9 Reasons why the Ducati Scrambler Is The Best Beginner Bike
A Retro Modern Ride For The Newcomer With A Twist
A Scrambler? What the heck is a Scrambler? I can’t fault you for asking this question, many of those riding them struggle to fully articulate it. Let’s try sharing what it isn’t, definitely not a crotch rocket or a cruiser. How about an adventure bike? No, not really, and calling it a naked bike isn’t quite hitting the mark either.
The Nightshift
For me, Scramblers pull excellent attributes from all segments and blend them up into one very cool package. There is plenty of history talking about how bikers of yore, cobbled together all manner of parts on a quest to find a durable and capable machine for racing between two points via whatever path they chose. It needed to handle both dirt and pavement with reasonable confidence. The modern Scrambler is much more an homage to that look, in a package that is happy on pavement and light off-highway sprints. Think gravel, dirt roads, and not full dirt bike areas.
Ducati has built some killer machines for this style of bike and uses the Scrambler moniker to share the vibe they went after. Follow along with me while I explain why a Ducati Scrambler may work for a new rider.
Why You Should Buy a Ducati Scrambler
Ducati was making Scramblers back in the ’60s and ‘70s with engines ranging from 125cc to 450cc, this article will not be about those classics–but this article touches upon these older models. They are awesome and NOT for the new rider, if you wrecked one vintage enthusiasts may put a bounty on your head. I am sharing my thoughts on the current Ducati 800cc Scramblers that went into production in 2015.
The Scrambler has been designed to be a great all-rounder, quite the task in the motorcycle universe. On-road capable but certainly no cruiser, and off-road capable but not a dirt bike. Ducati offers the Scramble in multiple 800cc configurations varying from a Cafe Racer style to the more off-road capable Desert Sled.
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Powered by an 803cc air-cooled L-Twin producing 73 horsepower and 49 pound-feet of torque, all versions get ABS brakes, but that’s it for rider aids. All the 800cc models use Brembo calipers with a 330mm Single Disc upfront and a 245mm disc in the rear. The Pirelli MT60rs tire is used on many of the models, providing a great riding experience both on pavement, and out on the trail.
The Desert Sled models get a more aggressive knobby tire, increased suspension travel, and a different rear swingarm to take everything up a level when off-road. The Cafe model takes things in the opposite direction, with clip-ons in place of standard handlebars, and Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires. Clearly, the Cafe takes the Scrambler in a road race direction.
The off-road capable Desert Sled
What does all this mean to a new rider? It means you can ride a premium brand bike, dripping with style and quality. A bike with an engine that is smooth and not at all intimidating. The whole vibe of the Scrambler allows you to explore both on-road fun, and take that ride down the dirt trail. The riding position is upright and relaxed, the 790mm average seat height makes it easy for even the vertically limited to set your feet flat on the ground.
The Bottom Line
A Ducati Scrambler is a great-looking, non-intimidating bike to both learn on, and grow with. Ducati built a great-looking platform and offered it in enough variations that it feels like you have a custom bike. Ducati made sure to adorn the Scrambler series with quality parts, and it is evident that great attention to detail has been paid to each variation.
The 800cc air-cooled twin offers smooth and linear building power bands. The Scrambler riding position feels instantly comfortable and allows the focus to remain on learn clutch and throttle control. On paper, the 800cc’s 73 HP might seem like a lot, but the Scrambler is easy to manage at low RPM and doesn’t balk at short shifting. As your skills grow, so will the smiles, Scramblers respond well to energetic riding.
Find a model that fits your style, tighten your chin strap and get ready for a great ride.
Reasons to buy the Ducati Scrambler:
- 73 hp may seem like a lot but it is smooth and easy to control
- Quality brakes with standard ABS
- Multiple models of the Scrambler ensure you can find a style that’s “you”
- The seat height fits a wide range of inseam sizes to get feet flat on the ground
- You can ride on the street and the trail easily
- Industry-leading safety technology
- Long service intervals
- It’s Italian! It’s a Ducati!
- We've got great deals on them
Check out our inventory of new Scramblers!