Holiday feeling on two wheels
As soon as I mount the Scrambler, an irresistible urge washes over me: I want to set off right away—whether it’s to Caorle, Lignano, or some other vibrant destination where life thrives and the espresso is strong. Ducati has truly created a masterpiece of allure here. But can this rolling promise of a holiday withstand our rigorous test track?
The engine: traditional yet modernized
The V2 engine of the Scrambler feels like a perfectly tuned carburetor from days gone by—only enhanced with modern technology. Producing 73 hp at 8,250 rpm and 65 Nm at 7,000 rpm, it might not be a powerhouse, but its response is incredibly smooth and precise. It feels as though you can sense each individual molecule of petrol entering the combustion chamber. Ducati’s expertise in engine design is impressively evident, even in this “simple” Scrambler model.
Chassis: Surprisingly stable
With 150 mm of suspension travel at both the front and rear, one might initially expect a soft ride. However, the Scrambler astonishes with its remarkable stability. The chassis is thoughtfully crafted and clearly benefits from Ducati’s experience. The wide handlebars allow for precise steering, and acceleration can be surprisingly swift.
Limitations on the track
The lean angle is more than adequate for everyday riding, but on the racetrack, you quickly discover the bike’s limits. The limiting factors include not just the footrests but also the brake lever and, be cautious, the exhaust cover plate. The absence of the usual “anxiety nipples” on the footrests can lead to sliding if the bike leans too far.
Brakes: Single disc, yet adequate
The single disc brake at the front may struggle on longer rides with luggage, but it proves surprisingly adequate for our short sprints. The lean angle and grip of the road tires at high temperatures during our test were the more prominent limiting factors.
Performance on the straight
On the start-finish straight, it becomes evident that more powerful motorcycles have a distinct advantage. The Scrambler doesn’t showcase its power as effectively as some other bikes on our leaderboard. However, that’s not the primary goal of this concept.
Value for money: The sweet spot
The Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon manages to find an impressive balance between investment and riding pleasure. While larger Scrambler models may boast more appeal, they also come with a significantly higher price tag. Consider this: you get about 20% more performance for 50% more cost. This makes the 800 model an extremely attractive option for those seeking maximum enjoyment per euro spent.
Conclusion: The perfect compromise?
The Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon is like a well-crafted aperitif—it leaves you wanting more without overwhelming you. It offers an intriguing combination of riding enjoyment, practicality, and style at a relatively moderate price. It may not be the fastest in our 1000 hp leaderboard, but it certainly ranks among the most characterful.
Holiday Feeling on Two Wheels: Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon Review
As soon as I sit on the Scrambler, I am overcome by this irresistible feeling: I want to set off immediately, to Caorle, Lignano or somewhere else where life is pulsating and the espresso is strong. Ducati has created a masterpiece of seduction here. But can this rolling holiday promise also hold up on our demanding test track?
The Engine: Old School, Reinterpreted
The Scrambler’s V2 engine is like a perfectly tuned carburettor from the good old days – just with modern technology. With 73 hp at 8250 rpm and 65 Nm at 7000 rpm, it’s not a powerhouse, but the response is silky smooth and precise. It feels like you can feel every single molecule of petrol flowing into the combustion chamber. Ducati’s expertise in engine construction is impressively evident here, even in this “simple” Scrambler concept.
Engine Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | V2, L-Twin |
| Power Output | 73 hp @ 8250 rpm |
| Torque | 65 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
| Displacement | 803 cc |
Chassis: Surprisingly Stable
With 150 mm of suspension travel at the front and rear, you initially expect a soft ride. But the Scrambler surprises with its astonishing stability. The chassis is cleverly designed and clearly benefits from Ducati’s experience. The wide handlebars enable precise steering maneuvers, and you can accelerate again surprisingly quickly.
Limit Experiences on the Slopes
The lean angle is more than sufficient for everyday use, but on the racetrack, you quickly reach your limits. The limiting factor is not only the footrest, but also the brake lever and – watch out, danger zone! – the exhaust cover plate. The footrests lack the usual “anxiety nipples,” which can lead to skidding if the bike is leaning too far.
Brakes: Single Disc, but Sufficient
The single disc brake at the front may reach its limits on longer passes with luggage, but it is surprisingly sufficient for our short-term sprint. The more limiting factors here were the lean angle and the grip of the road tires in the high temperatures during our test.
Performance on the Straight
On the start-finish straight, it becomes clear that stronger motorcycles obviously have the advantage here. The Scrambler cannot show off its power quite as well as some other bikes in our best time table. But that is not the primary focus of this concept.
Value for Money: The Sweet Spot
The Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon hits a remarkable sweet spot between investment and driving pleasure. Sure, the larger Scrambler models are a lot cooler – but they are also significantly more expensive. Let’s say 20% more performance for 50% more money. That makes the 800 version an extremely attractive offer for anyone looking for maximum fun per euro.
Benefits of Riding the Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon
- Versatility: The bike is perfect for both city commuting and spirited weekend rides.
- Stylish Design: A classic look with modern flair makes it stand out on the road.
- Easier Handling: Its lightweight nature ensures effortless maneuverability.
- Engaging Riding Experience: The responsive engine provides a fun, engaging ride every time.
Practical Tips for Potential Buyers
- Test Ride: Always take a test ride to see if it fits your riding style.
- Customization: Explore available accessories to enhance your riding experience.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance will keep your Scrambler running smoothly and preserve its value.
First-Hand Experience: Riding the Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon
Several riders have shared their experiences with the Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon, noting its ability to evoke the sense of adventure that every motorcycle enthusiast craves. One rider remarked on the bike’s charismatic design, stating, “Every time I take it out, people look and smile. It’s not just a ride; it’s an experience.”
Another highlighted the simplicity of its controls, saying, “This bike makes me feel connected to the road like no other. It’s like riding a bike from another era, but with all the modern conveniences.”
