Next-gen Ducati Scrambler range touches down

Following successful launch events in cities including London, Paris, Tokyo, and Mexico, among others, Ducati’s Next-Gen Tour landed in Brisbane recently, giving local Ducatisti their first up-close look at the new brace of 2023 Ducati Scrambler models.

Held at the Crystalbook Vincent Hotel, in the shadow of Brisbane’s Story Bridge, the event was attended by an array of VIPs, dealer partners, and media, who enjoyed live entertainment and bike displays that Ducati says brought the Scrambler family’s ‘Land of Joy’ philosophy to life.

First unveiled at Italy’s EICMA motorcycle expo in 2023, the revamped second-generation Scrambler range comprises the Scrambler Icon, Full Throttle, and Nightshift. All three variants are now 4kg lighter, weighing in at 170kg dry thanks to a new frame and swingarm plus engine changes.

For easier shifting, the air-cooled, two-valve Desmodue engine has a new eight-plate clutch from the firm’s Monster range, and a bearing-mounted shift drum. Changes to the crankcase, alternator, and belt covers, as well as internals, have trimmed 2.5kg off the engine’s weight, while a new, single-muffler exhaust allows a better view of the distinctive V-twin’s lines.

Peak power from the 803cc mill is a claimed 73hp (53.7kW) at 8250rpm with 65.2Nm of torque at 7000rpm.

A new electronics package is headlined by a ride-by-wire throttle system incorporating Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control with two riding modes – Road and Wet – and four traction settings. The ride-by-wire throttle also permits the fitment of a quickshifter, which is standard on the Full Throttle and optional on the others.

The steel tube trellis frame is not only lighter but also bolted to the rear subframe instead of being a one-piece design. Ducati says this is to make for easier customisation. The new cast aluminium swingarm now positions the single shock centrally rather than on the left side.

Suspension duties are handled by Kayaba, with a 41mm USD fork and a single rear spring-damper unit with adjustable preload. Brembo provides the braking hardware, with a four-piston radial caliper and 330mm disc front combo, and a single-piston caliper and 245mm disc at the rear.

For improved handling and comfort, all three Scrambler 800s get flatter seats 795mm off the ground, new handlebars, and a reshaped 13.5L fuel tank. A new 4.3-inch TFT colour info display is common across the range, along with LED lighting all round and a USB socket under the seat.

Personalisation is the big selling point for the Scrambler Icon ($18,000). The model comes in three standard colours (62 Yellow, Thrilling Black, and Ducati Red) with a further six hues available in custom kits which allow owners to change out covers on the fuel tank, front and rear guards, and headlight surround. Like the Full Throttle, the Icon wears new 18-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked alloy wheels with Pirelli MT60 RS rubber.

The bad boy of the range, the Full Throttle ($20,100) pays homage to US flat-track racing and wears a 62 side numberplate in honour of the first Ducati Scrambler’s debut. The tougher look is accentuated by a GP19 Red/Dark Stealth paint job, flatter ’bars, no rear guard, Ducati Performance indicators, and a Termignoni exhaust with black-finished heat shields.

The Nightshift ($20,100) takes a cafe racer route with its brown seat and Nebula Blue paint scheme, deleted rear guard, low handlebar with bar-end mirrors and compact Ducati Performance LED blinkers. It’s the only Scrambler with spoked wheels, although the Pirelli tyres are the same as on its siblings.

All three next-gen Scramblers are available now. See your nearest Ducati dealer for more information.