The Scrambler series has been incredibly popular for Ducati over the past half-decade. Now, it’s getting a reboot for 2023, with the lineup pared down to only three models. Now, the series includes the Icon, Nightshift and Full Throttle.
All three bikes use an engine that’s basically the same as the previous model: an 803 cc L-twin, air/oil-cooled with two-valve heads, with 73 hp at the crank, and 48 lb-ft of torque. As before, there’s an emphasis on usable torque; redline is 9,000 rpm. There’s a six-speed gearbox, with slipper clutch and a quickshifter (optional on the Icon, standard on the other models). Ride-by-wire throttle enables Road and Rain riding modes. Traction control is standard, and cornering ABS.
Just like the previous bikes, the new Scrambler platform is based on a steel tube trellis frame, with simple suspension (including a non-adjustable Kayaba fork and a shock centered in the rear wheelwell). Brembo provides the braking. Wet weight is about 190 kg, about 4 kg less than the previous machines.
All the new bikes run on 18-inch front wheels, with 17-inch rear; the Icon and Full Throttle models have cast wheels, and the Nightshift has spoked wheels. Pirelli MT60 RS tires come standard.
All bikes also get a new 4.3-inch TFT screen, which can be connected to the rider’s phone through Ducati’s proprietary app. The screen shows your fuel level, engine temperature, your speed and rpm, your tripmeter, even your phone’s battery level.
LED lights are standard all around.
As always, Ducati offers a selection of bright colours, and plenty of accessories for these machines. Expect them to show up at Canadian dealerships mid-winter.
