While the Ducati Streetfighter V4 was the crown jewel of the Ducati unveiling event in Rimini last week, the items that everyone seems to be still talking about after the media launch are something else, they are the two concept bikes for the Scrambler range.
For those that didn’t watch the live stream, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali presented two different Scrambler models that have the potential to go into production, an ADV bike and a supermoto.
The first concept is called the Ducati Scrambler Desert X, and it is a retro-styled ADV bike with an air-cooled 1,079cc v-twin at its core, which makes 84hp (63 kW) at its peak.
Up front, there is a 21″ wheel, while in the back it is an enduro-inspired 18″ rim. Both wheels have with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires mounted to them.
Designed with a solo seat, the rear part of the rear subframe is designed for luggage, with an obvious hand rail integrated into the tailsection. A large gas tank can be seen up front, and there is a fuel tank integrated into the tail section’s bodywork as well.
We would guess that the combined fuel storage is close to six gallons (maybe more?), which can be added to the motorcycle via its four different gas caps.
Dual LED headlamps provide the night vision at the front of the bike, and help complete that rally raid aesthetic that Ducati is channeling, from its history running the Paris-Dakar under the Cagiva brand.
An interesting note, the swingarm on the Desert X is obviously different from what we have seen on the Scrambler range, but it does have some line that make us think it is taken from the Desert Sled model.
The double-sided swingarm design also looks very similar to the Scrambler concept we saw last year at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, which is a very good thing in our opinion.
The fact that this bike is blowing up the internet right now should be all the feedback that Ducati needs about green-lighting the project (and it’s been a long time coming), but it will be interesting to see what it looks like in concept form at the EICMA show in Milan.
The second concept is the Ducati Scrambler Motard, and it is a sportier road version for the lineup. The bike takes a supermoto approach to the Scrambler name, with laced wire wheels in a size 17, fore and aft.
The exhaust is high-mounted, and the front fender has been chopped to keep it from sailing in the wind.
While we don’t have a great look at the front (Ducati isn’t teasing this bike as much as it is the Desert X), it seems that a headlight has been fashioned to look like a number plate.
The Motard concept looks like it is also built off the Desert Sled chassis, with its long-travel suspension and flat seat. Adding to that hypothesis, Ducati says that this model features its 800cc air-cooled v-twin, which is rated at 72hp (54 kW).
Adding to the supermoto look up front, there is a single-disc brake setup, and we can also see a minimalist bash guard below the engine.
While less flashy than the Desert X, the Motard concept would provide a suitable addition to the Hypermotard lineup, leaving the Ducati Hypermotard 950 to chase the performance side of the equation, while still offering enthusiasts a peppy and fun street bike.
Our big concern with the Motard (as well as the Desert X) though is the weight. At 416 lbs at the curb, the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is not considered a light motorcycle, and in both of these segments, that is what Ducati’s lineup is missing most.
In the ADV market, the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro carries the flag for Ducati, but does so with its 560 lbs of mass at the curb. Even the Ducati Multistrada 950 is a bit of a porker, tipping the scales at 500 lbs.
Similarly, the Ducati Hypermotard 950 weighs a stout 441 lbs, which works fine for the platform, but is a far cry from the sub-300 lbs supermoto machines it is supposed to emulate.
All that being equal, Ducati has said that it will base production decisions off of the reactions of those attending the EICMA show next week. We know we will certainly be eager to see them up-close and in person.
Check back to A&R for more pictures and assessments, as well as all of our EICMA coverage.
Photos: Ducati
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