2018 Ducati Scrambler Mach 2.0

Until launching the new Scrambler lineup for 2015, Ducati had never particularly harnessed its rich history with single-cylinder bikes. But that’s changed now. For real Ducatisti, the Icon presents—at a glance—as the modern-day version of the 1969 Jupiter 450, whose yellow paint and chrome-sided gas tank was unique in the marketplace. Power is standard fare for the middleweight Scrambler, meaning a 73-hp, 803cc, 90-degree desmodromic V-twin with two valves per cylinder and air-cooling.

The retro-logic wobbles a bit with the Mach 2.0 model. And that’s because the original 1965 Ducati Mach 1 was a lovely single-cylinder street-legal roadracer, replete with a high-spec engine, clip-on handlebars, lots of polished chrome and aluminum, a slender solo seat, and rearset footrests and controls. Despite sharing part of its name, the current Mach 2.0 differs in approach, instead presenting a groovy 1970s-style paint scheme, black-finished engine and wheels, and a thick dual seat. The pieces do work well together, though, and the Mach 2.0 is as close as any modern Ducati gets to being a “standard” motorcycle.

Likes: Nobody does young urban chic better than Ducati

Dislikes: Since Ducati is honoring its classic singles, how about actually building a single?

Verdict: A very reasonable pair of streetbikes