The new Bosch cornering ABS is a welcome addition although I’d be surprised if that’s come from consumer demand – if you seriously believe you might need cornering ABS, wouldn’t you be buying a Multitrada, Monster or Panigale? Maybe Bosch did a deal on the components Ducati couldn’t ignore? ĭucati has breathed some updates into the Icon to make it more convenient to own, handle better, be safer, more comfortable and look a little sharper. That’s a low price to pay to become a Ducatisti. Why they didn’t split the difference is something only an Italian could answer. The Icon is the base model of the 800s, priced at $13,690 (+dealer and statutory costs) for the “62 Yellow” version and $100 more for the “Tangerine” (orange). There’s now a 400cc model, the Scrambler Sixty2, and 1100cc models as well as a core range of 800cc variants. Since the launch Ducati has introduced more models and more engine sizes. Good looking, non-threatening, non-demanding and priced competitively, the Scramblers sold well, along with a huge range of lifestyle goodies like helmets, riding gear, casual clothes and accessories. "It doesn’t take itself too seriously, isn’t trying to be something it’s not, doesn’t pretend to be sporty or adventurous or muscle-bound."ĭucati introduced the Scrambler range five years ago, targeting a youthful audience – 20 somethings with some riding experience – because 800cc motorcycles aren’t learners bikes, especially in Australia. And because of that, you will want to ride it whenever the sun is out. What it will do is put a smile on your dial every time you ride it. It’s not trying to replace your car, won’t cross the desert like a Multistrada Enduro, won’t set lap records like a Panigale. Even the colours available, yellow or orange, are nice and loud, speaking to the audience it’s trying to attract. It’s just a motorcycle for getting around – to work, the beach, the cafe or the countryside, solo or with a friend. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, isn’t trying to be something it’s not, doesn’t pretend to be sporty or adventurous or muscle-bound. If there’s one thing all teenagers (not just girls, Cyndi) want to have, it’s fun, and that’s what the Scrambler provides, in spades. Which doesn’t make sense considering the machine is styled around motorcycles Ducati built in the 1960s and ’70s, but does make sense when you realise the Icon is so easy to ride, easy to live with, easy to own.įun. I’m not in love with the Ducati Scrambler Icon, but I think I have a crush on it.Īnd crush could be the right word, because it makes me feel like a teenager: young, carefree and looking forward not back. You’re worried it won’t last.īut it might, or it might evolve from a crush to something that lasts, a familiarity, comfort and source of ongoing pleasure. It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but it feels good. It might not be one you’ve had for years and years, or maybe you felt it last week. If you are one of the fashion conscious, you probably don't need me to tell you the Scrambler is the bike you want.You know that feeling. If you're not one of the fashion conscious, it might be difficult to justify one over, say, a Yamaha MT-07, at £5,349 with ABS. The ones sold in the UK will be made in Italy.
It's got a cable clutch instead of hydraulic, as found on other Ducatis, for ease of repair in far flung places.
The bike is a global campaign for Ducati, with manufacturing operations in Thailand and Brazil as well as Bologna. Ducati has already taken over 200 orders of the Scrambler, which is due to arrive in dealers from February. But despite what I said earlier, the marketing doesn't seem to be putting people off. Should I buy the Ducati Scrambler Icon (2015)?Īt times it has seemed that Ducati is trying so hard to make us believe the Scrambler is cool, with irritating and meaningless slogans like 'Scrambler you are', that the effort is at risk of backfiring. I'd add that it's for the fashion conscious who want to look cool on their way to work, not least in London, where it will be adept at traffic weaving with its wide bars and large mirrors. I think, and Ducati says, that it's for short journeys, from home to work. I don't think people will buy this bike for long rides, though. The seat is quite hard and narrow and I was beginning to feel sore toward the end of the test ride, which wasn't even very long.
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