be adjusted to the owner’s individuality.

It will be possible to evaluate live the “incarnation of pleasure” in the person of any of the four updated representatives of the DUCATI Scrambler family soon - the motorcycles will go on sale in the first ten days of 2019. Follow the news from official dealers.

Engine Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

The Desert Sled engine starts with a familiar sound that evokes sad thoughts about a dead battery. This is their trick - all Scramblers start this way. The simple digital speedometer is quite functional, and the two driving modes are called Journey (a pleasant, easy journey) and, of course, Off-Road. In the latter, the ABS system can be turned off to unlock “slip mode” - Ducati doesn’t use this term, although it should. The minimalistic dashboard is compatible with the Ducati multimedia system, allowing the rider to control music on a smartphone and even answer calls using the handlebar remote control.

Handling Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

Like any of the seven 803cc Scramblers, the Desert Sled is a comfortable and easy-to-ride motorcycle. For those who prefer to have both feet on the ground, the tall 86cm saddle can be swapped out for an optional 84cm saddle, but overall the 2022 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is hardly scary. The clutch is light, the gas is smooth, the engine does not stall at low speeds - a dream for beginners, allowing them to quickly get used to it and get used to traveling on a large all-terrain motorcycle. But even more advanced all-terrain vehicles will find a certain charm in the Desert Sled - it easily allows you to perform all sorts of parking tricks such as wheelies, drift turns, and so on.

Desert Sled on the Road

On the road, the Sled is a pleasant, fun and relaxed bike. The 73-horsepower engine won’t propel you to the moon, but it’s quite capable of getting you where you need to go comfortably, without straining yourself when overtaking and cornering smoothly. For sports riding, however, it would be better to choose another motorcycle - it can aggressively click gears, enter turns with a slide and exit them on the rear, but the same Hypermotard from Ducati is much better suited for this. The chassis is consistent: the motorcycle does not fly to the apex like a sportbike, but it also does not require you to start leaning it 100 meters before the turn, like some long-wheelbase cruiser. The wide handlebar makes it easy to turn and push into corners, and the chassis follows the direction you choose without question. When seated, the handlebars feel high - it feels like you're sitting behind it, and this makes it even easier to shift the bike from turn to turn. The large front brake is effective, but not overly sharp - for supermoto-style riding, it would be nice to have a stronger brake. Otherwise, the Sled follows the overall theme of simplicity and practicality.

But the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled truly reveals itself only when it leaves the asphalt.


Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled 2021

Easy handling at low speeds and predictable response make for a comfortable ride with fun slides. If it were more powerful, driving it off-road would be even more fun, but its best feature is that it is calm, which is why it is perfect as a large training desk for beginning all-terrain vehicles.

On washed-out rocky paths, the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled copes well with stones and holes, but as soon as you add gas, the rear shock absorber reminds itself of itself on large bumps. The Desert Sled is generally capable of going fairly quickly off-road, as long as it's not too rough. In competition with, for example, the KTM 890 Adventure R, the Sled rider will quickly fall behind - but will look cool even at the tail end of the race. But how good the Desert Sled is off-road at a low pace makes you quickly forget that this is, in essence, a road bike, and in retro style, too. It is able to crawl where it cannot go at a fast pace - and it is not for nothing that to scramble is translated from English as “climb” - a soft clutch, smooth traction, good ground clearance will allow you to go to places where no hipster scrambler can reach.

The attitude towards retro bikes in the motorcycle community is biased: many people think that manufacturers of such models are riding on design, selling vintage at the price of modern equipment.

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The Sixty2 has a simple steel tank without decorative aluminum cladding. The fuel capacity is one tenth more than on the 803 cc scrambler.

But all these details seem insignificant when you understand the true purpose of the Sixty2 - this friendly bike is fun, nimble and agile at low speeds, with plenty of torque to go with it. Why 400 cc? For Ducati, this makes sense because such a scrambler will become more accessible in those countries where the tax is too high (for example, this applies to Ducati Russia).


The Sixty2 does exactly what it's supposed to do: provide the driver with a good, supportive ride that's smooth and predictable.

Obviously, I want to compare the small Ducati scrambler Sixty2 with the big scrambler. Like the previous model, Sixty2 is shod with dual-sport tires, which perform well on bumpy roads and potholes, and feel confident in canyons. The Brembo brakes are quite effective, responsive and smooth without being too aggressive. Ducati claims the Sixty2 produces 41 horsepower, much less than the older scrambler's 75 horsepower. Torque is 34.3 N/m at 7750 rpm - a little more than half of the 800 engine. Still, on city streets and narrow canyon roads, the Sixty2 doesn't feel like a slow motorcycle. One of the improvements over the 800cc motor is that there are no problems with throttling or jumping - the Sixty2 is smooth and predictable, just right for beginners. The comfort of the small engine is almost immediate, even in low gears.

Thanks to Ducati's high handlebars and large mirrors, the Sixty2 scrambler has become more practical for city driving. Our American colleagues from the portal motorcyclist.com joke that during a test drive of a motorcycle they got so carried away by hunting for objects (their test drive takes the form of a game, during which they have to drive around the city looking for certain things and take photos), that while jumping from place to place, they did not notice how scramblers were used for their intended purpose (scrambling - meaning “to fight for the possession of something”).


The Sixty2's light weight and maneuverability make it easy to negotiate tight spots, jump curbs and slide between cars. Comparing, for example, with the KTM 390 Duke with its 44 hp but less torque, their speeds can be said to be comparable, even taking into account that the Sixty2 is heavier. On winding roads, in traffic jams and even in free traffic, you will not have thoughts like “if only he were faster.” The Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 will be an ideal option for making novice motorcyclists feel confident and comfortable, especially those who like retro with a modern twist.

Design of the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled 2022

When it comes to design, the 2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is definitely a good one: gold wheels, a big flat seat, a lean, muscular design - Ducati designers have done a good job of bringing the best design elements of the past to modern realities. But the 73-horsepower engine and 20 kilograms of weight gain relative to the Scrambler Icon make one wonder if the 803 engine is not enough for it? The test dispelled all doubts: not enough.


Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled 2021

This is not an adrenaline pump or a sportbike. This is a bike for those who like stunning views, not mind-blowing speed on the way to them.

It's a pity that there is no 1100th version of the Desert Sled, but Ducati can correct this omission if such a desire arises.

The 803 version with a new seat and a beautiful scheme is quite worthy of attention.

REVIEW – DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2022 – stylish, powerful, memorable

At the international exhibition INTERMOT-2018, DUCATI, in addition to the Desert Sled and Cafe Racer, presented the new DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2022, which replaced the model produced since 2015. All-new design, improved ergonomics, new seat, upgraded ABS, hydraulic clutch, redesigned suspension - all of this applies to the 2022 Full Throttle Scrambler and needs to be reviewed in detail.

Inspired by racing

The new DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2022 is reminiscent of the classic “flat trackers”, which received their name thanks to the competition - Flat Track Racing, which appeared in the twenties of the last century and was a race on an oval track with a dirt surface. As a rule, these races feature two-cylinder motorcycles, characterized by a wide handlebar, a narrow short tank and a flat seat. A prerequisite is the absence of a front brake, and the rear brake is used solely to pull the rear wheel into a controlled skid when cornering.

DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle Design 2019

The design of the new scrambler is inspired by the customized DUCATI Scrambler of Californian racer Frankie Garcia, who rode it in the popular American flat track championship, the American Super Hooligan Championship in 2022.

DUCATI Scrambler of rider Frankie Garcia

DUCATI designers have taken Garcia's rugged track bike and transformed it into the sleek silhouette of the new DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2022, which is sure to give its owner a lot of fun!

New DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2019

The two-tone black and yellow teardrop-shaped steel tank with "DUCATI Scrambler" lettering still resembles the tank on Garcia's motorcycle. However, now it is equipped with removable aluminum side panels and in case of damage or if the owner wants to slightly refresh the image of the motorcycle, they can be replaced either with the same ones or with completely black ones from the catalog of accessories for scramblers, which, by the way, is very extensive.

DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2019

The new seat height of 798 mm ensures comfort for the driver and passenger. The passenger seat is hidden under a special removable cover, which is made in the same memorable bright yellow color and organically fits into the track image of the bike. And the side covers, made in the same style, cover the unsightly seat area and complement the appearance of the motorcycle, which still resembles classic flat trackers.

DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle Seat 2022 with removable cover

Advanced lighting and ergonomics DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2019

The new headlight, equipped with daytime running lights, improves the visibility of the motorcycle during daytime driving, while the LED turn signals, which have an automatic shut-off function, allow the rider to fully concentrate on the road situation. The LED headlight has a distinctive X-shaped lens that harkens back to the days when racers used duct tape to protect the headlight in a criss-cross pattern to protect it from flying rocks and debris falling onto the track if it was damaged.

Headlight DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2019

The turn signals and taillight are made in a minimalist style, and the license plate frame is located on a quick-release console, emphasizing the hooligan character of the bike.

Rear view: DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2019

Ergonomically placed switches on the wide track handlebar make it easy to scroll through menus on the dashboard display, which includes information about fuel level in the tank, gear engaged and much more. In addition, the built-in DUCATI multimedia system allows riders to listen to music, answer incoming calls or communicate with a passenger via intercom. And under the seat there is already a USB connector for charging all kinds of accessories.

Despite the track orientation of the bike, it is equipped with informative mirrors. Although they extend slightly beyond the dimensions of the steering wheel, their height is designed for comfortable maneuvering in city traffic jams.

Ascetic but informative dashboard of DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2019

Updated engine DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2019

Despite the striking external differences, for all DUCATI scramblers released in 2022, the power unit remains the same for all models. This is still the same magnificent, time-tested engine from the 797 “monster”. The two-cylinder L-shaped beauty with a volume of 803 cm³ and air cooling has been retuned for quick pickup from the bottom and excellent dynamics in the mid-range. In addition, the bike received a hydraulic clutch drive, which not only makes it easier to operate the clutch lever during active gear shifting, but also eliminates the need for periodic adjustment and replacement of the clutch cable.

Although the new scrambler design is quite aggressive, the engine is still as friendly as before. Compared to the previous model, the power has decreased slightly and is 73 hp. With. at 8,250 rpm versus 75 hp. With. in the previous version. However, this is only connected with the need to comply with EURO 4 standards, and the engine remains the same spirited and promises a lot of new impressions from driving a bike.

DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2022 is really good on dirt roads!

Exhaust system DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2019

To tame the roar of the L-Twin, the Italians installed an exquisite dual exhaust from Termignoni, and this allowed them to emphasize the perky character of the bike, without boring the rider or scaring off unwary pedestrians.

The new exhaust fits perfectly into the silhouette of the DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2019

Upgraded ABS DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2019

Previous scrambler models were also equipped with ABS, but the new models receive Bosch Cornering ABS - a completely new and exclusive system for motorcycles in this class. Now, if you press the brake too hard during a turn, the motorcycle wheel will not come off, but the motorcycle will begin to slow down smoothly and will allow you to confidently take the turn, regardless of its complexity and the pre-selected trajectory. This feature is especially useful for newer riders who may not know that slamming on the brakes mid-turn is not a good idea.

DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2022 effortlessly corners even in deep drifts

The DUCATI Scrambler Full Throttle 2022 is a very playful but friendly motorcycle, and thanks to the new anti-lock braking system, which works even when cornering on slippery dirt roads, riding it has become much safer.

The New Year 2022 is simply bound to be a triumphant year for the DUCATI company and the entire family of scramblers in particular. And not only because DUCATI created a whole brand within a brand, they seemed to make us remember again why we love motorcycles, and recreated an entire culture and philosophy of unlimited pleasure from riding a bike. And now the new models of the scrambler family: Icon, Full Throttle, Desert Sled and Cafe Racer, unlike the previous ones, are motorcycles of completely different classes, but united by a common idea - to bring pleasure. No wonder the manufacturer has released a series of new products under the auspices of the slogan #Joyvolution, which, in essence, means fun and the pursuit of perfection.

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