Welcome to the beta version of the new Women & Golf website. Our web monkeys are still hard at work and welcome your feedback.  

Advertisement

2018 Ducati 1100 Scrambler range

Fair play to Ducati – its Scrambler sub-brand has been a gigantic hit. Like Mini for BMW, it's building up a separate-but-linked moto subculture, adding thousands of newbies to the Bolognan brand, particularly in the entry-level sector. The 400 and 800 Scramblers, in their multifarious versions, have struck a chord with folk looking for a simple, no-fuss roadster with strong styling and a definite overarching 'theme'. They're decent enough to ride as well, albeit a little bit pricey for what you get.

And now the firm's extended the Scrambler appeal upwards, with a new 1100 version. An all-new design, based around the old Monster 1100 air-cooled motor, uses a new chassis setup and Scrambler styling, to offer a more serious performer. The engine puts out a torquey 86bhp, shoving along 206kg wet mass, with modern ride-by-wire engine management, cornering ABS, Ducati traction control, and rider power modes. It uses an all-new 55mm single-throttle-body setup, with two injectors and twin plug heads. That'll save costs at the expense of peak power – but that's not what this bike is about of course…

There are three versions of the bike – the base 1100, the 'Special' and the 'Sport'. The base and Special use Kayaba and Marzocchi suspension, while the Sport has Öhlins front and rear. Spoked rims on the Special contribute to an extra 5kg mass, and they all use the same engine and Brembo radial four-piston calipers.

Advertisement

Will the 1100 Scrambler open up Ducati's cutesy sub-brand to more hardened riders? Or will it fall between two stools: too much grunt and seriousness for the typical Scrambler buyer, but not quite enough to tempt in hardcore Monster fans? A lot of that will depend on the price, and how it rides. We'll be swinging a leg over the new Scrambler as soon as we can, and let you know all about it…

Articles you may like

Advertisement

More New Bikes

Advertisement
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram