2014 was the year Ducati started rolling their Scrambler editions, and after almost half a decade, Scrambler is no longer just a model, but now it is a brand. Till today, Ducati has been making Scramblers which could have been abused, but it pleased the urban way and masses, and hence they became glorified street bikes.

And the most successful model is receiving a much-needed update for the year 2019 ‘Scrambler Joyvolution’. The Ducati Scrambler Icon – will now come with modern equipment, revised riding ergonomics, new paint schemes, and better safety tech to keep both wheels planted in all situations.

STYLING

For 2019, along with the new Atomic Tangerine and classic ’62 Yellow paint schemes, Ducati has made it even more fun, more comfortable and safer thanks to new electronics. The powertrain retains the dark theme but gets brushed cylinder head fins to give the Icon the panache with those machine finished rims.

The steel teardrop fuel tank boasts a newly dedicated Scrambler moniker and is complemented with the new beefy aluminum panels along with the glass lens for the headlamp. At the front, we see an all-new headlight with LED DRL in a new aluminum housing and the famous black ‘X’ that now comes as a standard fitment to look the part. New auto-off LED indicators don on the new 2019 edition.

The new wider handlebar also gets more ergonomic switchgear making it easier for the rider to scroll the LCD instrumentation, which now includes fuel level info. The filler cap sports “born free- 1962” inscribed to showcase the ‘70s vogue. Under seat molding provides another ‘70s design throwback.

Talking of which, it will come with The Ducati Multimedia System to wirelessly connect a smartphone for accessing notifications, music, calls and messages, or chat with the passenger via the intercom. There is also an under-seat storage compartment with a USB socket to charge all portable devices on the go.

The machined finish 10-spoke alloys are retained from the previous model and carry enduro-derived Pirellis to showcase that the Icon is not just about all play. Machine-finished aluminum belt covers add to the finesse along with the new die-cast aluminum footrest that supports a newer gear change and rear-brake levers.

Overall Dimension

POWERTRAIN

It is really a commendable job done by Ducati to have managed to spin the same engine and create that many Scramblers each having their own character, and this time too it runs unchanged. The loveable oil-cooled 803cc L-twin motor is bolted to the steel trellis frame, and the Euro 4 compliant engine develops 73 hp at 8,250 rpm and 50 lb-ft of peak torque at 5,750 rpm.

Although it is the same motor, riders can expect this Desmodue engine to deliver simple and accessible bands of power on any terrain. It promises smoother delivery of power and faster throttle response, especially at lower rpm than ever before. The exhaust unit, however, receives a new aluminum muffler cover.

A 50mm throttle body with twin sub-butterfly injectors ensures smooth power delivery and accurate fuel control. A 11-degree valve open angle ensures linear power delivery and the 6-speed gearbox comes with a torque-linked anti-hopping system that prevents rear wheel chatter during those aggressive downshifts.

The hydraulic clutch control sees a new lever being softer than previous and comes with an adjustable lever, just like the one on the front brake. Ducati has kept the service interval levels at a generous 7,500 miles.

Engine Specification

RIDE AND HANDLING

The 2019 model gains around 7 lbs (from 410 lb to 417 lb) and increases the seat height from 31.1 to 31.4 in. On the ergonomics, Ducati has played around to provide an outstandingly comfortable, relaxed riding position. It includes a new high, wide handlebar that compliments a new flatter black saddle with grey trim.

All of this machine gets bolted onto a twin upper steel Trellis frame, and thanks to the 24-degree steering head angle, maneuverability is a breeze especially on those slow and tight urban snarls and streets. Hold true also for those twisty Alpine hairpins and the wide handlebars makes the fun go up the notch.

Suspension duties are still carried over by USD Kayaba 41mm forks and an adjustable Kayaba rear shock. Both provide 150mm of travel, and renewed suspension set-up brings in a mix of comfort and performance on both asphalt and off-road terrain.

On the safety spec, the braking department will now receive Bosch 9.1 MP Cornering ABS as standard equipment, the first Scrambler from Ducati to get this making riding more carefree than ever. Braking system mounted on this bike is the promising 4-piston Brembo M4.32B monoblock caliper with a radial attachment that bites the single 330mm disc at the front and a 245 mm at the rear.

Chassis Specifications

PRICE

Ducati will be launching their new Icon at the EICMA show in Milan in November. Pricing and availability are yet to be officially disclosed. The previous model came with a price tag of $9,195. Expect the 2019 to cross the $ 9,700 mark.

Scrambler will also give you a chance to customize the Icon with heated grips, lower seat, a luggage rack, an aluminum top case and panniers. Then there’s a Termignoni exhaust and machined-from-solid components to heighten the bike’s appeal.

COMPETITION

Triumph Street Scrambler

Bringing in a significant update in capability and style to the iconic British company, the Scrambler builds on the Street Twin’s position as the fun and accessible machine and vies for top honors at the crowded segment which every motorcycle manufacturer is going collectively mad over. Luckily for Triumph, they have a history with the Scramblers that dates back to the legend Steve McQueen.

When it comes to a scrambler, you would expect it to be the barest of the bare minimum. Cleaner lines and contemporary finishes outline the unmistakable silhouette of the Bonneville with its iconic styling cues. The stripped back custom styling includes distinctive Scrambler features such as interchangeable pillion seat, aluminum rear rack, removable pillion pegs, ‘Bear Trap’ adventure style front pegs and bash plate.

The mill remains similar to the Street Twin models including the Street Cup that boasts a ‘high torque’ 900cc motor capable of 54bhp @5900 rpm. Not much one would say but is enough to wind around in the urban city more comfortably. The torque figures are in the range of 59 lb-ft at 3230 rpm which is significantly higher compared to other scramblers around. The firing interval with this charismatic 270° is optimized for smooth and linear power delivery and is specifically tuned to provide the rider with a better power band to play with.

This scrambler gets its dedicated chassis and suspension setup giving it a more dynamic Scrambler poise. Specific front fork and shocks with additional travel raise the back end for additional ride height. Braking will be handled by the high-value 2-piston sliding axial Nissin caliper with machined branding and switchable ABS accessible through a toggle in the instrument panel. Featured on this bike are ride-by-wire tech that enhances throttle response, switchable traction control and engine immobilizer.

VERDICT

Ducati has been making Scramblers which could have been abused on roads that don’t exist, but it pleased the urban way and the masses rather. So much that more than 55,000 Scramblers have been sold the world over. They became the street iterations of the South-West California and Mexico’s Baja scenes in the ’60s and ’70s.

And the Scrambler Icon has been the most creative, youthful, inventive and free-spirited machine from the “Land of Joy”. Using modern and authentic materials to perfection, the Icon has become even more eye-catching, especially with the bright color schemes.

Changing ergonomic factors like a new flatter saddle and wider handlebar, Ducati has only made sure that the rider reaps maximum joy while riding the Icon on both the city and off the asphalt. Adding cornering ABS, the Icon becomes the first Scrambler to get this safe.