Ducati Scrambler 1100

Built:2018-20201820192020

"Innovative, young and a free spirit, the Ducati Scrambler is much more than just a motorcycle. It is a universe full of joy, freedom and self-realization," it says on the Scrambler homepage. Now we are testing less universes, but motorcycles. So what can the Ducati Scrambler 1100 do on the (milk) road?

First contact with the Ducati Scrambler 1100

Since 2014, Ducati has been building a new Scrambler based on the previous models from 1962. So a lot of history, ducati can - and must - fall back on. In general, Ducati is the only brand besides Triumph that could produce a Scrambler credibly out of tradition. This is objectively wrong, of course, because in the 1950s and 1960s, all Japanese manufacturers offered their own scramblers, among others. And yet: the gut feeling takes this type away, especially from the Italians and the British.
A scrambler is practically the ancestor of an enduro. When these were not yet available in the mass market, "climbers" (from the English: "Scrambler") were first put together by resourceful hobbyists, later the market became more professional. In order to be able to survive in the terrain, the new mopeds differed from the road machines by high-rise exhaust tailpipes, larger fenders, coarser tyres and a wider handlebar. But that was it: own frameworks for serious off-road use, such as those used by today's enduros, were not available at the time. Highers were also rare.
All this has the modern Scrambler of the Ducati. Launched in 2014 with 800 cubic meters and 75 hp, Ducati followed with the 86 hp 1100. Nevertheless: First of all, we have to clarify briefly whether the Scambler is a Ducati at all. This seems clear at first: the engine of the 1100s was last used in the Ducati Monster, so comes from the mother house. The entire design of the Scambler is also from Ducati, so why a sub-brand? A sub-brand is always used when you want to put a certain property of the product forward. At the same time, you can afford more, because the properties actually associated with the brand can be stretched far.
Then we want to check the Scrambler universe. "Style, Sophistication and Performance" - that is: style, sophistication and performance, which is how Ducati defines itself in his own words. Also the Scambler?

Second: sophistication

A normal Duc convinces with sophisticated solutions that all serve one goal: Ducatis want to be the most sporty machines in their segment. Scramblers are not very sporty per se, but should look good and suitable for off-road. Sophistication is not necessary here, but a powerful engine, a reasonable sitting position and a reasonable, not too hard chassis. In this respect - let me be clear - there is the biggest gap between a conventional Ducati and the Scrambler. The Scrambler 1100 emphasizes very different sides from the rest of the model range. It does them well, but also in a different way. So is it a Ducati in terms of sophistication? Yes, but at the same time, because of the different definition of sophistication, the use of a sub-brand makes the most sense.

Third: Pferformance

A Ducati without performance? U-n-d-e-n-k-b-a-r! Here the scambler has to deliver, otherwise the common customer threatens with deprivation of love. And deliver the Scrambler, albeit in its own way. Even the sitting position on and not in the motorcycle indicates it: The Scrambler 1100 is not intended for the wild cornering hatz. Mixed tyres also stand in the way of such ambitions. So what does the Duc deliver?
First of all a feast for the senses. In addition to the already mentioned optics, a medium-comfortable chassis for the tour in between, but above all what ensures the pressure: a fantastic engine. The air-cooled L-Twin was last used in the Monster and is not the most modern propellant in the Duc engine range. But the most fitting. It is unbelievable how much pressure the engine exerts from lower speeds. Above all, the sound is incomparable. You often catch yourself accelerating, only to hear this roaring engine sound. So you can bobthrough the area and just roar around for fun. At the top, it must be noted, surprisingly little happens for a Ducati engine. At the top, it has to be noted, but for a Scrambler engine, an astonishing amount happens.
Originally intended for light terrain, one thing is clear: Torque beats peak power at a Scrambler, so the engine is just right.
With its rather long wheelbase and follow-up, the Scrambler is designed for stability rather than handiness. But thanks to the wide handlebars, only a little more power has to be expended and the scrambler turns on without laying down.