2021 Ducati Scrambler Review

Nowadays we have motorcycles that fall into very specific categories and segments. Yes, I am talking about bikes that are specifically purpose-built. So, you have motorcycles for everything from touring to daily commuting, sport bikes which are all about performance, and even adventure bikes. The Ducati Scrambler is not a purpose-built bike. Let me explain. It's more versatile. You can use it in the city, you can go on long rides - if you're into that sort of thing; you can also go rough-roading with it to an extent (no, it's not a true-blue off-road Scrambler). And that is why it remains so popular in the Italian motorcycle maker's portfolio.

The modern Ducati Scrambler was first introduced in 2014, and it's the most affordable model in the Ducati family. It's easy to ride, compact, stylish, and looks the part too. No wonder then, it's the highest-selling Ducati, both in India, and around the world.

The Ducati Scrambler is not a purpose-built bike, it's more versatile

Design

For the 2021 BS6 model the basic design remains the same. There's no mistaking that wide handlebar flanking the round headlight, the tear-drop shaped fuel tank, moving on to a single-bench seat (which by the way has been changed, for better comfort). And the Scrambler now gets LED lighting, with even LED turn indicators, and an unmistakable LED DRL (daytime running light).

The 10-spoke aluminium wheels are new, and the air-cooled engine cover gets minor cosmetic changes

The modern Scrambler has always been the quintessential neo-retro or modern classic bike. And so the original design inspired by the 60s Scrambler remains intact. The LCD instrument console is now Ducati Multimedia System ready and offers call alerts. The console also now gets a new gear position indicator and fuel gauge. The 10-spoke aluminium wheels are new, and the air-cooled engine cover gets minor cosmetic changes - like black cylinder heads and brushed aluminium fins. Overall then, the design is only a slightly tweaked version of the same - but no one's complaining.

The LCD instrument console is now Ducati Multimedia System ready and offers call alerts.

Ride And Handling

On the move, the Scrambler comes across as an easy-going motorcycle, easy to ride, not too tall, and not too heavy. But at its heart, it's still a true-blue Ducati, and so there's no dearth of performance. The V-Twin engine (L-Twin in Ducati speak) has got a strong low and mid-range. A slight twist of the throttle, and it's got more than enough performance, to keep things fun.

The V-Twin engine has got a strong low and mid-range

The Scrambler's performance won't scare you, and if you're upgrading from a smaller machine, it's got enough grunt and more, to keep things entertaining. The suspension has been improved too. Handling is pretty good, and the bike goes where you point it, without surprises. Brakes offer all the stopping confidence that you need on two-wheels, and overall the Scrambler actually remains quite a fun bike.

Overall the Scrambler actually remains quite a fun bike

On the downside the engine does get a little bit hot so if you have planned to use this as your daily commuter through a lot of traffic. That could be a little bit of a bother. Also, doesn't get as many electronic driver aids as some of its competitors do especially at this price point. So, you've got ABS, with the cornering function now in the update, but still no traction control.

Verdict

The Ducati Scrambler is priced at Rs. 8.5 lakh making it the most affordable bike in the company's range

Priced at Rs. 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom), the Ducati Scrambler isn't still for everyone. And if you're looking for some actual, hard-core off-road capability you'd best look elsewhere. But as a versatile, practical, do-it-all motorcycle, the Ducati Scrambler really ticks so many boxes, that it's difficult to find too many faults with. Throw in the legacy, the brand and the looks and it's even more attractive. Overall, it is a very compact, very accessible, and enjoyable package.