Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle: First Ride Review

The Visuals

The Ducati Scrambler is a small motorcycle and it can easily get lost amidst the much smaller 200-300cc bikes. However, in isolation, it looks adorable, to say the least. The x shape on the headlamp, dual-tone curvy fuel tank, and floating-style tail give it a clean and likeable look. Also, the red and white paint scheme, short fenders, round LED turn indicators, and side plates with the number ‘62’ are standard bits on the Full Throttle which is inspired by America’s flat-tracking scene.

Despite it being the entry-level Ducati, the company hasn’t cut corners in terms of quality and fit and finish. The paint finish, quality of plastic, and fitments of panels, everything exudes opulence and ruggedness.

The Package

The Scrambler has received a bunch of big and small updates which make it more contemporary than before. While the previous model was rudimentary on the feature front, the latest iteration comes equipped with multi-level traction control, multiple power modes, and a quick-shifter. Plus, the LCD has made way for a new TFT screen. For navigating through different options, you get an up-and-down toggle key along with a mode selector button. It takes some time to get a hang of operating the screen through the combination of these buttons. However, once you get versed with it, the screen has a lot on offer.

While the Scrambler continues to be powered by the same 803cc, twin-cylinder, air-cooled engine, it gets a new exhaust header pipe and altered internal and transmission components for losing weight and delivering slicker gearshifts. This unit produces 71.87bhp and 65.2Nm and comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. The Full Throttle variant you see in these pictures also gets a bi-directional quick-shifter and a Termignoni exhaust as standard. Other changes executed in the bike include a lighter steel trellis frame, a new swingarm, and a bolt-on sub-frame which helped Ducati shave off 4kg from its overall kerb weight.

The Ride

With a kerb weight of 185kg and a seat height of 795mm, the Ducati Scrambler is a profoundly accessible and welcoming motorcycle. Hopping on the bike, getting your feet on the ground and maneuvering it in traffic is literally a piece of cake and it should be so for riders of every kind of build. It seats you in an upright and commanding position with a slight crouch to reach the handlebar in case of the Full Throttle trim since it gets a sportier handlebar.

Now, as you start rolling on the Scrambler, you realise it pulls from the get-go! There’s useable torque from 2,000rpm, followed by a mid-range that feels like a sucker punch, especially in Sport mode. The throttle response is crisp and direct and overtaking other vehicles is a profoundly quick and joyous affair. And this doesn’t come at the cost of tractability and riding the Scrambler at a relaxed pace is a piece of cake. It also has a very light clutch but you might not use it often due to the butter-smooth quick-shifter. Even the gearbox is slick and false neutrals are literally a story of the past.

Unfortunately, all the fun goes out of the window once you get stuck in traffic. Owing to the engine’s high-compression, air-cooled nature, 15 minutes in bumper-to-bumper traffic is enough for the engine to blow hot air on your calves and thighs. If this goes on for close to 30 minutes, you’ll want to stop, park the bike and admire its aesthetics while the engine cools down. And heck, it takes a lot of time to cool down.

Heating issue aside, this engine continues to impress on the highway. The torque delivery is quite flat almost throughout the rev range which means you don’t fall short of the drive even closer to its redline of 9,000rpm. If you’re riding it at 120kmph in sixth gear and need to overtake, just a wring of the throttle shoots you ahead instantaneously. Moreover, the smallest Ducati reaches 150kmph in the third gear and it crunches miles like no one’s business!

Windblast is always an issue though and an aftermarket windscreen is recommended if you dare to go touring on this bike. Also, while the seat is comfortable for short bursts of rides, it’s not adequately cushioned and the real estate is lacking, especially for larger riders.

If you happen to hit the twisties on your way, the Scrambler continues to be a delight. It tips in without much effort and traces the intended line without any drama. And the tighter the corners, the more eager the Scrambler feels to attack them. The grippy and feedback-rich Pirelli MT60 RS tyres further add to its cornering capabilities. Not to forget, the Brembo brake at the front delivers excellent bite and lever feel while the rear brake is good enough to match up.

The suspension, meanwhile, delivers a comfortable ride, if not outright plush. Be it slow or high speeds, minor hindrances like road joints, rumblers, or stones are ironed out cleanly. However, it doesn’t feel completely planted on the highway through wavy, low-amplitude surface imperfections.

When it comes to taking on the rough stuff, do not let the Scrambler name and block-pattern tyres deceive you. It’s not meant to handle anything hardcore. The ground clearance is just 176mm, which is 24mm lower than the KTM 390 Adventure, the suspension travel is limited, and the alloy wheels are an 18-17-inch combination. It can handle mild dirt trails with decent vigour and switching off the traction control and sliding the rear is too much fun. It can also handle small jumps but, again, doesn’t like to be thrashed around.

Should you buy it?

The Ducati Scrambler continues to be the same fun and capable motorcycle to ride. It is quite playful in the city, fast on the highway, can handle corners with aplomb, and is always up for some dirt trails. The new generation model, in particular, feels more refined and contemporary due to the introduction of new features.

However, although it can do almost everything, there are limitations. In traffic, the engine starts heating way too soon and to discomforting levels. On the highway, the windblast is intense and the seat starts feeling uncomfortable after around two hours of riding. Off-road, it runs out of ground clearance and suspension travel in no time.

As an overall package and what the Scrambler brings to the table, the ex-showroom price tag of Rs. 12 lakh is steep. However, what you pay that premium for is Ducati’s high class and stature which are recognised worldwide and this motorcycle is a gateway for you to become a part of such a premium brand.

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi