Ducati Scrambler Mach 2.0 vs Monster 797 – Sibling rivalry

Ducati recently added a new Scrambler variant to its Indian portfolio – the Scrambler Mach 2.0. Built in collaboration with Californian designer Roland Sands, the Scrambler Mach 2.0 gets a paint scheme that harks back to the 1970s along with a few cosmetic updates. However, a customer who walks into a Ducati showroom with Rs 8.52 lakhs in the kitty also has another option, the Monster 797. We take a look at how these motorcycles stand up against each other – 

Design 

Although both the Scrambler Mach 2.0 and the Monster 797 hark back to the yesteryears, the approach is completely different. In case you are wondering why the model is being called ‘2.0’, the moniker Mach is a tribute to the Ducati Mach 1 250 from the late 1960s. The graphics on the tank and the bodywork of the bike follow the theme of the West Coast from the 1970s. The Mach 2.0 also gets a low-slung aluminium handlebar, a Flat Track Pro seat, black exhaust and cylinder head covers and café racer-style brushed cooling fins.

The Monster 797 on the other hand, mimics the minimalistic character of the original Monster 900 from early 1990s. A back-to-basics streetfighter, the Monster 797 is the entry-level model in the family. A traditional oval headlamp with LED DRLs sits at the front while the exposed frame and lack of bodywork accentuates its raw character. 

Engine

Both the Scrambler Mach 2.0 and the Monster 797 are powered by the same 803cc air-cooled L-twin engine. Ducati wanted to use an air-cooled engine for the 797 as a tribute to the original Monster 900, and all it had to do was borrow one from the Scrambler range. The 803cc engine was created specifically for the Scrambler, and has powered every one of its variant so far. It produces 73bhp and 67Nm of torque through a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch.

Features

While Ducati motorcycles are known for the sophisticated electronics package, the Scrambler range and the Monster 797 are exceptions. ABS is offered as standard, although they miss out on the ride-by-wire throttle, traction control and riding modes. Nevertheless, they do get funky digital instrument consoles.

The Scrambler Mach 2.0 rides on 41mm inverted front forks and rear monoshock, both sourced from Kayaba. The Monster on the other hand, gets 43mm Kayaba inverted front forks and a Sachs rear monoshock. For both the bikes, the monoshocks are pre-load and rebound adjustable, although there is no such provision for the front suspension. The front brake setup on the Mach 2.0 consists of a single 330mm disc while the Monster 797 gets dual 320mm discs, both with Brembo Monobloc callipers. 

Price

The association with Roland Sands means that the Mach 2.0 is one of the expensive Scrambler models, at Rs 8.52 lakhs. The Monster 797 is slightly more affordable, and retails at Rs 8.28 lakhs. Both prices are ex-showroom.