Ducati announces updates to three new Scrambler models

Oct 02, 2018

Ducati announced the original Scrambler lineup at Intermot in Cologne, Germany in 2014. Four years later, the Scrambler line has sold 55,250 units, a number almost identical to the amount of total Ducatis sold in 2017 (55,871). With the Scrambler being such an important part of the Italian manufacturer's lineup, this morning’s announcement of new updates to the Scrambler family are significant, even if they're not extensive.

Intermot 2018 kicked off this morning with Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali taking the stage to announce updates to the Ducati Scrambler lineup. In addition to the upgrades to the base Scrambler Icon, which were announced a few weeks ago, today Ducati showed the world the newest versions of the Full Throttle, Café Racer, and Desert Sled.

The main change seen across the board is the addition of Bosch Cornering ABS. Domenicali stressed safety multiple times during his speech in an effort to drive home the importance of this addition to what is often seen as an entry- to mid-level machine within Ducati’s lineup.

Ducati Scramblers at Intermot — Photographers jostle for position at Intermot as Ducati introduced updated Scrambler models for 2019. Photo by Spurgeon Dunbar.

The main mechanical update featured on all models will be the addition of a hydraulic clutch (the Café Racer also gets an upgraded Brembo master cylinder and nicer levers), but the heart of these updates are slight styling changes. Here is what you can expect for each model:

While all the 2019 Scramblers get a new headlight with a distinctive daytime running light, I think the Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer wears it the best. Photo by Spurgeon Dunbar.

Café Racer

Up until this point, this had been my least favorite model in the Scrambler family. I now feel like it looks the best. All of the Scramblers now feature a new headlight with a very identifiable daytime running light pattern, but I think it looks the best with the new polished style of the Café Racer.

I love the new Silver Ice Matte graphics with the blue frame. According to Domenicali, this was modeled after Ducati’s 125GP Desmo. The other change that I think works really well is the new 17-inch spoked wheels. Overall, the entire package just looks much cleaner and more “vintage” to my eye.

Desert Sled

The main styling change that will stand out to most fans of the original Desert Sled is the new red frame. Gone are the gold rims, replaced with an entirely blacked-out version. There is also a new seat with color-coordinated stitching.

While all of the new Scramblers get updated switch gear, the Desert Sled now gets a control to switch to Off Road Riding Mode. This allows the rider to easily disable ABS when riding off-road. There was no mention as to whether throttle response would be affected in this rider mode.

Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle. Photo by Spurgeon Dunbar.

The Full Throttle

Of these three models, the Full Throttle is the one that looks the most similar to my eye. Domenicali, however, was quick to bring up changes to the rear end modeled after the Scrambler used by Californian racer Frankie Garcia in the 2018 American Super Hooligan Championship. I think the addition of the number plates is the most noticeable change to this bike but if you look closely you’ll also notice a new seat as well.

All things considered, I don’t normally get too excited over styling changes to existing models. These Ducati’s are an exception.

In person, the bikes feel more, refined, more “grown up.” In person, the LED headlights, the fit and finish, and overall hand to the bikes is reminiscent of a higher quality machine than the previous bikes. There was no mention of price at the time these bikes were announced, but considering the 2019 Scrambler Icon was bumped a few hundred dollars to an MSRP of $9,395, I would imagine these models will see similar increases.

The Scrambler line has helped Ducati expand into new audiences. I expect these new models will continue that trend.