What Do You Think Of The New Ducati Scrambler?

November 30, 2015

7 comments

Photography by Ducati and Rosario Liberti

“Know your past to build a stronger future” could be a perfect marketing quote for the new Ducati Scrambler Sixty2. The smaller displacement variant of the one-year-old motorcycle, which debuted at EICMA last year, is a new approach for Ducati.

Still, I wouldn’t dare to call it a retro-inspired bike, even if its name calls to one of the most popular Desmos in the ’70s, the Scrambler.

What’s interesting is the bike’s displacement: 399-cc, which makes this a relatively light, less-powerful, easy to live with, fun motorcycle that aims to appeal to younger generations, who these days seem less interested in two-wheeled machines.

Besides the well-made marketing campaign which depicts an easy style of riding, the new Scrambler is a package with high content of want. First, it’s a proper small-displacement desmo, so forget going scooter shopping. Second, it looks like a substantial, grown-up machine, with nicely-styled details. Third, it’s a nod to retro without forgetting that this is 2015 and the world has changed.

Motorcycle culture is important to maintain, and being present in the market with a less expensive option should help Ducati make waves in the “small” motorcycle market. Forty-one horsepower is enough to have fun with, plus it’s got fewer electronics and the simplicity of air cooling, making it possible to count on the Scrambler being an easy-to-maintain machine as the years tick on by.

Would you choose it to be your next bike…or spend a bit more ($500) and go for the full 71 horsepower Scrambler?

Tags Ducati/ Italian/ Motorcycle

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CJ David

Great looking bike, but I’d rather go with the bigger engine. $500 isn’t really that much more for better performance.

Marlowe Tavares

It’s not so much that the younger crowd is “less interested”, than can’t afford. At least here in Canada (southern Ontario specifically), insurance for a motorcycle is nuts, otherwise I LOVE the concept of these scramblers, and hope to possess the keys to the freedom of a bike one day.

Mario Baroz

I like the Classic and Enduro models of the Scrambler very much. They are on my short list of new bikes I’m considering. While I understand the need and concept of these new smaller Scramblers, they don’t make a lot of sense to me. They’re just sleeved down bores. Same frame, same wheels, same everything. So they weigh practically the same as the full power Scramblers. Less power, same weight…not good. As Mark Walsh said, there needs to be a bigger price disparity between the two.

Mark Walsh

I would have liked to have seen a greater price disparity between the Sixty2 and the other (full-flavored) Scramblers.

Charles Manuel

It’s gorgeous. I think its a perfect addition to Ducati’s lineup as they were getting ever more futuristic and less rider-oriented.

D. J.B

Harley Davidson XR750 knock off.
Why would you do that Ducati?

Hudson Childs

Having nearly half the power of the Icon and other Scrambler models, you’d think the Sixty2 would be cheaper. I think Indian had a better go with taking a popular “entry” model and making it even more so beginner friendly-the Scout Sixty is a sizable $2,000 less than the original Scout. Still, can’t argue it’s a great looking retro-styled bike!

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What Do You Think Of The New Ducati Scrambler?

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