In this index article we retrace the history of the Ducati Scrambler, listing all the models produced and providing links to the tests and insights on cuoredesmo.com. The content is constantly updated, with the intention of keeping up with the news and integrating the list with additional chapters.
The history of the Ducati Scrambler
The history of the Scrambler project was born in 1958, when the Ducati distributor for America, the Berliner brothers, convinced the Bolognese company to produce a 175 from Motocross. Despite its off-road appearance, however, this bike was made on the basis of the 175T.
In 1962 comes the Scrambler 250 with a more powerful engine and conceived as a multipurpose model, in the sense that it could be considered an enduro, a cross or a simple road bike. When, in 1964, the ducati 250 single-cylinder received a 5-speed gearbox, the Scrambler also benefited from this update. The “narrow carter” Scrambler 250 was introduced in 1967 and replaced by the “wide carter” model just a year later.
The prototype wide carter engine premiered at the Cologne Motor Show in September 1967. This new engine not only repaired certain defects of the previous one, but allowed the displacement to rise to 436 cc.
In 1968 the production of the new range of single cylinders was started. The first version to appear was the Ducati Scrambler 350 and, in America, the Scrambler 350 Sport. Shortly thereafter, the 250 cc version was also released.
During 1969, the new wide carter engine grew to 436 cc, thanks to a new base and head. The
Scrambler 450
intended for the American market was called “Jupiter”, although it was essentially identical to the European model. With just 27 hp at 6500 rpm (depending on the exhaust system), the Scrambler did not claim to set any performance primacy, but proposed itself as a practical and easy-to-ride motorcycle.
As for the stylistic part, there are some differences between the first carter specimens wide of 250 and 350 cc. The first models of 1968, for example, have the same tank as the last series of scramblers with narrow carters, while the saddle is Giuliari. Shortly thereafter, however, the range was renewed and the tank was replaced with a new 11-liter capacity unit, characterized by the typical chrome portions on the sides.
In the following years there were only a few updates. In 1971, the t-infection was standard and the exhaust system was equipped with a cigar silencer. That same year, a few 5-speed 5-speed models of the 125 narrow-carter version were also produced, which were marketed mainly in Spain by Mototrans. Other off-road models were also produced, including the RT 450 with Desmo head and about thirty 350 models with spring head.
SBK a Jerez: avanti tutta!
A Jerez de la Frontera, seconda tappa del campionato SBK, si ri-accende lo spettacolo con Ducati protagonista. Doppietta di Redding e secondo posto in gara 2 per Davies.
Scrambler 100: 7 cavalli d’epoca
Essenziale, compatto e leggero: è lo Scrambler 100, la piccola tuttoterreno Ducati degli anni Settanta. 7 cavalli per una moto da 67 kg.
1972 saw the introduction of the CEV rear headlight equal to that of the Mark 3 and the adoption of a smaller dashboard, while the 1973 version shared much of the components with the 450 cc Mark 3, including the Marzocchi fork, the Grimeca drum front brake, the Borrani ray rims and the CEV front headlight.
In 1973 only a few examples (just 496) of the 450 cc version were produced, yet the Scrambler had a very long career. The last to leave the Borgo Panigale plants dates back to 1978, confirming the great success of this model.
2014 arrives in new Ducati Scrambler
To develop the new Scrambler project,which moves away from the sportsmanship canons to which Ducati had accustomed us, embracing the concepts of freedom, relaxation and stress-free fun, Ducati creates a special brand unit,something that had never been done for any other model before. The first four versions presented are the Icon, Urban Enduro, Classic and Full Throttle.
SBK a Jerez: avanti tutta!
A Jerez de la Frontera, seconda tappa del campionato SBK, si ri-accende lo spettacolo con Ducati protagonista. Doppietta di Redding e secondo posto in gara 2 per Davies.
I quattro modelli dello Scrambler a confronto
Le quattro versioni dello Scrambler a confronto: ogni modello ha le sue caratteristiche, ma soprattutto un’anima diversa.
Ducati Scrambler Icon 800 – 2014
The Scrambler Icon it tells us a lot about the past, taking up the lines of vintage models (the drop tank is unmistakably Scrambler) combining them with two distinctive Ducati elements: the traliccio frame and the desmo twin-cylinder, in this case an 803 cc Desmodue. The main aesthetic characteristics of the Icon are related to the two colors “62 yellow” with black frame and saddle and “Ducati Red”
Version 2019
The new version of
the Scrambler Icon
tackles and solves the weaknesses of the Ducati Scrambler, with many novelties also in terms of safety, such as cornering ABS. The engine is always the Desmodue of 803 cc,in Euro 4 version with 73 Hp and 6.8 kgm of maximum torque at 5750 rpm, of Monster 796 derivation.
Urban Enduro 800 – 2014
The Urban Enduro has a high handlebar and this results in a less sensitivity on the front than the other versions, the standard exhaust has a very muffled tone, the engine turns well, but it is a pity to feel it limited in its potential, especially having tried what it can give with a dedicated complete exhaust.
2014 Full Throttle 800
The Full Throttle is the sporty version, a sort of flat tracker that is proposed in total black with yellow number plates, Termignoni double output exhaust, alloy wheels and a variable section aluminum handlebar. The setting is a little more sporty than the other versions, with the front a little more loaded and a starting point of the upper engine, thanks to the special exhaust. The total absence of the rear fender makes it poorly indicated in wet conditions.
Scrambler Classic 800 – 2014
The
Scrambler Classic
undoubtedly sticks to its definition, being the most classic of proposals, with its vintage saddle, aluminum fenders, high handlebars and spoked wheels. It is the closest to the spirit of the original Scrambler (also for the color) and is therefore the one that will probably be the favorite of those looking for the flavor of the historic model of the 60s in a newly designed bike.
Scrambler Sixty2 400 – 2016
The
Sixty2
is a model dedicated to the world of the youngest and the Asian market, especially japan, where the driving license for motorcycles over 400 cc is very difficult to obtain, but the link with the Ducati brand is very strong. Despite a major purchase price, it has been a great commercial success, but of course it does not stand up to the larger sisters, especially for an experienced motorcyclist.
Café Racer 800 – 2017
The
Scrambler Café Racer
Aesthetically presents itself in an original way: of great custom effect is the Termignoni exhaust, with the double terminal and the black anodized aluminum cover, while the side number tables represent a clear reference to the English motorcycles of the 60s.
In terms of driving position, Café Racer is completely different from the other Scramblers,so much so that it looks more like a sister, a distant cousin
During the road test, the Café Racer highlighted some substantially different driving characteristics from all the other Scramblers: moreover, it could not be otherwise, if we think of the 17″ front wheel and the completely different cycling altitudes.
Scrambler Desert Sled 800 – 2017
Confirming the path taken in 2015, in the name of the taste of riding without too many thoughts and limitations proposed by the Scrambler project, Ducati presents
the Desert Sled,
the version that perhaps most of all comes close to the original model of the seventies.
A motorcycle with a double soul, with many dedicated accessories, typical of the off-road world, such as the front light protection grille or the tessellated tires with spoked wheels, but that maintains the “Family feeling” with the other models of the Scrambler family, such as the typical drop tank or the “X” on the headlight.
The Scrambler gets big: 1100 arrives
Ducati Scrambler 1100 – 2017
The
Scrambler 1100
is dedicated to a more experienced and demanding audience, who feel the limitations of the lower displacements, but do not seek the emotions of a supersport.
The new 1079 cc engine with air and oil cooling equips the Scrambler 1100, which completes the offer of engines along the lines of what happened in the sixties, with the three displacements available that from 250, 350 and 450 cc today become 400, 800 and 1100 cc.
The new Scrambler 1100 is available, in the standard version, Special and Sport.
The standard in two colors: the “62 Yellow” and the “Shining Black”, both with black frame and black saddle. The Special version is instead proposed in the new “Custom Grey” livery, in combination with the brushed swingarm and the fork with gold anodized sheaths. Finally, the Sportis characterized by the “Viper Black” color and is well recognizable thanks to the Öhlins adjustable fork and shock absorber.
Scrambler 1100 Pro and Sport Pro – 2020
Two years after the release of the 1100, Ducati updates the Scrambler of greater displacement, focusing mainly on the cycling part and updating the aesthetics with interventions on optical groups, aluminum covers and other details that make the bike very well cared for and well finished.
The
Ducati Scrambler 1100 Pro
is in a two-tone hold that contrasts with a black frame and cover, the Sport Pro is proposed in “Matt Black” coloring with 1100 logo painted on the black cheeks, frame and frame, black rims, brown saddle.
SBK a Jerez: avanti tutta!
A Jerez de la Frontera, seconda tappa del campionato SBK, si ri-accende lo spettacolo con Ducati protagonista. Doppietta di Redding e secondo posto in gara 2 per Davies.
Lo Scrambler del futuro: sarà così?
Ducati premia lo studente dell’Art College di Pasadena, selezionato tra i dieci finalisti, che ha disegnato lo Scrambler® del futuro.
