Ducati Scrambler 1100: Retro style goes big-bore

As predicted, Ducati has released a Scrambler 1100, with air-cooled engine derived from the old Monster 1100 model.

While the Scrambler lineup has lost some of its impact now that everyone else is doing it too, the Scrambler 1100 is nevertheless a visually appealing repackaging of some trusty Ducati technology. Along with the aforementioned two-valve 1079 cc L-twin engine, the bike has classic Ducati touches like a twin-spar steel trellis frame.

Of course, that engine has been freshened up to meet Euro4 emissions. It’s putting out 86 hp at 7,500 rpm, 65.2 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm, and has a six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch.

However, the bike isn’t all recycled  tech. The machine comes with ride-by-wire throttle, three riding modes (Active, Journey, City), Bosch 9.1 MP cornering ABS, traction control, and LED headlight and taillight.

Suspension is Marzocchi up front (fully adjustable) and Kayaba in rear (adjustable for preload and rebound), with 150 mm of travel. The front wheel is a 3.5″x18″ unit, the rear is 5.5″x17″. They’re cast wheels, so off-road usability is limited. Tires are Pirelli MT60, with the front tire specially designed for the bike.

There are dual-disc 320 mm brakes up front, with radially-mounted Brembo Monobloc four-piston calipers. The rear brake has a single 245 mm disc with single-piston caliper.

Seat height is a very manageable 810 mm. From Ducati’s description of the ergonomics, it sounds as if the bike is better-suited for taller riders than the 800 model.

Dry weight for the Scrambler 1100 is 189 kg, wet weight is 206 kg. Fuel capacity is 15 litres, and Ducati wants everyone to know the steel gas tank has interchangeable aluminum side panels. While the industry is quickly moving towards TFT clocks, the Scrambler 1100 has LCD gauges.

But wait, there’s more! As usual, Ducati has released two upscale versions of the machine, the Scrambler 1100 Special and the Scrambler 1100 Sport. Power output is the same for those models (same engine), but the Special has old-school spoked wheels, although we still seriously doubt it’s aimed at anything but the most casual off-road usage. It has lower handlebars, a modified seat, different finishes on swingarm and forks, aluminum fenders and a chromed exhaust as well. But underneath, it’s basically the same bike as the standard model, weighing a bit more at 194 kg dry/211 kg wet.

The Scrambler 1100 Sport has race-style paint, Ohlins suspension front and rear (150 mm of travel), a different seat, and cast wheels, same as the standard model. Dry weight is 189 kg, wet weight is 206 kg.

Ducati has not announced Canadian pricing or availability for any of the Scrambler 1100 models.

GALLERY

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The Special model has old-school touches like chrome exhaust and spoked wheels.

The Scrambler 1100 Sport model has racy paint and Ohlins suspension.