Ducati Scrambler 1100 review - All you need to know

The Ducati Scrambler 800 was far from perfect; the throttle was set too aggressively, the suspension wasn't pliant and quality wasn't up to the mark either, given its price tag. The Scrambler 1100 comes with all these issues sorted out, but not without charging a premium of course. We got to swing a leg over and take it for a spin.

Looks like a Scrambler

We found that the headlight on the Ducati Scrambler 1100 throws good light ahead, and the levels of quality too, seem to have moved up a few notches. Almost everything you touch and hold on to has a better finish to it, like a thicker handlebar, improved quality switchgear and the adjustable brake/clutch levers. Ducati Bikes haven't changed much, so you get a new LCD display that looks identical and is off-set to the right a bit. It also has more information to offer. The Ducati Scrambler 1100 looks similar to the 800, except for the fact that it's larger. The additional width of the bike can be felt the moment you're astride it and the Ducati Scrambler 1100 somehow looks stronger. However, this isn't to say the bike is difficult to handle, but those who buy one, will love the big-bike feel it has to it. Ducati Bikes have also raised the seat height. When it comes to the styling, the 1100 gets a premium finish on the engine casing, a dual underseat exhaust and a polished aluminium subframe. You also get machine-finished alloy wheels, a unique seat design and a matte-black paint theme on the Sport variant. The 1100 also features a handlebar that is lower-set, and the ergonomics are just about right. Customers can also opt for a Termignoni exhaust that looks pretty cool too, but the standard exhaust makes more music.

Old school L-twin

Coming to the L-twin engine; it's isn't as modern as some other motorcycles because this engine is basically the air/oil-cooled, 2-valve unit that did duty on the previous-generation Monster 1100. But we still think this motor is a perfect fit for this particular bike. Once you get going, the engine's characteristics are immediately evident; if you slow down with the transmission and clutch, things do get a bit uncomfortable, but the clutch is nicely weighted and there's plenty of torque on offer. The engine remains smooth for the most part and picks up speed quickly, but the vibrations do seep through when you close in on the 8000rpm redline. The engine pulls easily, taking you to good speeds. The engine develops 84bhp and 88Nm of torque, making it one among the most powerful bikes it its segment. It also has more shove at low engine speeds, and this makes the bike quicker. The engine is more composed and throttle response is nicely judged. And then there's the exhaust note, which is absolutely fantastic.

Rider-friendly

The bike does very well around corners and it feels agile, thanks to the wide handlebar and the added steering lock which gives way for more leverage. The Pirelli tyres offer good grip and the block-like design ensures it's fit for all manner of weather conditions. The brakes perform well thanks to the Brembo calipers. The 120-section tyre up-front is almost sports bike-like which betters performance. The bike even features a new electronics package, so you get cornering ABS, three rider modes and four-stage traction control. In City mode, throttle response is mild while traction control is at its best, Journey mode results in better throttle response while Active mode needs you to be a lot more alert for sportier riding. At the front, the 1100 comes with a fully adjustable front suspension and a rebound/preload fully adjustable at the back. In terms of damping, the Ohlins feel more pliant, but by and large, the bike is setup on the stiffer side, which reminds us of the Scrambler 800.

Should I buy one?

This is a great motorcycle to ride on smooth roads, not the bad ones. The suspension setup is similar to that of a sports bike, meaning you feel all the road imperfections. What really completes this motorcycle's appeal is the fact that it looks great and comes with even greater ground clearance. The tyres can tackle any rut and ground clearance will help you clear the tallest of speed-breakers. The Ducati Scrambler is not what you'd call cheap, but the increase in the price over the old bike isn't much. However, the Scrambler 1100 comes with its own strengths, like the fantastic suspension and braking kit, the electronics package it comes with and that fact that you can ride this machine anywhere in the country without breaking into a sweat. You will certainly like the Scrambler 1100 for what is.

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