2015 Ducati Scrambler

There has been much concern about what the new Ducati Scrambler would look like, and how it would be received by hardcore traditionalists. Well, today at the INTERMOT show in Germany, Ducati put fears to rest, introducing a smartly styled bike that correctly reinterprets the spirit of the 1960s’ original. At the same time, this new Ducati Scrambler doesn’t indulge on the nostalgic. But if a line is drawn to separate the headlight-handlebar-tank-seat assembly, the image of the old 250/350/450 extrovert bike of yore can be easily imagined.

On the 2015 Ducati Scrambler, there was no room for a ride-by-wire throttle or a hydraulic clutch; in that sense, the bike is much like it was originally. But that’s how far the designers indulged in retro touches. The headlight is state-of-the-art LED unit, and it is joined by a host of other modern parts to create a bike that is not too tall, not too big. Clearly, the new Scrambler is aimed at people who are looking for a bike that’s not just easy handling, comfortable and accessible, but one’s that’s also as fashionable as the original.

The Scrambler engine is a new version of Ducati’s tried-and-true SOHC V-twin, an air- and oil-cooled two-valver displacing 803cc. In reality, it’s a 796 engine detuned to deliver a claimed 75 horsepower at 8250 rpm and 50.2 pound-feet of torque at a mere 5750 rpm. There’s a 2500-rpm separation between peak torque and peak power, which guarantees great flexibility and smoothness thanks to a cam with 11 degrees of overlap.

The engine, caringly brought to an excellent state of efficiency by old Ducati engine super-specialist Gigi Mengoli, breathes thru 50mm throttle bodies and is expected to deliver excellent mileage. The unit is harnessed in classic Ducati trellis frame.

Other vitals: Wheelbase is a sporting 56.9 inches, and there’s 24 degrees of rake and 4.4 in. of trail. The seat is 31.1 in. above the ground, but there is an available dealer-installed accessory that lowers the height to 30.3 in. The front suspension is an inverted 41mm fork from Kayaba, while a banana-shaped aluminum swingarm directly actuates a cantilevered Kayaba shock absorber in back. For tires, the Scrambler rolls on specially developed semi-knobby Pirellis, size in 110/80-18 in front, 180/55-17 in back. A single 330mm brake rotor, teamed with a radial-mount four-piston caliper, is on duty in front, while a 245mm disc is found in back, clamped by a single-piston floating caliper. Braking is by Brembo, and two-channel ABS is standard.

The new Scrambler tips the scale at 375 lb. dry, and it comes in four versions: Scrambler Icon ($8495), Urban Enduro ($9995), Scrambler Full Throttle ($9995), and Scrambler Classic ($9995), each boasting distinctive touches that evoke memories. However you feel about this bike, the new Scrambler is a big investment for Ducati, and it will be built in Bologna as well as in Thailand and at the Ducati's new production facility in Brazil. In a time when superbike sales are slumping, the Scrambler will likely be responsible for bringing a good share of the bread and butter home.