New Ducati Scrambler offers fun by the bucketload

Pics and text: BBC TopGear India: www.topgear.com/india

By Abhinav Mishra

We first saw the Scrambler at the 2014 EICMA Motor Show, and have been waiting to ride it ever since. The Scrambler is a significant departure from your regular Ducatis.

In fact, Ducati calls the Scrambler a sub-brand of sorts, more focused on fun than outright performance. The motorcycle will be the new entry-level product in the company's line-up, positioned to appeal to a generic audience.

The bike is equipped with a USB charger for your phone, or tablet, or whatever, and that should give you an idea of the kind of audience it is aimed at (read social-media obsessed, yuppieish… you get the drift).

Ducati has re-commissioned the 803cc air-cooled L-twin motor from the discontinued Monster 796. The engine has been detuned to make 74bhp (about a dozen less than the 796) and 68Nm of torque, and it is mated to a six-speed transmission. The Scrambler feels like a Ducati from the word go.

The torquey L-twin engine feels eager to get going no matter which gear you are in, thanks to the short gear ratios. As expected, the Scrambler handles like a dream.

The Pirelli tyres do a good job of handling most road surfaces. Add to that the short turning radius, and the Scrambler can not only take corners well, but can also pull off quick U-turns on crowded streets.

Overall ,the Scrambler is a likeable motorcycle; but there are a few things that could have been done differently. The upright riding position doesn't take time getting used to. The handlebar and foot pegs are within easy reach. Sitting like this might be good for short trips, but on longer rides, it could get tiring.

Apart from the Icon, there will also be an Urban Enduro variant that comes only in green and is aimed at folks who love touring. The Full Throttle variant is themed around a flat-track racer, and the top-of-theline Classic is the most minimalist in its approach, with wire-spoke wheels and aluminium mudguards.

The Scrambler is not the fastest, or the most technologically advanced machine on the block. It is a relatively simple machine that just wants you to get on it and have fun.



Engine: 2cyl 803cc

Power: 74bhp

Torque: 68Nm

Gearbox: 6-speed manual

Weight: 170kg (dry)

Price: Rs 7 lakh (estimated)

The verdict: A fun motorcycle from a serious manufacturer that will appeal to bikers and non-bikers alike.